Where the Gold Bees Dream

iPhoneography Mission #24

2012-02-12T10:37:00.001-05:00

iPhoneography Mission #24: Seek Color

I got lucky this week for Mission #24 as I had to run to the antique store for a last minute purchase for my upcoming Mad Hatter Tea Party. After I had made my purchase, I took a quick run through the store, snapping away at colorful things that caught my eye.

Blue Dog

Blue Swirls

Fiery Feathers

Fanned Out

Colors of the Kimono

Pretty Plumes

Of course it buys happiness!

Sequins

Xylophone

Colors in Abstract

Beady

And here is the next mission!:

iPhoneography Mission #25: Call out to your pet and record the moment of connection.

iPhoneography Mission #23

2012-02-05T17:58:00.000-05:00

iPhoneography Mission #23: Find something round.

And so I did...

Red Round

Bullseye

What Time Is It?

Connected

Through the Looking Glass

Polka Dot

Reflect x 6

Reflection in the Round

Square+Round+Octagon

That was a fun mission! I'm sure more round things will be in my future images. For now though, let's move on to the next one:

Mission #24: Seek color.

Mmmm...color. ♥

Sketchbook Project 2012

2012-01-30T09:13:00.000-05:00

I had grand plans for this years Sketchbook project...it was less pages and I signed up earlier which meant more time to make it a work of art. Ha! The little book got shuffled aside, buried under mountains of other, more important papers, ignored for other projects until I just had two weeks to finish it before the deadline. When I had originally signed up with my theme "Travel with Me", I planned on only using ink and colored pencil. In the end, I resorted to watercolor because it was a faster way of slapping color onto the page even though the pages aren't really made for wet media. I did still manage to use ink but instead of thoughtful, detailed drawings, I went for the free-flowing scribbleness of quicky lines.
Still, I liked it. Because it's mine. And, I put little "travel secrets" throughout the book. I mailed it off to the Brooklyn Museum of Art with just a week to spare. Whew! (wipes brow and sinks into the couch for a nap).

Cover Page

This is the intro page.

I love this picture because it shows just how much I love to travel

despite whatever weather I may be facing.

Paris

Places in Paris I love. ♥

London

Feeding the pigeons in Hyde Park.

Rome

Bavaria

Hallstatt, Austria

The C2C

Hadrian's Wall Trail

The Herriot Way (I had lots of help on this page by the kitten walking into paint and then onto my page! Not to mention constantly trying to chew the corners up and eat the pens)

Cumbria Way

Rio de Janeiro

Somerset

Stonehenge

Venice

Closing page

I will sign up again this year because I proved this time around that with even just two weeks, I can get something onto the page. :) As always though, my hope is I will have lots of time to work on it. :)

iPhoneography Mission #22

2012-01-29T09:37:00.000-05:00

iPhoneography Mission #22
Create abstract compositions of electrical wires on a backdrop of sky.

I have to admit, I pretty much forgot about this mission. I shot some things at the very beginning of the week and played with the images in Pixlr-o-matic, trying some of the new features I had downloaded for the app. But then, Nichole's father-in-law passed away suddenly and I was occupied with thoughts of her and her family. I also was very distracted by my Sketchbook project, which I finished with just a week to spare (photos to come soon!) and also with how little time I actually have to work on my Bunco decorations (I switched to panic mode and got a bunch of stuff accomplished so I feel much more relaxed now). If it weren't for those few photos I took at the beginning of the week, I would have failed this mission! Not all of them are abstract because I liked some of them just the way they were. :)

And then the rain came...

4x3

Camera Shy

Pop Goes the Wire

Nature vs. Man-made

Fenced In

The Watchers

Here's hoping for brighter days ahead with a new mission for the week:

iPhoneography Mission #23: Find something round.

Sounds simple enough...but is it? :)

For Nichole...

2012-01-25T18:03:00.000-05:00

This post is dedicated to my dear friend and creative soul sister, Nichole, who lost her father-in-law this week. She created an image for me when I lost my mother-in-law a few months ago and that simple gesture helped replace a tiny bit of the grief with hope and love. I hope this image does the same for her. I love you Nichole. ♥

Friendship improves happiness and abates misery, by doubling our joy and the dividing of our grief.

~Marcus Tullius Cicero

iPhoneography Mission #21

2012-01-22T08:59:00.003-05:00

iPhoneography Mission #21
Find your image in a shiny metal surface

This mission was more difficult that I thought it was going to be. I didn't realize just how little reflective metal is around me. Of course, Fairies don't like metal so that may explain why I don't have much around my house. :)
I did manage to find a few cool things to shoot my reflection in while I was out & about...

Vintage Bicycle

Rolls Royce Reflection

Espresso Machine

Face within the Face

Time to move on to the next mission! And it looks like a good one!

Mission #22: Create abstract compositions of electrical wires on a backdrop of sky.

Think I'll start that one today with a stroll around the neighborhood. :)

iPhoneography Mission #20

2012-01-15T23:14:00.000-05:00

iPhoneography Mission #20:

Position yourself as close to your subject as you can get.

I thought this mission would be a perfect one to try out the new iPhone 4s and see just how close I could get to a subject and still keep in focus. It's pretty darn good! I do notice that the focus is much better when using the Native Camera, however I just can't help my addiction to the Hipstamatic, which doesn't have as clean a focus. Still, I give the iPhone 4s an A+ for closeups!

Sookie

Barbie

Bromelaid

Coreopsis Wildflower

Blue Orchid

Sami

I'm especially please with my kitty pics, but of course I'm biased. :)

Here's the next mission and I think it just might be a fun one!:

Mission #21: Find your image in a shiny metal surface

Hump Day Humor

2012-01-11T18:32:00.000-05:00

Last night I attended our monthly bunco party and the theme was "You Might Be A Redneck if...".
Two of our players, Nancy and Kelly came in character which gave us all quite a laugh.
Penny, the host did a great job decorating too...what with smashed beer cans in the yard, baby items strewn all over, trash piled high and even a truck parked in the yard and a couch on the porch. All in all it was a smashing good time and made even more so by the fact that I won the big cash prize! Yay! That will help to cover the costs of my next bunco which is next month! My theme is "Mad Hatter Tea Party". A month away..oh my...I'm late, I'm late, I'm late in getting started on my decorations!

Redneck Nancy

Intimates on the Line

Redneck Kelly

Me, as a Trucker (the extent of my redneckness...I am from the Midwest after all!)

Out of the South and Onward to Wonderland!

A Westminster Adventure

2012-01-10T14:36:00.001-05:00

Some of you may not know that I have a second blog, one dedicated to the research of my ancestors. This past April, I had an unexpected journey into Westminster Abbey that yielded some great finds for my research as well as a few awesome images. I finally got around to posting about it! Here is a little taste:

Cloisters

To see more and read about my adventure into Westminster Abbey's library visit my blog, The Great Ancestral Hunt.

iPhoneography Mission #19

2012-01-08T17:39:00.000-05:00

Mission #19: Document your conversation partner and what fills the space between you.

I enjoyed this mission, although I did keep forgetting about it! Still, I did manage to capture a few images mostly from this weekend and with food involved,lol.

Charlie and I had lunch at Cheesecake Factory on Monday. We ordered items from the new "skinnylicious" menu, while waiting for his new Droid Razr. He had smashed his iPhone 4 the week before by dropping it down the stairs at the Miami Dolphins game. Since his contract was up, he decided to get the Droid. It took FOREVER for Verizon to transfer all his info from the iPhone to the Razr. 4 days later, he was back returning the Droid (which he hated) and getting the iPhone 4s. He can recommend the veggie burger but not the Droid Razr! :)

On Friday, I met my "niece" Leanne for a quick lunch. She was not feeling up to much as she had all four wisdom teeth pulled a few days before. She was worried about a bruise on her chin and her puffy cheeks. Thus, I decided to title this image "cheeky". :) We talked about her role as Irene in Chekhov's Three Sisters and her new boyfriend (who is currently on Broadway in Wicked!). We made plans for an upcoming photo shoot and we planned to meet up in London in the Springtime.

On Saturday, I met up with Lita for a day at Flamingo Gardens. Here, I was telling her not to move as her shirt was matching the jeep and I wanted to get a shot of it. Later, we went to lunch at our favorite place near Flamingo. A little tea room called Vienna Cafe & Bistro. I was going to take a picture of Lita while there but we both got distracted by what filled the space between us: Her floral, dainty and delicate tea cup. I didn't realize I didn't document HER until after I got home.

The dainty teacup that kept distracting me. :)

I did have a lot of various conversations with critters while at Flamingo but none were as personal as the conversation about food with this White Ibis. I had massive trouble trying to get the quarter into the food-dispensing machine and the Ibis was poking at my hands and fingers the whole time with his beak, telling me to hurry up. When I finally got the food, he gobbled it from my hand.

A usual Saturday night spent in with hubby and cats. Conversation usually is a variety of topics. But this particular one is Sookie telling me with "that look" that she is being held against her will,lol.

On Sunday, I headed out for a jog and stopped to chat with my neighbor, Craig and his 5 month old French Bulldog, Stella. He told me how he placed her in the Mailbox with a big red bow around it and took pictures to send out on their Christmas cards. Too cute!

For as long as I can remember, Shaun's cross has been along my walking path. He was a teen who died in a car accident on the street that runs alongside here. I always talk to him when I walk or bike by. I give him blessings and ask him to watch over me while I'm out on my own and, most recently, to say hello to my mother-in-law. Today, after I talked to him, this is what started playing on my iPod
A good way to end the week, I think. Now onward to the next mission:

Mission # 20: Position yourself as close to your subject as you can get.

Full steam ahead into the second week of January!

Today in iPhoneography

2012-01-04T19:59:00.000-05:00

The best camera is the one that's with you. And today it was my new iPhone 4s with the Hipstamatic app. Such fun!

The Image Maker

Duality

Ibis Trio

Dance Partners

Potted Pretties

Sweet Sambuca

She's Cool (haha! You know it!)

A Writer's Book of Days

2012-01-03T13:07:00.001-05:00

Once again this year, I've made the commitment to write daily. Last year I had tried to do this but fell way short after January had breezed by. I'm more determined this year to practice all forms of art as I feel it leads to a richer imagination and a more organic way of creating. :)
I'm working from A Writer's Book of Days: A Spirited Companion and Lively Muse for the Writing Life. Prompts are given daily and without thinking about it, you are to write the first thing that pops into your mind. No editing or re-reading aloud until you are finished. This is challenging for a perfectionist control freak. The first two prompts led to parts of the same story. Whether or not future prompts will fill in more of this tale remains to be seen. Heck, who knows if I'll even manage to complete all the prompts! But, at least here is something for you all to read today!

Ritual

Prompt: Things that enter by way of silence

The fog rolled across the landscape in silence, riding on ancient air, a thousand years old, allowing those who have left this realm to walk unnoticed between the wooded glens. Brother Theodore lit his candle, so small a wick that it took several tries before the flame threw shadows across the stone walls of his damp room. He sat about his morning duties, without thought or care, five years of repetitive routine had erased any spontaneity life once held. Five long years they seemed to him. He had joined the order to forget, but nothing had left his thoughts. Every moment was still with him, haunting the very depths of his mind, his heart, his soul. The murder. The woman who once loved him. The home he could never return to. The loneliness was crushing, like the boulders that hung cliff-side until their turn came to fall below, splintering the sea into a hundred tears.

Prompt: Write about ashes

The bronze vessel only showed hints of the original color, now tinted by a century of use. Ornamented with floral vines and topped by a crude carving of what Theo determined to be some sort of bird. The burner had come by way of Syria, making a long passage from Islamic life to Christian ritual. The top was cut with eighteen holes, huddled in groups of three. It swung open on a rusted hinge, revealing a deep bowl. Theo handled the charcoal delicately as not to stain his fingers which where already colored by the inks he scribed with daily. As with the candle wick, lighting the black substance proved difficult but the brotherhood had taught him patience, something that was unknown to him before arriving at the Monastery. Sparks shoot up as the flame catches and Theo drops in a mixture of rose, copal, lemon balm and frankincense from the Holy Land. The response is a sudden chorus of cackling, cracking and popping. Thick, white smoke escapes through the holes, swirling and swaying until it disappears into the upper darkness. He sits mesmerized, entranced by the dance of smoke. His space is filled with the scent of wood, earthy, sweet and warm. A feeling of lightness uplifts his spirit. By the end of the day, however, he knows that feeling will be much like the residue left in the bronze vessel. Cold, grey, lifeless ash.

iPhoneography Mission #18

2012-01-02T08:55:00.004-05:00

iPhoneography Mission #18:

Study the texture of natural objects.

For this mission, I used the Native camera and did no processing. I went natural! :)

Soft

Prickly

Corrugated

Ridged

Rough

Smooth

The next mission sounds like a fun one:

Mission #19: Document your conversation partner and what fills the space between you.

Welcome, 2012! The Year of Doing!

2012-01-01T09:25:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

I can't believe another year has come and gone. A new year is always exciting, as hopes, dreams and wishes are thrown out into the Universe, with quiet hopes of being fulfilled. I've already promised myself that this year will be one of learning, improving, but mostly DOING. Doing photography, art, writing, gardening, inspiring others, giving, living healthy, spending time in nature, traveling and having adventures...all those things that fill my creative soul and make me a better person. I wish all of you, my creative cohorts a fulfilling 2012, one that brings you closer to your artistic self. Let's walk the path together and see where the journey takes us! Namaste.

Namaste

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T09:26:00.001-05:00

The End

I hope you all had a wonderful 2011 and here's to a creative, happy and whimsical 2012! Remember it's never the end, but always a new beginning! xo

Saying Yes to the Muse in 2012

2011-12-27T01:01:00.000-05:00

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday! Shh..listen. Do you here that? 2012 is right around the corner. She is peeking out behind the holiday decorations, whispering "are you ready?" in a voice of quiet determination. She want us to be ready. Ready for the next creative adventure. Ready to say YES to the muse. And that will be my slogan for 2012...Say Yes to the Muse!

Have you reviewed 2011 yet and made your creative goals for 2012? Here is my review of 2011 and my goals for 2012. It's good to put it out into the Universe, either on a blog or on a dream board.

My dream board for 2012

Jill Badonsky, author of The Awe-manac: A Daily Dose of Wonder and The Nine Modern Day Muses (and a Bodyguard) Third Edition talks about finding out what worked for you the previous year and doing it just 5% more. When I look back on 2011, I see that the first half of the year was much more creative for me in terms of output. I did my best photography, digital art, traditional art and writing the first few months of the year. Of course, I had three personal losses the last half of the year so that did kind of side-line me from feeling motivated and creative. It wasn't a complete loss however. I had more monetary success in the last half of the year with images selected by Urban Outfitters, Country Living Magazine and the Somerset Department of Tourism. I won first place in a photo contest for the theme Abstract and I licensed images through Getty and for the third year in a row, Ziti Publishing, a greeting card company.

Art Journals

What worked for me last year was having time set aside everyday for my creative self. This year, I'm going to do that again. I'll set creative appointments for myself and show up every day ready to say YES to the muse. The difference this year is that I'm going to do it EVERY DAY regardless of where I am, or what is happening. I can surely fit in 15 minutes for writing or art journaling if nothing else, right? I'm ready to once again be inspired by The Awe-Manac (OMG...she is working on a new book! I can hardly wait!) and also A Writer's Book of Days: A Spirited Companion and Lively Muse for the Writing Life by Judy Reeves. I'm ready to say YES to the muse!

In 2012 I'll finish projects started, attend my first artist retreat and hop over the pond for a bit of relaxation and inspiration. I'll once again make the commitment to carry my camera with me everywhere I go and to spend some time with my vintage film cameras. I'll continue the iPhone missions, my Exploration Tasks and to inspire and motivate all of you. I'm looking forward to entering more photo contests, getting more stock sold, showing up in more national publications, learning new skills, improving techniques and reconnecting with my inner spirit through yoga and nature. I'm looking forward to spending time with friends and family in new locations and familiar surroundings. I'm looking forward to saying YES to the muse!

2012 can stop all the whispering and subtle hints now. I'm ready. Are you??

iPhoneography Mission #17

2011-12-25T08:59:00.000-05:00

Mission #17: Grant yourself permission to make a self-portrait every day this week only.

Recouperating

I had grand plans for this self-portrait mission being Christmas week and all. But alas,
I had not anticipated the unexpected guest that showed up to put a damper on things.
As a kid living in Kansas, it seemed I had bronchitis every year but as an adult living in warmer climates for the last 28 years? Hardly at all, if ever. And it had to come this week. Needless to say, I didn't feel like moving much less take a self portrait. I tried though, only missing one day. Not bad considering I definitely did not want my picture taken! I used various apps such as Photo Toaster and Arista Oil as well as the good old stand-by, the Hipstamatic.

Needing some Magic

Retrospect

On Christmas Eve day, Charlie still had wrapping of gifts to do and so I decided to put on the disguise of a well-person (make-up) and head to B&N. I actually felt pretty good this day and didn't have a hacking fit until right when I was checking out (of course!). We had plans to go to dinner and I had been craving my celebratory mojitos but I wasn't sure if I could make it through in such a public place without hacking. Then, I decided what the hell...if I start coughing at least I can act like a piece of food went down the windpipe. :)

Shower of Light

Bookstores always make me feel better. But look at my eyes...that's how you can tell I'm sick, droopy eyes.

Happy Reindeer (before and during the two mojitos...and maybe for a while after and then...not so much!)

I'm going to be ticked off if I'm still sick come January. I've got so many creative plans (stay tuned for tomorrow's blog post on that!) and I really want to feel 100%...so my dear readers, send your warm thoughts and healing lights my way...I could use them right now. :)

Oh, and here is our next mission:

Mission #18: Study the texture of natural objects. (Originally it said "at the beach" but I found that might be limiting to some so let's just go for what's around us). Have fun!

Christmas Joy is in My Heart...but not my lungs. :(

2011-12-24T16:42:00.000-05:00

Christmas Joy is in My Heart

(A very special ornament made for me by Missy Trent )

I've been saddled this week with bronchitis. I'm going to be sick on Christmas. :(
Which means my usual surge of festive photography has shorted out. Still, that won't stop me from enjoying the holiday with my handsome hubby, sipping a couple of mojitos and tearing into some prettily wrapped gifts from family and friends. And it won't stop me from posting here on my blog in order to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas! Enjoy the weekend with those you love and I hope Santa brings you something special. ♥

iPhoneography Mission #16

2011-12-18T09:21:00.000-05:00

Mission #16: Record words and phrases that speak to you in public places.
I thought this mission was going to be a piece of cake...it's the holiday season and I figured the mall would have all sorts of signs, window displays and decorations with wonderful words of cheer and joy. So, I waited until yesterday for the mission since I was meeting my friend Loraine at the mall. Obviously times are tough for even businesses because there weren't any decorations save for the same Christmas tree filled with years-old ornaments. None of the stores had their windows decorated...it was a far cry from when I was in London and every store, window and building was decked to the nines. I did manage to find a few that spoke to me however...

Wonderful Everyday

I Am Powerful

Carry On

Water, earth and sky, sing the song of life. Sing.

Joy

And here's the next one, which I've altered from "weekly basis" to "this week only". It should be fun to do this one during the week of Christmas...sneaking in a shot during the busiest time could be challenging so everyone just do your best!

Mission #17: Grant yourself permission to make a self-portrait every day this week only.

Healthy Recipe: Honeycrisp Apple Salad Stack

2011-12-16T09:37:00.000-05:00

In the most recent store magazine for The Fresh Market I found a recipe for a Honeycrisp Apple Salad Stack which looked so delicious, I picked up the ingredients and promptly made it for lunch! It was so yummy and I thought I would share it all with you. It was easy to make and packed full of healthy flavor.

Honeycrisp Apple Salad Stack

Ingredients:

Salad

2 Honeycrisp Apples, thinly sliced

2 pears, thinly sliced

1 fennel bulb, cored and thinly sliced

1 cup baby arugula leaves

4 ounces blue cheese

Dressing

2 cups water

1 lemon, juiced

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1/4 cup olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Preparation:

In a large bowl, combine water and juice of one lemon. Thinly slice the apples, pear and fennel and place the slices in lemon-water immediately after to avoid oxidation. To make the vinaigrette, whisk together dressing ingredients. Stack the sliced fruits, layering blue cheese and arugula between pieces and garnish with arugula leaves. Drizzle vinaigrette over top. Salt and pepper to taste.

I skipped the lemon-water as I wasn't making a bunch of them, just one for me. I also just topped it with olive oil instead of making the dressing and it was just the right amount of added flavor. I can see this being a wonderful light lunch to serve or even cutting the size in half and serving them as appetizers. Either way, this recipe is a keeper!

Wordless Wednesday: It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

2011-12-14T12:02:00.000-05:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

iPhoneography Mission #15

2011-12-11T08:31:00.000-05:00

Mission #15: Find something blue.

This is the first mission with my new iPhone 4s which has an 8MP camera! Yippee! I shot all these "blue" pics on the day we picked out and decorated our Christmas tree. I used the Hipstamatic's newest camera/lens combo: The Loftus lens with DC film. I like this combo which captures true colors and vignettes the edges with a bit of blur.

Ready to Brew

Blue Umbrellas

Looking out the sunroof

Denim

Under the Big Blue Tent

My newest orchids! Purchased last week on an outing with Lita. Aren't they simply gorgeous?

Classic

Rock Painting

Blue Light

Sparkly

Wedgewood

No better way to end a day than with a cup of tea from a pretty teapot and teacup!

Now, onto the next mission!

Mission #16: Record words and phrases that speak to you in public places.

Wordless Wednesday: Live Each Day

2011-12-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

Every day should be passed as if it were to be our last.
~Publilious Syrus

iPhoneography Mission #14

2011-12-04T10:03:00.000-05:00

Mission #14: Study the color and shape of your breakfast.

"All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast." ~ John Gunther

I love that quote and totally agree. I love going out for breakfast, meeting my friends over coffee and Eggs Benedict and stuffing myself with a big English spread before a long day of trekking. However, the reality at home is most of the time, because I'm an early eater of lunch, my breakfast consists of two cups of coffee or a Starbucks Venti Latte. Luckily, since it's the holiday season, I had several opportunities to eat breakfast with those I love.

Morning Fruit

Homemade Latte

Biscuits & Gravy

Doubled Up

Hash Brown Potatoes

Creme d' Menthe Latte

Unfinished

"Give me a little ham and egg and let me be alone I beg.

Give me my tea, hot, sweet & weak.

Bring me The Times and do not speak.

~A.P. Herbert, A Book of Ballads 1931

Eggs Benedict (My ultimate fave!)

Keep Calm and Carry on...to the next mission!

Mission #15: Find something blue.

Wordless Wednesday: Dew-Dropped Mornings

2011-11-30T09:28:00.001-05:00

Returning to the days of red roses, dressed in dew-dropped mornings.

iPhoneography Mission #13

2011-11-26T09:07:00.001-05:00

iPhoneography Mission #13: Go someplace you've never been.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
A perfect time for this mission as I was finally going to visit my brother in Nebraska. I took country roads I've never traveled on from Oskaloosa, Kansas to Lincoln, Nebraska. The weather was gorgeous and I took that opportunity to not only snap pics with the iPhone (using the Hipstamatic) but I pulled over several times to grab some shots with the D90 as well which I will share in future posts. I had never been to my brother's house in Lincoln and I discovered it full of babies, children, dogs and lots of laughter! All in all, my favorite mission so far. :)

Through Small Town America

Sunflower Motel

Welcome to Nebraska

Rural Transportation

Worn Out

Sun-tipped Trees

Who's Coming to Dinner?

Family Time

My great-nephew, Tayvon

Sweet Penny

My great-niece Ariya

On the Trail of Wolves

Woody Reflections

Tread Lightly

Down by the River

Joe Cool

What a fun time I had, especially with my nephew Seth (Joe Cool). We found a trail and nearly were eaten by wolves and attacked by a serial killer but we made it out alive and with our imaginations in tact. :)

Now, as the holiday festivities continue, it's time to think about the next mission! Here ya go:

Mission #14: Study the color and shape of your breakfast.

iPhoneography Mission #12

2011-11-20T14:41:00.001-05:00

Mission #12: Let the weeds get a little out of control.

No problem. It's football season. Typically that means my garden gets the silent treatment for several months.
It stops raining. Things start dying off, weeds start popping up. Still, there is beauty to be found there. :)
All images shot with the Native Camera and processed with a variety of apps including Pic Grunger, Photo Toaster and Lo-Mob. All taken in my secret garden. ;-)

Bold Death

Entwined

Forgotten Days

Garden Faerie

Hidden Path

Waning

For the next mission, I grant creative flexibility for all those participating since it's a holiday week.

Here ya go!:

Mission #13: Go someplace you've never been.

Digital Painting: Retro Pinup

2011-11-17T14:26:00.001-05:00

It took countless hours, tons of layers and a shortcut here and there before I finally finished my Retro Pinup digital painting! I followed a tutorial by super talented digital artist Jeff MD and I have to say that my finished pinup looks nothing like the end result that Jeff created. But, I guess that's what makes it uniquely mine! And, I'm cutting myself some slack since it's only the second digital painting I've ever done. :)

As is usual with tutorials from magazines, not every step is shown or talked about and it's up to the artist to figure it all out on their own. This was the case with the "details" of the painting...the eyes and hands. Being a member of Doll Dreams benefited me immensely in that I had learned through Adriana's teachings how to paint eyes and I've always been able to draw and paint hands so I didn't have to worry to much about that. I had the hardest time with the mouth and teeth and by the time I got to the log, shoes and background, I was tired of working on it and took a few shortcuts so I could finally call it "finished".

As with the digital Phoenix I painted some time ago, the steps are pretty much the same. I started with a sketch on a grey background and on a separate layer blocked in shadows, mid-tones and highlights using the dodge and burn tools.

Once the shapes have been defined, I hid the sketch layer and began working on blocking in colors. I used the smudge tool quite a bit to blend in colors as well as the dodge and burn to add in lights and darks.

Next up was to blend in even more colors. This was done on a new layer set to Soft Light and clipped to the base layer. I used a Skin Blender Brush and painted yellow onto highlights, pink to mid-tones and violet to shadows. Orange and pink were used on bounce light areas. I kept merging layers and repeating the process until I was satisfied with the look. At this point, I also repositioned the leg to make it more natural. This was done using the lasso, select and rotate tool and then just repainting the areas as needed:

Now it was time to add in details. At this point, I showed her to my grandmother who said she "looks like she's smelling shit". Uh-oh! That's not good! haha! I worked on one area at a time, starting first with the face, hair and bust and trying to get her so she doesn't look like she's smelling something horrid!

I loved her hairline and nose but had such trouble with her mouth and teeth!

I kept adding in detail such as dots on the top, adding texture and detail to the shoes, log and sail cloth as well as working on the hands:

Hand detail. I used my own hand as a model and kept looking at it repeatedly while painting.

I have to admit that by the time I got done with the face, hair, upper body, hands and top, I had no enthusiasm left for the shoes, log, sail cloth or background. This is where I decided to take shortcuts. I used a texture over lay on the shoes and log and decided to leave out detail on the sail cloth. In the original tutorial, the background is painted in but I decided to use one of my own sea images:

Using the Paint Dabs Filter, I changed the background into a more painterly image and added it behind my painted pinup. A second texture by Jewell was added as well which helped make everything cohesive. I then adjusted levels, contrast and saturation until I was happy with the final image. Voila! A sailor's dream!

There are areas (those hideous shoes!) that could have used more time and care but I was ready to move onto something new and I was happy with what I learned overall. I learned how to create an instant color palette using filters, what the bloat tool can do and how to blend colors. This was done completely in Photoshop CS3. Maybe now, I'll learn how to use my Painter XI software! :)

Wordless Wednesday: Sun Soaked

2011-11-16T08:06:00.001-05:00

Sun Soaked

Watercolor Lessons: Earth

2011-11-15T08:57:00.001-05:00

My watercolor lessons continue using First Steps Painting Watercolors (First Step Series) by Cathy Johnson.
This week it was all about the Earth: Rock formations, cliffs, mountains as well as learning to mix sedimentary colors to produce rust.

I really enjoyed this section of lessons. I even found a photo op on my palette:

Sedimentary

The next series of lessons is all about learning to paint buildings in landscapes. Very excited for that one as the whole reason I wanted to learn to watercolor was to be able to paint in a journal while on my travels.

For anyone who wants to learn but doesn't know where to start, I highly recommend Cathy's book!

iPhoneography Mission #11

2011-11-13T16:34:00.001-05:00

Mission #11: Meet an imaginary friend.

I spent this weekend with Daniel who is like a nephew to me. Daniel and I have lots in common, including a very active imagination and a whole slew of imaginary friends...or are they really imaginary? He took me on a walk through his world and introduced me to some of these "friends". Along the way, I introduced him to some of my "friends" from 40 years ago.
For our travels, I used the Native camera and the Hipstamatic App. Enjoy our trip to "imagination station"!

This could be you...if you had an imagination like Daniel. :)

We first met Gonzo, who was in the process of having a nose job.

Meeting Herbert was a delight. Although he did seem to be a little hung over from the night before!

We were lost quite a bit but Daniel's "Mini Mickeys" helped us find our way to the correct street every time.

Chef Julio and Daniel became friends a long time ago after sharing a super-sized cheese pizza!

They had a bit of a falling out when Chef Julio began putting pepperoni on his pie. :(

Mr. Sweet Potato Soup was a little too sweet for Daniel, but I found him to be a perfect lunch companion.

Daniel is friends with everyone from Mythology. He introduced me to Neptune. We got along famously.

I am a Pisces after all!

After lunch, Daniel scopes out different worlds for us to visit. He decides on a castle we both know well:

Welcome to Hogwarts!

Daniel made friends with a Knight guarding the castle. He told Daniel how brave he was!

Gilderoy Lockhart had just flew in from a secret mission for the Ministry of Magic!

He boasted to Daniel about his accomplishments but Daniel just rolled his eyes and walked away.

I don't think they'll be hanging out anytime soon!

We visited with the Mandrakes and learned how to wail just like they do!

Hedwig and Daniel have been friends for a very long time.

It was finally time to head over to MY world of imaginary friends. Lucky for us, Daniel has a really useful friend that happens to be a flying car! Of course, I had a little trouble learning to drive it as you can see!

I was so excited to see the Lorax. He was already dressed for the holidays! We asked him the way and He told us where we could find some of my favorite people from my childhood. Off we went!

We found Beetle Bailey napping. I was introduced to Beetle a long time ago by my Uncle Larry.

It was so good to see him again, even if he was a little too tired to visit with us.

Blondie is older than me but she looks terrific! I really need to find out her anti-aging secret!

Either way, it was really good to see her again! It had been a very long time!

I tried to catch my very elusive friend The Cat in the Hat, but I was only able to snap a quick bit of his shadow before he was on his way. Perhaps next time we can spend more time together!

Even though the Cat in the Hat was too busy to spend time with me, my much older feline friend, Puss in Boots did stop by to say hello. He remembered how much I loved him when I was little.

I wanted to marry Popeye when I was a kid. He still looks strong and handsome.

And I've always had a fondness for Spinach too. :)

When I was just a young girl, I spent nearly every Sunday with The Family Circus. I was closest to P.J and Dolly but loved Billy and Jeffy too. I was so sad to learn of their creators death today, one day after I introduced them to Daniel. :(

Unfortunately, not all my friends from childhood were nice people. I ran into Boris and Natasha and they were up to their usual dastardly tricks. We said a quick hello and went on our way.

I absolutely had to introduce Daniel to my Grandmother's best imaginary friend, Betty Boop.

We ended our day being serenaded by Betty's sweet little voice.

Using one's imagination is very tiring!

Sleep my sweet Daniel for you will meet even more friends in your dreams. xo

While Daniel sleeps, I'll tell you about the next mission:

Mission #12: Let the weeds get a little out of control.

Fat Cat Cupcakes

2011-11-09T08:00:00.002-05:00

For last night's Bunco theme of "It's Raining Cats and Dogs", I made these Fat Cat cupcakes.
Aren't they cute??

It took me six hours to decorate 11 cats and that was baking the cupcakes and making the fishbones the day before! Of course, I can't take credit for the idea. It comes from this fabulous book: Hello, Cupcake!: Irresistibly Playful Creations Anyone Can Make

Although I didn't win at Bunco, I did manage to drop my iPhone into the toilet. After leaving it overnight in a bag of rice, it seems to be working...except the camera lens has condensation all over it and is hazy! Not good for iPhoneography so I am off today to the Apple store. :(

iPhoneography Mission #10

2011-11-06T12:58:00.000-05:00

Mission #10:
Make a cup of tea and follow the color saturation of the water.

I'll admit it. I'm a tea snob. I've been drinking tea since I was seven. Unless I'm over the pond, sick with the flu or it's super cold outside, I drink my tea iced. Over the years, my tea palate has been spoiled by high quality teas in England. No teabags for me. I buy organic, loose tea or make my own using flowers picked from my garden. This is the best way to truly experience the flavor of teas and infuse yourself with the best antioxidants from nature. It's not the best way however, to do an iPhoneography mission. It's hard to follow the saturation of water with loose tea. Once you pour the just boiled water over the tea, the color moves quickly. I used the Hipstamatic on the "shake" mode and did end up with a few images that speak to the tea lover I am. ♥

The Beginning

Organic Early Grey & Rose Petals from SerendipiTea

Waterfall

Distortions

Shades of Autumn

Black & Brewed

My preference is black tea with earthy and floral flavors. I do however, have green, herbal and white teas in my pantry. One of the teas I like to make when I have company, are flowering floral white teas:

Pod

Steamer

Polar

The Body Elusive

Delicate Flurries

Golden Flower

Pitcher Perfect

Breathe

Urchin

Clouds Rising

Pretty in Pink

Now, ponder the next mission while I go have another glass of tea. :)

Mission #11: Meet an imaginary friend.

(oooh...interesting...open for interpretation!)

Lost and Found: Photo Manipulation Edition

2011-11-01T13:09:00.000-04:00

In preparation for the New Year, I've begun cleaning up my photography files. This purging of the hard drive consists of making sure all my processed images are up on flickr. Did you know that flickr allows you to store full-res images (up to 20MB) and re-download those large files at anytime? It makes for a perfect online storage system! Once everything is up on flickr, I then copy the files to external digital storage. And guess what? I usually find images I forgot to upload and share:

Winter is Coming

(Inspired by Game of Thrones)

Return to Sender

Ever Watchful

It's always great to rediscover something you forgot about!

iPhoneography Mission #9

2011-10-30T11:23:00.001-04:00

Mission #9: Admire the color palette of butterfly wings.

Let's start with an iPhone video, shot while out for a run:

Zebra Longwings on Porterweed

This week I found a mixture of real and faux butterflies. This Zebra Longwing on Porterweed was shot with the native camera and no processing:

Zebra Longwing on Porterweed

The following images were shot with the Hipstamatic. I used the Melodie lens paired with Kodot XGrizzled film:

Tree Nymph in Sunrays. (The Tree Nymph is my all-time favorite butterfly)

Painted Wings

Tall

Monarch on Mexican Vine

I did change the lens/film combination a couple of times. These were shot with the Hornbecker lens and Ina's 1969 film which I thought was a good combination for the morning light:

Black, White & Red

Eyes

Halloween Color

Malachite on Fence

Monarch Wings

And a few random selections:

Shade of Blue

Lens: John S

Film: DreamCanvas

Glittering Pink

Lens: Salvador 84

Film: Ina's 1969

Luminous

Lens: Melodie

Film: DreamCanvas

And finally, let's end with a video too!

Emerging

I love anything to do with butterflies so I really enjoyed this mission! Here is the next one:

Mission #10: Make a cup of tea and follow the color saturation of the water.

Adventures in Watercolor

2011-10-28T16:34:00.000-04:00

Still continuing on with the watercolor lessons and this week I discovered Yupo Paper. I originally purchased the Yupo paper for work on the Doll Dreams but decided to try it out for an original watercolor painting.

Yupo is a slick, tree-free paper that is 100% waterproof. How can you paint watercolor on waterproof paper?
It's not as hard as you would think! Yupo allows you to "clean up" and correct watercolor mistakes which you can't do on traditional watercolor paper. Once dry, the glossy sheen of the paper adds another element to the painting, making the colors pop.

I've only done one painting, a self portrait of sorts since it was an image of myself in the outfit and pose that served as the idea. I originally sketched it into the Moleskine for my Sketchbook Project (OMG..due in January!) for my pages on Hyde Park in London. I then decided to sketch it in pencil on regular watercolor paper and then again on Yupo paper in ink. You'll probably see more of this image in the future as I also did one sketch on canvas to paint in acrylic and yet another to paint entirely in Photoshop and Painter XI. Maybe I'll even do one in oil! :)

Here is the one on Yupo paper:

Feed the birds, tuppance a bag

Ink & watercolor on Yupo paper

And here it is, scanned and taken into Photoshop to be "messed" with:

Here I've added a texture by Jewell to give a dreamy feel and one by Shadowhouse Creations to add some depth. In addition, I've done some more painting using one of the watercolor brushes in Photoshop. It made me long to get back to painting digitally. Remember the Phoenix? That was damn good! Or how about the Pinup I've YET to finish. But instead, I did another watercolor this week. I painted a cock! Hey now dear readers! Shame on you! Get your minds out of the gutter! :)

Until next time, creative hugs and painterly kisses!

iPhoneography Mission #8

2011-10-23T21:58:00.000-04:00

iPhoneography Mission #8: Notice the position of your feet.

I had a hard time remembering to "notice the position" of my feet. Unless my feet were in the act of doing something, where they were the star of the moment, so to speak, I completely forgot about them. Maybe it's because I've lived with these feet for 46 years. Maybe it's because my feet always hurt and I've gotten good at ignoring the pain. Whatever the reason, feet are feet and unless you have a foot fetish, they ain't nothing to write home, or in this case, blog about. But, here ya go anyways...my weekend as told by my feet!

Morning Coffee

Out for a Morning Run

Pool Soak

Driving Miss Laura

(I just noticed as I posted this...the date on this image is the date Alice passed away, my husband's birthday. Every other time I've taken a shot with this retro-dating it's been "Sep 81". I think it's Alice's way of saying she's here hanging out with us tonight.)

Afternoon Break on the Patio

Waiting

Mountain Pose

Let's move onto a mission that is more aesthetically pleasing:

Mission #9: Admire the color palette of butterfly wings.

The Week in Traditional & Digital Art

2011-10-20T17:15:00.000-04:00

Actually, all of these with the exception of my watercolor lessons were done last week but due to my mother-in-law passing away, I wasn't able to find the time to blog and post them. So, here ya go...just some fun in the art room!

Patches & Crow

Mixed media on canvas

Hello?
Arcylic & colored pencil in art journal.

I've not much time these days it seems for art or even processing photos but I'm trying! I'm still working on watercolor lessons and have now moved on from painting water (which I was horrible at) to painting snow (which, I'm not so terrible at). Next up is learning to paint earth textures such as mountains and rocks. I bought a new Japanese squirrel hair brush which has seemed to make all the difference in the world. I'm also more comfy now with how much water to mix in with the paint. Here's a little taste of the snow lessons:

We don't have winter down here but at least I can look at this and think about having hot chocolate while thawing out my toes near a log fire. :)

And finally, I did an iPhone digital watercolor. I snapped a picture of an old painting in a museum and then blew up just part of it. I changed it a bit in Photoshop, adding my own touches (like the birds...recycled art! Yay!). I then used the ArtistaOil Haiku app and voila! Instant watercolor! Wouldn't it be nice if that was all there was to it in real watercoloring?

Down on the Farm

Here's one I did using a shot of my garden:

Wildflowers

Now, if I can just make my actual watercolors look this spontaneous, I would be a happy little painter. :)

Wordless Wednesday: Summer's Last Dance

2011-10-19T11:14:00.000-04:00

Summer's Last Dance

I'm going to Wichita...

2011-10-18T17:25:00.000-04:00

A little story shot out the window of the car using the iPhone Hipstamatic app.

iPhoneography Mission #7

2011-10-16T18:45:00.000-04:00

iPhoneography Mission #7:
Seek out light in the dark

It now seems perfectly appropriate that this mission should show up this week. A week we lost the Matriarch of the George family, my lovely mother-in-law, Alice. Alice was a light in the dark for her family. Through trials and tribulations, she never left her faith. She was a beacon of light in the community as well, helping hundreds through troubles, sicknesses and death. We found a shoe box in her closet. It was stuffed with funeral prayer cards, each one different. She saw hundreds of people pass onward in her 88 years, yet she always had a bright smile and hope for the future. I loved her dearly and she is already greatly missed. I dedicate this mission to Alice, who was, without a doubt, a light in the dark for all of us.

All of these images were taken last night on our way home from Kansas, which was the only time I really had to think about the mission. I snapped these from the window of an airplane and a car.

Lights in Flight

Lens: Hornbecker

Film: DreamCanvas

Cabin Lights

Lens: Tejas

Film: Ina's 1935

Southern Crosses

Lens: Tejas

Film: Ina's 1935

Final Horizon

Lens: Tejas

Film: Ina's 1935

Beacon of Light
Lens: Jimmy
Film: Ina's 1969

Light Lines

Lens: Tejas

Film: Ina's 1935

Reflecting

Lens: Chunky

Film: BlacKeys B&W

She was a bright light who loved.

Lens: Jimmy

Film: Ina's 1969

Life moves too fast.

Lens: Chunky

Film: BlacKeys B&W

Beyond

Lens: Matty ALN

Film: Float

Night Watch

Lens: Tejas

Film: Ina's 1935

Sparklers

Lens: Kaimal Mark II

Film: Cano Cafenol

Lighted Reader

Lens: Tejas

Film: Ina's 1935

On Lighted Wings
Lens: Tejas
Film: Ina's 1935

Ah, the iPhone 3Gs is not really made for night shots. But, that's okay because it seems to fit not only the theme of our week but the mood we felt. We felt a bit of darkness and a bit of light. But in the end, mostly light because that's what Alice would want for us. Although it's not an iPhone image, I thought I would post my favorite image of Alice. This was taken shortly after her and Henry married. I love it because I see my hubby's mischievous side in Henry's smile and the smile that Alice has here is what I will remember most about her...how whenever I saw her, she had a smile for me.

As is with life, we carry onward despite our losses. So here is this week's iPhoneography mission:

iPhoneography Mission #8: Notice the position of your feet.

Good luck!

iPhoneography Mission #6

2011-10-10T08:15:00.000-04:00

iPhoneography Mission #6

Throw someone or something in the water and evaluate the splash.

Wow, okay...this one was quite a challenge. So much going on, plans being changed, sudden necessary trips arising, no where that a splash could be evaluated, weather not cooperating (Insert sigh here). So, this mission was rushed and done at the last possible minute. Thanks to my hubby for helping me out with this by throwing himself into the pool. :)

Splash Reflections

Lens: Salvador 84

Film: Big Up

Blue Pool Splash

Lens: Native

Processing: Perfectly Clear & Plastic Bullet

Double Dip

Lens: Salvador

Film: Ina's 1935

Skewed

Lens: Lucas AB2

Film: Float

Water Wings

Lens: Lucifer VI

Film: Claunch 72 Monochrome

Little Flicks

Lens: Lucas AB2

Film: Float

White Out

Lens: Susi (a new lens in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month)

Film: Alfred Infrared

Arm Circle Splashes

Lens: Lucifer VI

Film: Blanko

Whew! Let's move onto the next mission, shall we?

Mission #7: Seek out light in the dark.

Now that should be fun! Good luck!

iPhoneography, The Vegas Edition; Part Five

2011-10-07T10:00:00.000-04:00

After walking everyday (and always taking stairs!), I decided that my final day in Vegas would include a ride on the Monorail down to Harrah's:

Empty Bench

Lens: Instamatic

Filter: Early Bird

Industry

Lens: Chunky

Film: Pistil

Southern Comfort

Lens: Chunky

Film: Pistil

The Greenbacks

Lens: Kaimal Mark II

Film: Pistil

Harrah's Jester

Lens: Kaimal Mark II

Film: Pistil

And all the people just walk on by...

Lens: Native

Processing: Plastic Bullet

I walked further down a bit to visit my favorite resort, The Venetian:

Gondola Doors

Lens: Matty ALN

Film: Cano Cafenol

Stairway to Sin

Lens: Native

Processing: Plastic Bullet

Geometric Walk

Lens: Chunky

Film: Kodot XGrizzled

Goddess Guards

Lens: Chunky

Film: Pistil

Paper Umbrella

Lens: Lucifer VI

Film: DreamCanvas

Martini Bar Reflections

Lens: Melodie

Film: Cano Cafenol

Gondolier

Lens: Roboto Glitter

Film: Claunch 72 Monocrhome

Taken for a Ride

Lens: Bettie XL

Film: Cano Cafenol

Along the Canal

Lens: Buckhorst H1

Film: BlacKeys B&W

Through the Railing

Lens: Kaimal Mark II

Film: Float

Casting Doubts

Lens: Matty ALN

Film: Claunch 72 Monochrome

Strolling Along the Cloisters

Lens: Buckhorst H1

Film: Claunch 72 Monochrome

Next stop, The Mirage where in 2009 I saw Cirque du Soleil's tribute to the Beatle's "The Love Show". It was amazing and I highly recommend it!

The Mirage

Lens: Helga Viking

Film: Float

British Booth

Lens: Melodie

Film: Alfred Infrared

The Fab Four

Lens: Buckhorst H1

Film: DreamCanvas

The Way to Love

Lens: Native

Processing: Plastic Bullet

Harley Love

Lens: Jimmy

Film: BlacKeys B&W

On the long walk back to Mandalay Bay...

Maiden Voyage

Lens: Roboto Glitter

Film: Claunch 72 Monochrome

H&M

Lens: Native

Processing: Plastic Bullet

The Hand-off

Lens: Helga Viking

Film: BlacKeys B&W

All that walking makes one tired...an Aztec Elixir was in order:

Elixir of Life

Lens: Chunky

Film: Pistil

Charlie and I had stopped in there our first day...it's always one of our favorite places to visit!

Enjoying Aztec Elixirs at the Vosges Haute Chocolate Shop

Bird Cages

Lens: Native

Processing: Plastic Bullet

No Credit to Strangers

Lens: Chunky

Film: Pistil

Finally back to Mandalay Bay for one last snap and one las Mojito!

Mandalay Bay

Lens: Native

Processing: Plastic Bullet

Mojito Mojo

Lens: Roboto Glitter

Film: Kodot XGrizzled

Time to head home...

Leaving Las Vegas

Lens: Native

Processing: AutoStitch

I hope you all enjoyed the Las Vegas series! Thanks for viewing and have a wonderful weekend!

iPhoneography, The Vegas Edition; Part Four

2011-10-04T08:24:00.000-04:00

After a short break, the Vegas Edition of iPhoneography continues with a visit to Paris! I found that I love the combination of the Chunky lens with the Pistil film for shooting at the Paris Resort but I did throw in some other combinations for variety. Enjoy!

Tour de Faux Eiffel

Lens: Native

Processing: Perfectly Clear & PhotoToaster

The following were all done my new fave combo, the Chunky lens paired with Pistil film:

Under the Iron

Le Cafe

(Keen observers of my photography may remember this cafe from my 2009 trip to Vegas)

Naughties

Regal Flags

I like sparkly things.

Montmartre
(this is my favorite neighborhood in the REAL Paris)

On Paris Time

Lighted Tower

Football Faithful

Lens: Helga Viking

Film: BlacKeys B&W

Ceiling Delights

Lens: Native

Processing: Perfectly Clear & PhotoToaster

Plastic Parisienne

Lens: Helga Viking

Film: BlacKeys B&W

Stay tuned for part five...images to come from Harrah's, Caeser's Palace, Bellagio & The Venetian!

iPhoneography Mission #5

2011-10-03T08:58:00.000-04:00

iPhoneography Mission #5
Shoot your shadow on a textured surface.

Trippin'

Lens: Matty ALN

Film: Ina's 1969

Dan Fan

Lens: Lucifer VI

Film: DreamCanvas

George x 2

Lens: Hornbecker

Film: BlacKeys Supergrain

Marbled

Lens: Matty ALN

Film: Kodot XGrizzled

Shadow Among Leaves

Lens: Kaimal Mark II

Lens: Big Up

Sliver of Light

Lens: Lucas AB2

Film: Pistil

Water Dancer

Lens: Hornbecker

Film: Pistil

Shadow Shopper

Lens: Native

Processing: Photoshop Express & Plastic Bullet

I'm lovin' these missions! Here's the one for this week...good luck everyone!

Mission #6: Throw someone or something in the water and evaluate the splash.

A Weekend of Heath & Art

2011-10-02T11:45:00.000-04:00

Ready to Run!

This weekend was for health and art! It started with running a 5K with my hubby for The American Lung Association. It was a timed event and we both had our best time. Charlie was 25th overall and 8th in his age division and ran 8:12 min/mile. I was 44th overall and 7th in my age division and ran 10:14 min/mile.

Me with Ryan Burr. Running gives you crazy hair!

Hey! I made the first page of results! Yay!
Notice the tomato face? Yep, that's standard coloring for me after a run!

Afterwards we rewarded ourselves with lunch at Cheesecake Factory and a walk along Fort Lauderdale's River Walk. I'll share more images from the River Walk later in the week but here is a preview:

On the Tracks

Lens: Bettie XL

Film: Blanko

On the Tracks

Lens: Bettie XL

Film: Blanko

Also this weekend I was finally able to squeeze traditional art back into my creative calender. I'm doing a Chapeaux series and I started with this watercolor:

Paris, 1829
Ink & Watercolor
Chapeaux Series #1

And, I also did one in the Doll Dreams style:

Paris, 1829

Mixed Media on Canvas

Chapeaux Series #1

And finally, some may be wondering if I took my sketchbook to Vegas. I did take it with me but only had time for one sketch, which I actually did on the plane ride home. This weekend I was able to finally get watercolor onto it:

The Mojitos of Las Vegas

Ink & Watercolor

I hope everyone has a wonderful and creative week ahead! xo

iPhoneography, The Vegas Edition; Part Three

2011-10-01T07:25:00.000-04:00

My iPhoneography excursion of Las Vegas continues!

Starting with a trip to Crystals and to the gallery of artist Richard MacDonald. These pieces are from his "Cirque du Soleil" collection. The gallery was beautiful and the art was amazing!

Blind Faith

Lens: Jimmy

Film: Kodot XGrizzled

Rain

Lens: Jimmy

Film: Kodot XGrizzled

I don't know the name of this but I love it.

Lens: Roboto Glitter

Film: Claunch 72 Monochrome

Showtime

Lens: Buckhorst H1

Film: BlacKeys SuperGrain

A quick visit to Monte Carlo:

Monte Carlo

Lens: Native

Processing: Perfectly Clear & Photo Toaster

We enjoyed the wave pool and lazy river at Mandalay Bay before having lunch and mojitos at the poolside restaurant, Border Grill.

Water Glass

Poolside Mojitos

After lunch we took a tour of Mandalay Bay's Shark Reef where I took some fishy iPhone pics:

Little Fishies

Lens: John S

Film: Cano Cafenol

Not an American Idol

Lens: John S

Film: Blanko

Don't go in the water

Lens: Melodie

Film: BlacKeys SuperGrain

Images from inside the Aria theatre where we saw the Cirque du Soleil show "Viva Elvis":

Show Lights

Lens: Chunky

Film: Pistil

Out of this World

Lens: Chunky

Film: Pistil

Magical Mojitos

Lens: Chunky

Film: Pistil

My favorite images from the trip are from Paris and are coming up in part 4!

iPhoneography, The Vegas Edition; Part Two

2011-09-30T08:10:00.000-04:00

The images from Las Vegas continue! If you missed part one you can see it here.

A stroll through MGM and The Aria:

Studio 54

Lens: John S

Film: Ina's 1935

Classic Relief in Iron

Lens: John S

Film: Ina's 1935

Light Bearer

Lens: Kaimal Mark II

Film: DreamCanvas

Shot 3/21

Lens: Helga Viking

Film: Kodot XGrizzled

Blue Orb with Feet

Lens: Matty ALN

Film: Ina's 1969

Let's get this party started!

Lens: Salvador 84

Film: Pistil

Glowing Orbs of Orange Light

Lens: Salvador 84

Film: Pistil

Let's drink to art!

Lens: Chunky

Film: Kodot XGrizzled

Sunflowers in Shades of Blue

Lens: Roboto Glitter

Film: Ina's 1969

Stay tuned for part three which will include images from Bellagio and Mandalay Bay's Shark Reef!

iPhoneography, The Vegas Edition; Part One

2011-09-29T08:43:00.000-04:00

All the images shown here were taken with the iPhone using various apps. I had a great deal of fun shooting with the iPhone in Las Vegas. I used mostly the Hipstamatic and I kept the "shake" mode on to get a different film and lens combo each time. And, I discovered a new favorite: Chunky lens paired with Pistil film (which you'll see in a future post as I took way to many to bombard you guys all at once!).
In the words of Samuel L. Jackson..."You know what's cool?" iPhoneography. iPhoneography is cool.

On the way...

Fort Lauderdale Airport
Lens: John S
Film: Ina's 1969

Take off over Fort Lauderdale
Lens: Native Camera
Processing: Pixlr-o-matic

Space Flight
Lens: Instagram
Processing: Apollo

On Board
Lens: Salvador 85
Film: Alfred Infrared

Welcome to Las Vegas
Lens: Lucifer VI
Film: AO BW

Cracked Rabbit
Sculpture inside McCarren International Airport.
Lens: Chunky
Film: Cano Cafenol

Stony Lizard

Lens: Melodie

Film: Blanko

Night Life
We took a limo from the airport and took a long way to our hotel...along the strip, in and out of resorts. I tried snapping pics out the window but it was too dark. I liked this one though.
Lens: Salvador 84
Film: Ina's 1935

The Endless Hallway
I took a shot of this with my D90 as well for a digital art piece that will be something reminiscent of The Shining. Now, if I can just find some spooking looking twins. :)
Lens: Salvador 84
Film: Ina's 1935

Breakfast in Bed
Our first morning in Vegas we ordered room service breakfast. It was quite the spread!
Lens: Native
Processing: Plastic Bullet

Out exploring...Mandalay Bay, Luxor & New York-New York:

Through the Arch
Lens: John S
Film: Pistil

Guarding Griffin
Lens: John S
Film: Pistil

Pete Rose
I saw Pete Rose, like a gazillion times. Apparently this is what he does now for a living. Shows up at this memorabilia store about three times a day and signs autographs on items purchased. I thought about asking him for gambling tips. :)
Lens: Helga Viking
Film: BlacKeys B&W

Three Fish on Red
Lens: Libatique 73

Film: Pistil

Signs of New York
Lens: Salvador 84

Film: AO BW

Flaming Doors
Lens: Buckhorst H1

Film: Kodot XGrizzled

Balcony View
Lens: Buckhorst H1

Film: Kodot XGrizzled

Lady Liberty of Vegas
Lens: Lucifer VI
Film: Pistil

New York-New York
Lens: Melodie
Film: Blanko

Coming up: Part two which will include images from MGM & The Aria!

Wordless Wednesday: What the hell is going on here?

2011-09-28T08:16:00.000-04:00

A few interesting images from Vegas that beg the question "What the hell is going on here?"