Varla Bishop portrait, Watercolor Paintings

Meet Max

I was told that this is one smart parrot. Twenty years old and deeply loved and very spoiled. I was asked to commission this watercolor for a dear friend. It’s actually for her brother who lives in New York. I love New York and I love parrots. I had parakeets as a kid. I was never successful in teaching my birds anything but loved them all the same.

A fun bird to paint and I got to use all of my bright colors on my palette. The best gifts are the ones homemade or carefully selected. My friend’s brother called me to thank me for the portrait. He told me how he found Max. The trouble Max could get into and how much he was looking forward to taking this painting back home. He made me laugh with his stories and jokes about parrots. He had quite a few. ❤️

So I hope you enjoy meeting Max. I was told parrots live a very long time. So this bird will be with us for years to come sharing love and squawks to others.

“Max” 16×20 watercolor

Varla Bishop portrait, Watercolor Paintings

Love Everlasting

There is something so special about young people falling in love. They have so many hopes and dreams for the life that is in front of them. They think that they are ready for this next step but there are so many surprises in store for them.

It’s the surprises of life that builds our character. That sounds like something wise someone important must have said. I don’t know who that could have been. I do love painting people who are at the beginning of there love journey. The love in their eyes are always so captivating. It makes me think of my magical moment.

My love and I have been married 35 years. I still feel like the luckiest woman in the world to have found such a wonderful man. His kiss still makes my toes curl. 😘. I know I’m one of the lucky ones. Wishing this couple so much happiness.

“You are Mine”
11×14 Watercolor
Varla Bishop Dogs and Cats, portrait, Watercolor Paintings

The Smile of a Child

One of the things I enjoy in making art is in giving art to others. Isn’t that what we do with our talents? Aren’t we meant to share it with others? In this case I painted portraits of two little girls. Future artists who love to create just like me. They asked “what art project are you working on now?” “We need to do some art together.” Grown up questions from one artist to another.

As grandparents or family elders we have a tremendous influence over the younger generations. They listen to everything we say and believe that what we tell them is a truth. It is responsibility I do not take lightly. These young girls believe that I can do anything with a paint brush and canvas. If only that was true. But I do love to work on projects with kids. From magic wands to acrylic pours it is all messy and fun.

I have my good days and bad days as an artist. Sometimes everything comes together just like I imagined. Then there are the days when I feel discouraged. It’s on those days that I remember the faces of my young future artists and I can’t help but smile. I smile in their belief in me. I smile because in their eyes I am capable of greatness. How can I not pick up my brush and try again.

I suspect the paintings will hang up in their rooms. I hope they will think of me when they look their pictures. I hope they know it was painted for them with love. ❤️❤️❤️