My online “journal” is where I record my musings, stories, adventures, discoveries, and capture moments of gratitude.
Georgia O’Keeffe is one of those rare artists who remain popular and hold such celebrity that she is often referred to by one name. Although my Southern upbringing prohibits me from referring to her simply as “O’Keeffe” - and certainly nothing as familiar as “Georgia”, which somehow implies that we shared deep conversations and secrets over sweet tea …
Read MoreLast week we talked about how sketching is a road map to your creative destination - regardless of your chosen medium. If you missed that post, you might want to read it first, but it isn’t a requirement for this post.
This week, I promised I would share a few examples of how you might sketch using your camera. Yeah, I thought this might make you a little curious. Oh, and if your chosen medium is not photography, you might be able to think of ways to apply these ideas to your preferred medium, so let’s jump in.
Read MoreThe definition of sketching is pretty drawing-centric, but, stay with me here because you KNOW how I love to color (or draw) outside the lines. I fervently believe there are many way to sketch with or without a pencil. WHAT?! Before you write this off as crazy talk, don’t you think it is possible? If you are reading this, you ARE creative, and this is where coloring outside the lines will help you. Just think beyond the pencil and paper drawing for a few minutes. Isn’t it possible that sketching in other mediums might be referred to as drafts, outlines, shot-lists, warm-ups... but isn’t it really all the same principle? Now, if you are curious, let’s explore how that planning, sketching, exploration… can serve you in mediums other than drawing?
Read MoreI would be remiss if I let the birthday of Ansel Adams pass without paying homage to him and his contributions to this art form I enjoy. After all these many years, and technological advances, I still find the Zone System his is credited with pioneering, the best way to achieve tonal range, or values, in an image. I could go on and on about his contributions to photography, but I thought it would be interesting to look at one of his famous images - Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico.
Read MoreI have written a couple of posts about Vivian Maier. However, for those of you new to Ms. Maier’s name, she was a street photographer shrouded in mystery because her work went unseen until boxes of negatives, prints, and unprocessed film was acquired by chance. There is a documentary, “Finding Vivian Maier”, which was nominated for an Academy Award, that explores a little more about the photographer if you are so inclined to explore her story further. But, I feel like she is a mystery, and perhaps, that is the way she wanted it. We will never know for sure what her thoughts or wishes might have been, but that has not deterred the surge of interest in her work.
Read MorePlease bear with me because this is going to be a long blog post. I know I already wrote an introduction to the Thursday Atelier series, but if you will indulge me one more post to hopefully encourage you to join me here on Thursdays - no matter your creative medium of choice, so we can explore the importance of a community and inspiring one another.
Read MoreI have not always been a journal keeper, and, sadly, I am a sporadic sketchbook chronicler at best. However, in recent years, I have found the value in developing a daily journal practice. Now, I can’t imagine starting my day without writing in my journal. On those rare occasions when I am unable to write, my day seems off in some way. I want to bring this practice into my artistic journey, as well as my personal journey, because it is so meaningful for me.
Read MoreLast week, I had the opportunity to visit the Bell County Museum in Belton, Texas. I planned my visit specifically to see the current exhibit, Vaquero: Genesis of the Texas Cowboy (September 8 through December 29, 2018). This exhibit is a traveling exhibition featuring William D. (Bill) Wittliff’s photography.
Read MoreOh, the beauty that was created by those hands. Let’s take a moment to celebrate Georgia O’Keeffe’s birthday today, shall we?.
I am pretty sure there is no need to tell you anything about Georgia O’Keeffe. She, and her paintings, are, dare I say, iconic.
Read MoreSince today (11/3) is photographer/ photojournalist, Walker Evans’s birthday, I thought we might start November with the Artist Spotlight and have a look at his contributions to photography.
Read MoreSeptember 16 was the birthday of Jack Cardiff. Cardiff was a painter, photographer, and movie director, but he is probably best known for cinematography. If you love the visual lushness of old Technicolor movies, chances are good that cinematographer Jack Cardiff was probably responsible.
Cardiff’s career began as a young boy in the silent film days (certainly no Technicolor back then) and rose through the film making ranks for the next fifty years, ultimately receiving an Honorary Oscar in 2001 for his contribution to cinema.
Read MoreTwyla Tharp, the American dancer, choreographer, and author celebrated a birthday this month, so I want to honor her by sharing one of her quotes. I love this particular quote. I think any creative will tell you that when he/she is working on their art, when you are truly present in your work, you lose track of time and place.
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