December's Art

I've been working on these pieces for a couple of months. First the drawing was created. I had selected a frame many months ago and then when I was getting ready to work on the matting the glass broke. Something else took the spot and the drawings were just sitting there. About two weeks ago I began working on adding some color to the drawings and every so often I took a photograph to show the process. All of the drawings are different, but you get the idea. These photos do not reflect the finished pieces, but if you're interested let me know.

They all began as sketches and then outlined with a black marker. I liked the effect that came off with this as the drawing was draped on a chair.

This is part of a larger picture what I liked the pose and thought it was interesting. I also wanted to show the stages of going from the outline to adding color.

This is another drawing which is the third one before the finishing touches. All tree will hang side my side in a salute to fashion.

Thanks for stopping by, keep an open mind and let your creativity shine.

Painted ornaments

The above design is one that I did for a tee shirt many many years ago. It actually glowed in the dark. I decided I wanted to keep the design and I framed it.It was during my time of creating one of kind pieces of fashion and art. The image was inspired by a Nagel lithograph I saw in a book.



The above is a cross that I'm working on to give to someone as a gift. When I arrived in Austin I noticed that a lot of Hispanics have crosses on their walls and so a collection was formed as people were giving me crosses to hang. Then I started making them. I've always had a fascination with the crucifix.



These ribbons will adorn my Christmas tree once I am finished and I put the tree up. That will probably be the project for the weekend since it will be cold.

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind. I hope to launch Nexx Fazz again and share some of my art tips via video.

Nagel Inspired

I was always fascinated by the female form and Nagel certainly captured that in his work. I first became familiar with this artist through his work in Playboy magazine. I found a book of some of his drawings in the 90's and I also purchased one of his lithographs that I found at a garage sale. I couldn't pass it up.

I continue to discover artists that I relate to or like the style of their work.

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind.

Artist Trading Cards (ATC)

I'm not sure if I've mentioned Artist Trading Cards here or on my other blog, but I've been working on them for quite sometime. I've decided that I will have 50 that will be available for anyone that would like one. Some are already created for specific people. If you'd like to receive a card, send me your email address.
Send emails to Photo1960@aol.com and in the subject put artist trading card. If you see one that you like, let me know and if it isn't already reserved, I'll send it to you.
If you are an artist and you have an ATC let me know how I can get one of your cards.

Thanks for stopping by and do come again.

Two new paintings

The beginning of the painting Venezia



Venezia



The beginning of the painting The Cross



The Blue Cross

My creative process seems to be unique. I don’t know of many people that can write a poem or create a piece of art in one sitting. It’s almost like a creative rant. I might write six or more poems and they’ll be good, but one or two will stand out and I will create a series around those two poems. I usually write poems that are several pages long. I rarely edit anything unless it doesn’t flow well. When I was with the New Orleans poetry forum I began calling the poetry that I did, “Poetry With An Attitude.”

My paintings are all different, but I’ve noticed a brush stroke technique that continues to be seen in my paintings, along with the colors that I use. My latest paintings I worked on at the same time. They began with a sketch on a piece of paper. I then decided I’d like to see how it would look as a painting. I was not sure where it would go. I just let the paint and my mind bring the image to life. They both have a surreal effect as well as seeing an image that the viewer can see.

Once I give my work a title then I don’t expect to explain its meaning. It is up to the viewer to make their own opinion. I realized a long time ago that art is not for everyone and either you get it or you don’t.

Thanks for stopping by; do come again. Keep an open mind.

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Remembering August 29, 2005

The Crescent City Connection in New Orleans.

On the 6th anniversary of Katrina, I remember that I was wondering if my photos and art were going to be safe when I would return home. Once I was evacuated from my home I didn’t know if the water would get any higher.

The mind plays tricks on you. The images on the television kept showing water coming into the city. It was actually showing what had already happened.

I realized when I decided to return to the house that I was only concerned about my photographs and my laptop. I was able to supply family members with memories they had lost due to the hurricane. I’m still supplying photographs and memories.

Taking it one day at a time and keeping the faith.

Check back and see where this journey leads.

While you’re here why not become a follower.

Thanks for stopping by, keep an open mind. What is meant to be…

Remembering The Summer Solstice 2011

Images from a Summer Solstice - The way this came about is very interesting. In fact most of my memorial photographs have incredible stories behind them. It all started with the recreation of the crucifix at Woodlawn Cemetery ( I think that’s the right name) in Seattle. It started with a party, the discovery of someone who had the same idea and a photograph of a cross that I had no idea was so huge. The photo shoot was very spiritual. In fact, the entire week was incredible. The photos are something I am really proud of. For some it was a little controversial, but I didn’t see it that way at all. The art that came out of it and the story behind it is special for me. Of course if people knew the story they would have a better understanding of the photos, but that’s my secret.

I happen to be in NOLA for the Summer Solstice. I had forgotten about it. There was someone visiting the city that I would be meeting for the first time and I offered to give them some insight on the city since this was their first visit.

I decided to go up to Audubon park because I had not been there in a while. I think it was about two years ago, but I stayed in the front part taking pictures. This time I decided to go along the river. We walked down and then stopped at one of the gazebo like structures. The weather was incredible. There was a heavy breeze. I had to hold the bill of my cap so it wouldn’t fly away. There were some sprinkles from the rain. After about 30 minutes of talking, some people showed up and asked if they could set up under the gazebo. It was public domain and I didn’t have a problem with that.

I thought it was interesting that they invited us to join in their celebration. They had wine, tea and beer. They grilled, played music and were very social able. I was very observant as I usually am. A few of them had cameras and I decided to take a few pictures myself. Some of the images you see here are a result of such a surreal and tranquil evening. I hope they don’t mind that I’m using the images here.



Thanks for stopping by; do come again. Keep an open mind.

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Expect the unexpected

I’ve probably discussed this before, but when it keeps happening then you talk about it again. It can be a learning experience. We don’t know what the future holds and certainly not day to day. We just have to take things as they come and deal with them the best that we can. For some of us it can feel like dejavu all over.
Yesterday I was talking with someone that is part of the evacuation preparedness program. The city has employees that are part of a first responders group. They will work with EMS, firefighters and the coast guard in the event of a hurricane. As most of us know we can practice and be told things in advance, but no matter how much we prepare when it is time for the actual event we are not always as calm and collected.

Our personal lives can do the same thing. Once our parents took care of us and many people are finding themselves having to care for their parents or other elderly relatives. Every situation is different, but it still means a change in the way you do things.
In some cases it’s a new person in your home. Both parties then have to adjust. Everyone has to feel comfortable.

Life has been divided up for us in phases, but they don’t effect us all the same way. We are all children, but some of us have to grow up faster than others. There are the teens years, where it’s the greatest time of your life and for others it is the most miserable time. Once you become an adult things change for some of us and others just keep on living the way they always have. Some people get a formal education and get degrees and others take another route. Some people are just more focused than others. They have goals, an agenda in life if you will.

Just because you become a person of a certain age doesn’t mean you have to stop doing certain things if you can still enjoy them. Despite the reports that more people are obese, there are quite a few older people who aren’t and they are living longer. There is a certain mind set that goes along with keeping oneself healthy. In order to do that one has to be happy with where they are in their life. You have to want to see another day. You want to see your family, see your dreams come true. You just can’t give up. Of course those words are easy to say because when you’re actually in a situation it all changes.



Taking it one day at a time and keeping the faith.

Check back and see where this journey leads.

While you’re here why not become a follower.

Thanks for stopping by, keep an open mind. What is meant to be…

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Coming Up: Thoughts from an Artist Part 2, What happens next?(Army Corps Eng), Cutting back, Entering contests, Selling Stuff,

Arranging and framing photographs.

This is a shot of a rainbow inside a fountain at City Park's Popps Fountain in New Orleans. It's currently going through some renovations. I've used this location for several photo shoots.

So many people have photographs and it can be overwhelming and expensive to put them into frames. You have to decide which type of frame you want to get. One to hang on the wall or a table top frame. That decision can be made by the size of the picture. Anything larger than 8 x 10 should be hung on the wall. The same style of frame in different sizes can work as well as different colors. If color isn’t your thing then go with basic black, silver or gold.

You have to do what makes you comfortable. You don’t want the wall or table to feel cluttered. Using the same types of frames even in different sizes is a great solution when trying to decide on a frame. Once you have the frame you need to decide on the image that will go inside the frame and then decide on the matting. Matting is used so that the image doesn’t touch the glass. Should there be moisture the image could stick to the frame when it dries and if you try to remove the picture it could rip.

If you chose a colorless frame, then you could go with colored matting. The matting can match something in the picture or you could match the décor in the room. It allows you to express who you are.



Thanks for stopping by; do come again. Keep an open mind.

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Restoration

There have been a few times where I've looked at images by other artist and wondered how did they do that. I've been drawing since I was a kid and there are still things that I can't figure out. Sometimes a magazine will give a secret which helps me a lot. I realize then that I wasn't losing my touch in the creative process. I think all artist look at their earlier work and you either like it or you hate it. Sometimes its so good you wonder why can't you do it now? You begin to question your ability and whether or not you are any good.

Like all things in our world its become easier to create different things if we wish to buy a program that shows us how to do it. The shortcuts if you will. It may take some skill to learn the program and its still art, but I prefer to create it myself with my hands. Every now and then I may use the paint program to color a drawing just to see how it will come out.

Recently I discovered a drawing I had done back in 1981. The drawing is called Halloween. It was actually done on Halloween that afternoon. Back then I was recording times on my drawings with the date. The paper was beginning to fade and tear around the edges. After Katrina I had left many drawings on the walls. When I took them out of the discolored matting I just rolled them up. They were just stored in my studio closet and I didn't do anything with them until yesterday. I decided I liked this drawing too much to just photograph it and toss it in the trash. It measured 17 x 22. I had a frame that was 16 x 20. I decided the focal point of the drawing is the eyes and the lips. That's what I would make sure came through in the matting. I decided to use some markers and pencils to bring out the colors and make them pop through the frame. I was so thrilled that I decided to do this. I like the way the image turned out and now its hanging on my wall of my new home.

I need to go through more of my drawings to see how they are holding up. Some are in tubes and some are in portfolios. I'm trying to declutter, but when it comes to my art it is hard to part with something that means so much.

Thanks for stopping by and do come again. Remember, keep an open mind.

The Art of Decluttering

There is an art to everything: Sex, cooking, leadership, relationships, etc. Not everyone understands how it works and then there are those that do things their way.

Getting rid of clutter is no different. There are some people who can just throw stuff away without even thinking about it. Then there are those who have an attachment to things.

For me it started at a young age. Someone gave me something and it meant a lot that they thought of me. Then there are those things that I started collecting on my own.
I held on to that Disneyland poster until the edges frayed and it was no longer holding up. Of course its possible I still have some of it in a file somewhere and I just haven’t run across it.

When I began traveling I began picking up little things because that seemed to be the thing that you did when you traveled. For me it started at the age of 12. I went to Houston Texas with my dad and some friends. We did Astroworld and attended a baseball game at the Astrodome. It was quite exciting and it was the first time my dad and I had ever taken a trip just the two of us.

There are a few items I have from that particular trip. My map of Astroworld and the miniature baseball bat that I picked up at the Astrodome. I had also collected a pendant, but I don’t know if its still hanging over a doorway in my home in NOLA or not. I’m still dealing with that situation as well.

I bring stuff back and then there isn’t a place for it so it gets put aside and before you know it you have created clutter. It’s easy to find a place for the small things, but the larger items are difficult to store.

Still there are the memories and I like running across things when I’m looking for something else and reliving that moment for a while.
I have thousands of photographs, but that adds another dimension to it all. They are tucked away in a binder and you don’t always look at them. I must admit that I do take time out to look at the stuff that I have collected.

I must admit there are some things in which I’ve gone overboard. My art supplies, there are so many I could open my own store. I’m trying to paint canvas and work on other things, but I know the minute I throw certain things away will be the minute I will be looking for it.

There are things that hold family history and its my story that I feel I must hold on too.
I am getting to the point where something must be done, but I hate to just throw something in the trash. I’d rather pass it along to someone who can make use of it.
One man’s trash…

Many experts have ways of getting rid of clutter. Certain items you can scan into your computer or take a picture to keep the memory alive. You can create a sort of recycling system. Stuff to keep, stuff to donate and stuff to sell, etc. Deciding what to keep is really easy, but we tend to let our emotions get in the way. We hold on to that item that we may never where or an invent that has long been gone and all that is remembered is that item that is hanging in the closet.
You know its bad when you look in the closet and there are still things with the price tag on it. If you can research the receipt its even worse to find out you’ve had the item for several years and never worn it.

If we create a sentimental pile and then move on to create a pile of not sure why we are keeping it and a pile of stuff we can actually sell and maybe even a pile of stuff to just give away we make some progress.

Usually when I look at certain items and I think of someone that might be able to use it or if someone gave it to me, I always call that person to see if they would like to have it back before I pass it along to someone else. I think its proper etiquette.

Sometimes we become oblivious to the things we’ve collected. Then one day we look around and we see we’ve got a museum of candles, vases, flowers, art, DVDs, video games, CDs, and the list goes on.
Sometimes I can go through and just toss it and then there are times when I stop with each item and reflect.
Working on one room at a time is the best way to do things because you won’t become too overwhelmed.

Sometimes just opening the door to that closet or room can be overwhelming if you have really let things get out of control.

It’s like a credit card with a high balance and you’re only paying the minimum. It doesn’t seem as if you’re doing anything, it keeps building and building.
You’ve got to try harder and don’t be afraid to throw it out if it serves no purpose at all. If its tucked away and you don’t know its there, you really won’t miss it when its gone.

Thanks for stopping by; do come again. Keep an open mind.

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Inspiration from...

In the mid 70's I adapted a fascination with the musical group LaBelle. It was mainly Nona Hendrix and then Patti Labelle, but the theatrics and costumes of the group grabbed my attention. This image is from one of their television appearances.

I get inspiration from everything around me. From a book, magazine and the people around me. Art comes in many forms. One word can be considered art depending on how it is displayed. I'm sure many of you have seen the Love, Hope and Faith, posters, paintings, etc. The biggest thing that keeps me going as an artist is that there are things that I like, but don't totally appeal to me. I created my own series of Chefs, but the thing is after you've hung up the art, does one still create?
Of course, you just have to decide to share the art with someone else. Pricing art can be the hardest thing for an artist. You don't always want to part with the piece, but you've put a lot into the work and sometimes it takes a couple of hours, weeks, months and years.
I've mentioned this before, but artists do think alike. They can be miles away from each other and yet have the same idea of an image, but create a different variation.
The thing about being an artist is letting a part of yourself be seen. You reveal things about yourself in your art after doing it for a long time.

Thanks for stopping by; do come back again.