Today

So glad I am recuperating at home.  Here I can follow a plan combining rest and activity.  Off to see a doctor today.  First clean up kitchen (dishes), etc.  Next shower and a little bit of laundry sorting.  Will do a couple of small loads when I get a minute.  Main exercise activity:  walking.  We have breezeways where undercover I can walk back and forth taking in lots of fresh air and sunshine.  Also, looking forward to sitting on my little porch where I can sip coffee, read and relax.

Self Care While Healing from Major Surgery

Setting Daily Goals when Healing.  One or two little “to do” things is enough.  Today will play Put Away (small things like filing papers—weight under 5 pounds).  Hope to retrieve a favorite quilt from cleaner.  I will have someone else carry the quilt because it is way too heavy for me.

Saw some magnificent pie crust art on Facebook.  Awesome.  Did some research because those designs took my breath away.  Wow!  Our world is filled with creative souls and they are inspiring.

A Realization

How sad it is to know that the next generation may be missing something super powerful.  Minimalism has its advantages, but it locks out many memories.  If we keep things that are meaningful in our lives,  we are surrounded by all the moments shared by those things.  I cannot bring myself to toss away those reminders of the good times and not so good times.  The Secretary, in the living room, was a gift.  That was fifty years ago.  It shows wear and tear yet is still as regal as ever to me.

I was going to start simplifying.  I may do some of that, but I will not be as ruthless as I had planned because I changed my mind.  My things are important to me and if my kids don’t feel the same way then that is their loss.  Their loss is not going to be my loss.  I am going to enjoy my life, and my history.  I have had a great life filled with love and experiences.  I wouldn’t trade it for any other one.

Writing

Typed five draft pages for book today.  Ideas came easily.  I am enjoying this typewriter keyboard.  Truly was a great investment for me and my writing.  Is the way I am accustomed to working/writing and I find it easy to use.  The flow is smooth and almost effortless.  Wish I had done this sooner.  Oh well, better late than never,  Included the following two images taken 6 years ago.  Probably only one image will be kept for inclusion.

Experiment and Let the Work Evolve

Some things work and some things don’t.

Lately I am noticing how some artists are grasping at straws.  In my opinion, it is better to let things evolve slowly and deliberately (expressing the same tone) than to toss anything and everything into the market place.  Experiment. then share, keeping in mind that everything isn’t necessarily good.  It is through experiencing failure that we succeed.

Recording Memories

Yesterday and today I have been writing down memories and anything I would like to remember.  Today I started sketching an ashtray I used as a child to mix oatmeal and water together for my dolls at my grandma’s.  Definitely a work in progress.  I haven’t sketched anything in years (until this year).  No time like the present to start honing that skill again.

Similar to Penmanship Prompts from the 1800s

Decided to reinvent a penmanship lesson that is sitting in an old, slanted slate laptop desk that belonged to my grandfather.  Here is what I came up with after drawing yesterday’s quick barn sketch from scratch:

Drawing

Playing around with Apple pencil and realized I miss painting.  Who knows...Time to dig out the ole brushes? Or ...... color in some sketches?  Loving the idea of mixed media.

Transition

Playing with hydrangea image.  Oh, this is such fun—relaxing and often surprising.

Joy!

What a morning!  I am thrilled watching images emerge.  It is magic!  Something from nothing.

Photography brings me through happy and difficult times.  Many of my nearest and dearest have passed. And, as much as I hate to say this, I do not adapt easily.  So, when I find myself lost, amazingly photography comes to the rescue.  There is always something to see—something to discover.  Each image is brand new—a birth...Fresh, new, amazing!

Self-Acceptance

So glad I learned this...makes life much easier.  Better sharing and talking things out than stuffing emotions. I learned this early on and no matter how many folks say, “Don’t wear your heart on your sleeve,” I reply silently, “pshaw., phooey.”  For most of my life, I have been healthy because I let stuff out to someone I trust—someone who understands.  If you want to be authentic, express yourself.  Hiding how one feels is a lie.  There are many modes of expression.  One does not have to be hurtful.  We can be diplomatic.  

Paint! Take Pictures! Sing!  Play!  Laugh at Adversity! This too shall pass!  Let it go...Enjoy!  Life is short...Let’s have fun!

Important:  BE TRUE TO YOURSELF!

P.S.  When life gets ugly, look for and share beauty. (One can counteract with opposites using art, music, writing, etc. to balance things out.)

Take Time Out To Play

Choose to focus on every day things and happenings.
Topic:   Make the ordinary, extraordinary.

                                
                                                    END OF THE DAY


                                                   

Borrow (or Rent) Props for Authentic Still Life Images

Lunch

Adapting to cooking for one.  Have been using non-stick copper-colored, deep pans with high sides to stop spatter and make cleanup quick.  So here we go...if you have more than you need for one meal, freeze or...save in fridge for next day, or later in the evening.

A LUSCIOUS LUNCH—My Impromptu Made-up  Recipe 

Brown Ground Chuck in Deep Pan or Skillet while slowly sautéing (using added butter) chopped onions in the same pan.  Note: I accidentally added one-half quarter pound of butter and it was delicious. When the crumbled meat has cooked through, is browned and the onions are clear, put heat on low and cover with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese.  Add lid to pan and let the cheese melt a little bit.

While the cheese is melting, slice a ripe tomato and place slices on 15-grain bread that is slathered with mayonaisse.  Have mayo touching tomato slices so the combination creates a tomato-flavored dressing.  Add meat, onions and cheese along with the top slice of bread.  Can be garnished with avocado and/or bacon slices.  ENJOY!   Yum!  Follow with ripe raspberries for dessert.  If you really want to be decadent, add heavy cream and dust with sugar.

Fine Tuning

PEONIES

Copying and/or Imitating

“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” — Charles Caleb Colton

I disagree.  While learning, copying can be somewhat helpful, but that final artistry should be claimed as “inspired by insert name of original artist.”  In my opinion, copying for any other reason (other than as a learning tool) is stealing.

Below is one of my super favorites...and my painterly adaptation of my original photographic image, stressing the importance of light.  When learning and experimenting, it is a good idea to give credit where credit is due.  Some have tried to emulate my style when they shoot a single flower.  Of course it isn’t the same because the situation will always be somewhat different.  

That said, I want to thank my teacher, Jack Flynn, watercolorist, who taught me the importance of a good foundation (drawing), values, composition and contrasts.

Fact:   “Be yourself because an original is worth more than a copy.” —Unknown

P.S.   Experimenting can lead you down avenues of adventure—avenues on which you discover yourself.

    Original

 

                                          A Painterly Touch  

Remember:   Be Good, Do Good, Then Do Better

Mother’s Day

What a beautiful day!  It is warm, but not too warm.  Slightly overcast—perfect for taking photographs. There were birds singing this morning with the scent of flowers in the air.

Here is my contribution for the day:

                                          PEONIES


I am so excited.  Image came out just like I wanted—simple, yet elegant.  Being creative makes my day and balances everything.  When I don’t create, I feel like I missed out on doing something that day.  These images get me enthused and excited.  I do so love putting things together.

Hope you all have a fabulous Spring Day.

Remember:  Be good, Do good, Then Do Better.

Back to Basics—Returning To One’s True Self

Notes to Self:

I am so tired of boring.  And...the same old, same old can be sooooo boring.  When faced with this, I know it is time for change.  Time to dive into something new. New, for me, means young and fresh in thought, word and deed—A reinventing of self.

Difficult days are wonderful blessings because they show us ways NOT for go.  Instead, we can take a Detour.  Detours may offer opportunities for change—change in direction, change in outlook/attitude, change in relationships.  In looking for new areas of interest, I find that my leanings are totally different from those of my acquaintances.  I am excited over returning to past activities and reuniting with some of my old ideas and making them new again.  This is liberating and exciting.  What an opening!  What an opportunity!  A new day.  I am looking forward to following these leanings.  

I have changed my mind, direction and am back on the art path full steam ahead.  I feel for those who don’t understand art and artists.  They simply do not get it.  (Note:  Artists are different.  Everyone is unique.)  However, that is none of my business as in: “What you think of me is none of my business.”  

I return to my ongoing goal of striving for excellence and awakening awareness.  

Symbolism

Before words there were drawings, pictures of life—daily happenings—simple things—the mundane.

INTO THE LIGHT

OUT OF DARKNESS—INTO THE LIGHT

Digital Sepia and/or Bromoil?

Bromoil and Sepia processes challenged me years ago and I am curious again.

HORUS

Elisabeth Bacon 2014—All Rights Reserved

Things To Look For When Taking Photographs

Interesting Subjects — What Do You Love?
Shoot what you love. For me, that would be primitive antiques. I love to see old functional things like furniture and useful, as well as decorative pieces. Right now I am looking at the back of a handmade ladder back chair. It is fabulous (in my opinion).

Insert Image Here

Beauty is everywhere. Old glass is particularly intriguing with its rough pontils and blown glass bubbles. Blue slip salt glazed stoneware pottery is a favorite of mine. Also Canton blue and white dishes from the 1700s. When searching for these treasures, keep in mind that early plates have no maker’s marks. Beauty In Nature—Flowers, Plants, Trees, Paths, Formations, Moss, Sand, Beaches, Rocks, Stones, Gems, Water, Weeds, Wildflowers,  etc., etc.

Light
Move objects to get the best use of light and shadow in the photograph and/or move yourself. Walk around. Three steps in any direction (forward, back, to the right, to the left) can make a huge difference in what you see.

Composition  
Read up on variations of composition. The use of odd numbered objects: one, three, five, seven. Odd is more interesting that even, however this rule is often broken. Overlap things so they flatter each other. Keep in mind that your subject is the “star of the show.”

Opposites
Examples: rough/smooth (old, rough wood/velvet); soft/hard (cotton ball clouds/stones); life and death i.e. living things shown with unusual artifacts, etc.

Evolving Style

As we progress on this photographic journey, our style evolves.  It just happens.  One thing that helps that evolvement is choosing to be different.  Choose a different approach.  There comes a point where our work looks like a thousand other images and that is when it is time to take second (or third) look at what we are doing and ask, “How can I make my work stand out?”

Some Things to Think About
Choose a different angle when shooting.
Unique light can make a huge difference.  Light and dark add mood and drama.

Look for textures.  Pay attention to colors.  Simplify.  Are there subtle tonal changes in color, design and composition.  Bland and boring, or exciting and interesting?  For instance, white on white can be filled with a plethora of colors—the different shades of white.  Seeing is fine tuned and we see differently.  Our uniqueness can be found in how we “see.”

                                                                           GOOD MORNING!     

Other Topics 
   Evolvement and Involvement
   Mood and Mystery
   Beauty and the Beast

Hmmmm...What To Do Today?

Chuckling to myself because keeping a blog up-to-date isn’t as easy as it used to be.  Instead of zipping here and there, I shuffle.  Yesterday I went hunting for the cross stitch piece. It is here. I found it hiding in a box of little treasures.  As soon as day breaks, I will start a still life.  Thinking...what to show, what to share. Planning a still life involves thought.  It is a rare moment when I see something and “click” without thinking about composition, impact and meaning.*

Composition is crucial.  How can you lead the viewer into the image?  Color is important. Leading  lines are important and, so is your message.  What is your message?

Comments like, “Everyone can take a good photograph with the new digital cameras or a smart phone,” makes my blood boil.  Not true.  Some good photos are taken, yes.  But, consistently, no.  It takes an accomplished photographer, one who “sees,” or as they say, “has a good eye;” insight, knowledge and a deep understanding of the medium to consistently take memorable images.  This brings us back to practice. The more you do, the better you will be.

                                                               SIMPLE PLEASURES

Remember:  Be Good, Do Good, then Strive to be Better.

* The only reason for fast shooting would be a matter of time, i.e. take the picture quickly, or the action will be gone forever.

Spring Is Here!

HYDRANGEAS

This is my first post in a long time.  Finally, I am ready to push forward—to surround myself with intelligent, thought-provoking folks who understand the artist.  I mention this because artists are a different breed.  They are a separate tribe. 

Time for a new start—a fresh beginning.  Lately I have been thinking about some possible diversions. Things to do when craving a time out.  I remember creating a small cross stitch piece years ago for another blog and for some reason that little square keeps popping into my mind.  The ways of the past seem to be fading as new technology presses forward and I am not keen on having the old ways get lost in the shuffle. It is important to put pen to paper, needle to cloth and/or spoon to bowl. There is energy in the personal touch.  There is nothing like having a “hands on” apprach to any creative endeavor. 

The old ways are often good ways.  Let us remember.  A simple photograph, with clean lines and a clear message, is powerful without the benefit of a dozen apps to make an image better.  Perhaps the original is the best there is.  There is no need for improvement.  There is no need to beat something to death by overdoing.  Fresh and simple is usually the best way to go.  After taking the shot, sleep on it.  A look in the morning often will be clearer than that first glance.

Today I will find that old cross stitch piece and post a pic of it here.

I plan to start a new cross stitch and a new still life setup.  What fun it is choosing what is next!
           Follow Your Dreams     My new cross stitch project?

Suggestion:  Consider your options and do what is a comfortable choice for you.  

Remember:  Be Good, Do Good, then Strive to be Better.

Old Draft from 2015

Found this old draft (the last entry saved on this blog page, but never posted) and decided to post it so it doesn’t get lost again.  A reminder for me—a memory of how fortunate I am.

Another Beginning--I Am Alive!

Finally I am blogging.  This year I am late because of a major health setback.  What I know now is:  I never was  really sick before.  Well, now. I know what it is like and I want no part of it!  First, I couldn't breathe and was taken by ambulance (after dialing 911) to the Emergency Room. The ambulance arrived in a flash! Thank goodness!  Next they put me in a coma, in Intensive Care, to treat pneumonia and a racing heartbeat.  I only remember a series of extremely strange (weird)  dreams and I woke up in the nick of time.  Had I not opened my eyes when I did, they were going to turn off life support--they were going to pull the plug! Yikes!  Hooray, I woke up!  Well, enough of that--I don't want to remember.  Instead, I want to focus on Seeing.

IDEAS—DRAFT (In Process)

Looking At Things Differently--Discovering Goals--Things to Explore

First, there is Light.  Light is everything.  Light defines what we see.

Consider Properties for

Still Life

Composition --

Telling a Story --

Creating A Mood