Playing at 2.8

 

(Click on the image above for a larger version)

 

A couple of days ago I decided I wanted to make this image—probably because I saw something somewhere that triggered the thought. But, I have been so busy and distracted that I continued to push the thought aside. Today, the thought wouldn't slip into the background. Regardless of what I attempted to concentrate on, the still shiny new 7D has been begging for attention, and my trusty 100mm 2.8L was begging to be called into service.

I resisted, reminding myself that I didn't have time to play; but, my resolve was weak. This afternoon, everything on the to-do list got shoved down a couple of notches and I had my fun. Yes, it's still all about animals at the moment. What can I say? This one, however, was extremely patient about posing. Maybe I should reconsider the route I have taken.

Turnip Greens and Facebook

A Snapshot

 

 

Galen-Awakened From a Nap

Most everyone knows that turnip greens are loaded with nutrients. But... Doesn't mean we all like them. I, for one, never found them palatable. Not quite true.

When I was in graduate school, I was able to treat myself, ooccasionally, to a meal at a nearby family-owned restaurant. The prices were dirt cheap and the food was decent. The limited menu offered turnip greens as a side dish, and when I worked up the nerve to try the dish, I found it rather tasty. But, I suspect the greens were loaded with sugar—not featured on anyone's list of healthy foods. Besides, I never could talk anyone into giving me the secret on how to prepare them. The result is that I haven't eaten turnip greens since I got out of grad school—and that was looong ago. 

How does Facebook figure in this post about turnip greens on a non-cooking site?  Well, "everyone" (whoever they are) tells me that I should be on Facebook. I want to like 
Facebook. I try to like it. I believe that it is probably a good idea. Several times, I have almost talked myself into it. But, ultimately, I drag my feet, then think up umpteen projects that are far more urgent, and I still don't have a Facebook page. 

Obviously my comparing Facebook to turnip greens must be way out of line, since millions of people can't get enough of the social media rage. Maybe it's more akin to me not liking chocolate, or ice cream. Or, just plain old fear of tackling yet another bit of software. 

What is the equivalent of adding sugar to Facebook? Anybody have the recipe and willing to share it?



A New Camera for the New Year

BlackHawk-A work in Progress
(Click here for the larger image)





Note: Although I have added this version of this image to my portfolio, I consider it a work in progress and this version may end up being replaced. I haven't lived with it long enough to be ready for the final steps. A few more days, at least one more test print, and then we shall see.

I have only begun to become acquainted with my new Canon 7D and needed action shots for testing the new-to-me focusing system on this camera. BlackHawk, the 2012 addition to our little herd of three, is always ready to accommodate with action. With his winter coat he isn't at his sleekest and showiest, but, believe me, he needs that warm coat. For example, Sunday (January 13) morning our temperature was 9 degrees. I know that doesn't compete with Monte's recent -1, but it's more than cold enough for me.

The 7D arrived late the afternoon of Tuesday, January 8, and the next day I was out for a test run. Out of that afternoon's brief shoot with BlackHawk, this one is my favorites. The expression is so much who this young gelding is. Typical of his breed, Arabian, he is deeply curious. He is just over 5 and, as is common for that age, he is a bit full of himself. But, he has a sweet nature and is mostly a joy.

Like most of my work, this is a photograph with many layers added. The layers for this piece consist of starting with basic processing for lighting and general enhancement—jobs that were not completed during the Adobe Camera Raw processing of the RAW file. Once the file was moved to Photoshop, I gradually added multiple painting layers using the Wacom tablet and pen. In this case, about 90 percent of the painting was done with a couple of the oil mixer brushes.

First Friday Fun



 




"Lost in Thought"

(Click on the image for the larger version)

 

"Lost in Thought" is currently displayed as an 8x8 Lustre Print in a 12x12 walnut frame. This piece is available at Gallery 'N Gifts, Tehachapi, CA. Prints are available in various sizes. See my website for additional information.
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The First Friday art-walk is always a night of discovery, good conversation, and entertainment. These days, I rarely get out to the other venues in town. Instead, I spend the evening somewhere within close range of my work. The event offers an opportunity to observe, and sometimes engage, the folks who stop to spend time viewing my work. 

Not surprisingly, some of the viewers have questions about process. I have seen, more than once, that slightly puzzled expression before the person says, "How do you make these?" or, some cases, "What is this printed on?" When I tell them that the image is printed on metal, the next question almost always is, "How do you do that?!"

Obviously, those who stop to critique, dissect, explore, or enjoy all have one thing in common. They enjoy looking at horses. Many have never owned horses and have only admired them from a safe distance. Others have had horses for years.

Whatever the connection, the conversation, if there is one, usually begins with a question and eventually wends its way to swapped tales about horses we have met. In some cases, the viewer/questioner/storyteller's eyes roam from one piece to another as they relate to the collection of stories on the wall.  

Then there are those who are smitten by one piece. Those people clearly need quiet time to spend in front of their chosen image. Sometimes, just as the reverie comes to a close, I will ask if they care to share impressions. Not surprisingly, some folks are articulate, others dodge the question. Many of the responses come in the form of the viewers impressions and an analysis. Perhaps the viewer spots patterns or shapes that I missed. Those conversations are eye openers for me and I often end up learning something about what I made. In other cases, the comments are loaded with personal experiences and emotion. For me, those exchanges add yet another layer of meaning to that piece of work.

Last weekend, I met a number of nice people that I had never talked to before. For example, there was the lovely couple from a part of the Tehachapi Valley area. I had observed them from some distance and noticed that they had spent some time looking at my work and were engaged in animated conversation. My curiosity was burning. I knew that I had to work my way over there to at least meet them. 

He was drawn to the piece above—a small and personal image of a quiet moment. She was caught by a different  piece—currently the largest in my portion of the gallery. They had lots of questions and we had a great conversation. Now I have met two more of the fine people in my community. Who knows? This story may have more than one chapter.