Followed by a Leaf Is Published!

/ / Art, Children's Books, Updates

My labour of love, Followed by a Leaf, is finally published and in book form; it is the first title released by Parkinson Publishing. The book is ideal for children ages 4-9, but ages 1-12 may also enjoy the colourful pictures and playful story.

Availability

The book is currently selling for $11 CAD and is only available locally within a small part of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) of Ontario, Canada, for now (shipping is not available due to the high cost). Availability is quite limited; so if you’re interested, please let me know ASAP and we can work out the details. I will handle orders on a first-come-first-serve basis; once they’re gone I may begin taking orders for another print run, but I don’t know how soon that might be.

Since printing in August I have been fulfilling pre-orders, but now that those are finalized I have opened up orders to the rest of world . . . or at least to those in my small corner.

I’ll try to update the following section of the blog post to reflect the ongoing status of my inventory:

Status: Out of Stock

Details

The binding is saddle-stitch (triple-stapled); the book is 8×7 inches (landscape) and has high-quality, full-page colour images. There are 28 pages total (not including the cover).

Photos

Followed by a Leaf Is Published! Read More »

“Everyone Is a Genius . . .” – Einstein?

/ / Nathan's Thoughts, Quotes

Though it is disputed who first made this exact statement, I think it was marvelously said:

“Everyone is a genius; but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

Though, I believe an important distinction should be made: if you judge the fish unwisely, then you (not necessarily the fish) will believe the lie; only if the fish judges himself by erroneous standards will he believe himself to be incompetent. When we judge ourselves according to truth, we can have great confidence (with humility) despite the dismissive nature of others.

This also reminds me of a quote by Mark Twain, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” I believe God has made each person uniquely special; there’s not another person exactly like you; so try lots of things till you find what you were made for and as Jim Elliot said, “Wherever you are, be all there! Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God.”

Read more wise & witty sayings.

Updated December 3, 2022

“Everyone Is a Genius . . .” – Einstein? Read More »

“You Don’t Know What Cannot Be Done.” – Toland

/ / Nathan's Thoughts, Quotes / 2 Comments

In an interview of Orson Welles by Dick Cavett, Welles recounts the following situation early in his career. While beginning to make his first film, Citizen Kane, he was approached by cameraman Gregg Toland.

[Toland enters Welles’ office . . .]
Toland: I want to work in your picture; my name is Toland.
Welles: Why do you, Mr. Toland?
Toland: Because you’ve never made a picture, and you don’t know what cannot be done.

Leading up to his description of that brief conversation, Welles makes the following statement: “. . . Ignorance – there’s no authority in the world like it.” Welles’ and Toland’s statements really caught my attention. I’ve seen a similar saying by Shunryu Suzuki: “In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, in the expert’s mind there are few”; that brings a couple more to mind: “It always seems impossible until it’s done” (Nelson Mandela), and, “They did not know it was impossible so they did it” (Mark Twain).

Inexperience is both a blessing and curse. Being blind to what is and is not possible, you may be willing to take risks more-experienced people would not; you’ll bring a fresh perspective and perhaps even attempt to do what others know “cannot be done”; that means you’ll probably fail quite a bit, but in challenging assumptions you will discover which ones are true and which are false. Young blood can really shake up an industry.

I greatly appreciate the wisdom of Solomon to “Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life” (Proverbs 4:13); listening to the counsel of wiser people is vital to our growth; but I also see value in respectfully, humbly challenging the presuppositions of those who came before us and proving the truth for ourselves. As another wise man once said, “Just because something seems impossible, doesn’t mean it isn’t easy” (Parkinson’s Law #21, T. S. Parkinson).

Citizen Kane went on to be enormously successful; though, I’ve not seen the film in a while, so I don’t necessarily recommend it, but rather the philosophy described by Welles and the others I’ve mentioned. Though experience is certainly desirable, your being a novice doesn’t have to be a negative.

Read more wise & witty sayings.

“You Don’t Know What Cannot Be Done.” – Toland Read More »

The Singing Whale

/ / Art

While visiting your loving, elderly grandparent, they give you an item very dear to them: a small, beautifully-crafted whistle on a chain which they received as a child from a mysterious, but kind, lady in their village. When wet, the whistle calls the nearest whales. In their more-active days as a marine wildlife expert, your grandparent used this whistle to call and tame the beasts of the sea; now they bestow this treasure into your hands for safe-keeping and prudent use.

The Singing Whale by Nathan Parkinson, Brushpen & Prismacolor, April 2022

Standing on the shore of the ocean you gaze at the whistle. When dry, the whistle sounds only of rushing air; when wet, but on land, the whistle sounds of rushing water; but when the whistle is wet and you’re in the water, the whistle sings an ancient and beautiful melody, though seemingly blowing a single tone.

Drawing Prompt: Taming the Sea

I’ve participated in a couple drawing promptathons myself now and have had a great time. Drawing prompts are a great opportunity to grow in your creativity and productivity. Now, I present my own drawing prompt for anyone interested.

Design a whale/water-based whistle that one could use to tame some creature(s) of the sea. The focus here would be on the appearance of the whistle. You can also base your whistle on an oceanic element other than a whale.

I’d love to see what you come up with; so please do leave a comment with a link to your artwork if you’d like to share it.

The Singing Whale Read More »

Promptathon Day 7: Carl’s Cryo Cream

/ / Art, Drawabox

Drawabox’s 2022 Summer Promptathon has come and gone! This is the 7th of 7 days of drawing prompts.

The prompt for day 7 is Fantasy Ice Cream Cart. You can see the full prompt on the prompt page. Below is my submission for this day’s prompt.

Carl’s Cryo Cream

As you leave the ring toss pavilion feeling regretful, you are cheered by the call of a wandering vendor: “Get your ice-cold cryo cream! Carl does it best!” The refrain is repeated often as a tinny-sounding music box sings playful tunes among the crowds.

Carl’s Cryo Cream by Nathan Parkinson, Ballpoint, June 2022

For Drawabox’s 2022 Summer Promptathon — Day 7: Fantasy Ice Cream Cart

Promptathon Day 7: Carl’s Cryo Cream Read More »

Promptathon Day 6: Friendly Fire

/ / Art, Drawabox

Drawabox’s 2022 Summer Promptathon is here! This is the 6th of 7 days of drawing prompts.

The prompt for day 6 is Family Life. You can see the full prompt on the prompt page. Below is my submission for this day’s prompt.

Friendly Fire

Tony: Let’s turn up the heat on this stirfry! Yeah!
Extinguisher Bot: Nope . . .

Friendly Fire by Nathan Parkinson, Prismacolor, June 2022

For Drawabox’s 2022 Summer Promptathon — Day 6: Family Life

Promptathon Day 6: Friendly Fire Read More »

Promptathon Day 5: Fleeing Iron Mouse

/ / Art, Drawabox

Drawabox’s 2022 Summer Promptathon is here! This is the 5th of 7 days of drawing prompts.

The prompt for day 5 is Lost in the Multiverse. You can see the full prompt on the prompt page. Below is my submission for this day’s prompt.

Fleeing Iron Mouse

[exploding vases / utter chaos]
Run, Tom! Run! Iron Mouse is hot on your tail!

Fleeing Iron Mouse by Nathan Parkinson, Ink, June 2022

For Drawabox’s 2022 Summer Promptathon — Day 5: Lost in the Multiverse

Promptathon Day 5: Fleeing Iron Mouse Read More »

Promptathon Day 1: Faucet Falcon

/ / Art, Drawabox

Drawabox’s 2022 Summer Promptathon is here! This is the 1st of 7 days of drawing prompts.

The prompt for day 1 is Bathroom Spacecraft. You can see the full prompt on the prompt page. Below is my submission for this day’s prompt.

Faucet Falcon

Captain Weldon: Prepare for intergalactic departure!
First Mate: The energy faucet is at full power, Sir.
Captain Weldon: To the stars . . .

Faucet Falcon by Nathan Parkinson, Brushpen & Prismacolor, June 2022

For Drawabox’s 2022 Summer Promptathon — Day 1: Bathroom Spacecraft

Promptathon Day 1: Faucet Falcon Read More »

Lotus Corniculatus (Bird’s-foot Trefoil)

/ / Art, Photography

I love the weeds wild flowers that grow in my area of Ontario, Canada. This little jewel — the Bird’s-foot Trefoil — is just one of my favourites.

Lotus Corniculatus by Nathan Parkinson, Ballpoint & Prismacolour, June 2022

Here’s a glimpse of the real thing.

Lotus Corniculatus, Flower
Lotus Corniculatus, Whole Plant

They tend to grow in bright little patches by roads or in open fields. A brilliant display of God’s handiwork. Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed as one of these jewels of the field (Matthew 6:28, 29; Luke 12:27). As an artist I rejoice and praise The Artist for His gifts of such fine beauty!

Here’s a couple quick links to learn more about the plant and see more pictures if you’re interested:

I’d love to hear if you’ve seen these little treasures growing in your area — wherever you are in the world.

Lotus Corniculatus (Bird’s-foot Trefoil) Read More »

Ruby Riches — Watercolour

/ / Art

I completed the following watercolour illustration back in December 2021. Inspiration struck one day as I was exploring compositions. I wanted an image with a lot of different kinds of contrast — big/small, one/many, soft/hard, cool/warm, saturated/desaturated. I enjoyed studying how rubies interact with light.

Ruby Riches by Nathan Parkinson, Watercolour, December 2021

Ruby Riches — Watercolour Read More »

Promptathon Day 7: Music Chair

/ / Art, Drawabox

This is the last in a series of 7 drawings for Drawabox’s 2022 Spring Promptathon. You can see the intro to the series in this post.

The prompt for day 7 was Junkyard Symphony. You can see the full prompt on the prompt page. Below is my submission for this day’s prompt.

Music Chair

Designed for an evening of musical relaxation, this Music Chair provides an immersive melodic experience where you can truly feel the music. Just sit back and rock your worries away.

Rocking chair with giant tuba built into it. Tuba forms arm and back rests. Harps built into sides of chair. Drum built into chair between user's legs.
Music Chair by Nathan Parkinson,Prismacolor & Ink, April 2022

Drawing for these prompts was a blast! I hope you enjoyed them.

Let me know in the comments which prompt(s)/drawing(s) you liked best, and which prompt(s) you might try yourself.

For Drawabox’s 2022 Spring Promptathon — Day 7: Junkyard Symphony

Promptathon Day 7: Music Chair Read More »

Promptathon Day 6: The Rat Knight

/ / Art, Drawabox

This is the 6th in a series of 7 drawings for Drawabox’s 2022 Spring Promptathon. You can see the intro to the series in this post.

The prompt for day 6 was The Court of the Rat King. You can see the full prompt on the prompt page. Below is my submission for this day’s prompt.

The Rat Knight

After millennia of conflict the rat and cat peoples have finally come to terms . . . total enslavement of the cat people!!! [evil laugh]

Chess piece of mouse mounted on cat. Mouse tail wraps around cat's body. White piece set against black background.
The Rat Knight by Nathan Parkinson, Brushpen, April 2022

For Drawabox’s 2022 Spring Promptathon — Day 6: The Court of the Rat King

Promptathon Day 6: The Rat Knight Read More »

Promptathon Day 5: Milk Eternal

/ / Art, Drawabox

This is the 5th in a series of 7 drawings for Drawabox’s 2022 Spring Promptathon. You can see the intro to the series in this post.

The prompt for day 5 was Decanter of Drowning. You can see the full prompt on the prompt page. Below is my submission for this day’s prompt.

Milk Eternal

Legend says there was once a land that flowed with milk and honey. Greedy warriors came in search of conquest, glory, and spoil. They cared not for the people nor their way of life. Consumed by their lusts the barbarians hunted the rivers to their source till they found the ancient sanctuary paved with gold. In this most peaceful place were legendary artifacts of every sort, but chief among them were the vessels of jade and gold that flowed with milk eternal. From the sanctuary ran rivers of milk and honey throughout all the land and the people were nourished. The warriors did not come to honour this place, but to plunder and steal. After taking every morsel of value, they destroyed that place and left the land in ruins. At least that’s what the legend says . . .

Ornate milk jug of jade and gold overflows with milk. Jug surrounded by gold bricks and columns covered in vines.
Milk Eternal by Nathan Parkinson, Prismacolor & Ink, April 2022

For Drawabox’s 2022 Spring Promptathon — Day 5: Decanter of Drowning

Promptathon Day 5: Milk Eternal Read More »

Promptathon Day 4: Wrestling Champ

/ / Art, Drawabox

This is the 4th in a series of 7 drawings for Drawabox’s 2022 Spring Promptathon. You can see the intro to the series in this post.

The prompt for day 4 was Mascot High School. You can see the full prompt on the prompt page. Below is my submission for this day’s prompt.

Wrestling Champ

[professional announcer voice] It’s the final round in this year’s high school wrestling championship. Mascots from around the world have come to witness this epic showdown. Ronald faces off with his chief competitor Jolly G. Ref Sanders is sure to have a stellar match on his hands. Which of these young wrestlers has what it takes to bring home the champion’s prize and honour?! Cast your votes now . . . ding, ding, ding

Colonel Sanders holds up Jolly Green Giant's arm as the wresting champion; both of Giant's arms are raised. Ronald McDonald lies unconscious behind Sanders and Giant with Twitter birds circling his head. Red crowd silhouette with some notable characters in background.
Wrestling Champ by Nathan Parkinson, Prismacolor & Ink, April 2022

For Drawabox’s 2022 Spring Promptathon — Day 4: Mascot High School

Promptathon Day 4: Wrestling Champ Read More »

Promptathon Day 3: Diner-scrap Kettle

/ / Art, Drawabox

This is the 3rd in a series of 7 drawings for Drawabox’s 2022 Spring Promptathon. You can see the intro to the series in this post.

The prompt for day 3 was Tea Time at World’s End. You can see the full prompt on the prompt page. Below is my submission for this day’s prompt.

Diner-scrap Kettle

“There’s gotta be a kettle somewhere in all this rubble!” I sigh as I search what’s left of the local diner following The Great Disaster. “I’m just dying for a spot of tea!” I keep searching. “Rats! Looks like every last kettle has already been snagged.” I eventually uncover a load of metal utensils. “Jackpot! Good thing I’m handy with a welder. Tea time!”

Kettle made from welded utensils. Spout made from copper pipe and garden hose.
Diner-scrap Kettle by Nathan Parkinson, Ink and Prismacolor, April 2022

For Drawabox’s 2022 Spring Promptathon — Day 3: Tea Time at World’s End

Promptathon Day 3: Diner-scrap Kettle Read More »

Promptathon Day 2: Fungi Ascending

/ / Art, Drawabox

This is the 2nd in a series of 7 drawings for Drawabox’s 2022 Spring Promptathon. You can see the intro to the series in this post.

The prompt for day 2 was Mushroom Manor. You can see the full prompt on the prompt page. Below is my submission for this day’s prompt.

Fungi Ascending

As you reach the shores of this foreign land, your breath is taken by the majestic sight of the fungi palace ascending into the heavens. A fellow traveler overhears you exclaim, “What an honour to have been invited to such a prestigious realm. Bless the one who imagined such magnificence.”

View of walled Fungi Palace from docked boat. Boulder wall to right. Water and land is blue with red mushroom tops.
Fungi Ascending by Nathan Parkinson, Prismacolor & Ink, April 2022

For Drawabox’s 2022 Spring Promptathon — Day 2: Mushroom Manor

Promptathon Day 2: Fungi Ascending Read More »

Promptathon Day 1: NovaPop 3000

/ / Art, Drawabox

This is the 1st in a series of 7 drawings for Drawabox’s 2022 Spring Promptathon. You can see the intro to the series in this post.

The prompt for day 1 was Cosmic Confectionary. You can see the full prompt on the prompt page. Below is my submission for this day’s prompt.

NovaPop 3000

Introducing the NovaPop 3000 (NP3K) by LicTec. Now sold in a galaxy near you! This digital lollipop has taken the universe by storm. Every child has to have one . . . or two. Equipped with a flavour selection screen the NP3K allows each licker to choose from a galactic number of flavours in the online library. New flavours are synthesized and uploaded daily. Don’t wait! Try them all!! The lolli’s colour changes to match the selected flavour, and the NP3K even includes a button to spin the lolli for the most convenient licking experience. What are you waiting for?! Head to the nearest Pop Shop and pick up your NovaPop 3000 today. Batteries not included.

Poster advertising NovaPop 3000: boy sticks out purple tongue and holds NovaPop 3000 up in the air.
NovaPop 3000 by Nathan Parkinson, Digital, April 2022

For Drawabox’s 2022 Spring Promptathon — Day 1: Cosmic Confectionary

Promptathon Day 1: NovaPop 3000 Read More »

Drawabox’s 2022 Spring Promptathon

/ / Art, Drawabox, Other Artists

For a few months I’ve been working through the incredible (and somewhat monotonous) Drawabox course (I’m on Lesson 2 and really enjoying the challenging texture studies!). I’ve known about Drawabox for probably over a year, but I finally dove into it in January of this year to really nail down my drawing fundamentals. After many years of work, Irshad (Uncomfortable) — the founder and instructor of Drawabox — and his teaching assistants were feeling burnt out and announced Drawabox’s first quarterly drawing promptathon which ran from March 25-31. During the promptathon students drew from a new prompt each day instead of doing their usual homework and submitted their work for everyone’s enjoyment . . . and exclusive avatars, achievements, and bonus credits. The drawing for each prompt had to be completed within 24 hours of the prompt being revealed. It was a great community event which lasted 7 days and generated a ton of creativity.

Today I’ll just share what the prompts were, and then over the next 7 days I’ll share my artwork for each day of the event.

Drawing Prompts

Click on an image to read the full prompt description on the Drawabox website.

Day 1: Cosmic Confectionary

Day 2: Mushroom Manor

Day 3: Tea Time at World’s End

Day 4: Mascot High School

Day 5: Decanter of Drowning

Day 6: The Court of the Rat King

Day 7: Junkyard Symphony

Nathan’s Artwork

I look forward to sharing my art with you. I had great fun with the prompts, and I know the other participants did as well. I’d like to say a huge thanks to Irshad and his team for an incredibly inspiring week of drawing and fun, and I want to thank the Drawabox community for all the friendly interactions and support. The Drawabox promptathon was the final push I needed to get this blog up and running.

The following links will become active as each post is published over the next 7 days.

Drawabox’s 2022 Spring Promptathon Read More »

Welcome to the Blog

/ / Updates

In this blog you’ll get a glimpse into the art-life of Nathan Parkinson (me!). You’ll find updates, thoughts and discoveries, and original art not yet part of complete art collections. For now the name will be Nathan’s Blog, but I plan/hope to come up with something more interesting. As you visit this blog you’ll get to pull back the curtain a bit and see more-regular updates as I explore the world around me and the realms beyond my reality.

You may even find a few inspiring, wisdom-packed quotes . . . probably from other, much wiser people 😉 Stay tuned!

Welcome to the Blog Read More »