EDWARD WESTON QUOTE - MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY
EDWARD WESTON QUOTE - MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY

I may have already mentioned that when I was in college, I discovered a love of Art History. I even dreamed of earning a Ph.D. in Art History so it would be my career. Well, life happens and while I never returned for that advanced degree, I still love Art History and study it as much as I can on my own. I joke that I am creating my own Art History program because I feel like it might be possible that I have spent more time reading, studying, traveling to see art… than perhaps I would have if I had pursued that education. And, can I tell you a secret? I think my interest and love of the history of art continues to grow as I continue to learn, and the more I learn, the more there is to learn. Amazing! So why am I sharing this with you? Well, I am glad you asked.

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Inspiration and InfluencesSuZan AlexanderSuZan Alexander Fine Art PhotographyQuote, Edward Weston, Motivational, Motivational MondayComment
SKETCHING (Part 1) - ATELIER THURSDAY
SKETCHING (Part 1) - ATELIER THURSDAY

WHAT IS SKETCHING?

The 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?

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Tips and TricksSuZan AlexanderArt, Photography, Atelier, Sketching with a CameraComment
ANSEL ADAMS' MOONRISE - CELEBRATE THE ARTIST
ANSEL ADAMS' MOONRISE - CELEBRATE THE ARTIST

I 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.

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Inspiration and InfluencesSuZan AlexanderSuZan AlexanderArt, Artist, Photographer, Ansel AdamsComment
VIVIAN MAIER'S COLOR PHOTOS - ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
VIVIAN MAIER'S COLOR PHOTOS - ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

I 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.

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Inspiration and InfluencesSuZan AlexanderArt, Artist, Vivian Maier, PhotographerComment
INTRODUCTION TO THURSDAY ATELIER
INTRODUCTION TO THURSDAY ATELIER

I 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.

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Tips and TricksSuZan AlexanderArt, Photography, AtelierComment
YOUSUF KARSH - ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
YOUSUF KARSH - ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

The Artist Spotlight for December is Yousuf Karsh (December 23, 1908 - July 13, 2002). I am particularly fond this Yousuf Karsh quote, so I wanted to share it with you as we celebrate him. For me, this quote sums up the difference between TAKING a photograph and MAKING a photograph. Anyone can “take” a photograph, but the alchemy of “making” a photograph is an entirely different skill set that employs art, science, light, creativity, emotion, story ... As I learn more about Karsh, this quote also reflects his personal style and approach to photography. But who was Yousuf Karsh…

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Inspiration and InfluencesSuZan AlexanderQuote, Photography, Yousuf Karsh, Artist, PhotographerComment