T R Gates Art

Check Out These Talented Artists

2012-02-25T16:57:00.002-05:00

Birds was this month's theme for the Art & Artists group on Facebook. Please take a look at these beautiful artwork and talented artists.

http://apps.theartbus.net/Gallery/album.cfm?a=18472

If that gallery doesn't work, you can also go here:

https://plus.google.com/photos/104598321351957519348/albums/5712877992402186193

Thank you to Tracy Klatke at Make Do for putting these galleries together.

-Trace

Mystical Sky

2012-02-25T09:49:00.001-05:00

Just after Christmas I decided to buy a new camera. My point-and-shoot camera (an Olympus SP-590UZ) was good, but I wanted better control, the ability to change lenses, and larger megapixels for taking photos of my artwork for prints. After looking at the specs. between a Canon Rebel T3i 600D and a Nikon D5100, I decided on the Canon Rebel.

While it's true that it's not the camera, but the photographer, that determines a photos outcome, it sure doesn't hurt to have a good one from the start. I love it and am thrilled to find many tutorials online that help me discover the photographer in me. Can't wait to use it when we go to Florida again this Spring. It already was worth the price for how clear the photos came out for some of my fantasy paintings.

Look at this photo art of my darling granddaughter, Emma.

I did this with a 18-55mm lens with settings to focus on her and make everything else around her slightly blurred. The room was dark with one lamp on. The only change I made in my software was to shrink the size. Not too bad for one of my first tries with the camera. Of course, it helps to have a good subject to photograph.

A couple days ago I stumbled across a forum discussion about HDR (High Dynamic Range). Another thing I bought around last Christmas was Paintshop Pro X4. I've been a big fan of Paintshop since version 5 while it was still created by Jasc. Yet, I didn't realize there was HDR on some of the other versions I owned until running across the discussion. It piqued my interest.

So, I just had to go outside, in the 30 degree weather, and test out my camera's functions for this. As what seems to be the usual now for this time of year in upstate New York, we had grey skies. My fingers were freezing, but I was able to get a few nice photos of the clouds with a hint of sun using the Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) setting. [Note: It's not a good idea to aim your camera directly at the sun. For the safety of the camera and your own eyes.] AEB on the T3i takes three photos of the same shot, but with different exposures ranging from underexposed, normal, and overexposed. One will be full of detail, but not enough light. Another will have plenty of light/brightness, but not much in the way of detail. Then there is the normal shot in between that is a mixture of both.

Once I had the photos I wanted, I transferred them to my computer and opened up PSP. Without going into full details since there are tutorials for this all over the internet, I opened the photos under HDR, merged them, and played with the different settings until I found an image I liked. I also added a little bit more color to it to make it more painterly... Artsy.

The result is the "Mystical Sky" clouds digital art you see at the beginning of this post. It's probably a bit simple and not what HDR experts would be excited about, but I like it and am planning to get a print of experimental photography art to put on my wall.

My first love is traditional pencil, watercolor and acrylic art, but I also enjoy photography and see it as an add on to my artistic creativity.

- Trace

Red Haze Painting

2012-02-22T16:03:00.001-05:00

My newest abstract art painting. Acrylic on 16" x 20" gallery wrapped canvas. Textured with colors of yellow, red, orange and brown. The original is also for sale through the Fine Art America link. $150.00

At the Dock - Prints

2012-02-16T12:23:00.000-05:00

Fine art prints are now available for my painting, "At the Dock", at: Tracey R Gates Fine Art (http://tracey-r-gates.artistwebsites.com/featured/at-the-dock-tracey-r-gates.html).

Fine Art Prints

2012-02-16T10:40:00.001-05:00

In an artist group that I'm part of I recently asked about printers. Specifically, home printers that can handle heavier paper than photo, such as inkjet canvas, or fine art paper. My reason for this is that I'd like to have more control over prints of my artwork. To make sure that the colors in the print matches to the colors in my original artwork before selling to a client. Not only that, but sometimes I put my art on fabric and add it to some of my sewing designs, but the printer I have now tends to jam.

Before I knew it, my original post turned into a long discussion from fellow artists about whether, or not it is cost worthy to do the printing yourself, or to have someone else do it for you. Not exactly what I was asking. I seem to run into this more than not when I think I have a simple question. So, I'm still on the hunt for the perfect professional printer that will do what I want without breaking the bank.

In the meantime, I've set up some of my art for prints through professional printers. (Thank you, Abril Andrade Griffith). You'll find art prints, acrylic prints, framed and canvas prints of some of my artwork and nature photos at Tracey R Gates Fine Art ( http://tracey-r-gates.artistwebsites.com/). Including the bird bath photo above.

Dragon and Chickadee

2012-02-03T16:56:00.001-05:00

I just finished this fantasy art drawing of a dragon and chickadee. Still haven't thought of a name yet. This is one of a set of drawing/paintings I'm working on. So, look for the painted version to show up sometime soon.

Those who know me, know that I love chickadees. The ones that come to our backyard are just as friendly as they are curious. I couldn't imagine anyone harming the little beauties. Not even a dragon!

Drawing was done with woodless graphite on acid-free recycled sketch paper (with more detail than shows up on the computer).

-Trace

Magical Moonlight

2012-01-23T16:46:00.002-05:00

One of the programs I use for my digital art is Corel Painter. This past December I decided it was time to upgrade from version X to 12. Ok, not so much as decided as had to since my Painter X was destroyed in a flood. I chose the right time since the program was on deep sale.

I can say that so far I'm definitely not disappointed in version 12.

That's not to say that Painter X was bad. Just look at this painting I created on it in 2008.

It was my first attempt at making a digital painting and still one of my favorites. While I've been spending a good deal of time playing with my new granddaughter, I plan to get back to drawing and painting this year.

For Christmas 2011, my wonderful husband bought me a Wacom Intuos4 medium tablet. The drawing space is larger than the one I had on my Intuos3. I also like the texture of the drawing area. It feels more paper like rather than the extremely smooth surface of the Intuos3. Although, I will admit that the nibs seems to disappear a lot faster than those for version 3.

The combination Wacom tablet and Painter program really helps me create digital art as I would with traditional acrylic, brush and airbrush on canvas. There are settings for acrylic, oil, pen, pencil, marker, etc.. The program is set up so that each medium behaves just as it would traditionally. The tablet is set up so that it really does feel like I'm holding the brushes, pens, or other artistic tools.

I still paint traditionally, but this is great for those times when I don't want to drag out all the supplies and easel. Especially since my craft room looks a bit like a tornado went through at the moment, but, hey, it's getting back to normal.

Prints of "Magical Moonlight" are available at my artist page through Tracey R Gates artwork at Artist Rising, or at my online shop at PixieLed Originals.

Sharing with a Friend

2012-01-21T08:29:00.000-05:00

Sharing with a Friend
© 2009 Tracey R Gates

After a hiatus that ended up being much longer than expected, I'm returning to my love of creating art. So, look for more artsy blogs to continue.

I've also decided to enter my art in a few contests. One of which is being hosted by Thalo Magazine through Facebook. Winner gets their art on the cover of their magazine, $250 cash and $250 in artist supplies.

The entering period is over. Now we're onto the second phase: Public voting. Third phase will be voted on by a panel of judges.

I've entered the painting at the top of this post, entitled, "Sharing with a Friend". It's of a fairy sitting on a mushroom and sharing a sunflower seed with a curious black capped chickadee.
To vote for it go to http://apps.facebook.com/promotionshq/contests/180443/voteable_entries/41269713 . You can vote once daily until January 31, 2012.

Thank you to all who vote. And don't forget to check out Thalo Magazine for artist tips, articles, and job listings.

Kindle Covers

2011-03-09T11:00:00.000-05:00

On Christmas 2010, I finally joined the e-reader evolution. After realizing we didn't have any more room for my book obsession (and a proper nudge from me), my husband bought me a 3rd generation Kindle with a 6" screen.

I love it!

But I didn't want it scratched, or dropped, or ruined in any way. So, I looked for a Kindle cover at our local stores. Big disappointment. The covers were made of either flimsy plastic, or badly sewn, or zippered too tightly. All of which were priced high ($40 or more for crappy material). Except for the zippered one, the rest of the covers had no belt, buckle, snap, magnet, or anything else to keep the cover closed with the Kindle inside. Online covers were better. Most mass produced, or sold out.

Being crafty and liking handmade better, I decided to make my own. My first attempt:

Dark green leather with a black green leather on the inside. This has elastic on the inside to hold the Kindle in place, padded interior, and a belt/buckle closure. All of this was hand sewn. This one is mine, of course!

I've made a few more on request, but didn't get photos before they went off to their new owners. One was a nice metallic teal with a black spine. But here are a couple more I've made. Both of which will be soon available at my Etsy shop at http://pixieled.etsy.com.

Leather Dragon Journal

2011-02-14T12:32:00.000-05:00

I'm experimenting with journal making. This one is made from dyed 9/10 oz veg. tanned leather with a thin lining.

I used a Craftaid stencil for this one, carving and stamping in the dragon. Then dying, painting and sealing the design. The hinges were made with antiqued concho screws and dyed green veg. tanned leather.

The over all size is 6" x 9" with a 5 1/2" x 7 1/2" blank writing area. All of which is tied together with a suede lace, which can be untied to add more paper.

Leather Lily Earrings

2011-02-04T12:30:00.000-05:00

I'm back after a long hiatus. So many things happening around here since last I posted. Among them, we were able to send our oldest daughter to Europe for the American Music Abroad program, I gained a new son (in-law) and am about to become a grandma around my birthday this year. Wow! How time flies!

As for crafting, I've found a passion for leather crafting. I made my husband a hand carved belt for Christmas and my oldest daughter a leather journal with a photo of her and her husband on each lined page. They were big hits. I'll show photos later.

Today, I posted new earrings on my Etsy site. I found an adorable solution to the left over leather scraps that were piling up.

Cute, huh? Made from vegetable tanned leather, of which I molded and hand painted to resemble real tiger, stargazer and white lilies and added wire and seed beads to make them more realistic looking. They come in 1/2" and 3/4" diameter sizes.

Here's an example of how they look in different sizes.

I'm selling them at $23 (+ shipping) for the 1/2" earrings and $25 (+ shipping) for the 3/4" earrings. These are pierced earrings, but I can make the 3/4" as clip-ons upon request. Just "convo" me at http://pixieled.etsy.com

Trace

New Paintings & Experiments

2009-04-27T16:34:00.007-04:00

"Black Capped Chickadee"
ACEO (2.5" x 3.5")
Watercolor on Illustration Board
For Sale Here

I decided to spend some of my birthday money on professional illustration board in order to test it with watercolors. I bought 5 sheets of Strathmore 500 lightweight illustration board and 5 sheets of Canon 300 illustration board.

I have to say I love the Strathmore. It has a nice feel, doesn't warp, and took the paint and techniques I use well. The Canon was ok. It's thicker than the other, harder to cut on my paper cutter, took colors well, but not great for watercolors. At least if I plan to do any of the rougher techniques. The paper peeled as I was trying to remove some color. It'll be fine for drawings and acrylic though.

The two bird paintings in this post were created on the Strathmore.

"Robin"
ACEO (2.5" x 3.5")
Watercolor on Illustration Board
For Sale Here

T.R.G.

Starling

2009-04-24T09:06:00.008-04:00

"Starling"
Artist: Tracey R Gates
ACEO (2.5" x 3.5" trading card size)
Watercolor on 140# watercolor paper

This is one of many new trading card sized paintings I'll be doing with the subject, Wildlife in My Backyard. I tried to bring out the details of the gold markings of this dazzling bird. Similar to the few that build a nest over our back door every Spring.

The original painting is up for sale HERE for a limited time.

Also Available:

"Home"

Artist: Tracey R Gates
ACEO (2.5" x 3.5" trading card size)
Watercolor on 140# watercolor paper

T.R.G

Chipmunk Series

2009-04-07T07:33:00.012-04:00

Isn't he cute? Every day I share peanut butter crackers with this little guy. We've become good friends. So, I decided it was time to capture him in painting form.

Chip and the Cracker

ACEO (2.5" x 3.5" trading card)
#1 of 4 part series
Watercolor on watercolor paper
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23333629

Chip Sees Something
ACEO (2.5" x 3.5" trading card)
#2 of 4 part series
Watercolor on watercolor paper
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23333963

Come 'ere Chip!
ACEO (2.5" x 3.5" trading card)
#3 of 4 part series
Watercolor on watercolor paper
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23370475

Chip the Chipmunk
ACEO (2.5" x 3.5" trading card)
#4 of 4 part series
Watercolor on watercolor paper
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23370632

Seaside Paintings

2009-03-10T14:47:00.008-04:00

Our recent trip to Florida (first time I've ever been there) put me in the mood to start painting again.

"At the Dock"
by Tracey R Gates
Acrylic on 16" x 20" Canvas

"(untitled)"
by Tracey R Gates
Acrylic on 16" x 20" Canvas

Blue Suede Journal

2009-02-04T08:42:00.007-05:00

My newest journal is for a friend. It's made from blue dyed suede with a collection of different papers inside from scrapbook pages to sketch and lined papers.

This time I doubled the matboard and am happy with how it turned out.

Here's a photos of the inside cover. And some of the inside.Trace

My 500 page Suede Journal

2009-02-02T08:37:00.008-05:00

I've always wanted a thick, tome-like journal, but could never find one I liked that didn't cost an arm and a leg to purchase. So, since I've been playing around with bookbinding, I thought I'd try to make myself one.

Here it is so far. It has 500 hand stitched pages. The cover is made from sage green dyed lambskin with a raised frame in the middle of the front. It has darker green paper for inside the front and back covers. The overall size is 7" x 8.5". A little smaller than I really want, but good enough for this every day journal.

With this being my first attempt at making such a journal I made mistakes. First, because I really wanted to get it done to use it, I forgot to add in hand sewn headbands and a bookmark ribbon. I think I can still do it though. The paper is not glued to the spine. Second, I used mat board for the hardcover. It's ok, but not great. Even though this morning it seems to be a lot stiffer now that the glue dried, I'll have to find some bookbinding board next time. And last, I need to find a better way to even out the ends of the paper on a 500 page stack. Cutting it with a ruler and Xacto knife wasn't as clean as it is with smaller journals. But good enough for a book I'll use. I used a lot of rubber cement to attach the cover too. I've never used the stuff before. It dries fast. A little too fast sometimes.

All in all, I love my new journal. I'm already starting on another one with less pages. Now, where is that tutorial on how to make book headbands? Hmm

Trace
http://pixieled.etsy.com

My Art on Fabric

2009-01-30T11:14:00.011-05:00

For a long time I've wanted to put some of my art designs on fabric for my own use. I've tried doing it myself by using both pre-cut fabric sheets for the inkjet and using a product called Bubblejet Set. Of the two, I liked Bubblejet Set. It worked great in my printer and it didn't feel like plastic when I was done.

But I own a printer that only does normal 8.5" width sheets. So if I wanted a yard, it would take a bit of printing and sewing.

A while ago someone pointed me to an online fabric printing company called Spoonflower (http://www.spoonflower.com). There, designers can upload their designs and order what they need as a sample, fat quarter, yard, or three yards amounts. As of this post, they do not offer it for sale to anyone other than the designer.

I thought I'd give it a try.

The uploading process was quick and easy. I chose to use TIF format for my photos, but they allow jpg and png as well. After the image is uploaded a new section comes up where you can chose how you wanted the image printed. As it is, repeated horizontally and vertically, or in bricks and half bricks.

At $18 a yard, the price to me is a little steep, especially if you plan to sell your own fabric designs. However, their shipping prices are low at the moment. I chose to have three of my designs printed (the designs in this post, of course) as fat quarters ($11 each). I probably should have gone for the sample sizes to make sure they'd print right, but I wanted to have enough to add to a quilt later.

Spoonflower is still in Beta testing, which is why their site says it will take three weeks to process your order. I got mine within a week, two days after they emailed me to let me know it shipped.

First thing I noticed is the colors weren't as dark as I'd like them to be. Two seemed faded. That is through no fault of Spoonflower. Monitors are different and I was afraid my prints would come out too dark. Easy enough fix. I darkened the images and uploaded again. Of the three prints, Minta fairy was my favorite. Now that I've looked at them some more, I realize they're good just the way they are.

I also noticed that the images were larger than I hoped for. Their program showed what my fabric would look like by checking which size I was buying, so, I should have known better. By shrinking the image on my graphics program I fixed that for the next time.

As for the material, it's 100% cotton. Nice feel. It's a little too thin for my liking, but most quilters who've used this service like the fabric. Probably light to light medium thickness. Seems close to my bleached muslin, which is what I use when I use Bubbleset jet.

I have to admit that I was a bit surprised at the large white border around the print. I haven't measured yet, but I'm pretty sure the print is in fact a fat quarter.

All in all, a good service. My suggestion is to order samples to make sure the colors, print size, and lightness are the way you like, and then tweak the photo. I plan to buy more for my personal use. I haven't decided if I like it enough to sell. Well, at $18 a yard right now, it's probably a no unless someone shows a real interest.

To see more designs visit my profile at http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/pixieled

Trace
http://pixieled.etsy.com

Hand sewn suede leather buckle sketchbook

2009-01-28T09:55:00.005-05:00

I love hand sewn bookbinding. Here is my latest creation, a sketchbook made from heavy brown suede. It measures 9"x11" with 100 pages of handmade pink and white sketch paper.

I used a template from Tandy for the flower designs, but instead of tooling them in (this suede won't do it), I used archival blank ink. Next time I think I'll add my own twisted tree designs.

Of course, this one is for me.

Now, to get back to work on a 500 page journal.

Boo!

2008-09-11T12:43:00.004-04:00

My favorite holiday is just around the corner. Halloween! In the next week I'll be posting Halloween items to my Etsy shop at http://pixieled.etsy.com

My mother has sewn Cabbage Patch Kids clothing for years. Now, she's getting into making adorable outfits for American Girl (and like) dolls, but can't really get out to buy more patterns. So, once I saw that Simplicity patterns were on sale for $1.99 at Joann Fabrics until September 13th I decided to buy her a few. Six to be exact. Really wanted to get one that has cute little Halloween outfits, but those patterns were gone. There's always Etsy and eBay.

No photos today. Check back often as I'll have new barrettes and costumes just for Halloween.

- Trace

Got My Head

2008-08-16T07:08:00.002-04:00

Great timing! The UPS truck showed up in front of my house just before we were about to go out for the night. Here's the new wig/earring/necklace display head I ordered.

Nice, huh? Certainly better than what I was using. I'm impressed at the quality and speed of delivery. It took one day. I didn't think the neck was that long in the seller's photos.

So, I guess this means I need to take new photos of the jewelry and hats I'm selling.

The necklace in the photo is the chainmaille one I'm selling at PixieLed's Originals Etsy Shop and the hat is similar to the children's beret sold at Storm-E-bear Designs.

Honestly, I haven't lost my head

2008-08-15T10:11:00.008-04:00

According to UPS tracking, the head I ordered is arriving today! Okay, that sounded wrong. I mean the wig/earring/necklace display head is arriving today. I hope that's better.

I figured it was time to upgrade from the cheepy Styrofoam one I've been using, especially since it's missing the nose and part of its lips (thanks to a certain bunny).

See? Scary, huh? It's hard to appear professional with a mannequin like that. It doesn't even have ears for the earrings I make.

I was going to order another styrofoam head. Even found an Ebay seller offering three free for the price of one, but then I saw a fiberglass model that caught my eye. A quick search and I found two others even better for a great price. Of course, my daughter (11) decided to help. She insisted that one of the two was too scary for her, but she loved the other one. I laughed when she said it looked like our neighbor. Well, I don't see that. But decided to buy it.

It wasn't until after I bought and paid for it that I went through the feedback. Oh, great feedback for the most part, but there were a handful of customers complaining about their item missing parts, or only half completed. Hopefully, mine arrives in one piece. *crosses fingers* If so, I have my eye on a male head display for male jewelry and a full body mannequin for some of the gothic clothing I've been working on.

Before I forget, the two Cheetah style berets in the photo are for sale through my daughter's Etsy shop. They come as a set. One for a child and one for their favorite stuffed animal (wig and Webkinz not included). More kid-friendly stuff to follow.

To find out more, please visit Storm-E-bear Designs.

K R G Photography

2008-08-11T21:40:00.003-04:00

Abby by K R Gates Photography

Some of you may have seen my daughter's photos on DeviantART. She goes by username: Alexs1sis.

I think she has an excellent eye for it. And while, yes, I'm her mom and I'm supposed to be proud of her creativity, I'm apparently not the only one interested in her style. That's partly why we opened an Etsy shop to sell her prints. (That, and she was hoping to get a little summer/fall money, of course!)

Best Sunset by K R Gates Photography

To see more photography by Kirstin R Gates visit her site on DeviantART at:

http://alexs1sis.deviantart.com/

And her Etsy shop at:

http://krgphoto.etsy.com

In My Garden

2008-08-07T14:30:00.003-04:00

Last month I decided to play with the camera I bought in March. It didn't take long before I had a group of bug close up photos. The bee in the photos was barely bigger than a flea. I love how these photos came out so much I had prints made for my living room.

I'm also offering both prints for sale as a set of 2, size 5" x 7" for $20.00 (plus shipping). The PixieLed Logo is not shown on actual prints. Both are signed on the back and come in a print protector, shipped securely. To order click here, or visit PixieLed Originals Etsy Shop.

Big Art for Small Price Treasury

2008-08-06T10:13:00.005-04:00

Great news! My Magical Moonlight ACEO was chosen for the Big Art for Small Price Treasury on Etsy.com.

Here's a screenshot. The ACEO is in the upper left corner. Just click on the photo to go straight there.

A big thank you goes to LDphotography for including my art in her selections.