Sunday, June 14, 2009

Having Fun with PhotoShop!

It’s a cool, wet Sunday afternoon, and my plans for working in the garden have fizzled (or perhaps drizzled?) out. But I’m still playing in the garden — learning a bit more about the PhotoShop Elements program I bought a few months ago. I got it, initially, to change art photos so that they’d meet size specs on Zapplication, the digital site used by many art shows and festivals for jurying purposes. Got the program, struggled and swore for a few hours until I finally got it right. Once I “got” it I puzzled over why it was so hard for me to “get” it. I’m just not a high tech person, but more and more it’s becoming a high tech world.

Why have this powerful tool at my disposal and not use it? So, I pulled up a few digital images I took from my garden and started experimenting with some of the filters in edit mode.

 

Here’s a shot of my Oriental Poppies that I took in Macro on my trusty digital camera. I cropped it even further, then selected the sponge filter. Cool! Seeing the photo in this way makes me want to 1) find ways to use these altered images in my paper arts and 2) use the images as inspiration and pull out my watercolors. I think this would make a great painting!

How’s this for wild? A close-up of my dwarf gingko takes on a psychedelic look using the neon glow filter. Wow! I can see endless possibilities for fun and creativity here. I’ve only scratched the surface, I know. Much to learn! 

Posted by Kris in 19:45:23 | Permalink | Comments (2)

Saturday, June 6, 2009

My Friend Flicker

I’m downloading some recent shots taken from the backyard, and couldn’t resist sharing this picture of a handsome flicker enjoying a bit of suet from one of our feeders. Flickers are one of my favorite birds.

It’s a Saturday, and Bob is at work, and it’s overcast outside… so I’m going to seize the opportunity to work in the studio today. I have lots to do! I’m going to get another cup of Tully’s (our favorite coffee), put on some good tunes, and get in a creative groove. I still have things to do to prepare for the Camp Cactus Summer Sale (see post below).

Posted by Kris in 15:04:44 | Permalink | No Comments »

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Summer is almost here!

Wow! Time sure flies! Here it is, June already. I just got a jpeg version of the promo postcard for the upcoming Camp Cactus Summer Sale, so I’ll post it here.

This is a collaborative art show and sale that Portland artist Jane Russell has graciously hosted in her wonderful studio since 1992. Jane has invited a number of artists from the area to participate and assembles their work boutique-style throughout the studio.

She has recently finished a remodel of the studio. I’m anxious to see it, although it’s hard for me to imagine a studio more charming even before the redo. It’s a wonderful space brimming with creativity!

This will be the third year Jane has invited me to participate. Thank you, Jane!  She holds two shows each year, her summer sale and also a holiday sale. Both are not to be missed!

The Summer Sale begins Friday, June 12th with a preview evening from 6 to 9 p.m. There will be wine and goodies on hand, and you’ll have a chance to get the first look at the beautiful offerings presented by over 30 artists. Shown to the left is a list of some of the artists whose work will be featured at the Camp Cactus Summer Sale.

I will be bringing an assortment of my Note Totes, embellished notebooks, wearable art pins, and handmade soap.

I will also have a few of my lastest projects, my paper-tiled mirrors. These have become something of an obsession with me! The 10″ square decorative mirrors have wide wooden frames that  I cover mosaic-style in matboard based tiles. Some are covered in beautiful papers, some are painted in luminous acrylics, and all are coated in resin so that they resemble ceramic tiles. Each mirror includes a tile that features a favorite quote. Scroll down further in my blog to see an example. I will only have a few at the show, as they are time consuming to make and I’ve already given some away to friends and family. Hopefully by the time Jane’s holiday show rolls around I will have more. 

That’s it for now. I need to get busy in the studio — there’s a show to get ready for!

Posted by Kris in 13:59:43 | Permalink | No Comments »