I really love the painting above, Mac. The 'explosion', if you will, of the various colors is very interesting. And at the center is a lovely 'blossom' of the colors that radiate from it. I like how the colors vary from very soft to bright and vibrant in different areas of the painting.
It is very well done and a great winner in my book.
I wasn’t thinking about Peony flowers, more thinking about linear perspective and a vanishing point; when I backed away from the painting, I realized that Nature had already thought about that and that I was subliminally involved in “Art imitating Reality”!
Earlier this evening, I think I finally created a painting that satisfies what I think I’m looking for. It will probably take a few days to dry, after which I will varnish it. If I still like it then, I will post it.
I enjoy these articles a lot. But when there are over 350 posts I can't access it anymore, my computer freezes up. Probably my computer's operating system, I don't know.
Not sure what to do about that, Pat. As much as I want to see increased participation, it gets cumbersome to scroll through 300+ posts.
LET ME SUGGEST THIS and see what responses I get.
• If, instead of ONE CONTINUOUS THREAD FROM THURSDAY/FRIDAY, at times, never ending until the next Thursday/Friday, how about we make this i.e. "CREATIVE ARTS WEEKEND" with post going from FRIDAY through SUNDAY, after which, I CLOSE IT, and, I post a new article, say, MONDAY through WEDNESDAY, take a break until the next "CREATIVE ARTS WEEKEND"?
I realize this will add to the comments in this thread, so, please, just respond with
"CREATIVE ARTS WEEKEND" -- YES
or
"CREATIVE ARTS WEEKEND" -- NO
At some point, I will make a decision, and let everyone know.
I, too, have a "slow-down" problem when an article gains too many comments, but my suggestion is to start with an article with "Part 1" at the end, and close it at about 200 comments, and open a second article, same title, ending the title with "Part 2". I think the factor should be the number of comments rather than a specific date or time since those are variable.
I think bifurcating an article would be less effective than running an article from Friday through Sunday then closing it down on Sunday night. Otherwise a part 2 could become part 3 and more.
This Sunday evening I will post specifically what I will set up going forward and see how it goes. It gets cumbersome after the third day, and any member of the Group can post an article in between an “NT Creative Arts Weekend” ... let me think about it.
Hey guys, don't forget that we can minimize the numbered comment threads by hitting the little minus sign at the bottom of the lead post. That can make loading crowded pages a lot easier on your system. When a page gets too long, just start closing old threads that you've already looked at. It should help.
These are photos of the Old Jewish cemetery in Prague, Czech Republic. From Wikipedia: "... one of the largest of its kind in Europe and one of the most important Jewish historical monuments in Prague . It served its purpose from the first half of 15th century until 1786."
The old Jewish neighborhood in Prague is very interesting.
This is some more information from Wikipedia:
"During the more than three centuries in which it was in active use, the cemetery continually struggled with the lack of space. Piety and respect for the deceased ancestors does not allow the Jews to abolish old graves. Only occasionally the Jewish Community was allowed to purchase grounds to expand the cemetery and so many times it had to gain space in other ways; if necessary, a new layer of soil was heaped up on the available area. For this reason, there are places where as many as twelve layers now exist. Thanks to this solution the older graves themselves remained intact. However, as new levels were added it was necessary either to lay over the gravestones associated with the older (and lower) graves to protect them, or else to elevate the stones to the new, higher surface. This explains the dense forest of gravestones that one sees today; many of them commemorate an individual who is buried several layers further down. This also explains why the surface of the cemetery is raised several meters higher than the surrounding streets; retaining walls are necessary to hold the soil and the graves in place."
Beautiful photos, G. And lovely framing. It is wonderful that Prague respects the Jewish cemetery and protects its continued existence. Your color coordinated framing very nicely compliments the photos.
In Duluth MN. There is an old granite quarry that people were climbing in for years. A few years back the city designated it an official city park space for climbing.
Thank you, Buzz. I like to post an oldie now and then to show those who are new to working with their own artwork in different apps that I have not always been able to do what I can today. It takes time to learn the features of the various apps, and to find what works well with their own artwork. I am by no means an expert at creating artwork, and I wind up with more mistakes than good ones, and I am very fussy about what I want to achieve. But, I never give up, I know that my minds eye sees and I won't give up until I reach that point.
And I truly enjoy seeing the progress of those new to working with the various apps, their determination to continue to stretch their imagination and persist to reach their intended goal. It is a well known learning curve and they are making great progress with each new artwork.
Thank you, Dig. It is very simple, yet, it is best to keep things simple when working with animals. For being such small subjects, they can offer a lot on their own.
Beautiful essay of the trees Buzz. Trees are indeed one of the most elegant and beautiful works of art Mother Earth gifts us with in all parts of the world. Her imagination and artwork has no limits, and those who dwell upon the earth, human and otherwise, are for fortunate to partake of the various Blessings. ]
Many trees are great medicine for our health in many ways. And help to provide us with places to live, and to raise our young. They truly are one of the great Blessings of our planet for all who dwell upon it.
Thanks, RW. I'm having an awful lot of fun playing around with editing. It never even occurred to me to give it a try before. Glad I did.
I've just learned how to change the color of my frames, and expanded my options substantially. Those started out as black, but I made them look woodish, or at least that was what I was going for.
Do you think I overdid the vignette in the dove edit?
Not at all, Dig. The colors are very vibrant, and it looks very normal for the type of bird it is. The original looked a bit washed out, to me anyway. So your editing brought out the beauty of the coloring of the feathers.
You should let your own eyes let you know when the colors are right. And you are doing a great job.
Way to go, Dig. How quickly you're picking up the methods to improve your photos. I enjoy watching that because it reminds me of how much I enjoyed going through the very same exercises.
I am really enjoying watching both you and Dig as you progress with your learning. You are both fast learners for sure, and are able to grasp the complexities of color coordination and shape in your framing. It is such a joy to watch new artisans as you meet the challenges and treat us with what you learn. (smile)
Sometimes, the negative space in a photograph or painting can occupy many times the area as does the subject; but, if the subject is strong enough, interesting enough and placed just right, despite the spatial disparity, the picture works as a "balanced" composition.
Creating negative space is an important consideration for many accomplished artists. It can focus attention on the main subject. Your photo is an excellent example.
Indeed salt marshes can be a bit deceiving. Like looking out across the Great Salt Flat that looks like a huge lake, when in fact there is no water at all.
Thanks G. He is holding a small leather pouch which holds a small Tribal symbol. Such pouches are given as the children pass from childhood to young boys, and then again later they become an adult at 25 y/o. The symbols are usually family related, holding references to family ancestors, depending on the traditions of the Tribes.
"The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them." (Isaiah 11:6)
This is a new artwork, Buzz. I have not posted this one before anywhere, other than the Anishinaabe group for the first time also. But, I know the one you are thinking of. The piercing eyes of the Spiritual Shaman are looking into your soul, so to speak. You cannot hide from them. Even if you close your own eyes, your minds eye will see and feel her penetrating eyes..
This may be your most powerful image yet,RW! I know I have said that about some of your other images which means you continue to rise even above your own earlier excellence to new levels!
Just a magnificent work and a testimonial to the strength of our Group.
Thank you for setting a standard for quality art herein.
Thank you for your very gracious and generous compliment, Mac. I truly appreciate it. I do strive to keep improving my artistic skills, and sharing what I learn with those here in this great group. Each new step I take, and each new challenge I am met with, makes me reach deep inside to find a way to do better.
The appreciation from my compeers here in this group is my best reward.
Thank you very much, Dig. I am very happy that you like it. Each of my creations is meant to tell a story of the Native American and Indigenous people, their traditions, customs, culture, beliefs and history. I try to do my part to let others learn more about them through my artwork.
While I haven't been able to get out much over the winter for new images - here are a couple of curiosities that B purchased. The frankenpot is my Valentine's Day gift from her and the bat was something pretty she saw and wanted for a long time. Neither of these items is expensive, just a little odd.
Hahaha. I got the pot last Friday for Valentine's. Yes, that is a "brain cactus" or Mammillaria Elongata Cristata. They are found around Guadalajara Mexico in rock crevices and are easy to grow houseplants. It will grow to 6" high, around 12" around and flower.
Different things bloom year-round. There is always something in bloom, usually more than one thing. We do not have an off season. The ornamentals pears are blooming now as are cape honeysuckle, lavenders, one of our rosemary varieties, some of our lantanas, some jade plants, some red and white geraniums I have growing in a pot, a couple of roses, one daffodil bulb with 2 flowers and some plants with yellow flowers that I don't know the name of. I think that's all for now. That is pretty typical. We also have orchids in our kitchen window that are developing buds and will flower soon.
I took the photo of the ornamental pear flowers yesterday.
The ornamental pear trees bloom this time of year in L.A., usually starting towards the end of December or January. December was so warm, they did not start blooming until January.
This is the kind of painting I have been hoping to generate; I have no idea how it might be received … "strange," "unusual," "nice," "nuts," "huh?," good, bad, "let me think about it," "go back to taking pictures," …
I am happy with it no matter the reactions … if any
what is it about this particular painting that makes it the kind of painting you have been hoping to generate?
Not exactly sure; it's unique; it's colorful; it has lots of interesting textures … and even though I painted it, every time I look at it, my attention focuses on a different area, and, while it seems "busy," even "chaotic," it holds together and remains "solid".
For me....I love the colors of this painting. The variations of the colors themselves are awesome. Moving from the darker left side of the painting to the lighter right is also very interesting. I personally do not see anything particular in this painting, more or less what you see is what is there.
The short take....I really do like the painting except for one aspect.....the empty spaces on the upper left and lower right, as it looks unfinished.
I am by no means an art expert, so I don't know if there is some important view of having empty spaces in a painting. I just know what my eyes see and what they tell me about a painting created by anyone.
So the most important point here is.....if this is what you have been working diligently to achieve in your hearts desire, then that is what counts to most.
And as to whether or not you should continue your painting, YES!
You are a very talented artist, and you know your market better than anyone here. So while it is fun to see what those here think of your paintings, the only real opinion about your painting that counts is your own. As your paintings speak of who you are. They show your inner self, your heart, soul and how you want to express yourself.
So please keep painting, and sharing them with us, as I am sure I am not alone in enjoying seeing them. (smile)
The negative spaces at the corners are intended and when surrounded by a black matte, they will make the design pop … in fact, they become a part of the whole.
Indeed they do look more part of the overall image with the framework to hold them all together. And the framing does make the image pop', as you say, and makes the primary image appear more complete. At least that is how it appears to me. It has a beginning and an end, so to speak. And the black framing makes the colors more vibrant and alive.
Much better with the frame, and changes the 'feel' of the artwork as well. Good choice!
Nevertheless, I will take your and Buzz’s comment seriously and try the same approach taking the design to the edges and four corners. When two different individuals form a similar opinion, it should be taken seriously.
But, if you do that, Mac, it will no longer be what YOU want, and that is not right. Not everyone sees the same artwork in the same way, and what is important here is that what the artwork is now, spaces and all, is what YOU the artist has been working to achieve. It should not matter what I, Buzz or anyone else thinks.
You are the creator of the artwork in the manner of how you want it to look. So is you change it jut because of what someone else thinks, then it no longer is YOUR artwork, but, that of someone else.
There is not a thing wrong with your version of the artwork, so stick with it and enjoy it. Otherwise, it won't be YOUR artwork anymore.
Nothing is lost by considering and acting on opinions of people one trusts, particularly when the worst case scenario has no adverse consequences and, if not acted upon, a good outcome opportunity could be missed for all time.
I told every photography student I ever taught, “you can’t get it right until you first get it wrong!” So, even if my painting isn’t necessarily “wrong” so-to-speak, by letting it evolve, the next one might be “more right”.
I tried rotating the painting through 360 degrees, 90 degrees at a time to see if my opinion would change, but I would like to see your intended adjustment before giving a final opinion. I do agree with Raven that the more prominent frame does help.
It's bright and sunny today, but the shot is shadowy and not very clear. I had a bad lighting angle from the sun, which was in the background and off to the right.
This was my third attempt at cleaning it up. I was really trying to make him pop, but this is about as clear and vibrant as I could make him with my current skillset.
While we can't always have the best situation to work with, we strive to do the best we can with what we have to work with. And you manage to work around the problem areas to provide the best artwork you can.
It is the lesser issues we have at hand that tests our artistic mettle to overcome them and still provide a viable artwork. That is just one more way that we improve our skills.
I went out in our yard this afternoon, and I am happy to report that I saw 3 other types of flowering plants -- sweet alyssum, society garlic and one of our small aloes has sent up a spike that should bloom in the next couple of days. I took some more photos.
Most things here stay green. Our crepe myrtle trees lose their leaves briefly, but then they bloom beautifully. There is a disease that has been affecting the sycamore trees in our area for a few years, so our sycamore loses it's leaves right away.
The lavender does have a fragrance, especially if you stand close or rub a leaf between your fingers.
one of our small aloes has sent up a spike that should bloom in the next couple of days.
My aloe is also preparing to bloom. The spike now has a tight bud at the top of it, and it will soon open and a group of bright red blooms will appear. They last for more than a week, slowly fading away. I really need to cull them, as they pup like crazy! I give the new pups away to anyone who wants them, but, before I know it, there are new pups to take their place. I have them in 3 pots, and all 3 are stuffed full. The new pups are crowding out the older plants, so they are both fighting for space.
I've never seen a Society Garlic. I have raised my share of garlic and other herbs, but, never heard of a Society Garlic. Is it a member of the garlic family, or more like a flower?
Ah, I didn't realize her body was facing the other direction and she was turning her head towards us - I thought that what is under her shoulder was a beaded chest-plate, something like what Wind In His Hair gave to Dances With Wolves as a trade for his hat.
I think that by providing even faint colour to the top left and bottom right it is not the emptiness those spaces depicted in the previous painting, and I see images in this one, and prefer it to the other.
A really beautiful painting, Mac. Color wise, the first one is definitely more bold. However, in this second one, there is more definition in the areas of the image. Both are truly beautiful paintings, and each has their own 'personality', so to speak.
I use a number of "additives," the objective being to create different densities causing the formation cellular areas.
At this moment, I'm trying to simultaneously refine process along with aesthetics; while I feel I'm progressing, I believe I can create much better compositions … working on 4" x 6" paper is cost effective while simultaneously yielding marketable "art show" matted originals. In time, I will do larger, canvas board and canvas paintings.
Thanks. I'm sure I did it wrong, though. It was way harder than it should have been. Instead of just doing an easy overlay like I envisioned, I ended up having to do all kinds of brush blending and cloning across an unintentional gap between the two images.
A REMINDER: Beginning this coming Friday, I will try a "CREATIVE ARTS GROUP WEEKEND" - a Friday, Saturday, Sunday post replacing our current THURSDAY/FRIDAY, which, by remaining open beyond Fridays, generates literally hundreds of posts and comments, apparently slowing the connection for some of the Group members.
I will be LOCKING articles on Sunday nights (starting with this one) so as to prevent this slowing phenomenon.
New articles going forward, will be posted on Friday mornings and run through Sunday nights.
Remember, any member of the Group can post articles from Monday through Thursday (or any time for that matter).
Let's see how the WEEKEND articles go and remember to watch for them.
And thanks to all for the success that makes this adjustment necessary!
I suppose if I tilt my head a little, and wince, and hold my tongue just so, I can kind of see a person holding their hands up by their face as if they were yelling through them.
Thanks for sharing what you see, Dig. I find it fascinating the different things people see in the same piece of artwork that is not purposely defined by the artist. for me, that is the fun part of seeing abstract paintings. Perhaps what I see that others don't, and they see things that I don't. Even in a purposely defined artwork I like to see what else may lie hidden, as many artists like to like to play hide and seek with those who really observe their artwork. I have seen this in some of the artwork by even a few of the great painters.
When you spy them you know its being there is not by mistake, but, the artist having a bit of fun with their artwork.
I have to agree with you, Mac. While both are very well done, the one with the bright blue sky looks better to me. I can almost hear the little bird singing to its hearts content and enjoying the bright sunshine to get a bit of warmth against the cold of the snow. I also enjoy seeing the little buds on the tree it is sitting in getting ready to blossom for spring.
A beautiful natural arrangement, Buzz. And your framing is really awesome. I love the little floret whatnots at the corners of the frame. They really tend to make the frame seem masterful.
That does seem unusual for two different color flowers being on the same base plant, unless the plant had been grafted with a life plant with different colored flowers. However, the different colored flowers on the same tree could be normal depending on the kind of tree it is.
Seems Like Only Yesterday …
Keep on posting & commenting ladies and gents.
That is a very interesting new painting. It looks a bit like a flower with a lot of petals.
Sort of like these:
(From the internet)
Like peonies, like this...
(my photo, taken at the annual Peonie Festival at Luoyang).
Like that.
Beautiful flower.
I really love the painting above, Mac. The 'explosion', if you will, of the various colors is very interesting. And at the center is a lovely 'blossom' of the colors that radiate from it. I like how the colors vary from very soft to bright and vibrant in different areas of the painting.
It is very well done and a great winner in my book.
That's an absolutely awesome painting. It really does resemble the flowers above. Were you going for that, or did it just turn out that way?
I wasn’t thinking about Peony flowers, more thinking about linear perspective and a vanishing point; when I backed away from the painting, I realized that Nature had already thought about that and that I was subliminally involved in “Art imitating Reality”!
Earlier this evening, I think I finally created a painting that satisfies what I think I’m looking for. It will probably take a few days to dry, after which I will varnish it. If I still like it then, I will post it.
I'm looking forward to it.
I enjoy these articles a lot. But when there are over 350 posts I can't access it anymore, my computer freezes up. Probably my computer's operating system, I don't know.
Not sure what to do about that, Pat. As much as I want to see increased participation, it gets cumbersome to scroll through 300+ posts.
LET ME SUGGEST THIS and see what responses I get.
• If, instead of ONE CONTINUOUS THREAD FROM THURSDAY/FRIDAY, at times, never ending until the next Thursday/Friday, how about we make this i.e. "CREATIVE ARTS WEEKEND" with post going from FRIDAY through SUNDAY, after which, I CLOSE IT, and, I post a new article, say, MONDAY through WEDNESDAY, take a break until the next "CREATIVE ARTS WEEKEND"?
I realize this will add to the comments in this thread, so, please, just respond with
"CREATIVE ARTS WEEKEND" -- YES
or
"CREATIVE ARTS WEEKEND" -- NO
At some point, I will make a decision, and let everyone know.
yes
yes
Yes
Yes.
I, too, have a "slow-down" problem when an article gains too many comments, but my suggestion is to start with an article with "Part 1" at the end, and close it at about 200 comments, and open a second article, same title, ending the title with "Part 2". I think the factor should be the number of comments rather than a specific date or time since those are variable.
I think bifurcating an article would be less effective than running an article from Friday through Sunday then closing it down on Sunday night. Otherwise a part 2 could become part 3 and more.
This Sunday evening I will post specifically what I will set up going forward and see how it goes. It gets cumbersome after the third day, and any member of the Group can post an article in between an “NT Creative Arts Weekend” ... let me think about it.
Yes.
Hey guys, don't forget that we can minimize the numbered comment threads by hitting the little minus sign at the bottom of the lead post. That can make loading crowded pages a lot easier on your system. When a page gets too long, just start closing old threads that you've already looked at. It should help.
These are photos of the Old Jewish cemetery in Prague, Czech Republic. From Wikipedia: "... one of the largest of its kind in Europe and one of the most important Jewish historical monuments in Prague . It served its purpose from the first half of 15th century until 1786."
Wow! Those are amazing. I'm glad that they are still standing. So many Jewish cemeteries were ruined during WWII.
The old Jewish neighborhood in Prague is very interesting.
This is some more information from Wikipedia:
"During the more than three centuries in which it was in active use, the cemetery continually struggled with the lack of space. Piety and respect for the deceased ancestors does not allow the Jews to abolish old graves. Only occasionally the Jewish Community was allowed to purchase grounds to expand the cemetery and so many times it had to gain space in other ways; if necessary, a new layer of soil was heaped up on the available area. For this reason, there are places where as many as twelve layers now exist. Thanks to this solution the older graves themselves remained intact. However, as new levels were added it was necessary either to lay over the gravestones associated with the older (and lower) graves to protect them, or else to elevate the stones to the new, higher surface. This explains the dense forest of gravestones that one sees today; many of them commemorate an individual who is buried several layers further down. This also explains why the surface of the cemetery is raised several meters higher than the surrounding streets; retaining walls are necessary to hold the soil and the graves in place."
To carry the subject on this is a photo of the Jewish cemetery in Sarajevo, Bosnia. It dates back to the 15th century and was used until 1996.
It is one of the most interesting cities I have ever visited.
The photo was taken from the internet.
...and so many demolished by the Arabs in Israel, where the tombstones were turned into road-paving stones.
Beautiful photos, G. And lovely framing. It is wonderful that Prague respects the Jewish cemetery and protects its continued existence. Your color coordinated framing very nicely compliments the photos.
Well done!
Thanks, Raven Wing!
Ain't no crosses there. A great variety of tombstones.
Great photos. Interesting and historical.
I was wondering about the density. Thanks for posting the WIkipedia excerpt explaining it.
Thanks, Dig. I have several more photos I took there because I thought it was really fascinating and a great subject.
A rock quarry ice climber.
Great photo, EG. Very daring and interesting.
Where did you take that photo? Lately I've watched quite a few movies with similar scenes.
In Duluth MN. There is an old granite quarry that people were climbing in for years. A few years back the city designated it an official city park space for climbing.
Very "cool" photo, EG.
This morning in The Ramble, Central Park. Snowy Hawk!
Courtesy of Ben Shyman
That's a beauty Vic.
It is indeed, a "Snowy Hawk," and the biologist in me identifies the species as a "Red Tailed" Hawk," (Buteo jamaicensis).
Thanks for posting.
This is an old one I created about 3 years ago....
Perfectly suited for an "oval" RW.
Thanks Mac.
It hasn't aged a bit, but like fine Scotch Whiskey, the older the better.
Thank you, Buzz. I like to post an oldie now and then to show those who are new to working with their own artwork in different apps that I have not always been able to do what I can today. It takes time to learn the features of the various apps, and to find what works well with their own artwork. I am by no means an expert at creating artwork, and I wind up with more mistakes than good ones, and I am very fussy about what I want to achieve. But, I never give up, I know that my minds eye sees and I won't give up until I reach that point.
And I truly enjoy seeing the progress of those new to working with the various apps, their determination to continue to stretch their imagination and persist to reach their intended goal. It is a well known learning curve and they are making great progress with each new artwork.
I haven't seen that one yet. Really nice, Raven Wing.
Thanks G. I'm glad you like it. It is one I created a while back. I like to work with the children as they are so simple, and yet, offer so much.
It's new to me, and I like it a lot.
Thank you, Dig. It is very simple, yet, it is best to keep things simple when working with animals. For being such small subjects, they can offer a lot on their own.
Trees
I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the sweet earth's flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.
TREES I HAVE KNOWN
.
.
.
,
.
.
Tall ones Reaching for the sky.
But "Shorty" the Bonsai can only try..
Beautiful essay of the trees Buzz. Trees are indeed one of the most elegant and beautiful works of art Mother Earth gifts us with in all parts of the world. Her imagination and artwork has no limits, and those who dwell upon the earth, human and otherwise, are for fortunate to partake of the various Blessings. ]
Many trees are great medicine for our health in many ways. And help to provide us with places to live, and to raise our young. They truly are one of the great Blessings of our planet for all who dwell upon it.
Very nice photo essay, Buzz.
Nice shots, Buzz.
You put me in a tree mood.
Nice, Dig.
You are doing a great job with your framing and editing, Dig. They don't look like the same photo at all. Very well done!
Thanks, RW. I'm having an awful lot of fun playing around with editing. It never even occurred to me to give it a try before. Glad I did.
I've just learned how to change the color of my frames, and expanded my options substantially. Those started out as black, but I made them look woodish, or at least that was what I was going for.
Do you think I overdid the vignette in the dove edit? It's a bit too strong isn't it?
Not at all, Dig. The colors are very vibrant, and it looks very normal for the type of bird it is. The original looked a bit washed out, to me anyway. So your editing brought out the beauty of the coloring of the feathers.
You should let your own eyes let you know when the colors are right. And you are doing a great job.
Way to go, Dig. How quickly you're picking up the methods to improve your photos. I enjoy watching that because it reminds me of how much I enjoyed going through the very same exercises.
Thanks, Buzz. I've bookmarked several how-to videos on YouTube for PaintShop Pro. Hopefully I can master the toolbox before long.
Really nice job, Dig.
I am really enjoying watching both you and Dig as you progress with your learning. You are both fast learners for sure, and are able to grasp the complexities of color coordination and shape in your framing. It is such a joy to watch new artisans as you meet the challenges and treat us with what you learn. (smile)
Heading into Friday.
Sometimes, the negative space in a photograph or painting can occupy many times the area as does the subject; but, if the subject is strong enough, interesting enough and placed just right, despite the spatial disparity, the picture works as a "balanced" composition.
Whadya'think?
A Dowitcher Dabbles in a Salt Marsh
© A. Mac/A.G.
We're off to a good start! A "thank you" to everyone.
I like it. I'll have to remember that.
I think it's perfect.
Creating negative space is an important consideration for many accomplished artists. It can focus attention on the main subject. Your photo is an excellent example.
Indeed salt marshes can be a bit deceiving. Like looking out across the Great Salt Flat that looks like a huge lake, when in fact there is no water at all.
Proof that I was on a farm in Indiana...
Another to lead us into Friday....
That is a great image, Raven Wing. What is he holding?
Thanks G. He is holding a small leather pouch which holds a small Tribal symbol. Such pouches are given as the children pass from childhood to young boys, and then again later they become an adult at 25 y/o. The symbols are usually family related, holding references to family ancestors, depending on the traditions of the Tribes.
A very nice verse, Buzz. Thank you.
It is well into Friday morning here in So Cal, so here is my Friday artwork....
Isn't this the one that I said I felt she was looking into our souls with her mesmer-eyes?
This is a new artwork, Buzz. I have not posted this one before anywhere, other than the Anishinaabe group for the first time also. But, I know the one you are thinking of. The piercing eyes of the Spiritual Shaman are looking into your soul, so to speak. You cannot hide from them. Even if you close your own eyes, your minds eye will see and feel her penetrating eyes..
This may be your most powerful image yet,RW! I know I have said that about some of your other images which means you continue to rise even above your own earlier excellence to new levels!
Just a magnificent work and a testimonial to the strength of our Group.
Thank you for setting a standard for quality art herein.
Thank you for your very gracious and generous compliment, Mac. I truly appreciate it. I do strive to keep improving my artistic skills, and sharing what I learn with those here in this great group. Each new step I take, and each new challenge I am met with, makes me reach deep inside to find a way to do better.
The appreciation from my compeers here in this group is my best reward.
So awesome, RW. I really like that. You're very good at blending different images.
Thank you very much, Dig. I am very happy that you like it. Each of my creations is meant to tell a story of the Native American and Indigenous people, their traditions, customs, culture, beliefs and history. I try to do my part to let others learn more about them through my artwork.
Awesome images everyone! I love this group.
While I haven't been able to get out much over the winter for new images - here are a couple of curiosities that B purchased. The frankenpot is my Valentine's Day gift from her and the bat was something pretty she saw and wanted for a long time. Neither of these items is expensive, just a little odd.
Valentines Day or Halloween?
Cool. Is that some kind of cactus for brains?
Hahaha. I got the pot last Friday for Valentine's. Yes, that is a "brain cactus" or Mammillaria Elongata Cristata. They are found around Guadalajara Mexico in rock crevices and are easy to grow houseplants. It will grow to 6" high, around 12" around and flower.
That'll look awesome with flowers. Do you know which time of year to expect them?
From what I read online it should be sometime during the summer. I'll be sure to share pictures.
As I scrolled down the new (to me) comments this morning I burst out laughing when I saw your top one.
Some advice, especially relevant these days, don't let the bat bite you.
Ornamental pear flowers
And quite ornamental it is. Do different things bloom year-round there, or is there ever an off season, so to speak?
Different things bloom year-round. There is always something in bloom, usually more than one thing. We do not have an off season. The ornamentals pears are blooming now as are cape honeysuckle, lavenders, one of our rosemary varieties, some of our lantanas, some jade plants, some red and white geraniums I have growing in a pot, a couple of roses, one daffodil bulb with 2 flowers and some plants with yellow flowers that I don't know the name of. I think that's all for now. That is pretty typical. We also have orchids in our kitchen window that are developing buds and will flower soon.
I took the photo of the ornamental pear flowers yesterday.
Beautiful flower...
Hate you that they are blooming NOW, LOL!
The ornamental pear trees bloom this time of year in L.A., usually starting towards the end of December or January. December was so warm, they did not start blooming until January.
Lovely photo G, and the framing is also very complimentary and unique. Very well done indeed!
Thanks!
From what I've seen so far, I think you have one of the most magnificent home gardens I've ever seen.
Thanks, Buzz. I love our garden.
New Acrylic Painting.
This is the kind of painting I have been hoping to generate; I have no idea how it might be received … "strange," "unusual," "nice," "nuts," "huh?," good, bad, "let me think about it," "go back to taking pictures," …
I am happy with it no matter the reactions … if any
Acrylic Painting
© A. Mac/A.G
Really cool. I see a blue Chinese dragon swimming out of it at the bottom right.
It has the look of marble, although some of the colors would not be found in marble.
So, what is it about this particular painting that makes it the kind of painting you have been hoping to generate?
what is it about this particular painting that makes it the kind of painting you have been hoping to generate?
Not exactly sure; it's unique; it's colorful; it has lots of interesting textures … and even though I painted it, every time I look at it, my attention focuses on a different area, and, while it seems "busy," even "chaotic," it holds together and remains "solid".
For me....I love the colors of this painting. The variations of the colors themselves are awesome. Moving from the darker left side of the painting to the lighter right is also very interesting. I personally do not see anything particular in this painting, more or less what you see is what is there.
The short take....I really do like the painting except for one aspect.....the empty spaces on the upper left and lower right, as it looks unfinished.
I am by no means an art expert, so I don't know if there is some important view of having empty spaces in a painting. I just know what my eyes see and what they tell me about a painting created by anyone.
So the most important point here is.....if this is what you have been working diligently to achieve in your hearts desire, then that is what counts to most.
And as to whether or not you should continue your painting, YES!
You are a very talented artist, and you know your market better than anyone here. So while it is fun to see what those here think of your paintings, the only real opinion about your painting that counts is your own. As your paintings speak of who you are. They show your inner self, your heart, soul and how you want to express yourself.
So please keep painting, and sharing them with us, as I am sure I am not alone in enjoying seeing them. (smile)
The negative spaces at the corners are intended and when surrounded by a black matte, they will make the design pop … in fact, they become a part of the whole.
Indeed they do look more part of the overall image with the framework to hold them all together. And the framing does make the image pop', as you say, and makes the primary image appear more complete. At least that is how it appears to me. It has a beginning and an end, so to speak. And the black framing makes the colors more vibrant and alive.
Much better with the frame, and changes the 'feel' of the artwork as well. Good choice!
Nevertheless, I will take your and Buzz’s comment seriously and try the same approach taking the design to the edges and four corners. When two different individuals form a similar opinion, it should be taken seriously.
Stay tuned.
But, if you do that, Mac, it will no longer be what YOU want, and that is not right. Not everyone sees the same artwork in the same way, and what is important here is that what the artwork is now, spaces and all, is what YOU the artist has been working to achieve. It should not matter what I, Buzz or anyone else thinks.
You are the creator of the artwork in the manner of how you want it to look. So is you change it jut because of what someone else thinks, then it no longer is YOUR artwork, but, that of someone else.
There is not a thing wrong with your version of the artwork, so stick with it and enjoy it. Otherwise, it won't be YOUR artwork anymore.
Nothing is lost by considering and acting on opinions of people one trusts, particularly when the worst case scenario has no adverse consequences and, if not acted upon, a good outcome opportunity could be missed for all time.
I told every photography student I ever taught, “you can’t get it right until you first get it wrong!” So, even if my painting isn’t necessarily “wrong” so-to-speak, by letting it evolve, the next one might be “more right”.
Stay tuned.
I tried rotating the painting through 360 degrees, 90 degrees at a time to see if my opinion would change, but I would like to see your intended adjustment before giving a final opinion. I do agree with Raven that the more prominent frame does help.
OK...sounds good. Looking forward to the newer look.
The frame makes a huge difference, and with the frame the negative spaces make a lot of sense aesthetically.
I'm not sure about how I feel about the blank spaces, but the rest is certainly unique and imaginative.
A pileated woodpecker dropped by.
It's bright and sunny today, but the shot is shadowy and not very clear. I had a bad lighting angle from the sun, which was in the background and off to the right.
This was my third attempt at cleaning it up. I was really trying to make him pop, but this is about as clear and vibrant as I could make him with my current skillset.
That clean up works great!
The framed version is spectacular, Dig.
Beautiful work, Dig. And a very beautiful subject to work with.
Well done!
Thanks, RW.
EG and G², too.
It would have been soooo much better if the sun had been behind me. I was cussing under my breath about that.
While we can't always have the best situation to work with, we strive to do the best we can with what we have to work with. And you manage to work around the problem areas to provide the best artwork you can.
It is the lesser issues we have at hand that tests our artistic mettle to overcome them and still provide a viable artwork. That is just one more way that we improve our skills.
A solid presentation!
Thanks, Mac.
Well done.
Thanks.
I went out in our yard this afternoon, and I am happy to report that I saw 3 other types of flowering plants -- sweet alyssum, society garlic and one of our small aloes has sent up a spike that should bloom in the next couple of days. I took some more photos.
This is society garlic.
Lavender
Cool. Flowers are fun. There's green in there, too. I'm so looking forward to spring.
Does the lavender have a fragrance?
Most things here stay green. Our crepe myrtle trees lose their leaves briefly, but then they bloom beautifully. There is a disease that has been affecting the sycamore trees in our area for a few years, so our sycamore loses it's leaves right away.
The lavender does have a fragrance, especially if you stand close or rub a leaf between your fingers.
I love the garlic. No one thinks of them as having pretty blooms.
I was just looking at purchasing some new summer bulbs...
Day Lillies and Irises.
These are society garlic, which is different from regular garlic.
I've encountered something here that looks a little like your Society Garlic, although I'm sure it's different.
Brugmansia arborea a variety of Angel Trumpet Flower.
That looks nice, but it doesn't really look like the society garlic.
Would these be another kind of trumpet flower?
The flowers of the society garlic generally do not droop, even though the flower in my photo does. It happens sometimes.
I think that's what misled me to post the flower I did.
It appears to be.
My aloe is also preparing to bloom. The spike now has a tight bud at the top of it, and it will soon open and a group of bright red blooms will appear. They last for more than a week, slowly fading away. I really need to cull them, as they pup like crazy! I give the new pups away to anyone who wants them, but, before I know it, there are new pups to take their place. I have them in 3 pots, and all 3 are stuffed full. The new pups are crowding out the older plants, so they are both fighting for space.
I've never seen a Society Garlic. I have raised my share of garlic and other herbs, but, never heard of a Society Garlic. Is it a member of the garlic family, or more like a flower?
It is not a member of the garlic family, although I have read that it is edible. It has a very strong odor, something like garlic.
Poor little plant. It's blossoms look so pretty, and yet it stinks like garlic.
Not so poor. As a Society garlic it hangs out with lots of high class foliage.
The one in the picture above looks pretty lonely as it looks like it is all by itself.
LOL
Fish Garden ?
I guess a good thing about it is that it needs no watering.
Great fun!
Saturday is on its way...so here is one to welcome it.
A cute kid, but what is that object under her chin?
Thanks Buzz. The object under her chin is her bare shoulder. The top she is wearing is torn in the area of her shoulder, so the bare skin is exposed.
Ah, I didn't realize her body was facing the other direction and she was turning her head towards us - I thought that what is under her shoulder was a beaded chest-plate, something like what Wind In His Hair gave to Dances With Wolves as a trade for his hat.
Ah...OK.
Beautiful Raven!
Saturday …
Acrylic Painting
© A. Mac/A.G.
Nice painting. My first impression was that it felt like it was underwater.
I think that by providing even faint colour to the top left and bottom right it is not the emptiness those spaces depicted in the previous painting, and I see images in this one, and prefer it to the other.
A really beautiful painting, Mac. Color wise, the first one is definitely more bold. However, in this second one, there is more definition in the areas of the image. Both are truly beautiful paintings, and each has their own 'personality', so to speak.
Very well done on both artwork.
Mac, what are you using to get your colors to bleed? It's more than just water. Are you using a resist?
I use a number of "additives," the objective being to create different densities causing the formation cellular areas.
At this moment, I'm trying to simultaneously refine process along with aesthetics; while I feel I'm progressing, I believe I can create much better compositions … working on 4" x 6" paper is cost effective while simultaneously yielding marketable "art show" matted originals. In time, I will do larger, canvas board and canvas paintings.
Still educating myself.
More from the garden
What more can I say about your garden than I have already said? You have certainly followed Voltaire's Candide's advice.
"We must cultivate our garden."
Bingo.
Look at all that color!! It makes me excited for spring.
First attempt at totally faking an image...
Damned good attempt! You can confidently refer to that as a "successful attempt"!
Thanks. I'm sure I did it wrong, though. It was way harder than it should have been. Instead of just doing an easy overlay like I envisioned, I ended up having to do all kinds of brush blending and cloning across an unintentional gap between the two images.
I need to watch a few more tutorials.
LOL. Mars attacks with woodpeckers.
HAHA. Here's a site with recordings of pileated woodpecker calls for you to listen to: All About Birds - Pileated Woodpecker Sounds.
It describes the main call as a series of wuks or cuks, but they're really speaking Martian... ack! ack! ack! ack!
Sorry you can't see it, Buzz, but here's a YouTube video for everyone else of one doing it during the invasion of Earth...
Will it go away if I play Indian Love Song?
Yes, but their heads explode, so don't stand too close.
First rate video, Dig!
That is hilarious, Dig.
That is so cool Dig. I love it!
We're moving out of Saturday, so here is one more to welcome Sunday......
This is an oldie, but, some of you who are fairly new to the group may not have seen it before.
Good one, Raven.
Thanks Dig.
Definitely one of my favorites.
Thank you G. I'm glad you like it.
Liked it then, like it now.
Thanks Buzz. Some things get better with age.(grin)
Since we're into Spring flowers..
That's a real beauty, Buzz. Love the bright, vibrant color.
Nice. I love macro shots of flowers. I can't wait to start taking some, myself.
That is really nice.
I noticed yesterday that one of our succulents is blooming.
A lovely photo, G, and the frame matches it very well. Good work!
A REMINDER: Beginning this coming Friday, I will try a "CREATIVE ARTS GROUP WEEKEND" - a Friday, Saturday, Sunday post replacing our current THURSDAY/FRIDAY, which, by remaining open beyond Fridays, generates literally hundreds of posts and comments, apparently slowing the connection for some of the Group members.
I will be LOCKING articles on Sunday nights (starting with this one) so as to prevent this slowing phenomenon.
New articles going forward, will be posted on Friday mornings and run through Sunday nights.
Remember, any member of the Group can post articles from Monday through Thursday (or any time for that matter).
Let's see how the WEEKEND articles go and remember to watch for them.
And thanks to all for the success that makes this adjustment necessary!
A. Mac
Can anyone guess what this is? It's not an abstract that I created.
Hint: It was in the news last week.
It's the danger map used by the nav computer on the Perseverance lander to find a safe spot to set down. Blue is good, red is bad.
The arrow points to where it landed, on a thin strip of blue.
You're right, of course.
Very interesting, G. Even space generated visions can also be a form of artwork. Here is what I see in it....
Upper left corner: A frog closing in on a large group of bugs. "Lunch and beyond!"
Lower left corner: Part of an arm and hand reaching out to scrape them away as well.
What do others see?
I suppose if I tilt my head a little, and wince, and hold my tongue just so, I can kind of see a person holding their hands up by their face as if they were yelling through them.
Thanks for sharing what you see, Dig. I find it fascinating the different things people see in the same piece of artwork that is not purposely defined by the artist. for me, that is the fun part of seeing abstract paintings. Perhaps what I see that others don't, and they see things that I don't. Even in a purposely defined artwork I like to see what else may lie hidden, as many artists like to like to play hide and seek with those who really observe their artwork. I have seen this in some of the artwork by even a few of the great painters.
When you spy them you know its being there is not by mistake, but, the artist having a bit of fun with their artwork.
That's very interesting, Raven Wing, and very imaginative.
I see a bunch of red and blue dots and splotches. I guess my imagination didn't get turned on today.
Oh, yeah. I can't see that! (Haha)
Now that you pointed that out I see it too.
Hey everyone, which of these is better? Not in terms of technical aspects, just which do you prefer?
Both equally good, but for preference … the blue sky gets it.
I have to agree with you, Mac. While both are very well done, the one with the bright blue sky looks better to me. I can almost hear the little bird singing to its hearts content and enjoying the bright sunshine to get a bit of warmth against the cold of the snow. I also enjoy seeing the little buds on the tree it is sitting in getting ready to blossom for spring.
Very nicely done on both.
It's a hard choice, Dig. I like them both.
I agree with A.Mac. And I'm fascinated by the translucent frame.
I made that translucent frame effect myself, from scratch, using a masking layer. Slowly but surely I'm learning more tricks with that software.
Song Sparrow
© A. Mac/A.G.
Oh, wow. That's nice. You did a great job with the light in the background.
A beautiful bird and artwork, Mac. The framing is also a great complement to the photo.
Nice. The colors are fantastic.
Did you layer the bird over a sky shot?
As we are talking about birds.....here is my last one until next Friday.
Exquisite!
Thank you Mac. I am very glad that you like it.
That is beautiful.
Thanks G.
Nicely done. I could definitely see that on a wall. What kind of waterfowl are those?
They are Black-crowned Night Herons.
Thanks. I've never seen them before. I have some herons around here, but not that kind. Not that I'm aware of, anyway.
Yes, Mac is of course right. I'm very glad that you like it.
Two in the bush?
Indeed. I love that they come in pairs.
With temperatures in the seventies, it's Spring flower time:
Beautiful! What are they?
They're tree blossoms, but I have no idea what kind of tree it is.
A beautiful natural arrangement, Buzz. And your framing is really awesome. I love the little floret whatnots at the corners of the frame. They really tend to make the frame seem masterful.
Nicely done.
What I consider unusual, although it may well be natural, is that both the white and red blossoms are on the same tree.
That does seem unusual for two different color flowers being on the same base plant, unless the plant had been grafted with a life plant with different colored flowers. However, the different colored flowers on the same tree could be normal depending on the kind of tree it is.
Maybe it's the age of the flowers - on the bottom right you can see some pink ones, and a few elsewhere, perhaps in the stage of turning.
I'm locking this one down; thanks to all and see you Friday!