MERRY CHRISTMAS SNOWMEN!!

Not much happening with photography - but I did want to share something with you pertaining to Christmas tree lights, LED lights, Snow Men!! ; )  Went to my family Christmas Reunion last weekend, and my cousin brought us all a fun little treat!  Made us feel like we were kids again!!  Hah!  He brought 3-D glasses that have been programmed right in the cellophane lens to see at every LED light - snow men!!  How fun is that!  It works on little tree lights as well as big store lights - as long as they are LED!  So I put the 3-D glasses in front of my Canon lens, and took a few shots of the Christmas tree lights so I could share it here with you!

Is that fun or what??  I know it's getting late, but if not for this year - maybe next year - you can purchase them online at:  www.holidayspecs.com  or 800-767-8427.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Tamron Lens

A couple of weeks ago I purchased a Tamron lens, 18 - 270.  I did this because I was getting tired of carrying around two lens: my primary 18-55, and my long lens 75-300.  Changing out my lenses only happens when I'm really out in the field on a trip and so actually, I rarely did whip out my zoom.  But still I'm carrying two lenses and I thought by getting this all-inclusive lens my problem would be solved.  Well, I wasn't happy with it.  Number one, the zoom was not that smooth and so hence not so fast.  Secondly, when you pressed the shutter button there was a lot of movement, which I realize (and was also told by the professionals in the store) that was the stabilizer.  There was movement when you pressed the shutter button and movement after the shutter had closed and re-opened.  So you didn't really know if you were taking a solid, focused image.  I went back and forth in my mind over this purchase and finally took it back.  I hadn't registered the lens as I wasn't that sure about it in the first place.  So the store did take it back, with a 10% less re-stocking charge.  But, hey, that's okay, I just didn't want to be stuck with a lens I wasn't going to use.  I don't have that kind of money.

I've been working on and off on some images I took for a family portrait session.  As I'm working on these images, I'm wondering how many images other portrait photographers take in one sitting??  Just curious.  I mean, when is enough, enough??  I'm being more and more selective as to which ones I pick to include in the CD.  When the customers are friends, it's always kind of touchy in that they are going to want even the ones that aren't so good.  But again, I am being more selective!

Christmas is keeping me busy with decorating and starting to shop, so don't know how much will get done in the way of photography this month.  Will be working at the High Hand Gallery two times month, and I just posted more images on their FB page.  And I will have to come up with two or three new pieces for January.  Hope you are having a wonderful holiday season so far and wish me luck with sales in the gallery!!  I need it!! ; )  Here's an image of mine that is 'seasonal' to say the least, and I've hung it up in the living room for the holidays!  It's printed on metallic paper and looks fabulous, I must say!

Alcatraz Prison, CA

Here it is another week gone by before I've made my next post!!  That's crazy!  Pretty soon it's going to be Thanksgiving, then Christmas holidays!  Life just goes by, just like missed photo ops!!

I was driving down the canyon road this morning into town, and I had my camera in the back seat.  I wanted to take some shots as the fog was creeping in making for some sweet views, and then in the misty rain the fall colors of the live oaks really stood out in shades of orange and yellow!!  But it was raining - I missed the opportunity.  So now I'm hoping I'll find it again tomorrow morning.  It's still raining now.

I have been working and re-writing on my new web site.  Added my photography history with galleries and shows I've done, as well as, adding some helpful links.  I plan on adding more links.  Don't know if it's that necessary now that the internet is so THERE!  All you have to do is type in a description of what you're looking for and two seconds later it's there.  Added another gallery the other day:  Alcatraz Prison, CA!!  You might want to check it out for yourself.  Here's one of the images from that gallery:

When I was there standing on the first floor of the prison, I looked up through the grate to the second floor.  And it was eerily drawing me in.  That place can be creepy, but also pretty awesome.  I know it takes your mind back to when the prisoners were there under the surveillance of the guards.  The building was cold, wet, dark and dingy, but made for some awesome black and whites.  I love old historical places.

One thing I'm struggling with is whether or not I want to make a Facebook page of my photography only.  I don't know.  But then if I did, my blog could be posted there too and draw in more viewers to the website.  I'm still thinking.  Beyond that I need to make a decision as to "if" or "when" I put up my prints for e-commerce.

EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE

So apparently my external hard drive is full with only 24 kb left.  That's probably why my PC is running slow??  I don't know.  I'm heading over to Best Buy to talk to a GEEK and probably purchase a humongus hard drive to make my life easier - hopefully.

Well I am back from a 5-day excursion to the big City of San Francisco.  We had great weather - sunshine every day.  Hardly any people during the week - but WHOA come Saturday it was as though it were a great big ant hill with people scurrying all over the town!  Crazy!  If you're headed that way anytime soon or just any time, go during the week!  And if you want to go see Alcatraz Island, purchase your tickets way ahead of time online.  That's the only way to go.  I did that for us and I notice the sign said, "Next available tour date - MONDAY"!, which was almost a week away.

I stopped by the High Hand Gallery to check out the re-hang that went on while I was out of town - and it's really awesome.  I had two artist friends tell me how great it looked - specifically my black and white photos of The Getty Museum and Bodie Ghost Town!  They were right.  During the last two months of the year, the gallery puts up two Christmas trees to hang some art pieces on them.  I didn't do any small pieces as I have in the past, and it just doesn't work for photography - at least not for me.  I thought I would just make Christmas cards - people like cards, so that's what I'll do.

More pics later when after I install my new external hard drive and get things settled on my PC!!  Again, thanks for spending time with me and for your support!

WEBSITE UP AND RUNNING!!!

I got my new website up and running today - with just a little assistance - powered by Redframe.  I uploaded three galleries for now and will continue adding galleries as I go along.  Later, too, I will add the e-commerce - we'll see how my public responds! ; )  I love the new look and I can change the layout from time-to-time too.

I'm going to send out an email to my friends and family members to let them know of my new website and maybe hear what they have to say too.  I'm always up for improvements, and believe me there is always room for improvement.  Thank you for those who have continued to read my blog, and maybe now there will be an even larger following.  I'm learning on a daily basis of the importance of SEO:  Search Engine Optimization!  I had to look that up! ; P

I'm in a good place right now and am going on a photo shoot.  Hope to have some new images from the bay area real soon!  Check back again!

Here is another black and white Getty Museum image for your enjoyment!

 

New Website

With the upcoming demise of my old website, I finally got in gear today and started working on the new one.  I pretty much spent all day on it.  Got the basics going, dialogue About Me, and all that other stuff; uploaded two galleries to it.  Wrote a lot of notes of other galleries I want to add, with one gallery devoted to some of my own favorites, rather than posting more of my older stuff.  I want fresh and new!! ; )

The new hosting company is RedFrame.  They seemed to be one of the most reasonably priced web templates, including hosting and e-commerce with no commission taken.  I won't have my e-commerce up right away.  I'm just concentrating on designing and completing the galleries for now.  Then Blue Cat Studio will help be re-direct this Blog to the new website, and tie up any loose ends.  For the most part I am doing the work.

Worked my two shifts at High Hand Gallery (within a 5-day period) learning our new POS (Point of Sale) system.  I think I'm getting it down.  There are approximately 33 artists learning this new system so it will probably be a couple of months until we all are on the same page.  But I really like this new system.

This weekend I will be taking in three new images of the Getty Museum in Los Angeles to High Hand for the new re-hang.  I posted one of the images my last post, and here's another.  I really get a little crazy when I see such great architectural designs for many of the museums.  They are a piece of artwork themselves!

Black and White Images of Getty Museum in Los Angeles

It's been a hectic summer with family injuries, losing loved ones, and ending it with a newborn.  Life is sad and yet amazing at times.  Now we're rolling into fall.  I love fall with all the changing colors of the leaves of the trees.  I guess I'm trying to ease into the fact that I haven't written much lately.  So much going on.

This past Thursday night was Auburn's last Artwalk of the 2013 season.  I am showing at the local Naturopathic business in Auburn.  We had great weather this year (last year it was storming with lightening and rain!)  A lot of traffic and visitors coming in to check out my European images.  Finally I was able to show them all in one place!  Received numerous positive comments.  And lucky for me, Naturopathic wants to keep my artwork in their business thru April of next year!!  Awesome.  This will give me longer exposure to the community for possible sales!

I've been printing out images from Bodie Ghost Town (2012 Series) onto Museo Silver Rag.  Then matted and framed them and they are hanging in High Hand Gallery thru the end of this month.  In the meantime, I've been printing out even newer images I took at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles this summer.  Since they are an architectural series with stark contrasts, I've printed them on metallic paper to enhance the image even more.  Next step is to mat and buy frames for this series.  Here's one of them.

Yesterday and today I've been spending many hours on the computer looking up various websites for photographers.  I've been watching tutorials and almost falling sleep at it too!  My website will no longer be, as my current hosting company is updating their servers and my website will not survive!  I need to create a new one, on my own I might add!  Ugh!  Learn new things!  It's hard! ; )  But it has to be done.  So that's where I'm at.  I'm hoping I can transfer my Blog over to the new website so I don't have to start from scratch!

September 11th Memorial

In honor of those who died on September 11, 2001, I am posting some photos I took on a trip to NYC in the Fall of 2011.  They were still working on the tower, but the water memorial was in place.  It truly felt like hallowed ground and I remember my mind trying to imagine the horror those fallen may have felt, of course, to no avail.  There's no way in hell I could even imagine.  The tragic memories their families still feel to this day is heartbreaking.  I could say more, but then it would turn political.  This is a memorial and tribute to those who died, to those who died trying to save those in peril, and to those left behind still mending and re-living the events of that fateful day.

ARTSTOCK - High Hand Gallery

Last night was ARTSTOCK at High Hand Gallery.  We had a great turnout with lots of art-lovers joining us for the opening of the show, we also had 'artful' food with hand-painted tablecloths, and of course all the large format art pieces.

I took pictures of the event which included hors d'oeuvres, live music and wine tasting!!

I spoke with several folks about my own large format canvas wraps of Bodie Ghost Town; folks who had been there, some never heard of the place, and other photographers.  This morning I spent a couple hours working on the images I took last night, re-sizing, etc., and putting them up on our Facebook page.  Now I can rest for a while...well okay, just a little while before I get started up again!

The stone sculpture is by Shermm Moore, and the upper two right hand painted/encaustic pieces are by Charlotte Cooper.  The others are mine! ; )

Bodie Ghost Town 2012

Busy week amidst the smoke up here in the foothills.  I finished cutting mats and framing some of the new pieces for the High Hand Gallery's next re-hang on Monday.  These are all from the Bodie Ghost Town Series of 2012; all of which I have never printed.  It's interesting that I almost passed up some of these images, as I didn't (or couldn't) see their true value.  That happens sometimes.  Once they are enlarged, it's like WOW!  ; )  Take this one for example.  I had no clue about the colors in this shot.  They are so subtle, that I had to see the whole thing enlarged.  But then again, a lot of the time I really do see in black and white, so it takes me awhile.  These colors lend even more so to the antiquity of the whole image.  I love it!  These images were printed on 13x19 Museo Silver Rag and that paper just makes them so much more beautiful.

Of course, there's always the making of the labels and the inventory list.  Working at the gallery tomorrow, so I'm hoping to get it done manana! ; )  I will also be bringing home the majority of my European framed pieces, as they will be in the October Auburn Artwalk.  

I'm really looking forward to fall and winter as I am anxious to get back into the darkroom.  It's been way too long, but it's also been way too hot in my studio to close that door.

High Hand Gallery's Artstock Show!

I know it's been quite awhile since I wrote on my blog.  This summer has been crazy with trips to various places and for various reasons.  But I am here now and busy back in the studio.

Getting ready for High Hand Gallery's Artstock 2013.  It is a large format show with artwork at least 3' in one direction and larger.  I'm working today at the gallery, and several artists are in the shed putting up the artwork for this show right now.  My contribution to the show are three 2'x3' black and white gallery wraps of Bodie Ghost Town.  Here's one titled, "Bodie Beast".  It's a car as you can see, but I have had so many people try to tell me what 'make' it is, and I've gotten everything from Ford, to Chevy, to GMC, to Pontiac.  So I'm calling it:  BODIE BEAST!  It is a close up and the first thing you notice is the right fender with the black hole where the headlight used to be!

High Hand Gallery is also getting ready for the new re-hang inside the gallery for September and October, which means I need to print out a couple more prints of Bodie Ghost Town.  Color prints definitely; at least two large prints of 13x19, and then some smaller 8x10s of what I will have hanging.  Need to print now in order to give them time to dry before I frame them this weekend.

I've been on trips travelling around, but not necessarily for art's sake!  In October I will be on the Auburn Artwalk in Naturopathic next to Roper's Jewelry on Lincoln Street in downtown Auburn.  I will be having my artwork from Europe and I will be able to leave it there all winter until the first Artwalk next year in April I believe.  So that's a great opportunity to be able to hang there during the holidays and have greater exposure!!

John Sexton and Kim Weston Part IV Interviews

I received the Part IV of the Sexton / Weston interviews yesterday from Epson.  Just finished listening to both of them, which prompted me to immediately drag out my archival boxes of B&W prints that I have developed int he darkroom and review each one of them again!  I'm still not there - at least that's how I see it after looking at Sexton and Weston's prints.  My photography is mostly scenic - vast expanse of landscapes and cities.  I think I want to reign in on some of that vastness and possibly focus on getting closer to a subject.  I do that with people, so why not do that with scenes.  Pick one object to focus in on with the rest in the background.  Well, I guess I actually do that now.  But listening to those interviews re-inspire me to do better.  And I wouldn't mind taking a workshop from either one of them!  It's funny, they both love to go where I love to go - Point Lobos.  Not sure if I've been to Weston Beach??  Maybe I have and just didn't know it.  Now I want to go again and find out where it is!  Here's the link if you'd like to hear the last session:  http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/jsp/Landing/black-and-white-printing-tutorials-expert-interviews.do?RMID=eml_pi_072413_BWPart4&RRID=3167862

I had the opportunity to paint with my granddaughter over the weekend.  That was a fun evening.  We both whipped out an acrylic painting.  I have to say hers was the best!  It's both celestial and oceanic looking.  Beautiful blues and purples.

Still contemplating whether to have another gallery wrap made for the Artstock Show coming up at the end of August.  I have time.  I should get busy on that project.

I was busy over the weekend working on photos I had taken at a friend's shower.  Everyone was asked to wear something 'yellow'.  The images came out really beautiful just for that reason.  Yellow is very warming!  Now I just need to put them on disk and send them out to her and I'll be finished with that project.  

Black and White Gallery Wraps

I finally made a decision to use one of my very own VIVID black and white images from Bodie Ghost Town Series instead of worrying about whether or not I had a vivid color shot!  I'm all about black and white, so I'm sticking to it!!  And that's it!  I'm actually the image I last posted of the small out building on a hill in Bodie with a sky full of vivid white clouds all across the top.  Once I decided on the image, I went online to Big Canvas and ordered a 2 x 3 ft canvas!  I have not ordered a black and white image from Big Canvas to date, the images ordered were always color.  So I'm anxious to see how it turns out!  I mentioned in an earlier post that I had ordered a black and white canvas wrap locally and it came back purple!  So, as far as I'm concerned, this project is done!

I received an email yesterday from Epson that the third interview sessions were now available online.  Again, here's the link if you were interested in listening to more photography info from John Sexton and Kim Weston.  http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/jsp/Landing/black-and-white-printing-tutorials-expert-interviews.do?RMID=PI_20130710_BW_Part_3_N&RRID=3167862

Another site that I found interesting (I still wish I had been born at least a decade sooner for this) was in regards to a "Call to Photographers" contest from One Life.  Not only is it a contest, but it's a website that allows photographers, artists, musicians, much more, to showcase your work, your art, your passion.  I think you might want to check this one out:  http://www.onelifephotos.com/?f=ol2013_pdn2

Bodie Ghost Town 2012 Series

This heat has been so bad this past week - but this morning's coolness is a nice reprieve.  At least I can come into my studio and sit down for awhile at my PC.

I did complete my inventory for High Hand Gallery.  Haven't heard back from the administrator, so I'm assuming it was okay.  Next step is he will print out the labels and I will affix them to each piece of artwork.

Yesterday I finished matting and framing two new 8 1/2 x 11 (full frame) size images of Bodie Ghost Town.  These are for the Marketplace Gallery in Auburn.   I had planned on taking them down to the gallery, but I think it was closed for the holiday.

Last night I was trying find an image to match the theme "VIVID" for the Large Format Show coming up on the last day in August and runs thru October 6.  Vivid, I guess I don't really do vivid since I'm pretty much looking in black and white.  However, once in a while I shoot some colorful shots.  I need some opinions from some other people.  I asked my husband, but he didn't want to be the only person being asked.  I think I'll send out some images to a few artists and see what their opinion is -- eesh, do I really want to do that? ;)
Whatever I am going to do, I need to do it fast or I won't be in the show at all.

Here are the two images I just framed:

Bodie Ghost Town 2012 Series

Change in plans for the KVIE entry.  I tried to have a canvas gallery wrap made locally, and it came back a complete disaster!  It was purple and not black and white at all!  Then called my "normal" supplier for canvas wraps back in Wisconsin and unfortunately they would not be able to get the wrap to me in time.  After stewing for a few hours, I just told myself I cannot get upset over this.  So I graciously wrote an email to KVIE and told them I would not be able to participate this year.  And I just let go all of the stress in one fell swoop!

Getting back to prints for the High Hand Gallery, I printed out two 13x19 images from my 2012 Bodie Series on Museo Silver Rag, cut double mats and framed them.  I have to say these are two of my best works ever and I'm really proud of them both!  It's just a waiting game to see how my public likes them.  I think I am in love with this paper - granted it's expensive, but the results are amazing!

Yesterday I printed out more prints for cards and cut mats for several other Bodie prints from that same series, on the Museo Silver Rag at 8 1/2 x 11 size.  They too came out quite impressive.  Today I finished all the cards as well as putting the prints in the mats, wrapped them all in cellophane sleeves and took them to the gallery tonite when we had our meeting.

Earlier today I took the time to watch a series of videos from Epson which were free for starters.  The first two were interviews with John Sexton and Kim Weston, both well-known photographers.  John worked with Ansel Adams and Kim is the grandson of Edward Weston.  In addition to the two interviews there are four instructional videos for printing on Epson's Fine Art Paper using Silver Efex Pro 2.  Here is the link if you are interested:
http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/jsp/Landing/black-and-white-printing-tutorials-expert-interviews.do?RMID=PI_20130601_BW_Launch&RRID=3167862 

Times are changing at the High Hand Gallery.  They are introducing a POS System (point of sale).  Each artist is required to enter their inventory into this new system and each piece of artwork will then have a bar code affixed to it.  It will make documenting the sales easier with less room for error - ??  Needless to say I definitely need to get busy on this project!

I will close with one of the new Bodie images titled, "Bodie Remains":

Museo Silver Rag for Black and White Photography

This is just a short post for today - I'm tired.  Made it over to Aaron Brothers and managed to find some nice wood frames for the two Bodie Ghost Town images for High Hand Gallery.  I spent the day cutting double mats, cutting glass (I always replace the plain glass with non-glare UV glass as long as the frame lets me).  It makes a big difference, especially in a gallery with the bright lights.  These two images were the ones printed on Museo Silver Rag - and what a difference this archival paper makes.  I also have several Bodie images 8 1/2 x 11 that need to be matted, so I can take those into the gallery also.  I'm getting low on matted prints at the gallery.  I still have numerous digital images from Bodie from last year that I haven't even printed yet, not to mention film images!  I get a little carried away sometimes.  I think other photographers can identify with that.

Tomorrow it's my day to work again at High Hand Gallery.  Wednesday I'll be picking up my gallery wrap for the KVIE Auction.  And that event is most likely the last extra-curricular photography event for me for the year.

Canvas Gallery Wrap - KVIE Art Auction 2013

At the last minute on Tuesday I finally decided to go ahead and try to enter the KVIE Live Auction.  And so I did, and I got my acceptance email today!!  Pretty quick I must say!  While I was completing the entry form online, the rules dictated the size of the image to be at least 16x20.  My printed version in black and white on Museo Silver Rag was 13x19.  So, I immediately got on the Internet and ordered a 24x32 gallery wrap.  The artwork is due June 28th, so it's all falling into place.

Today after getting my car serviced for almost 4 hours, I headed over to Delta Mat and Moulding and picked up mat board, non-glare glass and more hardware for framing.  I've got my work cut out for me, literally:  double mats for the 13x19 images, and smaller for the gallery.  It's time to pre-cut some mats so I'll have them on hand.  New artwork for High Hand Gallery is due the end of June.

I'll be busy tomorrow night for the Auburn Artwalk and I'll keep you posted on how the awards go for Auburn Arts commission's "Celebrating Auburn's Past" juried show.  It's getting exciting - again!  Saturday it's back to working in the High Hand Gallery!

"Celebrating Auburn's Past"

I know I haven't posted for quite awhile.  Originally I was just worn out from that last High Hand event - The Artful Bra Show - but other than household chores and yard work I was starting to get back into action.  I did order the 13x19 Museo Silver Rag inkjet paper and it has arrived.  Then the power went out and my PC monitor went out and I couldn't recover it.  Found out it was dead but I did get 8 years out of it, so I guess that's good.  Purchased a new monitor not realizing it didn't have speakers like my old Dell monitor.  So had to go back to Best Buy and buy speakers.  I'm arguing with the guy, "...I just want plain ol' speakers - no fancy woofer..."  ; )  So for $35 I got some Logitech speakers with a woofer.  WOW!  I have a new stereo system!  Love it.  I listen to Pandora while I'm working - or CDs from my PC or sometimes from my boombox - heh heh!  So now I can put one of the speakers in the darkroom too!  I'm all set up  -- again!!

My recent project is the Auburn Arts Commission's Call to Artists for "Celebrating Auburn's Past".  I worked on a collaboration piece with a fellow artist/friend Rose Kirby.  I took the black and white photos of historical buildings and landmarks in Auburn.  She took the printed photos and collaged them, added acrylic paint to create "Rattlesnake Dick" who was one of the most wanted men in the early 1800's.  She entered it and it got juried into the show!!  The awards ceremony is this upcoming Thursday in conjunction with Aurburn's Artwalk from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at City Hall.  Awards will be made at 6:30 p.m.  Here's a picture of the artwork:

  With the recent heat - it gets pretty hot in my studio - even though it has central H/A.  Today is nice and cool - I think I might be doing some printing on the Museo Silver Rag.  I do have to bring in new artwork for July and August.  I have one framed photo transfer and I think I'll print some Bodie images.

Museo Silver Rag

For a busy night last night, I didn't sleep in much this morning!  The Artful Bra event happened last night and all the tables were filled with guests.  The live auction went well.  Both my entry of the bra made out of photos sold in the silent auction, and the one my husband and I made sold in the live auction.  That was good - I was worried I was going to have to buy my own! ; )  Which I would have done.  I really like the photo bra.  I am resting today and all next week.  A lot of energy goes into an event like that one and I am pooped to say the least.

I don't think I have an ounce of any creativity in me at this moment.  But it will come.  Just not today! ; )  Here is another image from Bodie Ghost Town that I printed on Museo Silver Rag.  Hope you're having a great Memorial Day Weekend.

High Hand Gallery - 5th Annual Artful Bra Show

I'm still here! ; )  So much going on in the art world.  Saturday was the Art in the Park and it was a beautiful day, however, just not enough foot traffic, as well as too many other competing events that weekend.  Glad it's over.  I am seriously re-thinking these art fairs where I have to lug my equipment and framed images around - maybe go to selling on the web.  I have a lot to think about on that one.

Getting the last minute paper work done for the Artful Bra Show.  I designed the show's program and took it to the committee chair for review.  With one minor adjustment, it's ready for printing.  I have one more trip to the gallery this morning to finish taking photos of the last of the bra entries.  Then I'll just have to make up bid sheets for those and post the images on High Hand Gallery's Facebook page and I'll be done for the week.

My girlfriend who is an acrylic painter sent me the picture of our 'collaboration' of a project for the Auburn Arts Commission's "Celebrating Auburn's Past" event.  I took the black and white photos of historical places and buildings in Auburn.  She incorporated them into her black and white painting of Richard Barter aka Rattlesnake Dick!  He was one of the top 10 bad guys of the old west.  Her painting of him is so awesome.  She said it's not done yet, but when it is I'll post the image here.  She is doing such a great job!  It was her idea, so kudos to her!

Next on my own artwork agenda, I will be buying more mat board and then cutting mats for the beautiful black and white prints of Bodie that I made earlier in the month.  They are absolutely gorgeous on the Museo Silver Rag paper.  You gotta try it out for yourself!

High Hand Gallery's Artful Bra Show - 2013

Been working frantically to finish up the bid sheets for the Artful Bra Show at High Hand Gallery.  So far, 51 entries, but that number will increase after tomorrow.  My husband and I made another bra entry over the weekend and he's actually finishing up with the last touches right now!  I'll post a picture when we get it done.  I know there are other artists that have already submitted additional bras.  The bid sheets entail including an image of the bra on it and the artist's information.  Then printing them out and attaching them to foam core board.  I'm half way done.

Yesterday I gave my first class on photo transfers and it went really well.  It's really not a hard process to begin with, but since I've worked out all the major bugs, it's a streamlined process for newbies.  The lady really enjoyed the class, gave me compliments on my instructions/patience/my 'eye', and said that my class really increased her knowledge on the process.  She learned a lot she said, as she had already made some transfers on her own. She was also going to send other people my way!  Awesome!

Today I'll finish up the bid sheets.  Tomorrow I head back to High Hand Gallery to take additional photos.  I would like to invite you to the Artful Bra Show on Saturday, May 25th, silent auction at 5:00 p.m., with the live auction starting at 6:30 p.m.  There will be wine and hors d'oeuvres and plenty of bras to bid on.  All the proceeds go to the American Cancer Society.

Here's our artful bra creation from my husband and I.  It's called "The Key to the Cure" - a door with old keys hanging off the cups which were made out of wire mesh, and the key in the doorknob is PINK!

Printing, Photographing, Happy Mother's Day!

I received my shipment from Freestyle:  the Awagami papers of bamboo which I ordered two different types (thin white and a cream color).  They do provide you with three 8x10 sheets to practice on.  One of them didn't have the test sheets, so I called Freestyle and they said they would ship them the next day!  I love Freestyle's customer service.  I have not tried them yet for several reasons.  I also purchased a box of 8 1/2 x 11 sheets of Museo Silver Rag made by www.museofineart.com   And I must say THAT WAS THE BIG SURPRISE OF THE DAY for me!!

My photographer friend from NYC, Dave Beckerman, had written about this paper on his website several years ago.  I remembered it and also wanted to try that one out too.  It is an archival fine art inkjet paper, 100% cotton, gloss finish, and is 300 gsm, which makes it a heavier paper.  The results are extremely similar to a print from the darkroom - and maybe even better! ; )  I thought I was just going to try 'one' for the evening the other night.  I made about eight prints of some of my images of Bodie Ghost Town.  It is truly amazing.  This paper makes everything else look like crap!  My eyes have been opened up to a whole new world.  But dang this stuff is expensive!  I paid $40 for a box of 25- 8 1/2 x 11.  For me to buy the 13x19 size of 25 sheets, it will be $100!  But then I'm thinking it would be worth it.  The strange thing to me is that Freestyle gave it a 'B' rating.  In my book I would give it an A+.

The last two days I've been at High Hand Gallery taking photos of the bra entries for the Artful Bra Show.  I will be uploading photos soon, re-sizing, printing them on bid sheets for each entry and I need to have this done early next week.  Monday I am teaching a one-on-one class on photo transfers.

In the meantime, I'd like to wish all the mothers out there a wonderful and Happy Mother's Day!  And for those of us who no longer have our mothers around any longer - relive the memories, over and over!

Black and White on Metallic Paper

I ordered my paper products and other supplies from Freestyle Photographic Supplies on Friday.  They should be arriving either today or tomorrow!  I've been thinking about which images I'll try first on the bamboo papers:  trees!  Some of the ones from Point Lobos would be great as they are in a misty setting.

I worked at High Hand Gallery on Thursday and Saturday, and then spent Sunday cutting mats and framing three new pieces that I had to deliver yesterday by 5:00!  I got there around 3:00 p.m.  Whew!  And while I was there removing some of my pieces, some folks were looking at my photography.  I spoke with them and explained some of the processes and the papers.  The guy already had one print in is hand, and they ended up buying it!!  Nice!  Last month was one of my best months at High Hand.

In regards to the Art Deco Show at the Blue Line, the results will be announced on this Friday.  My next outing will be the Arts in the Park in Auburn on May 18th, which means loading up the panels and table and framed images.  It's just a one day gig - I don't think I could do a two-day one!  Then of course, the Artful Bra Show on the 25th.  I will be going in on Wednesday and Thursday to photograph the entries and start working on the bid sheets, etc.  May's a busy month to say the least!    

Today is kind of a down day - no running around to do, so I'll be printing the black and white images out that I took last week for the 30th Jubilee project so I can give them to my artist friend who will incorporate them into her painting for that show.  I need to come up with one more image for the KVIE Art Auction.  That deadline is May 19th.

Here is one of the images I took into High Hand Gallery.  It's called Trinaczia (which I couldn't find a translation for, so I'm thinking it was a family name).  It is the front of a restaurant in Taormina, Sicily in black and white (digital) and printed on metallic paper.

Starry Night in Black and White

It's been a busy week and it's only Wednesday!  Sunday I was in the darkroom, or was that Monday.  Made some progress.  I think I just got myself overly worked up and started second guessing myself - again!  I made about 10 prints, 8x10's, and had no problems.  I decreased the magenta in the Beseler enlarger back to 45 as Ilford paper recommends and the images came out good.  I'm being more selective in which ones I  develop.  In the beginning they all looked so good, and I suppose they are to me, but I want images that will make a statement or hopefully have an impact on somebody!

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I didn't make the cut for that International Photography Show in Redding.  Here's the link of who did win.  I was amazed to say the least.  Young people have such great, original and novel ideas.  I think it's wonderful!  http://nval.org/Photography_Show.html

Over the weekend I also got to thinking I should make a bra for the High Hand Gallery's 5th Annual Artful Bra Show which is coming up on May 25th.  I started cutting daisies out of some of my old glossy black and white images that I have tossed in a drawer.  Boy, did that make my hand hurt and I only got one daisy cut!  So I called up my girlfriend who makes cards and also does scrap booking and asked if I could borrow her punches.  That made it so much easier.  Only took about a half hour to cut up what I wanted and then proceeded to put together a bra made with black, white, and various shades of gray in-between.  Pasting them was pretty tricky.  I had two different glues before I got them to stick.  Then I added some rhinestones.  I think I like it a lot!  I'm calling it "Starry Night in Black and White!"

 This morning I went out around 8:30 into Auburn to photograph some of the historical buildings in town.  I am collaborating with another local artist who is also my friend.  She had this great idea for us to enter the "Celebrating Auburn's Past" Call to Artists by the Auburn Arts Commission.  When we get to the finished art piece, I will definitely share it here on my blog.  It was kind of exciting to know the names of these places and learn a little more about my town.  I had a list of about 40 historical places/buildings, and I managed to photography a little over than half.  And, I got my exercise in for the day!

Arista II Photograde RC Metallic Lustre Inkjet paper

Been working on images I took for a landscape photo shoot.  Took exactly two hundred images, don't know what I will be ending up with.  But it's a job.  It was a little breezy that night, so several have had to be eliminated.  But I think there will be several my client can use - I hope he will be pleased with them.  I guess I need to be pleased first of all, and then see what he thinks.  Spent several hours last night going thru them and eliminating the unacceptable ones.  Will spend more time today, hopefully wrapping up that little project.

Next I need to get busy and order some supplies.  I think I've mentioned I've been printing out digital prints in the meantime.  I'll have to do some framing soon to take new ones to the gallery in another week.

Good news on the artistic photographic papers!  Received my Freestyle 'Creative Imaging Supplies' catalog and found that the Washi inkjet papers from Japan are available in packets of 10 sheets (13x19") for under $35!!  Sweet!  I'm anxious to try those new papers - it makes printing more fun!  

Here's one of the images I took with my Smart phone, which I can't believe some of the images come out so great.  This was a display at the Monterey Bay Aquarium of many types of plastics found in the ocean.  It looked like art to me!  I printed it on Metallic Luster inkjet paper.

Metallic Prints

Here's an update on some of the photography shows I've been working on.  I did not get juried in for the NVAL International Show up in Redding, CA.   I did enter in a timely manner the Art Deco Reimagined at the Blue Line.  I should be hearing from that one any day as to whether or not one of my entries was accepted.  The deadline for the California State Fair is coming up and I still haven't decided what to do there.  We will be busy with other adventures during the time of the fair, so don't know if I'll actually enter after all.  The KVIE Art Auction deadline is coming up in another month and I definitely want to enter that one.  I'd like to do a darkroom print - I'll just have to see if I can come up with one incredible print! ; )

Today it's back to working the High Hand Gallery and it should be a pretty busy day.  Over the last week I have been printing out new prints from my stash of European photos.  The majority of them I have done on metallic paper.  I'm finding that the 'luster' metallic seems to show off the metallic characteristics more than the 'glossy' metallic.  I never would have thought that - but there it is.  You don't think you can really tell from this scanned image, but here's one on the luster metallic paper:

Placer Arts 30th Jubilee

We returned this mid-week from a short trip to Carmel.  The drives up and back were good, no problems.  The skies were pretty clear but it also got the wind as the rest of the California did too.  Whaddya gonna do?!  Didn't really take any photos that were gallery-worthy, but that's okay.  I need to go out on my own soon to get that done.

As soon as we got back I had several things to take care of in the art world.  I had entered two images into Placer Arts 30th Jubilee and one of them was accepted!  I also attended the award ceremony prior to the actual ArtWalk last night.  My entry didn't receive any awards, however, I did get juried in!  That's an award in itself.  I did take notice of two other photographers who were juried in also.  The one photograph that won in the photography category was a black and white print on metallic paper.  The other one I noticed was a print on rice paper, which I thought was better than the metallic print.  I have rice paper on my list to buy, but I must say it is very expensive and you only get 20 sheets at that for under $400!!  That's another subject for another post!

Earlier in the day I sent to Marketplace of Auburn for its grand opening and ribbon cutting at noon.  Several chamber members were present and of course then had the ribbon cutting ceremony.   That gallery already has 30 artists!  Good for Cynthia, the owner!   

Here's an image from Carmel.  These kids were having a great time out in the wind with their shovels, digging a major hole!

Ansel Adam's Book 3 - THE PRINT

I'm researching, reading, and re-thinking my whole darkroom development process.  I'm reading Ansel Adam's Book 3 - The Print - again.  Actually, I'm reading it after reading another photographer's information on black and white archival print processing.  I don't know if I'm re-learning or re-thinking the process, but I'm open to 'testing' the waters of developing in the darkroom so long as it gets me to making a great gelatin silver print!  That's all I care about, so why not investigate and try a slightly different approach.  I'm thinking there are several ways to do this whole process.  Sure there's basics, but each and every person who develops in the darkroom has their own way of doing things.  My first step is to dilute the Dektol 1:3 v. 1:2 as it states on the package.  Apparently the results are the same - maybe better.  That will be my first experiment!

In regards to print archiving, I've not done this step ever, which is to use a selenium toner to create an archival print.  I'm not an expert, but by doing this it looks like three more steps are added to the process!  Yikes!  I'm searching for a process that will give me true blacks and white whites.  There is also a product out there that basically helps bleach?? for a truer white.  Again, I'm still learning.  As far as the 'yellow' I've been referring to, that seems to be a standard result and maybe that's the 'warm tone' I'm reading about that is often referred to.  Who knows?  Only my persistence will give me the answers I'm looking for!

Here's one that I've printed out at least five times.  It is one of the last frames of Croatia.  I'm going to try it one more time in the Dektol dilution of 1:3 and see what that does.

High Hand Gallery Sale

Last night I finally finished up working on some images from a photo shoot of one of my friend's 9 month old baby boy.  That was so much fun looking at the photos again!  They looked better than when I remembered taking them!  Made three CDs for them and printed out some of the best family portrait images as a courtesy - as I like to see what they look like printed out.  I think they'll be happy with them.

With that project out of the way, I worked at High Hand Gallery today and sold one of my framed images of Yosemite's Half Dome to a woman out of town.  I'm totally stoked!  So tomorrow I will take it to FedEx to have them package and mail it to its destination.  I've posted that image before, but here it is again:

Troubleshooting in the Darkroom

I am finally back in the darkroom.  I was performing a lot of checks and double checks with the enlarger, put on the new foam gasket, checking for light leaks (still have them from the enlarger even after adjusting the head and re-adjusting!).  I spent the day in there printing out another 5 images.  It took longer because of me having to re-adjust the head for almost every print.

However, I moved the safelight higher up after reading that it should be a minimum of 4 ft. away from the developing trays (mine was 4 1/2 ft.).  So it's now 6 1/2 ft away.  I also added a black cloth around the head which helps a lot, and I'm going to add another piece of material over the top of the overhead light.  It is a square 1 ft. light and I'm seeing reflection off of it because it is glass.  The prints came out pretty good, but I'm still not seeing bright whites.  They look not foggy, but yellow-ish and that's not right, I tell ya!!  So before I go in there again, I'm going to cover the light up.  

Here's one from yesterday.  It was one of my first views of when we set foot on Corfu.  There were quite a few long hallways, in fact the whole city had covered walkways in front of all their buildings!  This one could use some dodging on the man on the right who is on the cell phone.  I scanned it in in 16-bit grayscale so you can't really see the yellow effect, but trust me there is a slight yellow tinge to it!

Beseler Enlarger

Artfest is over and I cannot stress enough the work that goes into just setting up and breaking down the  artwork, table and propanels!!  There were a lot of folks that stopped and talked to me and I did hand out some of the information I had printed up. I can't say it was a success, but I wasn't out any money, so that was good.  My artist friend whom I shared the space with did excellent!  And I'm so happy for her as she is an up and coming budding artist and people LOVED her work!  That is just so great for her.  Good job Rose!

I finally heard back from the company that found the foam gasket for my Beseler enlarger.  It didn't get shipped until Monday morning, so hopefully today I will get it.  Over the weekend I picked up some more 8x10 glossy fiber base paper and chemicals, so I would be ready to go when the gasket arrived!  I do hope it solves the light leak - otherwise I'm hosed.  Although I did get the name of a local guy in Sacramento who works on them.

Sunday I had a photo shoot for some friends of their nine month old son.  Now I will be working on those images sometime this week so I can get them off to them as soon as possible.  Last night out of part boredom and cleaning off my work table, I double matted and framed a Japanese block print (post card size) that I have been wanting to get finished!  Voila!  Done!

Artfest - High Hand Gallery

This morning I am off to Artfest at High Hand Gallery.  It is a two-day event from 10 - 4 p.m.  However, I will be there for today only.  I am sharing the space with another artist friend.  I will be demonstrating the matting and framing.  Lugged all my heavy gear yesterday - the panels and table and framed images.  I am bringing more stuff I forgot this morning.  I have made copies of my handouts which include a 3-page description on how to cut mats on the Logan mat cutter, WITH DRAWINGS! ; )  My second hand-out is the list of references on where to purchase various photographic supplies.

Off I go, and wish me luck!

High Hand Gallery

Good news!  The company down in Los Angeles will be sending me the foam gasket I need for the Beseler enlarger.  Finally, an answer to the problem.  This better be it, I don't need to buy a new enlarger!  Hopefully I'll receive it by the end of the week and I can get started on some darkroom processing!  I'm anxious to get back in there!!

Worked this weekend at High Hand Gallery and did meet numerous folks who really 'loved' my images.  A woman purchased one of my unframed photo transfers - Monet's Jardin.  So that was pretty encouraging.  Things are starting to pick up in the gallery, so that's a good sign.

This morning I was off to another artist's home to take photos of her clay pieces of art.  Taking photos of artwork is not an easy thing to do.  After about a half hour, we got good lighting to get some good takes.  Now I just have to upload them, work on them, resize them, and put them on CD for her.

Last night I framed the final poster for the High Hand Gallery's 5th Annual Artful Bra Show!  That was not easy, as I cut a double mat for it and almost ruined it!  But I saved it.  It looks pretty nice I must say.  The next project I need to tackle is getting ready for Saturday's Artfest at High Hand Fruitshed.  I think we will have about 30+ artists on hand, demonstrating their artwork.  Since I can't take my PC or my darkroom over there, I will be demonstrating matting and framing and handing out a list of reference materials.  I'll also have some of my works on display for sale.  

Photography Shows

I'm kind of in limbo now with the darkroom.  Still waiting to hear back on whether a part has been found for the enlarger.  The suggested light leak 'fix' was short-lived.  I think I will also call Sacramento tomorrow and see if they can maybe refer me to someone here locally who can perform maintenance on enlargers.

I did spend most of the day yesterday entering three shows.  Doing those entry forms and sizing images to submit, sure takes up a lot of time.  But for the most part I am finished.  I need to start my artwork if I'm going to enter the 'Art Deco Reimagined' competition.  It just sounded so cool and interesting.  I believe I already mentioned that I found an image from Venice that I can use as a photo transfer.  I was even thinking of printing it out on my Epson printer!  I'm still debating that one.  I don't want to get the inkjets clogged!  That would be disaster for me.

That's all I have going right now.  Worked at High Hand Gallery today and I'm basically pooped to say the least!

NVAL 2013 International Juried Photography Show

I know, it's been a few days since I've written on my blog.  With our 'fake' spring we had to start working in the yard.  Then work at the gallery.  I finally did get back into my darkroom yesterday afternoon!  Hallelujah!  I printed out four more images from Croatia - almost done...I know, it just goes on and on!  I guess I liked that place.  However, bad news.  I have notice that I had a light leak from time to time.  It's gotten worse to where I can't eliminate it.  The leak is coming from the film negative holder area.  There is a foam gasket (called the Lamphouse Cushion) that I think has taken it's final toll and so I'm trying to locate where I can purchase another one.  I called Freestyle and the woman I spoke with will get back to me with a price as that is one item they don't carry in stock.  I had searched the Beseler website and Freestyle told me you can't order directly from them - well that's not nice!  So that's where I stand with the darkroom.

I went into a frenzy trying to locate my coveted manual for the Beseler.  It took me a night and all the next morning to finally locate it.  I hate it when I get so dang organized I can't find anything.

Next on my 'to do' list will be to complete the application and enter the NVAL (North Valley Art League) 2013 International Juried Photography Show.  Robert M. Nishihira, who is chair of the Photography Department and full-time instructor at City College of San Francisco is the juror.  This will be my first international anything and would be curious to see how I do.  I think!?      

Art Shows in California

I am in the middle of an artist deep funk, as I like to call it! ; (  I'm having a hard time getting motivated.  I don't think it's the sunny weather, but who knows!  So after cleaning up some of my messes, although it still looks messy in here, I cut mats last night for the photo transfers I did recently as I was tired of looking at unmatted and unframed paintings.  I think I made a decision, that I'm not going to frame these, and just mat them, put them in cellophane sleeves and sell them that way.  Matted, they are 11x14, a standard frame size, and the buyers can purchase their own frame.  Change it up a little at the gallery.

There are quite a few competitions/shows coming up.  An international one in northern California with a deadline of March 18.  I'm hoping to get in on Auburn's Art in the Park in May, and I'm still contemplating the Lodi National Juried Art Show.  I've got to decide SOON - the deadline is Saturday!!  Placer Artists League (PAL) also has their upcoming 30th Jubilee Juried Show.  I have a good month before the deadline on that one.  So many options, which ones to choose?!

I finally finished up with the High Hand Gallery's Artful Bra poster and related documents.  That's a load off. Now I'm just concentrating on myself.  I still need to complete the documentation I've been working on as hand-outs for the ArtFest at High Hand Gallery next month - March.  Never a dull moment around here, even when I'm not "in the mood".

High Hand Gallery - Artful Sunday

A busy last few days.  Sunday was Artful Sunday at the High Hand Gallery.  I also was taking photos of all the early entrants for the upcoming Artful Bra Show scheduled for May 25th.  These images would be the lucky ones that would have the opportunity to be used on all the posters and other mailers.  Of course I had to set up the lights and a table with a backdrop for the artful bras that I would be photographing.  And then because it was Artful Sunday, I was there to also take photos of the day to post on Facebook, which I actually haven't done yet!  Ooops!

Monday I spent the majority of the afternoon in my studio with a friend of mine.  She painted while I was downloading and re-sizing images from the day before.  (I was supposed to be painting with her!)  However, when I got done with the photographs, I did put on a layer of modeling paste onto a 15x30" canvas that I am going to be painting on - hopefully the subject will be trees.  I love trees and I have several images of my own and other images from art magazines - between the two I should be able to come up with something.  This will be a first for me to paint onto a canvas that has 'texture'!  I have actually added texture to paintings before, but not like this.

Today - while it was snowing - I worked on the computer, creating the posters, the fliers, and other pictorial fliers for the Artful Bra Show.  All day loooong!  I'll say one thing, I'm learning about Power Point and PDF files all over again.  It was starting to feel like I was back at work - and I've been retired now for almost eight years!  It was a long day, but I got it done.  Tomorrow I'll attend the Wednesday meeting and hopefully there won't be too many changes to these documents!

Digital Inkjet Prints

I have had many moments of frustration over an issue that some of you may have experienced with digital printing.  The 'fogging' of the inside of the glass of a framed piece.  Have you ever framed a digital piece, only to have to remove the matted image and clean off the glass - again?  That is the result of an improperly dried digital print.  I knew the images needed time to dry and I usually allow them to dry flat for a couple of days, but apparently sometimes that's not long enough.  Or it might be long enough if you put a piece of paper over the image to help absorb the moisture that emits from the drying image.  This is called an out-gassing fog from the glycol (a wetting agent that is used in all ink jet inks) and more specifically affects the RC photo ink jet papers  Even though the fast-drying micro-porous papers like Epson's 'Premium' line, there is still water and glycol under its super-absorbent coating trapped inside.  (I'm quoting some of this from a search I performed on the internet from Inkjetart.com).

On occasion I have been known not to always lay a piece of paper on top of the newly printed image, so now that I know the 'why' I will be more careful.  Just an FYI for those who have had this issue.  That's your small lesson for the day!

More Photo Transfers

It appears I have too many competing interests right now for me to 'plow' into my darkroom! ; )  New gallery in town I discovered with a friend, three upcoming events, having fun with my new Galaxy phone and it's photo options!, and more!  I love the 'cartoon' setting!  I took an image of an image of an image!  Let me explain that one:

So I took an image of a garden setting in Carmel a couple years ago.  I printed it out and turned it into a photo transfer.  Then when I was playing around with my new phone and the cartoon setting, I made another piece of artwork!  Crazy!

Transfer

Original Photo

Cartoon

 Over the weekend I did whip out a couple more photo transfers from my Zen garden stash of images.  They came out really great!  One thing I noticed was that ink jet ink can sometimes look dull on water color paper especially some of the transfer images that I don't add water color to.  So I headed to the art supply store and found a digital finish gloss clear protective coating to spray on them.  Well, it did work in that it toned down the flatness and gave it more rich-looking colors.  However, the smell was unbearable!  Yikes, next time if I have to use it I'll spray outdoors!

The other task I performed was that I created a 'gallery' on my web page for the Photo Transfers.  That's also when I found out my website was 'full'.  I've been wanting to design a new website anyway, since I've had this one since 2001, but just haven't gotten around to it.  I don't know if I really have the time for that right now, so I just deleted several of my old galleries to make room for the newer stuff.  Pretty easy fix!!

Digital Photography

Returned home from Monterey and Carmel for a little R&R.  We were lucky to have great weather the whole time while we walked on the beach, went shopping, checked out the sites, and spent time just relaxing.  I took a few pictures while on the beach.  There was one - my favorite - of a young girl walking with her family and she was carrying a pretty bright lavender umbrella with a ruffle!  Too cute.  Waited for her to pass, and then she passed too far, so I had to put on my zoom lens.  But I clicked off a few images and here's my favorite one, best of the four I took of her:

We managed to do some "art shopping" in our favorite gallery in San Juan Bautista called The Mission Gallery.  Maybe you've been there.  Awesome gallery as they deal mostly in etchings from artists located in California all the way to New York and France!  I think the owner said there were less than 20 artists in the world, in this medium!   Crazy stuff.  Crazy awesome, that is!  I love going to galleries as they are so inspiring - makes me want to get home and get creative!  Here's another beach scene shot that I got on the last day.  It's actually in color, but because of the time of day, the sun shining directly down on the scene it does look black and white, a silhouette.

Photo Transfers on Water Color Paper

After working on the instructions for the matting and framing and being bored out of my gourd, I moved onto another photo transfer.  This time it was an image of a red hibiscus in the sun (taking inside the house) with a black background.  I have to say, I think it's the best one yet.  Not all images work in this medium - and this one is really awesome.  I barely added some water color to a couple of areas.  I think I'm getting the process down a little better:  soak the 140 lb water color paper in warm water for 30 seconds, increase the ink saturation to 'heavy', and I only pressed downward with the palms of my hands v. rubbing the palm of my hands across the page.  I find that tends to leave more blank spaces in the image and it pushes the image around to much.

After that I moved on to selecting four images from my European trip that were digital and changed them into black and white images, increasing the contrast a little more, printed them out at 3.5 x 4.5.  I had purchased some small antique frames last year and was going to put darkroom prints in them for sale at the gallery.  However, I decided to keep these little babies myself and I have to say they came out rather nice.  The frames are a light maple color and I used the same aged mats that were in them.  I arranged them with an etching of Venice that is framed and 11x14 that I already had hanging in the "Paris" guest room.  They look tres chic!  I love making art!

High Hand Gallery Artfest 2013

I made the decision to go ahead and participate in High Hand Gallery's Artfest slated for March 23rd and 24th.  This event provides an opportunity for artists to 'demonstrate' their artwork in progress.  Since it is hard to demonstrate photography processes (i.e., darkroom process, digital printing, photo transfers) in public I have decided to demonstrate matting and framing techniques.  It's not something I really wanted to do and I don't give lessons on 'how-to' photograph, but at least it's something that would be invaluable information for up and coming artists who need to know.  So there you have it.  I had already started writing procedures for cutting mats with drawings, so I've picked up on that and will finish the procedures for this event.  I will take my large mat cutter and other supplies to demonstrate mat cutting, and also demonstrate how to frame and close off an image with paper backing.

 

Photography of Barry Goldwater

Arrived home late last night from a five day trip to Arizona to see family.  One of the days we were there, my sister-in-law and her husband took us to Prescott, Arizona to see Barry Goldwater's black and white photography show at the Smoki Museum.  First of all I had no idea he was a master photographer, all I knew of him was his political career.  There were 21, 16x20 black and white gelatin silver images on display.  There were probably, in my opinion, only 5 or 6 really outstanding ones I thought.  I mean he was in the right place at the right time to be able to still take photographic images of the Navajo and Hopi American Indians, as well as other tribes.  My two favorites were "The Navajo" - the whole frame filled with the Navajo Indian's face, whose name was Charlie Potato; and, "Canyon Snow", an image taken in the Grand Canyon.  I wouldn't mind seeing more of his works, however.

There weren't really any big photo ops for me on the trip - other than the balloon festival we went to.  However, the wind came up on Saturday and so no balloons were up in the air when we were there!  Bummer!  I have been to two other balloon festivals in Reno, so it's not like I completely lost out.  We did walk around thru the Kids Rides and all the vendors.  Here's an image with one of the kids inside the plastic balls.  It was pretty fun to watch!

It was a long trip home - 10 hours to be exact!  And it's always good to get home to your own bed.  Today I ran around with errands and taking care of my husband who woke up with the flu today.  Tomorrow I'll get back in the studio doing something with photography, for sure! ; )

Color Photo Transfers

There is a lot of paperwork to do for a photographer's business, as well as paperwork involved with all the organizations one might be involved in.  So it is that time of year to get my information gathered, emails to send, other blogs to help with the posting, Facebook, etc., etc.  That's what I've been doing.  I did take a break and head down to the Big City and purchase a couple of frames for the photo transfers that I have been working on.  I'm trying to stay ahead of the game, and though I said I wasn't going to do any 'shows' this year - looks like I am!  That's what it's all about, right?  EXPOSURE!

I thought I would post another one of my photo transfers here for you to feast your eyes upon - just to keep the interest level up on my blog.  This is an older image that I've had that I took in Monet's Jardin when I was in France in 2004.  Images with the blurred background (as in portrait mode) make for good transfers.  You know, one subject matter in the forefront, and blurred/diffused objects in the background.

I mat these in a single mat, with a 1/4" space between the mat and the image - giving it the illusion of a double mat.  Works pretty good.  This one I will be framing in either a fancy or plain gold frame.  At 11x14 frame size (image is 8x10), I price these at $125.  It's a good price I feel for a one-of-a-kind image.  I could do this one again, and it would come out totally different.  No two are alike.

I received an email last night from a fellow artist friend who had a client wanting an image of a row of birch trees for her home.  I rummaged through all my images - and trust me, I have tons of images of trees of every kind - but not ONE single image of birch trees all lined up.  Aspens, but not birch trees!  Cypress, redwoods, Japanese maples, tons of oaks (Live and Black).  C'est la vie!

Photo Transfers

For some reasons I switched over to photo transfers Saturday night, and continued with it on Sunday.  I wanted to paint, but not have to pull out all the paints, etc.  I figured I could still be doing something creative without a lot of fuss and mess.  I had success with two images.  A couple images I tried just didn't work - it happens.  Photo transfers aren't for every image that's for sure.  I was still being productive!  This final product was from an image of a hummingbird I took thru my studio window this past fall.

I want to go online and order some frames thru Dick Blick, and then get back into these photo transfers!  It's noon and I'm a little slow getting started today.  Go do some art! ; )

Enlargers

Yesterday was another day in the darkroom.  First of all I had this brilliant idea the night before to try out the Vivitar enlarger.  I have two:  the Beseler and Vivitar.  The Vivitar is used only for developing black and white prints.  I thought it was about time I tried it out and this way I would find out just how far off I might be in the developing of prints.  I was thinking there was going to be this MAJOR difference!  Alas, no difference, other than the diffused light was 'diffused' and so it took longer to develop a print.  I developed one that I had already printed out on the Beseler.  IT WAS EXACTLY THE SAME, and really not even any better.  So after messing around with that for a couple of hours, I continued working on the third roll from Dubrovnik on the Beseler.  Developed three more and called it a day.  I'm sharing my favorite of the three here.  Again, another restaurant front that looked very inviting - "Restaurant Aquarius".

I did check my FB paper and it's good.  No problems there.  I did change the actual development time down to 2 minutes after re-checking with the manufacturer's instructions on Dektol (2-3 minutes).  Made sure I was being more precise on my transferring of the paper from one tray to another, checked my consistency of agitation requirements, etc., etc.

Dubrovnik in Black and White

Was in the darkroom all day yesterday.  I did switch to 8x10s to save money.   I developed 8 different images, and there are one or two that I really like.  However, as I viewed them later, I'm thinking that maybe something is still not quite right.  I am going to double check a few things:  1) my safe light and 2) check my paper for starters.  I feel like they're still just a tad muddy.  I had my #1 critic, my husband, come and look at them.  Of course, he said he didn't think they looked muddy.  Maybe I just haven't had an image with a lot of contrast - ??  I should try an image with both whites and blacks in it that seem to stand out.

I went online and you can find some great info from teachers, Freestyle Photo, Ilford web pages with step by step instructions and/or trouble shooting information.  Printed out a few of those.  Then looked into some of my photography books - and heck! Mine seem okay.  So what am I worried about?  I will do some trouble shooting before I do more printing, however, just for the 'my' record.  I'll scan in my favorite image from yesterday and share it here.

This image was taken at a little art shop that we came across as we took the walk along the top of the wall in the walled city of Dubrovnik (and we only walked half way around as it was very hot that day).  Those are either grape leaves or some other large leafed plant growing along the top of the building while providing some shade.  It was just a quaint little shop.

Today I worked at High Hand Gallery.  It was the second day of our re-hang.  Yesterday the walls were painted by the gallery members.  It was my turn to go in today and help.  Arriving at noon and four hours later I was bushed and actually every one else left and went home.  Long day!

Darkroom Day

Spent the day in the darkroom and worked my way back into that 'comfortable' feeling again.  I worked on only four images.  Trying to perfect a couple I had already printed.  I was having issues with the outside edges of some of the prints.  At first I thought it was a particular roll, but that wasn't the case.  I'm thinking it was my possible inconsistency in developing??  Or I was tired??  Or I moved the paper when it was in the easel??  I don't know, but it happened on about four images.  So I reprinted one of those with the blurred edges and it came out sharp - just like it looked on the negative.  I was back in business!  I'm thinking it was inconsistent agitation of the print when processing in the chemicals. Anyway, it didn't happen this time.  I'm waiting for them to finish drying a little bit more before I put them in the book to press over night.

I'm moving on to Roll #3!  This roll continues with Dubrovnik and it has several doorways, passageways and some pretty archaic architecture.  The last 11 images on this roll are from Corfu, Greece.  This one ought to be fun.  I have to admit, I haven't had any images that were as stellar as Venice, but there are plenty more to come.  I think I just might switch back to 8x10 size FB paper, and if something is absolutely OUTSTANDING, then I'll print it on 11x14.

I've already gone thru this roll and wrote down the ones I'm going to be printing and even circled the ones I felt were extra outstanding.  Gives me something to look forward to.  Now I'm going to go back and look at them again - one more time.  Looking forward to tomorrow!

Awagami's Washi Inkjet Paper

It's already the 3rd of January! ; )  I have been out collecting supplies.  Purchased a few small frames to have on hand at the 1 Cent Sale at Aaron Bros.  That sale continues to February 4th if you're interested.  Today I picked up framed France images from the library - I almost forgot they were even there!  And I was able to purchase the Epson ink locally, but will have to order the light magenta from Freestyle online as that was the one color Pardee's didn't have today!!  I did manage to mix up some new developer so I'm ready for the darkroom.  I'm thinking tomorrow I can get in there - finally!

I bought my husband an Italian cookbook - so he's been doing a lot of cooking lately.  He's doing very well too I might add, but it could pack a few pounds on us, so that worries me.  But the good thing is that if I am in the darkroom - I don't have to come out as soon to cook dinner cuz he's doing it! ; )  I like it!

Getting back to Freestyle Photographic Supplies, their latest catalog has some very interesting papers for inkjet printers!  Washi Inkjet Paper made by Awagami based in Japan.  They are touting it as a "revolutionary WASHI (Japanese paper)" collection for photographers.  That got my attention.  It makes me start thinking about what I could print:  ethereal images come to mind first and foremost.  Do I have any??  That's the next question. ; )

The other black and white digital image that I am taking to the High Hand Gallery for January's re-hang is one I took at Yosemite in 2011.

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013!!

The start of a new year - aahh!  Just like starting over!  I like it!!  I'm also wishing all who read this blog a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year.  We make it whatever we want, since we're the ones in control of our own lives.  Remember that!

Today I've already begun printing out some images for the new year.  Time to bring in new pieces for the High Hand Gallery's new re-hang next week.  I've printed out one of the mimes from Barcelona, Spain - this one is in color.  I have a second digital B&W image from Yosemite that I am also submitting.  Today I'll cut mats, and I just happen to have new frames in stock for these two.  Sometime today I am going to mosey down to Aaron Bros., as they are having their buy one get one for 1 cent sale.  I need to stock up for a couple more.  Not too many, as I like metal frames and I get those from Delta Mat & Moulding.  However, I just remembered, we did receive a gift certificate from Dick Blick and they have frames too!  I love it when I have more than one choice!

This image of Mime #3 was taken on Las Ramblas (the main tourist drag) in Barcelona, Spain.  These people really put themselves out there!  The costumes are so elaborate, and if you can imagine 100 degree weather sitting all day long in the hot sun with heavy costumes and silver/gold makeup.  They make a lot of money at it too.  To them, 'this ain't no game!"

Later I plan on mixing up some chemicals, so I will have them ready in the morning to start DEVELOPING AGAIN!!  It's been way too long.  Plans for this year??  I'm thinking no shows - that wore me out last year. What I need to concentrate on is marketing - how and/or where to place my images aside from the galleries. I started looking into Etsy and then there's even Ebay.  There are other new venues like that on the Internet, I just need to investigate that more - and then make a move.  

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!