tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16176861525469308082024-03-13T07:49:19.232-07:00An Artist View PhotographyA blog about photography, gardening, photoshop and art shows.
www.anartistview.netAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17342361053434592273noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617686152546930808.post-48387165786504798202014-08-17T05:40:00.000-07:002014-08-17T05:40:09.840-07:00What a great idea!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3v6z1ucMZPjfl7QN2dEvq-znx017bNZM6ASdUpeTExJkguw-J-3hzJ3LKD1Z_fvXIdCvnu3IWhp06YQDkLjiR2LbT821QQ6GstgWsTjzxphh5bTBORpMrCCN0yI-Pm94iP7Ql66XiNI/s1600/the_editot.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3v6z1ucMZPjfl7QN2dEvq-znx017bNZM6ASdUpeTExJkguw-J-3hzJ3LKD1Z_fvXIdCvnu3IWhp06YQDkLjiR2LbT821QQ6GstgWsTjzxphh5bTBORpMrCCN0yI-Pm94iP7Ql66XiNI/s1600/the_editot.gif" height="201" width="320" /></a>Good Morning!</div>
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So I've been thinking.</div>
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Oh, come on now, quit shaking your head and rolling those eyes for just a second and let me explain.</div>
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This really is a good idea! Really!</div>
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I want to start a newsletter. That's right, just a small email newsletter that I could send out maybe just once a month giving you an insiders look at what is going on at An Artist View Photography. </div>
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But here's where I need your help. I really need your help picking out some topics. That way I'll be sure to address some of the things you want to read about. After all, I could only hope that it would become something you would look forward to receiving and enjoy reading.</div>
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Would you like topics on photography, photoshop, demonstrations on how I go about creating an image? How about using background textures with your photographs? Then, there are those wonderful little fairies and the process of digitally creating them. And don't forget about Second Glances, I love find them! </div>
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Please help by leaving a message below as to what topics you like most and I'll be sure to try and fit them all in. And don't forget to sign up for the newsletter. I've placed a link on every page this is posted on. I've even updated the website to include it right on the homepage. </div>
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Thank you!</div>
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Ann</div>
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www.anartistview.net</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17342361053434592273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617686152546930808.post-28081197077191583632014-08-08T05:44:00.002-07:002014-08-08T05:44:40.321-07:00The best days of the gardens<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-t1WPJxYwiAvcB4HEmE2_2OfyFhculJqKGsGrc6lZuge2doVdMMNxttIhyn24YA_gymPIp7Q3zg3Gu8CaRPmqGCGLFnifEfpkhbX1F-AceXGv60Nx5cXApbp5AAZV0tKBCofwurSsJv0/s1600/yellow-daisy10.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-t1WPJxYwiAvcB4HEmE2_2OfyFhculJqKGsGrc6lZuge2doVdMMNxttIhyn24YA_gymPIp7Q3zg3Gu8CaRPmqGCGLFnifEfpkhbX1F-AceXGv60Nx5cXApbp5AAZV0tKBCofwurSsJv0/s1600/yellow-daisy10.gif" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
As soon as the weather began to warm up this past spring I hurried out to the back yard anxiously awaiting for life to unearth itself in the gardens. This spring was awfully late and terribly wet so tending the plants and cultivating the ground was nearly impossible with the limited time between rain falls and the endless supply of mosquitoes. It seemed like nature was winning at this annual game of weed picking. Leaving me with sore hands and an sore back. This past month I nearly gave up and when I held the handle bar of that new lawn mower and all its cutting power, I would often think.....I'm done! Just mow the darn thing over and forget about it. Gardening is ridiculous! Nature will always win.<br />
I didn't mow them over, I just threw down my tools and went inside vowing to change the landscaping to something more user friendly. Then in the morning, I look out again and sure enough there it is, the beauty of all those flowers dabbled in the morning sun, calling me to go out and enjoy them. And so I go, out to with my coffee cup and sure enough, I start to pick a few weeds then a few more.<br />
I'm a sucker for those flowers and I think they know it, for as soon as think I'm done with this game, something else blooms and the cycle begins again.<br />
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With coffee cup in hand, it's time to take that morning stroll.<br />
Ann<br />
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www.AnArtistView.net<br />
Fine Art Photography</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17342361053434592273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617686152546930808.post-18394848289318548062014-08-06T04:58:00.002-07:002014-08-06T04:58:39.291-07:00The Winds of Change<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKBNSb3Uqm6bxIrCgzMPr8tmqVDpg9LKCfpVEJeHXFbr1GV1J8vcMNynk2Tm7fpwf8g4XnOj6GCrCKECTGvOcoRvx4LKOG-nE-MoXM2jeH6vxTIEViKxxpeoPviyXX7jSAdZyfoMpuWI/s1600/Garden-House-colored-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKBNSb3Uqm6bxIrCgzMPr8tmqVDpg9LKCfpVEJeHXFbr1GV1J8vcMNynk2Tm7fpwf8g4XnOj6GCrCKECTGvOcoRvx4LKOG-nE-MoXM2jeH6vxTIEViKxxpeoPviyXX7jSAdZyfoMpuWI/s1600/Garden-House-colored-web.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Remember Mary Poppins? A spoon full of sugar? They always make me smile. And then I wonder how many other stories have impacted my life. Just last night as I was thinking of all the new and exciting things that I want to do with An Artist’s View, I naturally just blurted out, ” The winds are changing”. Now I’m sure that is not exactly what the guys on the roof were saying but it didn’t stop my imagination from picturing them on the roof watching to see what was coming their way.</div>
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I personally relate more to Alice in Wonderland, myself. “Why sometimes, I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” Always imaging, always playing. I swear I learned all of life’s lessons within those few short innocent years of childhood. Lessons that will forever be repeated throughout the rest of my life. And now that I cascade through the creative journey, weaving the web of the series, Adventures Through the Enchanted Door, I try keeping this in mind. As I write these stories for my grandchildren I often wonder what will be trapped and repeated throughout their lives. I can only hope it’s a good thing.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Update on Hideaway Hilda.</strong> Well….editing is taking a little longer than I had planned. Another proof book delivered yesterday and another proof book will be ordered again today as just one little letter didn’t show up where it belonged. And so the story goes….</div>
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Also I will be adding a opt in on my web page for collecting emails so I will be able to connect a little closer to those who wish to receive emails with specials and inside glimpses on the behind the scenes of An Artist’s View. Free giveaways, private lessons and all sorts of other things that will not be available on any of my blogs.</div>
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I’ve got my hands a little full with juggling the marketing right now, so stay tuned for more for the best is yet to come.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“I knew who I was this morning, but I’ve changed a few times since then.”</strong></div>
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Ann</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17342361053434592273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617686152546930808.post-40685257084201627682014-07-29T04:55:00.001-07:002014-07-29T04:55:47.980-07:00Hollyhocks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_q6ma5Kr42c043_LVIQO-bucnBz5Udizad6aB8xuppEUNlFGOwX7pTQ0DDs25zUfqBFq0sq1eREj0KNqq70mL5LnwAoo9BBCNK3s7WLPNMJos8vglnA3a4EDkv2wttfUy_F8p7Ah8d4/s1600/Hollyhock.jpg" height="320" width="256" /><b>Hollyhocks.</b> They are so large and intrusive in my gardens but I can't help but love seeing them. Every year they seem to pop up anywhere they choose and stand their ground no matter how hard I try to control them.</div>
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Here is today's creation using one image, multiple duplicated layers, a few textures and patterns.</div>
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Now....back to the weeding</div>
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Ann</div>
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<a href="http://www.anartistview.net/">www.anartistview.net</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17342361053434592273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617686152546930808.post-407146229355424332013-07-08T05:10:00.001-07:002013-07-08T05:10:49.638-07:002013th Journey<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXV7oOG3KIomhcUoaB_P5JZ5iEB7n7hTJDX5zzauixCBZpfMuMPhiObyWo2YoYzO2BR-SGhfQAODTiM-pnhL3ZocgAmqNbSzmmL9-OibtkmaX_TmOxYS1pteTcA6kVIjXG4BCQdA_WYYM/s1600/ED+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXV7oOG3KIomhcUoaB_P5JZ5iEB7n7hTJDX5zzauixCBZpfMuMPhiObyWo2YoYzO2BR-SGhfQAODTiM-pnhL3ZocgAmqNbSzmmL9-OibtkmaX_TmOxYS1pteTcA6kVIjXG4BCQdA_WYYM/s320/ED+Cover.jpg" width="320" /></a> So far this year has been so incredible with everything that is going on. My art career is really taking a front seat and I'm loving it. I've been concentrating on my new book "Adventures Through the Enchanted Door" for the past year and it is just taking over my life. <br />
It started out as a game I played with the grandkids when I created some very simple clay figurines of fairies and placed them in an aquarium in the living room. (Fish were too smelly) I told the kids they were garden fairies and that it was way to cold for them to stay outside all winter so I had brought them inside to stay with me. They were also told that they couldn't touch them and they only moved when you weren't looking. Consequently when the kids would leave the room, they would mysteriously leave the aquarium and fly around the house. The kids would then have to find them and bring them back to their little home. <br />
Then the kids started asking questions so I figured it would be best if I just wrote a book. Sometimes.......I guess if I had thought about that more thoroughly for 5 minutes I would have had some reservations but I seem to be the one who just jumps right into things and worries about the rest as I go. It has taken me 9 months to finish the book and a few more to get myself into the marketing.<br />
As an artist....I'm not to sure about the marketing thing. I guess I'll be figuring that out as I go along. Only thing is.....I found out that you can't just write one book and say "that's good" you need to have at least 3 before the ball starts rolling and then the income from it will pay off. So here we go again. Book 2 of the adventure has already begun...."Hideaway Hawkins" will take me until next spring to finish since I'm also doing the illustrations which is the biggest part of the book.<br />
In the mean time...I started doing some acrylic painting and am having a ball with it. <br />
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So if you don't hear from me .......don't worry.....I'm in my studio working away on the next big adventure or lost in the fun of painting.<br />
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Be sure to visit me on facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/An-Artist-View-Photography-by-Ann-Lauwers/161015274630?hc_location=stream">An</a> Artist View Photography for updates, book signing dates and art show schedules.<br />
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Thanks<br />
Ann<br />
<a href="http://www.anartistview.net/">www.anartistview.net</a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17342361053434592273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617686152546930808.post-88581531604665413482013-04-18T05:23:00.002-07:002013-04-18T05:23:31.268-07:00Adventures Through The Enchanted Door<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Here is a sneak peak of my upcoming children's book, Adventures Through The Enchanted Door, that is due out this summer.<br />
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Written and illustrated by Ann Lauwers of An Artist View Photography.<br />
Visit www.AnArtistView.net or my facebook page for further details.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17342361053434592273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617686152546930808.post-26362442347560425462012-10-10T04:46:00.000-07:002012-10-10T04:46:15.824-07:00The Colors of Michigan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisCueqp6Y3nHBjVssJtgsoRVrA6gTyHjZChIRl3I1AsSZgVDXUxorZqD3vlPLANRrq3sv-KQHPosTRJvbrZ67dY4aEdP4mjdkysYhfNwymx44jqS9o6KJ2iAJiAmxg-QPY49XiBSOXWzo/s1600/42841Just+over+the+next+ridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisCueqp6Y3nHBjVssJtgsoRVrA6gTyHjZChIRl3I1AsSZgVDXUxorZqD3vlPLANRrq3sv-KQHPosTRJvbrZ67dY4aEdP4mjdkysYhfNwymx44jqS9o6KJ2iAJiAmxg-QPY49XiBSOXWzo/s320/42841Just+over+the+next+ridge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Why are we so attracted to the colors of fall? Is it the daily array of changing colors? The amazing oranges, reds and deep greens? The leaves, grasses and flowers all take on these suttle rich tones. I absolutely love the calming effects it brings. The long shadows the low sun creates and even the early morning frost on the grass. I excited to see the bright colors of the spring blossoms and the beauty of all the flowers during the summer, but when fall comes around, I seem to be ready for the gentle quietness. I'm ready for the slowing down of the gardens chores and the long winter break to enjoy doing my winter art projects in the studio.<br />
We are at our peak of color here in Michigan so be sure to get out there and enjoy it while you can as it will only last for just a few precious weeks. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17342361053434592273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617686152546930808.post-39628769197612036702012-07-11T05:04:00.001-07:002012-07-11T05:04:09.114-07:00I'm coming down with a case of travel fever.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTr9p49lWl6FBfCBMnMXkcocSFFnu8pBE49YBE7uK0NtJoRt9p8flEW2vySMZLsjR2rucfjzAspBj_n4lxvlZyafIksecQji_0etA6SDFEAZ3YzkAIo4qkfcNeXUc4VTO1hHEfeZNd7wM/s1600/46841yellowstone+moon+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTr9p49lWl6FBfCBMnMXkcocSFFnu8pBE49YBE7uK0NtJoRt9p8flEW2vySMZLsjR2rucfjzAspBj_n4lxvlZyafIksecQji_0etA6SDFEAZ3YzkAIo4qkfcNeXUc4VTO1hHEfeZNd7wM/s320/46841yellowstone+moon+web.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellowstone National Park</td></tr>
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I've been thinking of traveling a lot lately. It's been almost 2 years since my husband and I went on a real vacation and I am now feeling vacation starved. A new adventure, different surroundings, different ways of living and something new to look at. Yep that's it. Something new to look at and explore. An escape of the normal everyday way of life here at home. Not that I don't love it here but I need something to excite me and my curiousity is not letting this rest.<br />
I'm dreaming of a trip to Antrim Ireland, a trip to the Grand Canyon and then I spotted a picture from Victoria Falls, Africa. How am I going to decide what to do first? And when? We started looking at campers and was thinking that this might just be a great way to explore the natual beauty of our state and national parks. There is so much to see I'm sure it would take months or even years to see them all.<br />
Until then, I guess I'll just have to settle for a trip down memory lane with a few wonderful places we've visited.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0aOGQg5LLa1RW6gCqgPUUjY1F8eFrVVoxcAbdUAS6R1JlkoJrZQLjtf_UGvoMGIxid62sjqTXQMLQDDU4QW_HS7q-sOTeQSTDK7xoNrqAlh_L8Z2eecz4iuRmOp8cjJ00mGjm0m17RdA/s1600/Mt+Denali+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0aOGQg5LLa1RW6gCqgPUUjY1F8eFrVVoxcAbdUAS6R1JlkoJrZQLjtf_UGvoMGIxid62sjqTXQMLQDDU4QW_HS7q-sOTeQSTDK7xoNrqAlh_L8Z2eecz4iuRmOp8cjJ00mGjm0m17RdA/s320/Mt+Denali+web.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt Denali, Alaska</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2m2B1M26jbqiz2cpjDlnxPQ_9Q5-Cs1JDx1CyscCsi-d1-ulslzhzygJ1JmYUYISH1SzJScInZKDCWfOgULkdXyryOlXEdAv9M8r-YhIAIL20VSM1-jC1fZ6PSBK_BxR6LsRkuhhvm24/s1600/27035Queenstown+Park+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2m2B1M26jbqiz2cpjDlnxPQ_9Q5-Cs1JDx1CyscCsi-d1-ulslzhzygJ1JmYUYISH1SzJScInZKDCWfOgULkdXyryOlXEdAv9M8r-YhIAIL20VSM1-jC1fZ6PSBK_BxR6LsRkuhhvm24/s320/27035Queenstown+Park+web.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queenstown Park, New Zealand</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-b1vLglxjkutD0mnlZg2Q0T2fKpIplwYR2rURiykudKA8jhtOHnA7agmZMUsHiQOd3DCT23M7J1yoHV7244mhY0-CRwemjWn1PXhJsopOqjGbf8XjdYdaIuC4r-FzwshAAHK3NfJooTk/s1600/26001Austrailian+hillside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-b1vLglxjkutD0mnlZg2Q0T2fKpIplwYR2rURiykudKA8jhtOHnA7agmZMUsHiQOd3DCT23M7J1yoHV7244mhY0-CRwemjWn1PXhJsopOqjGbf8XjdYdaIuC4r-FzwshAAHK3NfJooTk/s320/26001Austrailian+hillside.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Austailian Hillside</td></tr>
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All these places, the wonderful people we met and the extraordinarily beautiful views keep Jer and I searching for more places to visit. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17342361053434592273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617686152546930808.post-79553077709831937752012-04-30T05:12:00.000-07:002012-04-30T05:13:00.546-07:00A speedy lesson of light, paint and inspiration<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This past weekend has been a lesson of light and paint. I've been in one of those funky moods where I just couldn't care less about my camera. I looked at my camera and would think.....why even go out and take pictures.....I already took pictures of tulips and such. Yep...it's another pretty rose. And the weather is not helping either. We've had a very mild winter here in Michigan but it has been a long one. It's the end of April and it still isn't quite warm enough to feel comfortable outside.<br />
I went shopping the other day looking for drapery fabric and came across some blank canvases. I know what your thinking.......Blank Canvas!!! No no no.....to much pressure to create.! I would normally shy away from them as well but something in the back of my mind was egging me on...."Are you up for a challenge?" What else you got to do? So I caved and bought a blank canvas. <br />
When the weekend started I took the challenge. I dug out all my old acrylic paints, an eisle, sponges, brushes, cloths and set up to play. After all these years, I was surprised the paint was still good. Next was the all important question....What do I paint? I pushed that thought from my mind and figured I'd keep an open mind and just go with the flow. I started with the background and one thing happened after another and pretty soon, I had my first painting. Then another. Then another. I was speed painting. Allowing only one hour per canvas. Trying to avoid a lot of detail and concentrating only on color, lighting and a flowing path. Texture was fun too. I tried using sponges, paper towels and even the most important tool, the finger. I soon needed more canvas because I had found fun.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLe3PA8tjguDyOa_3rxkLL9_J9aKNFHbWyxV_JqOBd5Pyhx8Y3_JZcPWtf1df_K4tm7LTaE4ROy4QTnLL6ao3deLbNIo_CC2yFvPiLfkvEZOcKV2j56Hiuy63XVlVMkFcJiOPxpT7s_c/s1600/fall+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLe3PA8tjguDyOa_3rxkLL9_J9aKNFHbWyxV_JqOBd5Pyhx8Y3_JZcPWtf1df_K4tm7LTaE4ROy4QTnLL6ao3deLbNIo_CC2yFvPiLfkvEZOcKV2j56Hiuy63XVlVMkFcJiOPxpT7s_c/s320/fall+tree.jpg" width="320" /></a> Later when I took a break and brought the dogs for a walk, I noticed that I was now looking at the world in a different light. Everything became a painting. How would I paint that tree or that barn? Would I use a flat brush or a sponge. Where is the light coming from? What are the color values? That is when I realised my funk was all gone and I was looking at everything from an artist point of view again. That little bit of painting fun had got me going again. <br />
Next time you need some inspiration, pick up a paint brush, let go of the end result and just have fun.<br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17342361053434592273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617686152546930808.post-90442241923747973882012-04-15T08:31:00.002-07:002012-04-15T08:32:10.604-07:00Pull out our brain....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFmjRxueqfpSGK4sZieigkKJHJ-qYMb4OWM6JmYCqlTgdolZ2UTYU26cvmqahQZ-BtOWJ5c2j_RAruo-RPVppX5k18_uP0VxI13r_P0VnCmFfZBO1m2t57Lw6tD4_HRjot9Zj_KxsGro/s1600/Columbine-picasso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFmjRxueqfpSGK4sZieigkKJHJ-qYMb4OWM6JmYCqlTgdolZ2UTYU26cvmqahQZ-BtOWJ5c2j_RAruo-RPVppX5k18_uP0VxI13r_P0VnCmFfZBO1m2t57Lw6tD4_HRjot9Zj_KxsGro/s1600/Columbine-picasso.jpg" /></a> I've stumbled upon the blog Cupcakes and Cauldrons by Nicole Cody this past week. I'm positive it was not by accident. She has some wonderful things to say so if you get a chance visit her site. It's well worth your time.<br />
The other day I was reading her blog, Listen with your eyes..... Nicole used Pablo Piccaso's quote, <strong>If only we could pull out our brain and use only our eyes,</strong> as a way to deal with every day life. This tecnique also comes in handy when you have to deal with someone who is trying to steal your calm.<br />
When I read it, it transferred right to my artistic mind as something that is a necessity to every artist. As I go out to photograph my subjects, I need to turn off that part of my brain that wants to tell me what the name of the object is and how it grows or even smells. It reminds me to delight in what has presented itself to me within that moment. Grasp it's beauty and explore it to the max. <br />
Columbine is one of my favorites in the garden. This particular one reminds me of little lanturns. While some of the wild columbines remind me of dragon heads. They are one of the first perenials to grab my attention in the spring getting me ready for a new season of floral photography.<br />
What a beautiful elegant beginning.<br />
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Columbine.........., this weeks image of the week at <a href="http://www.anartistview.net/">www.anartistview.net</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17342361053434592273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617686152546930808.post-58602588939696751042012-03-05T08:07:00.000-08:002012-03-05T08:07:29.299-08:00How to use Templates<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Templates are a great way to display your images. They can be a border for a single image or a multiple opening template to hold all your favorites in one. The one we are going to use today is my new Easter Template. It can be downloaded free by visiting my website, <a href="http://www.anartistview.net/">www.anartistview.net</a> Scroll down a little on the home page and you'll see the FREE link. Just click on it and you will be prompted to save the zipped file to your computer. If you are using windows, you should have a free zip program to open the file for you. If not, there are several free zip programs you can download and use. If you are having any problems with this email me and I'll send it to you in your email.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPRwIVqp-WTsZ9JaHkdgxPuCtZiNB5tncC_mz6q3D3yHvHR4ZCdUJAxRfoY5Kh7YJYLQqBRffm9r9VRip_ZcsGzAScVOSXUtIluuFEINCwlz2bZm4DBJxmcLspyjBIvIIEYVKMmykGPY/s1600/easter+Temp+order.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPRwIVqp-WTsZ9JaHkdgxPuCtZiNB5tncC_mz6q3D3yHvHR4ZCdUJAxRfoY5Kh7YJYLQqBRffm9r9VRip_ZcsGzAScVOSXUtIluuFEINCwlz2bZm4DBJxmcLspyjBIvIIEYVKMmykGPY/s320/easter+Temp+order.jpg" width="320" /></a> Let's get started. Open your Free Easter Template. I'm using Photoshop cs4 but it will work just the same in Adobe Elements and many other editing programs. Now open two images you want to use for this template. In my layers palette I'm going to make sure the kids photos are behind (or below) the template layer. Like this.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-y8K9aHeGGFmrdSxuilqkvxGHXVSm5YBHlDx5eDkWn_X4OZLLiHzIr0Zv2EXk3oGVjRNS3rtVmAQBvtwUolp4fuScjmff2F66_DOcX39vjTKBEEuLnusAEPMo8IZTok-sMACMprCQHyw/s1600/dawson+opening+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-y8K9aHeGGFmrdSxuilqkvxGHXVSm5YBHlDx5eDkWn_X4OZLLiHzIr0Zv2EXk3oGVjRNS3rtVmAQBvtwUolp4fuScjmff2F66_DOcX39vjTKBEEuLnusAEPMo8IZTok-sMACMprCQHyw/s200/dawson+opening+crop.jpg" width="200" /></a> Now we'll arrange and resize the images to fit the openings. Using the move tool, move your images to under the opening you want them in. Now use the transform tool to resize them. Control/ T will bring it up. Remember to hold down the shift and alt keys together when resizing your image so it doesn't get all out of proportion. Let's do a little cropping next to make sure your image doesn't show in the other open window. Using the rectangular marguee tool, let's select the area just outside the opening. Next go to Select / Inverse so everything around your image will be selected. Next we'll go to Edit/ cut or easier yet....hold down the control button and press X.<br />
Resize the other image to fit and make sure you crop this one as well. Lastly be sure to save your work.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYNR98RTs_0lbpaXUGiCqdZ8AlQGSnjQUl0072BswRZmPPLsMXC5qm2GgfVZWdwzrD1BIriIfL0Tb0PGn6r9Zs5OEybFPyPpUx44KfQQ93yPNNFi1DSfoJqG08t89-s66T_uEHY0AxUc/s1600/Easter+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYNR98RTs_0lbpaXUGiCqdZ8AlQGSnjQUl0072BswRZmPPLsMXC5qm2GgfVZWdwzrD1BIriIfL0Tb0PGn6r9Zs5OEybFPyPpUx44KfQQ93yPNNFi1DSfoJqG08t89-s66T_uEHY0AxUc/s320/Easter+final.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
There you have it. Now print and frame.<br />
Watch for more Free Templates coming soon to An Artist View Photography.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17342361053434592273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617686152546930808.post-61307709485161314982012-02-28T04:47:00.000-08:002012-02-28T04:47:29.281-08:00Adding a Sunset background<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cj2h1c4enPMmHFMBGF1PsHg0sQtkwDUI0N6ZamvjcO1xumSzaMXqPYuXVBkHrygEsXdwR2kO3Csq2GWMyZ-NN2cScejUP7UUH45gvqR4MtULUuogDu3NIHOKze6kVqteD1dFpaiIfY0/s1600/Jen-before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cj2h1c4enPMmHFMBGF1PsHg0sQtkwDUI0N6ZamvjcO1xumSzaMXqPYuXVBkHrygEsXdwR2kO3Csq2GWMyZ-NN2cScejUP7UUH45gvqR4MtULUuogDu3NIHOKze6kVqteD1dFpaiIfY0/s320/Jen-before.jpg" width="320" /></a> Today we are going fix a sunset. This picture of Jenny and Dixie was taken on Lake Michigan late in the day. We didn't get to stay there and watch the beautiful sunset so I'm going to improvise. I'm going to replace this grey day with a sunrise shot that was taken elsewhere on one of my trips.<br />
First I've taken the time to retouch out any unwanted items, sharpened the image and then cropped it to my finished size, a 5x7.<br />
I've opened up the sunrise shot and drug it over the top of this image. Sized it to fit so the horizons matched up pretty well. You don't have to be exact on this one. Just be sure it look believable.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9b5ecYl-TipLcuWYOM7UjwIZO9Lduxq3ovU7lE4zxI0PT7rbDaM5sL3A4EPkBXl3EHVMC0IrN8gQYY5kZqn7WJKJTAW3hwozpOGG2wO9_u0BTZ8IW87eZMMO5VfgSmqm0BAB593B35oI/s1600/sunset+step+one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9b5ecYl-TipLcuWYOM7UjwIZO9Lduxq3ovU7lE4zxI0PT7rbDaM5sL3A4EPkBXl3EHVMC0IrN8gQYY5kZqn7WJKJTAW3hwozpOGG2wO9_u0BTZ8IW87eZMMO5VfgSmqm0BAB593B35oI/s320/sunset+step+one.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then I masked this layer using the mask button on the bottom of this layer palette. (third one over from the left) This will bring up a white box next to the sunrise picture. We are going to paint on this mask with the black paint using a medium soft round brush. Don't worry is you make a mistake because you can always use the white paint to eliminate the areas where you went too far.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAw-iJB5mxanAMJ591YHBQe2WECdBX1Ovr7MzI3rhFqMJZVilHuZQPYC4OKPtRv20jtquyIR0jkfqlxIC1cxb309sHu-ziX-ZWFck5onkh0jrOIQKQp_kvEhK8KjQtOVspUFBPOgMuC8k/s1600/sunset+step+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAw-iJB5mxanAMJ591YHBQe2WECdBX1Ovr7MzI3rhFqMJZVilHuZQPYC4OKPtRv20jtquyIR0jkfqlxIC1cxb309sHu-ziX-ZWFck5onkh0jrOIQKQp_kvEhK8KjQtOVspUFBPOgMuC8k/s320/sunset+step+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Your layers palette should look like this now. I've blended the sunrise and the beach with a very large soft brush so there isn't any harsh lines. And we've got our new sunset.<br />
For a few extra touches try one of these to the sunset layer......<br />
changing the blending mode in the layers palette<br />
changing the opacity of this layer<br />
changing the saturation <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KIYa7LpIHqJdlZP50pJNupdzRe_1HBo8KqBv3dtZJUxyPZYqagWtQJahNCieaW6d3J7i3HUzy3vSCTwwU2vdsBvQU0qjr6Mx7rJDGWoZbr5CslUlxiaIA4CM5FR9wNXvGDKRVj3Dxdo/s1600/Sunset-Jen-Dixie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KIYa7LpIHqJdlZP50pJNupdzRe_1HBo8KqBv3dtZJUxyPZYqagWtQJahNCieaW6d3J7i3HUzy3vSCTwwU2vdsBvQU0qjr6Mx7rJDGWoZbr5CslUlxiaIA4CM5FR9wNXvGDKRVj3Dxdo/s1600/Sunset-Jen-Dixie.jpg" /></a></div>
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As always.....have an artful day!<br />
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<span style="color: red;">Textures and Backgrounds will be available soon from my website. Keep a watch out for Artiste Backgrounds</span>.<br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17342361053434592273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617686152546930808.post-49824624727449608392012-02-20T06:01:00.000-08:002012-02-20T06:01:24.962-08:00Announcing Artiste Backgrounds<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgkDBdUsVSxPwojWhRgunrDK2KM1IHWpDj2qLuVCbti0CscYbvsMUI4qWcxIMicIe1qIM2RUEaaPW9PYtMECaM3Ak5rI4XLyeOnPepzoGfmmmGaD5hWa-StxtYnxifg8bPHVO6XK9rbI/s1600/Megan.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgkDBdUsVSxPwojWhRgunrDK2KM1IHWpDj2qLuVCbti0CscYbvsMUI4qWcxIMicIe1qIM2RUEaaPW9PYtMECaM3Ak5rI4XLyeOnPepzoGfmmmGaD5hWa-StxtYnxifg8bPHVO6XK9rbI/s320/Megan.png" width="256" /></a></div>
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Over the past two weeks I've shown you how easy it is to combine an image, a texture and a background. That got me to thinking about how I could make this even easier for you.The quick and easy answer, of course, was to make the backgrounds for you. I quickly went to work experimenting with background colors and brushes. I now announce The Artiste Backgrounds collection.</div>
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The image behind Megan is just one of a set of twelve backgrounds you'll be able to download and use with your artwork projects. I'll even include the master copy so you'll be able to change the color to whatever color will best match your image. I'll also include the step by step instructions on how to use them. </div>
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I have a little more learning to do on website downloads but I'll be sure to let you know when I have the Artiste Backgrounds available on my website. <a href="http://www.anartistview.net/">www.anartistview.net</a> </div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17342361053434592273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617686152546930808.post-90076238624956464902012-02-13T08:31:00.000-08:002012-02-13T08:31:57.105-08:00Editing a candid shot of a child<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4nk_cartOA6CO0UHtNla3RtOz49ZZoa7AYfxymFkOv8KIVHmgsQ_Bl8zYCC5hb7t09vwHgkwsCs6WqRVEN2zJLIzLvdvEGc_iJAZQZ1YeR4Q7eC9BuWHPpDYsYKwms6syLKt-0geu38/s1600/Avery+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4nk_cartOA6CO0UHtNla3RtOz49ZZoa7AYfxymFkOv8KIVHmgsQ_Bl8zYCC5hb7t09vwHgkwsCs6WqRVEN2zJLIzLvdvEGc_iJAZQZ1YeR4Q7eC9BuWHPpDYsYKwms6syLKt-0geu38/s320/Avery+small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Today I'm going to show you how to edit a child portrait. Here is a picture of my granddaughter Avery. She has such a beautiful smile but boy can she move. Like most kids, taking pictures of them is always on the run and you'll need to take hundreds of them just to get one descent shot.<br />
Let's start with cropping. I'll set my cropping tool to 8x10 at 300 resolution. I find if I work on an image at a larger size then when I have it printed at a smaller size it looks even better. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7DXl2MT0hGwVDSnjIeVuE1RjNWA7nYhutHz3P7Pmvy445Me2fzlSEoUZD9cmbkLqJnp6_fEhDOi5gXh8LXjuWGf-Ju8q_gKpgxGfRr403QnOkOC9avAEJVu49P-5VBqTYEj7jL_yH6bA/s1600/8x10+x+300+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7DXl2MT0hGwVDSnjIeVuE1RjNWA7nYhutHz3P7Pmvy445Me2fzlSEoUZD9cmbkLqJnp6_fEhDOi5gXh8LXjuWGf-Ju8q_gKpgxGfRr403QnOkOC9avAEJVu49P-5VBqTYEj7jL_yH6bA/s640/8x10+x+300+crop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Now drag your cropping guide from the top left corner to the bottom until you get it right where you want it. I'm making mine a verticle to crop out Emma in the background.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZd29HKPxou7p5ueJZxz536RkF9EuSWM1xq7vT7SMGXt24RsABKFX8qFA59Bd3jxhVn0PIfIUlJZYkiOivC2w-4Mdh-d35R0M8flAdL-y4yYv44DUdSTnHYV42HRvIIJvmvcOIzr8dlw/s1600/curves+for+Avery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZd29HKPxou7p5ueJZxz536RkF9EuSWM1xq7vT7SMGXt24RsABKFX8qFA59Bd3jxhVn0PIfIUlJZYkiOivC2w-4Mdh-d35R0M8flAdL-y4yYv44DUdSTnHYV42HRvIIJvmvcOIzr8dlw/s640/curves+for+Avery.jpg" width="537" /></a> I need to adjust the image since the whites are a little muddy. I'm going to use the curves tool. Press the Control +the M key to bring up the curves palette. Looking at it shows my blacks on the left and whites on the right. My graph is not touching the right side so I'm going to slide the slider over to the left until it touches the first point of my graph. Press OK to apply your changes.<br />
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Now lets do a little editing. With children you shouldn't need to do too much since their skin is usually flawless. But Avery was running and playing so her face is a little red and there is a scratch on her neck to remove. Using the cloning tool, set the mode to lighten, opacity at 25% and the flow at 100%. I'm also going to use a very soft round brush so I don't get any lines around where I'm retouhing. When you set the mode to lighten it will only lighted the areas that are darker then what your selection area is. You might want to try setting the mode to darken in order to darken some highlights if you need it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGSsdFQ2rlHdKintwIdvI1t4dqJwJoSgJXNj-tbX24Md0T8urtGrAjbEd2_zn-s35zAo0x72YEITu9WGfuvJWDQQpXu5tMdqhA3HHsE74uErISTZJj2nJ6eXtfE3qMjx3ETpKUtvbtyk/s1600/Avery+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGSsdFQ2rlHdKintwIdvI1t4dqJwJoSgJXNj-tbX24Md0T8urtGrAjbEd2_zn-s35zAo0x72YEITu9WGfuvJWDQQpXu5tMdqhA3HHsE74uErISTZJj2nJ6eXtfE3qMjx3ETpKUtvbtyk/s320/Avery+before.jpg" width="278" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUut_DinDq4pjFtW5y5dWHe8cWFbDtpQz1LIyp54nPn56ZlIk8bypgTQuhaTOTndhysN_8OArWcHvT_Vv1ZrWVNQ601jJHKbM833AcN_Bd2XH0713d1T0g2bZI6aeBWPvDDB5tJPZnSc/s1600/Avery+after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUut_DinDq4pjFtW5y5dWHe8cWFbDtpQz1LIyp54nPn56ZlIk8bypgTQuhaTOTndhysN_8OArWcHvT_Vv1ZrWVNQ601jJHKbM833AcN_Bd2XH0713d1T0g2bZI6aeBWPvDDB5tJPZnSc/s320/Avery+after.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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After Iwe even up the tones in her face, I like to use the unsharp mask. It's located under the sharpen filter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPC2ceI83wbMQ54N9Sa28BhIY_1SP7qa7tw05syjJP1fzSgKgSKoL-YfLv37TCp8Ri_538yy2WyS9mvB__lABDhYVwmeZRbsLqFO0p6ioF_puHRstGiN6vKq5gOiAPRZaSsDBcdsTnkw/s1600/Avery+eyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPC2ceI83wbMQ54N9Sa28BhIY_1SP7qa7tw05syjJP1fzSgKgSKoL-YfLv37TCp8Ri_538yy2WyS9mvB__lABDhYVwmeZRbsLqFO0p6ioF_puHRstGiN6vKq5gOiAPRZaSsDBcdsTnkw/s320/Avery+eyes.jpg" width="320" /></a> For her eyes lets use the burn tool with a soft brush, range set to shadows and the exposure to 10 or less. I'm going to use this sparingly to go over her lashes and the dark areas in her eyes just to make them pop. One last thing, on a seperate layer I used a soft paint brush around the corners to create a slight vignette.<br />
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And there we have it. A finished portrait made from a candid shot.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqDjpzzuOxQ6KqKd7Cjzy8LUITMtBIccJ9rnQlWPNXOr8PVt6gJZuORNysBXE0YwB0yFkPfUqKEXhWjbkPDPwl1ZSTQOEDMqyGXHrYDi3Cs9eHmHGnVXenVaWxF35mMD4KPwyGoaP_G8/s1600/Avery+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqDjpzzuOxQ6KqKd7Cjzy8LUITMtBIccJ9rnQlWPNXOr8PVt6gJZuORNysBXE0YwB0yFkPfUqKEXhWjbkPDPwl1ZSTQOEDMqyGXHrYDi3Cs9eHmHGnVXenVaWxF35mMD4KPwyGoaP_G8/s320/Avery+final.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
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Visti my website for more free tutorials. <a href="http://www.anartistview.net/">www.anartistview.net</a><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17342361053434592273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617686152546930808.post-66655233468984064612012-02-06T07:19:00.000-08:002012-02-06T07:19:22.508-08:00Adding a texture to an image<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0SaPIP4Giu_qAEC7P7pLeGI4kWjC9lO3SUR30awUYEaD_6ngTl3bz-fCg1-wGp0JGuTVkb8ZKonI814Nv8D5uDDWX4htKpZzuwWJPMRjxg5z__s8Da4ofO0fzw8usu5yT5kKGJYa7YEk/s1600/Grace+after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0SaPIP4Giu_qAEC7P7pLeGI4kWjC9lO3SUR30awUYEaD_6ngTl3bz-fCg1-wGp0JGuTVkb8ZKonI814Nv8D5uDDWX4htKpZzuwWJPMRjxg5z__s8Da4ofO0fzw8usu5yT5kKGJYa7YEk/s320/Grace+after.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Last week we started working on an image of a rose. We went over how to use a little dodging and burning to add that extra dimension. Today we'll go one step further and add a background texture.<br />
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Let's open last weeks image. I'm using Photoshop CS4 but you can also use Photoshop Elements.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16qyANsQTaBbKYdBMMtyQeUEb5X21UU2RcSMR4RckpJzhYER2T9gS8SkcpaWVS9YNoQiecBuFz6k2dWjcMPoc38720jL3SaTJ8YVBSfh0USxx1lDr1tR021uxZyd6mfvWRnuK9-OOQ9w/s1600/texture+blog+layer+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16qyANsQTaBbKYdBMMtyQeUEb5X21UU2RcSMR4RckpJzhYER2T9gS8SkcpaWVS9YNoQiecBuFz6k2dWjcMPoc38720jL3SaTJ8YVBSfh0USxx1lDr1tR021uxZyd6mfvWRnuK9-OOQ9w/s1600/texture+blog+layer+1.jpg" /></a> I'll be using some textures I downloaded free from the internet. There are thousands out there and I love to have several to choose from. I keep them in a seperate file called textures so they are easy to find. I'll be using two today. The first one is called Aqueous_sun_textures_v2_027. It looks like a water splattered pattern. Now let's simply add it over my rose as another layer and set the layer style as screen with the opacity to 50%. You'll probably need to transform the texture so it fits all the way over the rose layer using the transform tool. Sometimes I'll even make it bigger then the layer underneath if I want to use just a portion of the texture. Ok now that we have the texture above the rose, we'll need to mask out the part that is over the rose. You may want to leave it over the rose but for this print I want to elemenate it so that the rose stands out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPwOo8qZw04_r7gwb0R7NHr0Ml7wlzBkJUHiLKCsw5W12x-wuETOS4g9163h-ZuR3MxsdLwMJ-t_SPy9vg2OLcUTtdOCRV09VMIO0ZCPNi0trS6KudLbxFThqRYyTYkr2uO1PC01eU54/s1600/brush+tool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPwOo8qZw04_r7gwb0R7NHr0Ml7wlzBkJUHiLKCsw5W12x-wuETOS4g9163h-ZuR3MxsdLwMJ-t_SPy9vg2OLcUTtdOCRV09VMIO0ZCPNi0trS6KudLbxFThqRYyTYkr2uO1PC01eU54/s320/brush+tool.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>
Make sure the texture layer is highlighted and click on the layer mask icon on the bottom of your layers palate. A small box will show up next to it and we'll use this to mask out the texture with our black and white paint using the brush tool. <br />
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Select a round brush with the hardness set to about 65%. I'm sure you'll want to adjust this as you go along the edge. The opacity should be set to 100? Using the black paint on the texture mask will hide the texture over the rose. If you make a mistake, don't fret over it because switching to white paint will bring it back. You may even try using a shade of grey to leave just a little bit in.<br />
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The texture looks good but I want to add another so over the top of this texture layer I'm adding another texture called aqueous_sun_textures_v2_023. This layer style is set at Pin Light and the opacity is set to just 35%. Then I did the same masking on this layer. This is how my layers palette looks now.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVadPSPB6mV02wYdwyF5Oo7O5-ZcgphK5MWP8yvPm2bs3upzsDcKXMkqDZF4qXlPNqv4zT0WTzklAtpjAhLkmK2Ugq5ynOO5e7C9KGj924nVu0zIyN0D-ZNBFB5N6VE4R661MPr8B_Cw/s1600/texture+blog+layer+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVadPSPB6mV02wYdwyF5Oo7O5-ZcgphK5MWP8yvPm2bs3upzsDcKXMkqDZF4qXlPNqv4zT0WTzklAtpjAhLkmK2Ugq5ynOO5e7C9KGj924nVu0zIyN0D-ZNBFB5N6VE4R661MPr8B_Cw/s1600/texture+blog+layer+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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One more thing...make sure you save your file before you flatten it. Then save it again as a finished print. That way you will always have a working file just in case you find you want to change something.<br />
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My final image looks a bit antique. How about yours? Any questions on this project or any others please feel free to ask. You may also reach me on my website, <a href="http://www.anartistview.net/">www.anartistview.net</a> or join me on Facebook.<br />
Have fun!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbtVEOLanKPUhLu9Z0bYro6LDTtnPiLPJLI0PZeXc0uYlGPuMxKXxNJSIwZKp2XsgGpTU4EJd1vOysjjReZtwUdxxyy2l-ApGR1NNOgbuB9yAPsbl2z5YGusDw0ews0dhVHxmlrvEFoI/s1600/grace+texture+after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbtVEOLanKPUhLu9Z0bYro6LDTtnPiLPJLI0PZeXc0uYlGPuMxKXxNJSIwZKp2XsgGpTU4EJd1vOysjjReZtwUdxxyy2l-ApGR1NNOgbuB9yAPsbl2z5YGusDw0ews0dhVHxmlrvEFoI/s640/grace+texture+after.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17342361053434592273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617686152546930808.post-24837093904938634022012-01-30T10:58:00.000-08:002012-02-05T12:57:00.189-08:00A Little Dodging and Burning will do.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6OChZvCtuLUitsWSfL2Xm0ZpkhgA5uA7E9dC1mdxzjjge2C03dPkv7Df5w_mk0I4HBkZB-0TOPs8vW6dKKC-m2iTlOehwHdf9U5J-wmMegEhWciEap1porzI0EFOtvv0IM7VHIuRyaY/s1600/Grace+original.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6OChZvCtuLUitsWSfL2Xm0ZpkhgA5uA7E9dC1mdxzjjge2C03dPkv7Df5w_mk0I4HBkZB-0TOPs8vW6dKKC-m2iTlOehwHdf9U5J-wmMegEhWciEap1porzI0EFOtvv0IM7VHIuRyaY/s400/Grace+original.png" width="400" /></a></div>
Here is an easy way to add just a little something extra to help an ordinary image become a little better. This first image is beautiful by itself but when I see it, I see the yellow in the background doesn't compliment the peach rose. Also the definition of the pedals isn't quiet enough. I'll use the dodge and burn method in a safe and easy way.<br />
First off bring up your image in Photoshop or Elements and do all the retouching you feel it needs. I was going for a softer look with this image so when I retouched the rose I made sure the exposure wasn't too dark. Then I took out the blemishes on the petals and slightly painted over the yellow in the background. Next I added a new layer above the original layer and filled it with 50% gray. At the top of the layer box I changed this layer to Overlay. Once you do this you will be able to see your original layer underneath. Now grab your paint brush tool and choose a soft round brush with the opacity set to around 10 maybe even lower. Now make sure your colors are set to the default of black and white. On this new layer paint with the black to make areas darker and then go back and paint with the white to make areas lighter. You'll get the hang of it pretty fast and what is really nice about this method is.....if you don't like what you are doing then simply fill the layer back in with 50% grey and start again.<br />
Now that you have that down......try painting with another color. Have fun!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_mw2yNxhnbUNKmiEUKrzkrrPrJu-cKh1p-TF90-pDgE02cgcyQCw9Nzdba_ooTR6OmwpZVHR3G29Wm1BI5aBvonFcNc4xqkdvvWuf-1esz1yQQNpK-dca2JgxqW8rqMI8fqR4r2D1-4/s1600/Grace+after.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_mw2yNxhnbUNKmiEUKrzkrrPrJu-cKh1p-TF90-pDgE02cgcyQCw9Nzdba_ooTR6OmwpZVHR3G29Wm1BI5aBvonFcNc4xqkdvvWuf-1esz1yQQNpK-dca2JgxqW8rqMI8fqR4r2D1-4/s400/Grace+after.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17342361053434592273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617686152546930808.post-91837388440529149472012-01-23T04:58:00.000-08:002012-01-23T05:04:43.224-08:00The loss of ceramic tiles<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VS__xnaWEtNmrZppwDVYXJ7HwpofO6rCRJRpg1T464ukQdwXDsuvnVfClnKtpkZx1ily6jXuAAGAMu-hZPGHwejQ6KvSVjPUN38gwZ5-ZhVECT0RXuqKnVkTfp-AGezd613GvOqCpN8/s1600/28410Laughter.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VS__xnaWEtNmrZppwDVYXJ7HwpofO6rCRJRpg1T464ukQdwXDsuvnVfClnKtpkZx1ily6jXuAAGAMu-hZPGHwejQ6KvSVjPUN38gwZ5-ZhVECT0RXuqKnVkTfp-AGezd613GvOqCpN8/s320/28410Laughter.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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For years now I've been able to sell ceramic tiles with my images on them. The mainly consisted of words composed with a flower designed in them as a letter. Customers loved them and needless to say I sold a lot of them. I used them in the kitchen as a spoon rest or as wall decor attached by simply adding a piece of velcro.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBp9L9YfYKDsZ6T_Y1hSbv6x4Y8k3f_D8roLW_L8po4nOpEQ9_UhPEnXcu1azb6yE3DFTna5RfuRv06vkQBi3ymCGWBMedgrm6OaoQIg3Pq9bbocVZlQEX0NzVSixIf7XzCDeE186iNSU/s1600/Carrots.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBp9L9YfYKDsZ6T_Y1hSbv6x4Y8k3f_D8roLW_L8po4nOpEQ9_UhPEnXcu1azb6yE3DFTna5RfuRv06vkQBi3ymCGWBMedgrm6OaoQIg3Pq9bbocVZlQEX0NzVSixIf7XzCDeE186iNSU/s320/Carrots.png" width="320" /></a></div>
I've been using the same company for years to order them and they have been doing a great job. But now they decided to up the price to the point where I simply cannot afford to buy them and then try to ask my customers to pay 1/3 more then they were in the past. So the end is in sight for my little tiles unless I come across another company to make them for me at a low price without having to order 500 of each or put in a huge investment and make them myself. Which of course steels my creative time.<br />
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So I'll keep searching for another avenue to purchase them. And if any of you know of a place, then please let me know.<br />
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All the images will still be available on note cards. I will continue to make new ones like "Carrots" in that another company will come along.<br />
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17342361053434592273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617686152546930808.post-4915968261507417772012-01-15T05:51:00.000-08:002012-01-15T07:40:14.221-08:00Food Still Life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMT4x4MEcT16gAbWeVuD8fc-m_jS0y7rg8goCvtIA7mVwym8tDZZtny8s9GIqHJo95vpUIuyY2U0xhPhQGXrJUT1Xat6jP0mmUAFTeHjYwL9NlXKFu8ghnexkP83RsENr2g-bqZ7M6HqA/s1600/grapefruitCup+close.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMT4x4MEcT16gAbWeVuD8fc-m_jS0y7rg8goCvtIA7mVwym8tDZZtny8s9GIqHJo95vpUIuyY2U0xhPhQGXrJUT1Xat6jP0mmUAFTeHjYwL9NlXKFu8ghnexkP83RsENr2g-bqZ7M6HqA/s320/grapefruitCup+close.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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This morning, while fixing breakfast I got to wondering what it would be like if I were born just 100 years earlier. Would all this fresh produce be available to me? Fresh blueberries from Chile, oranges from Florida and cantelope from who knows where. Would I have to had canned it all last fall and bring it out as a treat on these cold winter days? Will my grandkids even know what home canning is all about? I sure am gratefull for all the advancement the world has made since my grandmother was a small girl. I now couldn't imagine going to the store and not finding my favorite part of the grocery store, fresh produce.<br />
These cold winter days are excellent for setting up shop to take pictures for food still life. <br />
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Above we have grapefruit and lace. I love to combine antiques with flowers. It portrays a quiet, relaxing, feminine moment from times past. I strive to make you want to take that much needed break to relax, savor and enjoy the moment. Cheesecake and Bluesberries and Yellow pepper below. </div>
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And the best part of doing food still life? You have to eat the leftovers.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hEDQVc7CGtdPkuoJab2sZWb0vFmo7eQuVDpASX80dnYBovfYneNE27rQOdvE98MKeN0mFHwk4mFgEpRXMPaTWPwGg89cphO2JKbN67c5Qx0auGy29jL2Ef40MJJuQoteHNUbQcQtqus/s1600/BlueberryCheesecakePainting.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hEDQVc7CGtdPkuoJab2sZWb0vFmo7eQuVDpASX80dnYBovfYneNE27rQOdvE98MKeN0mFHwk4mFgEpRXMPaTWPwGg89cphO2JKbN67c5Qx0auGy29jL2Ef40MJJuQoteHNUbQcQtqus/s320/BlueberryCheesecakePainting.png" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ51PXGgJmcOtPcdRpMzFEuUag0R8Go2qp6UA8547oaHf8kNkv8p14HfZyPjP_9fOVs_IfQB2HNkoOQKMkj6_DkUanrnxppR-1XQTjq9gqdCQQ7q1mQNcRGk1m7r3HQ_LnjKsjWs7XYFQ/s1600/yellow+pepper.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ51PXGgJmcOtPcdRpMzFEuUag0R8Go2qp6UA8547oaHf8kNkv8p14HfZyPjP_9fOVs_IfQB2HNkoOQKMkj6_DkUanrnxppR-1XQTjq9gqdCQQ7q1mQNcRGk1m7r3HQ_LnjKsjWs7XYFQ/s320/yellow+pepper.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.anartistview.net/Heirloom%20Collection.html" target="_blank">Check out my Heirloom Gallery</a></div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17342361053434592273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617686152546930808.post-89157021273037666642012-01-09T06:05:00.000-08:002012-01-09T06:05:47.219-08:00The Westcotts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Thomas and Mary Westcott lived at Westcott manor in Marwood, Devon , England in the early 1400's. They had two boys, Thomas and Stephen who would often play in the woods and gardens. One day while playing hide and seek they stumbled upon a tiny little village of garden fairies.<br />
Garden fairies live hundreds of years and if they like a family they will stay with them forever. This village of fairies has been with the Westcotts since they met Furbert De Wescote in 1175 when he was a young boy in Exeter.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9EulBkjnSnHpgBCbZRfI25aCjZlLqSz1zFtUxumonbW6e_r5CUaguLL-CSbxA0PeU-iXk4uvLkBe0yUk4yzUIyjm2wuX9iTShWOTmQSKtdIUqg8MBjEGPQTfcXLujUChXqcGgDsiwsY/s1600/Clover+Hailleaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9EulBkjnSnHpgBCbZRfI25aCjZlLqSz1zFtUxumonbW6e_r5CUaguLL-CSbxA0PeU-iXk4uvLkBe0yUk4yzUIyjm2wuX9iTShWOTmQSKtdIUqg8MBjEGPQTfcXLujUChXqcGgDsiwsY/s320/Clover+Hailleaf.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Now the garden fairies don't usually show themselves to the families they live with but Thomas and Stephen were so much fun to watch that the garden fairies enjoyed seeing them play. They both had a wonderful imagination and the fairies were very entertained.<br />
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Clover Hailleaf has been telling me the stories of both his and our ancestors being together for 23 generations. And soon their knowledge will be passed on to Dawson and Avery, my grandchildren.<br />
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He and his wife Gossamer have taken a liking to the new atrium in my living room. I've taken them in from the cold gardens Only you have to look very fast for if they think you are looking at them, they freeze and look like stone. <br />
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Well, I better get back to work with my clay. Gossamer is asking for me to build them a home.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17342361053434592273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617686152546930808.post-20671723390272570122012-01-03T10:29:00.000-08:002012-01-03T11:17:46.949-08:00A New Adventure<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0OKhHduRl1HqvnRkP05nuwnqO6FUcgoX90ocE7EOvTbNMP9RkcRc7qlwgoQY7fnOrK7-HQQ4RZnWmRIv4gnFUibWbLLFTQzArBK7eYU-FHHXmZCDKSGbK9gh-hlcWx-e8RRPmNMGMLk/s1600/BookCoverImage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 320px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693482109718911026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0OKhHduRl1HqvnRkP05nuwnqO6FUcgoX90ocE7EOvTbNMP9RkcRc7qlwgoQY7fnOrK7-HQQ4RZnWmRIv4gnFUibWbLLFTQzArBK7eYU-FHHXmZCDKSGbK9gh-hlcWx-e8RRPmNMGMLk/s320/BookCoverImage.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I really thought that 2011 was going to be my slowest year since An Artist View Photography started. With the economy as slow as it has been, I've been avoiding doing art shows. There were lots of lookers but unless you were selling food, there were just not enough buyers to pay the rent. </div><div> </div><div>But then it happened, one day over lunch with a friend. We got to talking about publishing books. POD's they call them. Publishing on Demand. Which means basicly....you do everything yourself. You write it, edit it, design the layout, buy the books and promote them all by yourself. Yep, lots of work. </div><div> </div><div>I took on the writing of Second Glances, An Introduction to Seeing. It's a pictorial book about my Second Glances photographic collection. Second Glances started on the beach at East Tawas State Park in my home town of the Tawas Cities. While on the beach taking pictures of the sunrise I came across a really cool design the colored sands were making with the waves and just had to take pictures of it. Later I discovered the awesome designs within the sand design. It contained faces. Lots of them. That is when the game began for me. Every since then, I look just a little closer to designs in nature. You would be amazed at what is there, just by taking that second glance. And that is what the book is about. Showing you how to see the images within the designs of ordinary things. </div><div> </div><div>So now that the book is published and is available through my web site, <a href="http://www.anartistview.net">www.anartistview.net</a>, Amazon.com, Barnes and Nobles or any other book store, book signings are my next big adventure. Where do I start? What do I do now? Well, today I'll start by putting it all in motion. My first step, making a list of book stores and libraries in my area. Then I'll need a flyer designed to mail to all of them as an introduction. I have a feeling the writing of the book was the easy part.</div><div> Join my along my journey and be sure to post your suggestions of stores near you. It's always nice to see a familier face.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17342361053434592273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617686152546930808.post-32162458179810185302010-10-25T05:55:00.000-07:002010-10-25T07:13:08.708-07:00A fall trip to St Louis<div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3RuOlallX3v_i2YGvbMxapq1ZukjiLk04hYI4wlsVytEP9-ls7dpSwOUDoN-56-ejqWJ77Kp5kIOImN7CT5AMm16hMSTy3XpDhcgmm_Fh9P6Emand0v_89GuaRnk_2mt0MOBD3Q4-Nk/s1600/IMG_1263.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 134px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531973201613897474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3RuOlallX3v_i2YGvbMxapq1ZukjiLk04hYI4wlsVytEP9-ls7dpSwOUDoN-56-ejqWJ77Kp5kIOImN7CT5AMm16hMSTy3XpDhcgmm_Fh9P6Emand0v_89GuaRnk_2mt0MOBD3Q4-Nk/s200/IMG_1263.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0A8aSWTRbX1cP4_9SxgDeqiG98R9R6HxlopkQK_ritaZK41XVwXYMUsuBIIleopBqAItmiWZPFXrNqNU9LL-VGX61jlVrJeNUd92_-qs3V76CbgElFf_FzylsGaKwV85ItNwPVkajsM/s1600/IMG_1248.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531969345016380738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0A8aSWTRbX1cP4_9SxgDeqiG98R9R6HxlopkQK_ritaZK41XVwXYMUsuBIIleopBqAItmiWZPFXrNqNU9LL-VGX61jlVrJeNUd92_-qs3V76CbgElFf_FzylsGaKwV85ItNwPVkajsM/s200/IMG_1248.jpg" /></a> So I was reading the magazine, Midwest Living and they had an article about taking a trip down the Illinois river. Beautiful scenery, canyons, waterfalls and when we reached the end of the river we would be so close to St. Louis we just had to go there as well. Sounded like a fantastic plan so my daughter and I packed up Emma(our springer spaniel), my mom and dad, and were off on our way. <div><br /><div>Our first stop was to Starved Rock State Park. What a beautiful place to spend the day. I had been practicing taking waterfall pictures so I could capture the water coming over the canyon walls. That didn't quit happen since it was all dryed up by this time of year. But with it all dry, we were able to climb into the back of each canyon and take some wonderful shots that would have been impossible with the water flowing.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEJtUYsvb9ygLxGiA8zmpixacYzahO6Ry4X489-mpzZ6nrTJSxFacJnRU7Qeeja37Hg167oOhMuhkZR7o4aB3h66V_CPzCQqaN0OoIySHfSELNG-x9OrATPJMI1Xk4DVib9fhz3p3GNA/s1600/IMG_1331.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531968450577595730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEJtUYsvb9ygLxGiA8zmpixacYzahO6Ry4X489-mpzZ6nrTJSxFacJnRU7Qeeja37Hg167oOhMuhkZR7o4aB3h66V_CPzCQqaN0OoIySHfSELNG-x9OrATPJMI1Xk4DVib9fhz3p3GNA/s200/IMG_1331.jpg" /></a> The place was packed making it hard to get some great shots without people in them. But without the people in them it would be hard to show the vastness of the canyons. My recommendations....go on a weekday, were your hiking boots, bring the dog and be ready to climb hundreds of stairs. It was well worth the stop.</div>Our next stop was Chautaugua National wildlife refuge. It was a little rainy that day but the forest was still beautiful and the birds where plenty. We went in hopes of seeing the white pelicans that make their home there. Of course that day there were on the other side of the lake.</div><div> </div><div>Dickson mounds museum was next. The story goes....Dr Don F Dickson desided to start excavations on the family farm. Which turned out to be the burial mounds for the american indians who lived there some 12,000 years ago. They have a wonderful museum filled with artifacts and a awe-inspiring journey of their way of life along the Illinois river valley. What I found to be fascinating is that their culture really didn't grow at all until the explorers introduced them to their way of life and all the things they had learned to make and trade for a better way of life. This is diffently a must see place.</div><br /><div>We were off to Beardstrom. The only place where President Lincoln ever tried a court case. And of course he got his man off because the farmers almanac said it was cloudy that night so the witness couldn't possible have seen him commit the crime. That courtroom is still in use today and tours are available by this very nice lady. She dissappered before I could get a picture of her and get her name. </div><br /><div>We made it to St. Louis that night and stayed at the Drury Hotel right next to Union Station in downtown. I highly recommend this place. Emma was very welcome there, although she really didn't care for the elevators. Very resonable pricing that included the dog, breakfast, drinks at 5, a small evening meal and free parking. The hot tub and pool was very clean and much needed after a long day of exploring.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv43rqTGKXG_fhAwz4sOKmLV9N9o_3KkIXYZcozzX6ib4skT5NxTUhasyMIj8i_UA7jDUOrZUHnL7SO7c1fzuBwbJhTnCloUWN9-CahrTfPttcgqxwe6cT1W1MjZx8ZmTgHcEPTihl4GU/s1600/IMG_1529.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 134px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531982378316232114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv43rqTGKXG_fhAwz4sOKmLV9N9o_3KkIXYZcozzX6ib4skT5NxTUhasyMIj8i_UA7jDUOrZUHnL7SO7c1fzuBwbJhTnCloUWN9-CahrTfPttcgqxwe6cT1W1MjZx8ZmTgHcEPTihl4GU/s200/IMG_1529.jpg" /></a><br /><div>We visited the zoo and loved it. It is very clean and the animals seem to be happy and moving around so you felt like you were so close. This guy was in with the baby giraffe and seemed to want all the attention on him. He was posing very well so I didn't mind.</div><br /><div>Next stop was the art museum and the botanical gardens. Again, very nice and clean. Oh and by the way...the zoo and the art museum has free admittion. The botanical gardens was 12.00 to get in but well worth it. And lunch is exceptional at their cafe.</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531985688501585842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQq2esR6ytoOyygvRfxILzCMPE699j9xvtuHWfwslteXg_AK0QZoO7TSjGnriKh23ybAppx_DAiYF4PdmrIL808LUUqc5KhA19brjvUm1ogtrNcminB16wWSQ2GQrJqAarjAUWIwuFpXE/s200/IMG_1649.jpg" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOpKiB4n27HaFRrzhc8yAobuZM2wNfZiNEMin4vlMOjEujNZtgBgukcyZlhc_BZosfnoOmQjC2sI_WmSdDdZn_2BiSc3I61lJtf63T9FpB2caek4EFGoAfCLaA78-k-KH703GvyO7MGM/s1600/IMG_1515.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 134px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531985196428535330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOpKiB4n27HaFRrzhc8yAobuZM2wNfZiNEMin4vlMOjEujNZtgBgukcyZlhc_BZosfnoOmQjC2sI_WmSdDdZn_2BiSc3I61lJtf63T9FpB2caek4EFGoAfCLaA78-k-KH703GvyO7MGM/s200/IMG_1515.jpg" /></a> We made it home the next day tired out and ready for the weekend to relax.<br /><br /><div>The one thing I do have to say......Although we seen some great places along the way, Michigan has the best fall color you're going to see in the midwest. </div></div></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17342361053434592273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617686152546930808.post-69611518080203101302010-04-15T06:06:00.000-07:002010-04-15T06:06:42.667-07:00Facebook | An Artist View Photography<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/An-Artist-View-Photography/161015274630">Facebook An Artist View Photography</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17342361053434592273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617686152546930808.post-56137951107272492432010-04-14T06:30:00.000-07:002010-04-14T07:03:37.599-07:00Spring Inspiration<div> I don't know of one gardener who doesn't start looking for even the slightest sign of new growth sneaking up through the last remains of our michigan snow. If there is even a hint of spring in the air we are out there inspecting. I'm so quilty of this myself.</div><div> And those first hints of spring are my inspirations to get out my camera. I've always been amazed with leaves. All kinds of leaves. From the new buds on the trees to the unraveling of the first ferns. Their shapes, their textures and even the many, many shades of color. I ask myself every time...."Who designed these anyway? They are fabulous!" Year after year I go through the same rituals, discovering, amazement and then taking even more pictures of them. I may have 20 images of grape leaves but there always seems to be another special leaf or bud. </div><br />Here are a few of what I've found in just my own back yard.<br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWR_1VFELvN5RXuKGVhf5gWq_vdIMOKgGHKPi907cGaGy_CB-ZBZI6iXLH7aPLynRzVBY-8swzRIkRPUJSiBBooBDW0ugk_mB1bRh24mS-xvoaDploOKJag6-J9cnOMo2_dyLTk36GuA/s1600/small+leaf.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459987106577566594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWR_1VFELvN5RXuKGVhf5gWq_vdIMOKgGHKPi907cGaGy_CB-ZBZI6iXLH7aPLynRzVBY-8swzRIkRPUJSiBBooBDW0ugk_mB1bRh24mS-xvoaDploOKJag6-J9cnOMo2_dyLTk36GuA/s200/small+leaf.png" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1PV4mkwb83FLMiZvsPf8xTku6csudiaGzr3XHXWU89oOjJyPSaaaJpbieSwLdnLxLmAvkXexwiSVoaZc1p0CetkrBX8uyX4ViTfLV2fSZ6YMpbZNh9u9NWylXZAYArnwXJsLup8Y_9Dk/s1600/Boxwood+Texture.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459987095315113554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1PV4mkwb83FLMiZvsPf8xTku6csudiaGzr3XHXWU89oOjJyPSaaaJpbieSwLdnLxLmAvkXexwiSVoaZc1p0CetkrBX8uyX4ViTfLV2fSZ6YMpbZNh9u9NWylXZAYArnwXJsLup8Y_9Dk/s200/Boxwood+Texture.png" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMNSbjrZKCjEhrwrXC9Bnn5fJFueGbR3hxJBro0uzJ940uCfCVXc9BKjn5OuMJA1slb9n2f6Jvo02iaqyT4wasyntxS8lutEHZhqFmgi0jYCPZxxbpNBRiw3hs-S1sPkEp7XGLMvp07M/s1600/Grass+Texture.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459987100386939538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMNSbjrZKCjEhrwrXC9Bnn5fJFueGbR3hxJBro0uzJ940uCfCVXc9BKjn5OuMJA1slb9n2f6Jvo02iaqyT4wasyntxS8lutEHZhqFmgi0jYCPZxxbpNBRiw3hs-S1sPkEp7XGLMvp07M/s200/Grass+Texture.png" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Ground covers, boxwoods, grasses,<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiye7e9dhwO-OzLex9XaYDhNDib9FMvpxpNv5lyXWAJVkVmgNf-QtS52BkLPo-mjDbuSpPHSjq698W0006jSns15RieZ7WBIzG9Imi1XxwgDgkV18azTaaPK7bQ1s2JCplWJ5IJv0Aan5o/s1600/Lavender.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 134px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459987115564575106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiye7e9dhwO-OzLex9XaYDhNDib9FMvpxpNv5lyXWAJVkVmgNf-QtS52BkLPo-mjDbuSpPHSjq698W0006jSns15RieZ7WBIzG9Imi1XxwgDgkV18azTaaPK7bQ1s2JCplWJ5IJv0Aan5o/s200/Lavender.png" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGH6Y1jL_UzuHX1fXZHDoGyiEop3EP02iInQHgwnW6Gkjv84iVSnrL8uUKODkOQzWaT6sa0zD6Yqhf6TZLdosiq4DWSaokQmXZpz1gVzsVPW_61But_TdSw2u5eM7iJJkqSxTuUTZKaC0/s1600/grapevine+web.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 143px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459987120832682914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGH6Y1jL_UzuHX1fXZHDoGyiEop3EP02iInQHgwnW6Gkjv84iVSnrL8uUKODkOQzWaT6sa0zD6Yqhf6TZLdosiq4DWSaokQmXZpz1gVzsVPW_61But_TdSw2u5eM7iJJkqSxTuUTZKaC0/s200/grapevine+web.png" /></a><br /><br />lavender and grapevines all make wonderful subjects</div><div>to study.</div><div> </div><div>To me it's all about color and texture. I try to keep my images to many different shades of the same color. To me, it seems be easier on the eye. A kinda calming effect. But don't overlook the importance of your lighting. Making sure it is playing off your main subject will keep it the center of attention.</div><div> </div><div>There is no need to wait till the plants are in full bloom. Get out there now and discover the first round of amazing beauty all plants have to offer.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div> </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17342361053434592273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617686152546930808.post-90920104431891848882009-05-11T05:38:00.000-07:002009-05-11T06:05:56.412-07:00April Showers bring May weeds<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUcse6cZR4gJod2-IrxBFo7-scMKylwIN3G45Nt6tTE1LF6PIZkBUTBZ6z3MII_wIyY4-gsQdNN5QxFWtAZ_M3DlXPC3w9ECENZ6ghfYXxl2sW3YWatRLHMHJTGOfazk9OePMz9Lc7Lg/s1600-h/dandilion+web.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334550458771123090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYUcse6cZR4gJod2-IrxBFo7-scMKylwIN3G45Nt6tTE1LF6PIZkBUTBZ6z3MII_wIyY4-gsQdNN5QxFWtAZ_M3DlXPC3w9ECENZ6ghfYXxl2sW3YWatRLHMHJTGOfazk9OePMz9Lc7Lg/s200/dandilion+web.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Did you ever hear gardeners say "just use your grass clippings for mulch"? I thought.... I've got a lot of grass clippings and it sure would be cheaper and besides it would give me someplace to put all those clippings after I mow. I gave it a lot of thought then decided that I would give it a try in an area that wasn't full of my most desired flowers. So I had this new area that had bad soil and figured the clippings could help. Every week I would use the sweeper on the mower to collect the clippings and spread them as evenly as possible in this new area. Seemed to be working great all summer. It keep the weeds down to a managable rate and keep the ground moist. In the fall even the leaves were added. Everything was working out fabulous and thoughts were taking hold about spreading the clippings into the main gardens. </div><br /><div>Then....spring came,</div><br /><div>Now I'm not too sure about ever spreading clippings again! With the new weeds and new grass appearing everywhere I have come to the conclusion that this is not going to work at all. It worked for a quick fix all last summer but in the long run, Forget it! Now I'll have to start all over again with clearing this garden area of all weeds. It might have worked for a lawn that had been chemically treated for weeds but not for just the ordinary lawn full of weeds, crabgrass and of course all those beautiful pesty dandilions. </div><br /><div>There's a thought......I should just plant a dandilion garden?</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17342361053434592273noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1617686152546930808.post-16077557227408289542009-04-05T04:24:00.000-07:002009-04-05T05:07:29.587-07:00Specialty Lighting<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgq78FdG-diW_uoKa8eDGF9ixsMmnA2f2cEheJ6rHa9iOBJoxT_LixFM_nyM8Fz9HHtj4b_Ha_PMoSeFOS9U5y12ZoG6T5hXAjV8xA7UrYE4YAa9MgrOE7efKGSvdcNEv9lFc2XaUbRw/s1600-h/after+specialty+lighting.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321176966138330386" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgq78FdG-diW_uoKa8eDGF9ixsMmnA2f2cEheJ6rHa9iOBJoxT_LixFM_nyM8Fz9HHtj4b_Ha_PMoSeFOS9U5y12ZoG6T5hXAjV8xA7UrYE4YAa9MgrOE7efKGSvdcNEv9lFc2XaUbRw/s400/after+specialty+lighting.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCsKpMKuDNgn6RQTGcnqy8SGd0dUQjEesF4f0cGBkevRKUs1bGSAPdYcM8TKz4t2PH0iOQGBn0toZuCTSqQymIRAtTtuNX5JiJoNN023mUKS-iAQc9PBvZITHxZsgV1PCn_YvPn9X5UI/s1600-h/before+bw.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321176038438003346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCsKpMKuDNgn6RQTGcnqy8SGd0dUQjEesF4f0cGBkevRKUs1bGSAPdYcM8TKz4t2PH0iOQGBn0toZuCTSqQymIRAtTtuNX5JiJoNN023mUKS-iAQc9PBvZITHxZsgV1PCn_YvPn9X5UI/s400/before+bw.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> Light is the first and formost importance of a beautiful photo and getting it right holds the different in between a great image and an image that will just be OK. I've been working on a technigue that isn't as easy as it seems. It's all about adding that extra lighting when the lighting just wasn't there to begin with or maybe it was there but wasn't as dramatic as what I had hoped for.</div><br /><br /><div>I knew I wanted to work with candle light so I composed an image that I could visualize where the light was heading and what I wanted to stand out the most. At this point I wasn't too concerned with light. I need just enough to show detail and some shadowing. Then I imported the image and desaturated it. The next step was to get my base color on the image by giving the print and overall deep brown cast using the color adjustments. With a new layer above this one, change the blending mode to multiply and make it a smart layer. Now use the lighting effects to highlight the points of interest. I used two. One for the candle and one for the book adjusting the lighting effects for a soft yellow light. I then made another layer above this one and changed the blending mode to color dodge. Using a yellow and orange paint and the paint brush, the image started to come alive with every stoke of my brush. A little vignette on another layer and few extra things like highlighting the candle wick and the image was done.</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17342361053434592273noreply@blogger.com0