April Art

Spring has Sprung !

2010-03-28T22:33:00.000-07:00

California Wildflowers are BLOOMIN !

Time to get out the camera, the paintbrush or just our sketchbook and sit and watch the show !

I ventured out to Wind Wolves Preserve in California Saturday and walked, taking in all the brilliant colors, pausing and trying to zoom in and capture all the small patterns and details.

Tips- go early, the morning light is wonderful and many places are usually less crowded so you can indulge alone, stay in one spot and see how many different compositions you can create. Give yourself time... time to enjoy and time to create and you will leave with new energy and new inspirations !!

Slowing Down...

2010-03-05T21:15:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, the last one of February, I had a wonderful opportunity to join other photographers for a day in Allensworth, a California State Park founded by African Americans in 1908. Each of the rooms simply furnished had an air of peace and simplicity. The following day I spent most of my day in bed... whether trying to catch my breath, or someone letting me know I needed to slow down, I heeded the message and spent most of Sunday in bed. When photographing historic homes, or items that are old, such as fabrics do not use flash. Additional bright light can contribute to further deterioration of the items.. So for this shot I carefully set up my tripod, and tried to capture the shadow that adorned the wall behind the head board, and I tried to imagine walking into the room on a cloudy, rainy day as it was this day and looking for that space to slow down. Sometimes I rush around, anxious to fill my days with as much as I can possibly take in and only later do I take time to absorb everything that I have felt or experienced. The days seem to slip away faster and faster and try as I might I can't slow them down.... But your bed and pillow are a place to find refuge from the speed at which life passes, a place to dream, a place to reflect and a place to hide when feelings overwhelm you. My mother used to always tell me to lay down, take a nap when I was sad... I think she realized that with some sleep maybe you could escape the clouds.. and find that a rainbow waits.. And when trying to capture an image sometimes that's also something to consider.. wait.. ponder, and maybe tomorrow you will see in the image you took something unexpected.

Morro Bay In December

2009-12-07T22:01:00.000-08:00

Watching the last rays of sunlight bathe the sky around Morro Bay in this pink purple light.
December is a good time to photograph the California Coast, clear skies, fewer crowds and incredible sunrise and sunsets provide many photographic opportunities.
This view is from the Embarcadero Inn.

Watercolors of the Day

2009-10-24T16:59:00.000-07:00

Standing in the morning light by a small pond that at first was just a pond, a few ducks, a few photographers and a few yellow trees. But as I watched the ducks and took a deep breath I let my eye wander to the far end of the pond near the pussy willows, cat tails and reeds and saw the patterns they cast into the water. Like a painter I saw the water moving and took a few shots to remember the place I wanted to come back to.
Now at home I can crop it and choose out the
best image... like a painter that puts down a few strokes, I would rearrange the picture with my images and add some colors. Sometimes slowing down is a chance to see something new and unexpected!

Unexpected Fall Splendor !

2009-10-21T06:05:00.000-07:00

I lie awake as I know in New England, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont the sun is lighting up the trees and filling the scene with warmth and the amazing morning light fresh and new! When one has witnessed the trees, the plants even the streets of a town at that first light nothing compares and each morning that you lie in your bed you know you might be missing something... But never turn away from the chance for the unexpected... when photographing or creating sometimes we stick with what we know.. we stick with what is comfortable.. but sometimes when you see a road sign for a place, take a chance and go take a peek !! I was in Maine photographing the splendor of October and on a limited schedule but I decided to try a turn off to a different State Park, and I was rewarded with a quiet place with these amazing colored trees mixed with some that were still green, I spent a bit more time than I thought and left feeling very refreshed, relaxed and excited by some new compositions I tried !! So be brave and step out of the comfort zone, instead of taking all of your photographs standing try lying on the ground or point the camera straight down and see what your camera may see, isolate one part of a scene, or after enjoying the view in front of you, turn completely around and see what is behind you...

PRAISE

2009-10-18T21:17:00.000-07:00

Praise and Thanks for all the good things I have experienced over the past several days !! I traveled 3000 miles by air, drove over 1000 miles, gathered over 2500 images and saw 3 states in 8 days !! Looking forward to sharing my images and experiences! We have so little control but it is amazing how much we can impact others, a smile, a kind word and thanks and encouragement are all things we can give.. Thanks to all who helpped make it possible for me to have a wonderful time in New England !!

2009-10-17T16:10:00.000-07:00

"Heaven on Earth"

Heaven on Earth - this is what the Shakers tried to create at Canterbury Shaker Village in New Hampshire and this was the last image I created as I left- a fitting ending to a trip to New England in October. After a couple of days of dreary skies the sky opened and turned blue. Alone in the peace and quiet of nature at the Shaker Village I watched the setting sun highlight the trees and then slip away.

Off the KANC- FALL in NEW ENGLAND

2009-10-04T11:08:00.000-07:00

4 days into October and I am just now posting...

This was captured on a beautiful fall day in October as I was driving the Kancamagus Scenic Byway in New Hampshire. Seeing reports of lots of visitors and good color there today ! Wish I was there now camera in hand, hiking boots on, jacket and the smell of coffee in my car!

My parents really passed on the love of travel and enjoying the simple things, a drive down the road, a walk in the woods, looking at each leaf, and just sitting and smelling the dryness, the change of seasons in the air. Have a wonderful Sunday as I pack looking forward to the silence of the woods, and the rustle of the leaves !!

FIRST DAY OF AUTUMN

2009-09-22T22:33:00.000-07:00

First day of Autumn !! and it's over 100 in LOS A.
wow !! I can imagine the smell, walking thru the leaves and the slight breeze shakes these leaves loose, twisting they dance to the ground. They glow in the sunlight, they glisten in the soft rains, and they flash a come hither smile as I wrestle with my camera to capture their best side, try to get them to stop fidgeting..
October is my escape from Los A.. to two lane roads, a slower pace, a friendly smile and an easy conversation over a cup of hot cider. The air is crisp and I can see my breath as I watch the light come up over the hill and wash the trees and leaves... The leaves in all varying shades of reds, oranges, greens and browns wait their turn to dance and spin in the breeze as they softly waft thru the air... as September slips into October and then into November..

Preparing for the coming Fall !

2009-09-03T05:51:00.000-07:00

About 30 days until I journey to New England to capture the change of season. Even now in September the hours of daylight are shortening..and it seems the days slip away more quickly. So many things to do.. cleaning, organizing and try to plan your time to just have some fun !
This is the premier issue of my magazine Your Photo Travel Guide.. and this image of Jenne Farm is such a classic, I'm not even sure that this will be the final cover but maybe it should be... There's something about starting with it that feels grounded and solid, and the curve in the road says it all - what's around the corner, what is just past the first trees...
and the whole image just beckons... I am already reviewing what to pack, how to streamline so I can spend as much time outside soaking in a crisp morning, stomping thru the fallen leaves, and admiring as many sights of nature that I can drink in !!

2009-08-29T11:57:00.000-07:00

August is winding down, the heat pushes us to the coolness of the water and wait for the high sun to dip lower before venturing out. I sat and listened to the surf watching these birds pose, spin, flirt and dance with the waters edge. The waves are comforting and I am lucky to live within a fairly short drive from them.

Each beach seems to have a little different rhythm and sound... as a photographer it will be a challenge to capture and share that..but seems it would be a good self project..

Fall Foliage Thoughts

2009-08-17T23:11:00.000-07:00

35 Days until Autumn ! Fall is a special time, a time to see nature wind down -

Being from the midwest - I crave the change of seasons.. I look forward to the crisp chill in the air and the smells..

I look forward to sharing all that is Autumn in New England.. so if you enjoy photography, capturing the first light of day, watching the sun set.. listening to the crunch of the leaves underfoot, follow me as I journey back to Maine New Hampshire and Vermont.. check it out at www.yourphototravelguide.com

CONCERTS IN THE PARK !

2009-08-09T11:31:00.000-07:00

August nights ! End of those long summer evenings where you can sit outside, have a drink and listen to some great music! So many communities now have local "Concerts In the Park"-

The Long Run is an Eagles Tribute Band who play State Fairs and if you are lucky enough a Park for free !! www.thelongrun.net

August !

2009-08-08T09:09:00.000-07:00

August is here... actually a week into it..
End of summer, time to clear the ripening vegetables from the gardens, think of those last summer escapes and prepare to return to school.

Love the colors of late summer, the oranges and reds. The farmers markets are full of an assortment of tomatoes, peppers and fruits !

And as the evenings lose the light more quickly I start spreading out the maps to consider fall....

On The Edge.

2009-07-20T22:34:00.000-07:00

On the edge-- we strive to fit in... to belong to find our "niche" - like this ladybug --

I watched this ladybug following the leaf and then to another and another continually moving, sometimes turning itself around... so small and the leaves so many and so much larger...

We all are but just this speck trying to find our way and find our place...

HEAT !

2009-07-19T22:17:00.000-07:00

HOT HOT HOT !! This poppy is reflecting the heat I feel today- stayed inside and worked on "Turbo Retouching in Photoshop" for Portraits... getting there- not up to Glam quality yet but...

www.scvphotocenter.com lists all the Upcoming Workshops and the Grand Opening next Saturday night !!

And I am planning for cooler weather out East.. these HOT days won't last forever... www.yourphototravelguide.com

Hoping/wishing I could just take the whole month of October and November off to Photograph all the changing colors from New England to the Sierras and Wine Country here in California !!

TREES and BREATHING !

2009-07-17T23:42:00.000-07:00

TREES !!Solid and silent- I sought their strong arms to comfort and hold me today. So much has happened this week but a man of great strength and character was silenced this week. My uncle.
As a child I looked up to him and envied the California lifestyle he seemed to embody...
Each summer we often saw him and again the easy smile, the dark hair and the love !
Smart, trustworthy and so giving - he will be missed by many
Peace go with him and be with all of those who knew him and loved him...

2009-07-09T22:30:00.001-07:00

http://www.visualartsjunction.com/?p=2750

Reflections on the past and looking forward !!

I know it is July but after driving by a few store windows with a "Christmas in July" theme I realize half the year is gone and late summer and fall are quickly approaching...

I am planning my annual trek to New England, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont and looking forward with possibilities of working with some new photographers and collaborating with some on the East Coast !!

Each of us has an "artist" inside we just need to let it out...

Above I listed a blog that has some incredible artists and hope you will go and look and sign up !!

April Art: The countdown to NEW ENGLAND !!

2009-07-07T22:00:00.000-07:00

April Art: The countdown to NEW ENGLAND !!
www.yourphototravelguide.com
www.davidsaffir.com
www.flickr.com
http://www.visualartsjunction.com/

The countdown to NEW ENGLAND !!

2009-07-07T21:49:00.000-07:00

Wow - I am back and the countdown begins...
I am still looking for a few more interested PHOTOGRAPHERS to accompany me to NEW ENGLAND... www.yourphototravelguide.com gives more info on the excursion and others we are planning...

More images on my FLICKR page search people for ART APRIL-

I am also working with Fine Art Printer and Photographer David Saffir at www.davidsaffir.com

and there are some exciting new workshops at SCV CENTER FOR PHOTOGRAPHY
www.scvphotocenter.com

and you can look me up on LINKED IN...

SO many things are starting to happen !! Thank you to each and every one of you that has encouraged me to continue following my passion !!

Swingin'

2008-07-15T23:07:00.000-07:00

Simply put, find a way, a thought a place, a person to put a smile on your face.

Wanna be a cowboy for a weekend or a week, there are many dude ranches or maybe even just a place to go riding on a horse for a few hours.

Maine maybe?

2008-07-14T22:57:00.000-07:00

Maine maybe..? NO, it's California !

Not even on the coastline but inland.. No fresh lobster or fishing boats but some ducks and cars on the"coast"...

www.visitmainelighthouses.com to find the REAL MAINE lighthouses..

Roseman Bridge

2008-07-13T09:49:00.000-07:00

Roseman Covered Bridge. Intense sunlight on a heavy hot midwest summer day in the country. This evokes memories of my childhood, being with relatives, eating tomatoes picked from the garden you could smell, long days and the moistness of the air.

Roseman Bridge was featured in the book "The Bridges of Madison County" and the film of the same name.

Seascape

2008-07-09T22:52:00.000-07:00

Heat continues along with the doom and gloom of the news.
I find peace in seeking out beauty, and tuning out and breathing in new air, new places and sitting still.
This image captures that - someone enjoying the last rays of light!

Tomatoes !

2008-07-07T22:55:00.000-07:00

The foods of SUMMER !! Fresh veggies are a beauty to your eyes and your body !! Picking out fresh fruits and summer vegetables like tomatoes and peppers is a treat !! Best place to go is your local Farmers Market, check your newspapers, mall parking lots or call your city office who might be sponsoring such events to find one near you !!

Enjoy!!