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.

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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.

http://www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

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