Photography Learning Curve

At the end of the summer I bought a Canon Rebel T3. Love it. But other than auto I didn't know how to do much else with it. I have shot film with my old reliable Pentax K1000 but that is a different animal. So I got myself over to the local community college and have learned so much about this camera.

Macro mode. 

I thought Georgia O'Keefe would like this.

In this photo we learned how to use a faster shutter speed to create a silhouette. I know, it's not all that stupendous when you are a real photographer but I was quite pleased with myself.

And then I learned how to slow down water...no...wait that was to use a longer shutter speed. Anyway I thought this was way cool. Can't wait to find a waterfall somewhere and try it again.

Hopefully I'll be able to photograph some artwork and show you before long. I've been taking Katie Kendrick's class "Layered Impressions". It has been such a wonderful class even though I am WAY behind. A lot of wonderful information and she is such a generous teacher.

Texture Tuesday Textures

I think I have a new addiction. I love, love, love creating images with all these textures, layers and cool photoshop brushes. Kim Klassen is so generous sharing her textures. In fact she is about to have another class on creating textures. Check it out if you think you would like to experiment a bit.

Finding Grace and Joy

this has been a week of mixed blessings. my great aunt passed away at the age of 90. she lived life to the fullest and was still going strong when she celebrated her birthday a few weeks ago. she was who i want to be. a gracious, southern lady whose wish for everyone was to be kind to one another. while there is sadness among family here, i know there is such rejoicing in heaven among the family waiting there.

on the other hand my husband and i made a quick trip to the outer banks for a blessing of peace and rest before going back to teaching next week. I have many photos to share but the words i saw on the back of a truck today are what i will intend to make my mantra for years to come. a simple bumper sticker with

powerful words.

i'd also add don't postpone love, laughter, hugs, kindness or graciousness

life is too short to postpone anything.

Nothing Says Summer Like...

Fresh tomatoes and cucumbers. 

Slice these up with some sweet onions, douse with a bit of olive oil and a bigger dash of red wine vinegar,salt and pepper. Heavenly. 

Or that doesn't suit your Southern soul spread a layer of mayo on white bread then add a thick slice or two of tomato, salt and pepper. This particular feast got me through many a painting classes in grad school. 

We've been trying to grow some tomatoes this year and we have some fine looking vines...but no 'maters.

These delicious specimens came from the farmer's market. I just might need to make another trip back there this week. Besides it's time to pick up some peaches 'cause I'm thinking homemade peach ice cream in the near future.

Comment Posting Problems

I've heard from a few people that they are not able to post any comments on my blog. If you don't mind, please post just a word or two for me to see if I have fixed the problem. Thanks so much.

Photoshop Love

This month I began an online class, Photoshop Essentials, with Kim Klassen. She makes everything so clear. Great videos. I have played around with my PSE software for over a year not realizing all the potential. I would definitely recommend taking a class with Kim. In fact she is beginning a new "Skinny Mini" free class soon so check it out. While you are there also sign up for her Texture Tuesdays. Each week she creates a texture to share which you can  download. Just one example of why I love the mixed media art community... so willing to share. Here's one photo I've been working on from the class.

The other is the same photo from the post "Two Tents" that I took in Ocracoke, NC. It has had a bit of manipulation plus a texture added. I am loving the idea of playing with images digitally and then using them in paintings and mixed media. Does anyone else do this?

A Paper Fashionista

Ok, I know this has nothing to do with art or art making. Well I might be able to segue from the paper dress fad of the 60's( sort of artsy) to the paper dress of June 23rd. I'll bet some of you can relate.

When school is over for the summer I usually begin my vacation making the rounds of various doctor offices. It is usually easier to get appointments at times other than after three o'clock. So my exam for a physical was on the date book for yesterday.

First I felt like I was taking a standardized test when I get there. They hand me three pages of information to fill out which is exactly the same as the information they already have but this time I get to BUBBLE IN the answers. So all that training in test administration was very valuable after all.

Next I'm sent to have the weight and height check. I have been trying to lose weight so that was down, blood pressure was down too, but I have also shrunk a half inch which I was not as happy about. Maybe she measured wrong. Then the nurse hands me the CUP. Wouldn't you know though that while trying to open that little handy wipe thingy, I drop it. In the toilet. So to heck with it. I did what I had to do and moved on.

This is where I become a fashionista. There on the examining table is a lovely, white, just for me....paper top and big paper towel. I know now how the tube inside the roll of paper towels feels. After wrapping myself up in all of this paper loveliness I looked like a giant roll of Bounty. Who the heck designs these things???  Can't we at least have a snap in the front of the "blouse"? Why not put elastic along the top of the giant towel? If it were designed to be open in the back at least one could get up for another magazine without having to readjust once you're back on the table. Perhaps this is where the new health care plan should begin. One more thing....it was freezing in there so I don't think this was any luxurious double ply outfit. At least there was a good outcome...seems I'm quite healthy.

Happy Weekend!