Relax, you won’t be subjected to any of my musical efforts. Those never seem to end well.
Instead enjoy this very recent photo of a nearby piano. It took a few tries but finally the effort may have paid off in the end.
I’ve been told that during a couple of days this coming week the weather should be unseasonably warm. For myself this temptation may be far too much to bear. Here it’s a waiting game until the full-time serious painting can resume but that effort isn’t scheduled to start for 6-8 weeks!
The development of imporved temperatures could mean the opportunity to plan and carry out the completion of a piece started originally during the tail end of 2020. Theoretically that would make this the first painting of 2021! Imagine the relief of all those on social media and here who are demanding I cease recycling works from previous years under the banner of “Retrospective”.
It’s worth mentioning that the series of artwork completed during 2020 was given the banner “Borne Of Pandemic” as it’s the threat of the virus and the obvious public struggles that played an influential role. It has been recently decided that everything completed during 2021 will have the new banner “Rise From Pandemic” to convey the slowly growing sense of optimism provided by medical breathroughs and the general public finally learning what basic precations are expected of them. That last point has been harder to learn for some than Grade 12 algebra.
In all likelyhood, if everything works out, I’ll be unable to resist temptation and get back to work for at least that limited time. It’s an opportuinity I’m simply unequiped to say no to. So armed with a well thought out strategy and a small mountain of existing supplies the chances of success are indeed favorable.
I’ll let you know the end result the day it’s completed.
In the mean time, allow me to revert to my ever popular “retrospective” works.
Taken where this famous waterway runs through the heart of Budapest, Hungary we are offered a view of the city everyone should see at least once. There is a rich history to be found throughout Budapest just within the architecture and art alone. It is indeed a world you could get lost in for some time.
Some may recall from some time ago when there was the mention of my volunteer work helping care for an older couple. Setting aside our own extreme quarantine measures to keep them health there hasn’t been much of a hardship at all.
Then there was yesterday when a serious medical episode occurred and an ambulance had to be summoned. Fortunately everyone functioned like a finely tuned machine and everything, including the trip to the hospital, went without a hitch.
I can proudly say that as of this hour everyone is doing well and still COVID-19 free. It’s a tribute to common sense and rational efficient action.
Now comes my confession: while medical personnel were in the house providing much needed care I stayed well out of their way. For a minute during this time I “may” have pulled out my iPhone and snapped a photo or two of the equipment left in the open by the front door. Perhaps I needed a temporary break from the stress of the situation or likely sometimes I have the attention span of a toddler.
Provided here is the final result after several bouts through Photoshop.
Was reminded yesterday that, considering the long delays in shipping art supplies, I’d better start placing orders now if I don’t want to lose out when the season starts.
Canvases are not so much the problem as the distinct paint colours I work with. Paint pigment is in short supply and the industrial sector gets first crack at everything. Wait times can be 4 times longer due to this reason alone.
So, with orders placed this week there should be enough in my studio by mid to late April. Fingers Crossed!!
Many venturing into photography are eventually going to try their hand at the same standard photos most get around to. The closeup of a single leaf, an item placed with a bright light from one side and darkness everywhere else and don’t forget the shot taken straight down a road/path to show maximum perspective.
I’m not above any of these and so much more so allow me to reveal yet another standard photo…
Those unfortunate enough to be swallowed in by the endless grumblings of those on social media whining and moaning about how lockdowns and other public health precautions have absolutely ruined their social lives may not be entirely surprised by all this.
It’s not all the measures in place to preserve health and life that’s ever had me concerned. It’s when finally restriction start to lift and those same complainers gather in bars and restaurants to compare with friends who truly had it worse. Perhaps they’ll feel deserving of a Medal of Valor.
What we’ll never hear about are the countless numbers of people who’s own lives have been barely touched by the pandemic. The people who pass through life without a single phone call or invitation to coffee for not only years but decades on end. The people pushed aside for no other reason than it’s accepted in society to do so. They are, in short, disposable.
Provided these same people serve some kind of financial benefit to someone else then they’re allowed to keep passing through unnoticed.
But when everyone is eventually out and jovial having been freed from lockdowns and extensive precautions there will always be a good number of people who will not be sharing in the celebrations and elation. They won’t be seen at any parties or cookouts: they weren’t invited.
Such is life for those deemed disposable.
But hey, let’s just end this with a fun happy picture to keep everyone entertained..,
Here we have an early work from back when I was still experimenting with various styles. Likely it’s something that never truly stops. It was created with a slightly playful mood trying to produce something noteworthy but never getting overly serious with the subject matter.
It’s certainly not considered masterful or a great technical achievement but it does serve as a milestone for my own artistic progress/evolution.
Okay, sometimes I can’t help myself but to get into mischief. Likely some genetic trait yet unexplored.
Give me a perfectly good photo and I’ll find a way to mess with it in the spirit of creativity. After all, there are so many ways to manipulate an image but so little time.
Presented for your review an otherwise harmless statue resting in Prague. Thousands of residents and tourists see it every year – just not this way!
For those with the time and means for travel I highly recommend an extended trip to Ireland for it’s scenic vistas and rich history. Be assured, you won’t be disappointed!
Paul Koskinen Art 