Friday, February 25, 2011

Rainingslushyuckiness: Can Spring be far behind?

Yes, the weather is so sloppy today that I had to come up with a new word for it. It snowed all night, about 4-6 inches, then started raining this morning. It's been pouring all day.

Through the rain on the windshield



But who wants to stay shut in on their day off? Not me. So I took a ride in celebration of all wheel drive. I may have to curtail that activity soon-gas prices are up to $3.30 a gallon this morning!

I love red in the winterscape
These pictures were taken in the pouring rain.  But look! There are buds on these trees.  Can Spring be far behind? I have faith-the sap is flowing. It is starting the big thaw before the ground warms up and sends us daffodils! Dawn of The Feathered Nest already has them!


 
Look closely: Buds!
The last two weeks I've been printing some of my photos and framing them in preparation for hanging an art show. Granted, it's in my office building, but we have real art shows, publicized and everything. Though I showed my collage art a couple of years ago, this is my first show of photography, and it's been fun blowing them up and framing them. It is actually a heady experience, seeing your favorites enlarged BIG! It could become addicting. In that case, I'll have to actively seek more showings. Hmmm. Just remember, when I'm rich and famous, that you saw them first! (see my slideshows)


I just finished reading Inner Excavation by Liz Lamoreux. This is a great book to help unlock the creativity inside of us. She has chapter after chapter laid out to encourage and teach us how to journey inward through photography, poetry and mixed media art. I will never think of my camera in quite the same way now. Just reading this book has got my creative juices squirting away. I think this is what I have been aiming for for a long time.

My photo, with other people's designs applied

I've  been playing around in Photoshop and am starting to understand more and more of the potential it can unlock for me. A class I took a couple of weeks ago showed me that I know more than I think, but I hunger for more-I couldn't get my questions answered. So I play.  Maybe that is the key...

My photo, with someone's design applied, coloration fiddled with

There is so much to learn, though, and I can't seem to find my way. I see digital art in magazines that blows me away and I want to learn how to do these things. But without going back to college for graphic arts, who will teach me? (to quote a commercial I once heard)

My photos, my design

I see some potential, but not enough information!

My photos, my adjustments, my design


I'll keep working on finding my learnin'! I have gotten a lot of help with on-line demonstration videos, etc. and I will keep seeking a local hands-on teacher. I am determined!

I have a lot more thoughts in my head at the moment, but I'll spare you a long ramble. Winter never fails to turn into Spring, and it is starting to happen already.

Have a wonderful week!

Sherry

8 comments:

  1. Loved This Post Sherry! Especially The Beautiful Photography! Yes..You Heard Right..All That Snow Looks Pretty Sensational To A Girl Who Rarely Gets To Enjoy It. Thanks For Sharing The Title By Liz Lamoreux. I'll Be Checking It Out For Sure! Here's Wishing You A Glorious Week Ahead! Hugs From The Peach State, Terri

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  2. Hello Sherry,

    You really have changing weather, like us here!
    Your photoes are beautifull, and I like all your playing around with them- I don`t have photo shop......

    Have a great week-end-
    Hugs,Dorthe

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  3. Your photos are great! Just keep plugging along. Kit

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  4. Hello Sherry,

    Thanks for the very nice message that you wrote to me. You are right about framing my photos - my mother has been after me to do that for years. Congratulations on your art show - that has to be so exciting for you. I had two photos in a community art show last year. It was a small thing but still flattering to have least been chosen. I'm going to look up the book you mentioned - it sounds really interesting.

    Have a great week!
    Sharon :-)

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  5. I know I have said this a thousand of times, but your images are always out of this world. You have such a keen eye to photograph the perfect objects and the composition is so poetic.
    I know what you mean about the weather - nevertheless it creates some stunning images.;)
    Not too worry, spring is on its way even if it might be taking a detour.;)
    xoxo

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  6. Oh yes! Your photos in an art show? YOU BET! They are always wonderful and so worthy of gracing someone else's home! Just my purrsonal opinion but an important one, yes?!

    "She" got all excited when reading that you had gotten archeological book or whatever it is called...."she" almost bought that and that well maybe, maybe not.....maybe.....now I do believe "she" is going to get it. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. That's what "she" is always in search of - inspiration!!!

    Stay warm! It was 73 here yesterday. Seriously! Today it is 71 and raining. There were tornado warnings - gee, ya think?!! Strange weather for this time of year. Stranger still that "she" will leave this beautiful weather and travel to Illinois this week where it's cold enough to freeze my whiskers! Now that IS strange indeed.

    Purrs! Stay warm!

    Romeo

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  7. Wow, Sherry, you have been a very busy, creative gal! :)
    I learned to use Paint Shop Pro the hard way. It took me forever to understand layers - it was such an easy concept once I understood it, but the Help file wasn't very helpful!
    Wishing you a happy weekend,
    Zuzu

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  8. Sherry,
    I just adore your photos! Love what you did with photo shop. Your right, the red against the white snow is amazing. I need to get that book, it slipped by me.
    Lisa
    PS I know by now that snow is long gone & hopefully replaced by blooms of color.

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