My online “journal” is where I record my musings, stories, adventures, discoveries, and capture moments of gratitude.
As a photographer, I generally lean toward rich, dramatic, black-and-white images, that I consider to be the equivalent of the "Little Black Dress" (#LBD) in photography. So why is color on my radar? Well, keep reading to get my hot take on the official 2024 Color of the Year…
Read MoreLast week we talked about how sketching is a road map to your creative destination - regardless of your chosen medium. If you missed that post, you might want to read it first, but it isn’t a requirement for this post.
This week, I promised I would share a few examples of how you might sketch using your camera. Yeah, I thought this might make you a little curious. Oh, and if your chosen medium is not photography, you might be able to think of ways to apply these ideas to your preferred medium, so let’s jump in.
Read MoreThe definition of sketching is pretty drawing-centric, but, stay with me here because you KNOW how I love to color (or draw) outside the lines. I fervently believe there are many way to sketch with or without a pencil. WHAT?! Before you write this off as crazy talk, don’t you think it is possible? If you are reading this, you ARE creative, and this is where coloring outside the lines will help you. Just think beyond the pencil and paper drawing for a few minutes. Isn’t it possible that sketching in other mediums might be referred to as drafts, outlines, shot-lists, warm-ups... but isn’t it really all the same principle? Now, if you are curious, let’s explore how that planning, sketching, exploration… can serve you in mediums other than drawing?
Read MorePlease bear with me because this is going to be a long blog post. I know I already wrote an introduction to the Thursday Atelier series, but if you will indulge me one more post to hopefully encourage you to join me here on Thursdays - no matter your creative medium of choice, so we can explore the importance of a community and inspiring one another.
Read MoreI have not always been a journal keeper, and, sadly, I am a sporadic sketchbook chronicler at best. However, in recent years, I have found the value in developing a daily journal practice. Now, I can’t imagine starting my day without writing in my journal. On those rare occasions when I am unable to write, my day seems off in some way. I want to bring this practice into my artistic journey, as well as my personal journey, because it is so meaningful for me.
Read MoreThere’s an app for that… there’s also a day for that. Today is National App Day!
I joke a lot about apps and how a lot of folks rely on apps and phones rather than being present in their lives, truly present with the person who is with them, actually seeing what is in front of them, ... I have visions of a modern family vacation at someplace like the Grand Canyon and all the humans have a phone in front of their faces looking at images of the Grand Canyon on their phones rather than taking in the majestic vista right in front of them. Extreme? Maybe. But, like all things in life, I think moderation is the key.
Read MoreI have been posting a series of blog posts sharing tips and studies of design, light,… you know, those fundamental subjects that you will always be learning and relearning. I decided everyone might benefit from a study (or refresher) in composition. It seems like everyone is taking photos in some form these days, so why not know the “rules”.
Last month we reviewed Symmetry and in May we discussed the Rule of Thirds. (If you missed them, the posts are Featured below.) Did you have an opportunity to take the Rule of Thirds or Symmetry skills out on a test drive - or photo shoot as the case may be? Are you ready to try another composition? Well, how about exploring how to use foreground elements to add interest, depth, and/or lead the eye into your composition?
Read MoreI love my surroundings to be neat, tidy, and organized. Having said that, I have been on a long, long, long path to organizing my creative life on multiple levels. But the creative clutter... You need what you need, am I right? Sometimes, to be creative, you have to make a mess. In turn, being creative is a messy business.
Read MoreAs we begin July, seven months into 2018, I thought I would share a list of seven exhibits that may be near where you live, near where you are traveling, or a good excuse to make a trip. I think this collection of exhibits is pretty diverse, so hopefully you will find something you might like.
Read MoreI have been planning a series of blog posts to share studies of design, light,… you know, those fundamental subjects that you will always be learning and relearning. Each month I post something else in their place because I am never sure if this would be something a reader would enjoy... Well, this month, I decided everyone might benefit from a study (or refresher) in composition. It seems like everyone is taking photos in some form these days, so why not know the “rules”.
Read MoreThere is a saying amongst photographers that the best camera is the camera you have with you. So, what camera do you have with you most often? It is estimated that there are roughly 2 Billion smartphone users in the world and a projected 36% of the world’s population are/will be using a smartphone by 2018, so chances are good that the camera you have with you is your smartphone. If you are part of that projected 36% AND you also like watercolor paintings, have I got a tip for creating a watercolor look using an app on your phone.
Read MoreI have been planning a series of blog posts to share studies of design, light,… you know, those fundamental subjects that you will always be learning and relearning. Each month I post something else in their place because I am never sure if this would be something a reader would enjoy... Well, this month, I decided everyone might benefit from a study (or refresher) in composition. It seems like everyone is taking photos in some form these days, so why not know the “rules”.
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