Stone Visage

A Statue That Caught My Imagination This Morning.

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Still Learning

Now that the required art materials needed to continue my current style have basically disappeared from the marketplace I’ve been further working in the visual medium of photography. Sure, there have been many attempts to alter my style to better suit those supplies still available but the results have been less than inspirational.

So currently I’m photographing any number of subjects which are relatively easy to access and simply trying a slightly different approach to give the viewer something to look at from a fresh viewpoint.

I’m intrigued by the processes which occur after the initial photo has been taken. Small adjustments here and there can make a significant difference to an image; making a good photo into an almost great photo. The tricky part for me is to improve the photograph in such a way that the viewer never detects that anything has been adjusted at all.

The learning curve has been steady but rather slow at times. Progress comes primarily from regular practice using trial and error. I have complete final say as to how the picture will turn out so there’s still plenty of creative control to exercise.

It’s an interesting field that still allows me to remain in the visual arts without have to learn exhaustive amounts of material regarding something I know little about in the first place.

Not meaning to sound like a fossil but my first childhood camera was a Kodak Brownie!

This photo was originally taken in a nature preserve under the brightest afternoon sun. No, that’s not me holding the rather expensive gear. I’m all iPhone photography!

Oh, the Irony!

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..,

From 2018

A Rarity…

Interestingly enough my art rarely reflects actual people. There’s the odd suggestion or even a rough outline but that’s as far as it gets. It’s likely because do much of my efforts have been directed towards the abstract and exploring whatever the eye can’t readily see.

My foray into photography during the off season from painting have allowed me to explore that world with a great deal of amazement. The variety of styles and subject matters has almost left me speechless. There’s no inclination to switch from painting over but the adventure so far has been good to recharge the batteries.

I should be ready to display the first painting of 2021 in several weeks time once I’m almost sure it’s completed. Ironically enough I’ll have to photograph the finished work to post it anywhere.

Here’s a picture taken a few years ago of a man seated smoking in Hamburg, Germany. What I wouldn’t give to find out what he was thinking at that very moment.

Man in Hamburg, Germany