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. ❤️❤️❤️

Varla Bishop Acrylic, Dogs and Cats, Fun and easy, Fun with Grand Kids

When they Believe

It’s wonderful to have others love what I paint. It is especially heart felt when my granddaughters think I’m so awesome of an artist I could get rich selling what I create. The life of an artist is never about the money. Each piece created is a journey. I’m asking myself if this looks right or should I start over. I know the more I paint the better I become. I am teaching my young granddaughters the joy of creating and I’m always saying “perfect is boring”. In their minds if it isn’t perfect it’s ugly. I hope they are listening when I tell them not to worry about bring perfect.

Recently we went to see the movie Cruella. We all enjoyed the film. There was a collective love of these little black and white puppies not knowing how anyone could hurt them. My granddaughters are big animal lovers especially for dogs.

We are packing up to drive our youngest granddaughter home the next day. It will be an all day trip. My granddaughter turns and asks “Grandma can you paint me a Dalmatian puppy before we go?” Honey, there’s no time we leave tomorrow. This grandma has a hard time denying such a simple request. I told her I would try.

So I always have a ton of art supplies handy for any of the kids that want to create. I had a canvas board from the Dollar Tree and a frame from St. Vincent. Let’s do this.

She was all smiles when we hit the road. Grandma you are amazing. This is why I paint.

Varla Bishop Fun with Grand Kids, portrait, Watercolor Paintings

A Girl and Her Dog

My granddaughter and my granddog are funny to watch. Tazz the dog was in the family first. The kids came and I always wondered what the dog thought about all that. My granddaughter has painted the dogs toenails when she slept. She has tried to dress Tazz but the dog won’t have it. I’ve seen the dog just get up and leave the room. I’m sure she was thinking “these little people are just too loud.”

I saw my granddaughter trying to get Tazz’s attention. She went nose to nose trying to get the dog to do something. I took a picture. I see another painting and here it is.

Nose to Nose