Yum!

While running around on Halloween taking photos, I came across this...


...and, no. I didn't eat one. Actually, I was so busy gathering possible photos for the paper that I didn't even *think* to eat one! <=-o

I love the color and forms on this photo... it's actually my desktop background these days. ;)

Adobe Photoshop Skills - Photomerge & Collage

Today I learned how to create a panoramic image (using Photomerge). This image was made (very easily) using 11 images.


I thought this would lend itself to a web banner. My cousin wants to create a blog, so I threw some text on it that might suit her.


I also made a true "collage", though I realize I've been picking up the skills used in this all semester.


Although Jack wanted to see more of himself, so I made another version...


What do you think? Which do you like?

I loved making both sets!

Photojournalism - FRONT PAGE

Today one of my photos made it on the front page, above fold, in color, with credits! YEAH!!!

I woke Tom and Frank up screaming (with joy) and jumping up and down.

The photo is of two siblings casting their ballots at yesterday's election... it's certainly not the artistic or portraiture style I've done in the past, but it's what the newspaper editor wants/needs.


In July, I set the following Photojournalism Goals:

1. Get published in the local paper(s).
2. Get on the front page of the paper.
3. Participate in training at the paper.
4. Get an assignment from the paper (to go photograph a certain event).
5. Have written articles published (with or without photos).
6. Get paid.

As of today, I have accomplished the first three... in the past seven weeks, fourteen photos have been published... that's two per week, which I think is pretty darn great!!!

Photojournalism - PTO Fall Carnival

I was published again today (albeit without credit or being named). Here are the photos from the PTO Fall Carnival last Thursday that made it to print:

School Carnival

MAGIC SHOW - Adam Ranger dazzles students at the Elementary School Carnival Oct. 22 at the Events Complex with his magical mysteries.

FISHING FOR FUN - Kaylin, age 7, was one of many children who joyfully took home dozens of donated goldfish at the Fall Carnival for the Elementary School's PTO.

ALL SMILES - Kortney, age 7, enjoys the show in her fancy attire.

Today was great because there was a thumbnail of Kortney on PAGE ONE!!! So, I made it on the front page, even though it was just a thumbnail. Next... get "above the fold" WITH photographic credit! ;)

Making a Mermaid Tail

I just saw this wonderful little tutorial on making a mermaid tail and had to share.

Photo from Elegant Bloggery

It's times like these that I wish we had a daughter!

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5:53pm - HEY!!! I *JUST* realized I could make the boys MerMAN fins!


Give them a pitch fork and crown so they could be "King Triton".


In the background, I hear Tom saying "it was at that point, Your Honor, I was forced to kill her..."

Painting a Quilt

I'm beginning to think that, perhaps, painting a quilt is more difficult than making a quilt! I know what colors I want to use in my painting of the quilt, but I can't figure out the design for the quilt.


Finally, I traced the quilt, then colored it with colored pencils a few different ways. I plan to paint the quilt in very muted tones, so look more at the design than the intensity of color here.


Which version of the quilt do you think would look the best? Not detracting, but still interesting?



PS: Isn't it amazing all these designs were colored from one drawing? I love how you can make a quilt look SO MANY different ways, just by color and value placement!!!

Swine Flu and Watercolors

We disappeared, yes we did. Two weeks ago, Jack started our whole family on the path of the H1N1 Virus, affectionately known as "The Swine Flu". Our whole household was quarantined for a full week! It has just wiped us all out, but gratefully, we are all on the mend.

The past few days, I started looking at two artists I like, Nadia Tate and Suzy Toronto. Yesterday, I printed out 16 mini-versions of Suzy Toronto's work (in black and white, all on one page) then sat down and started to sketch. Based on her style, I wound up with this version of myself:



Which I began painting today. Did you know that I like to paint? I do. I often get busy and "forget" about it, but I am always glad when I finally put pixels pigments to paper with a paintbrush once more!


I think she might use acrylics, but I like watercolors, so that is what I am working in. When I scan and reduce it, it will intensify the colors, plus, with my new Photoshop skills, I'm already thinking things like "I can fix that" or "I can change that color". But trying to draw and color things on the computer is still VERY hard for me... I'd rather do it on paper and then modify it on the computer.

I hope to use the illustration for my Suzy Qute Designs (specifically the business cards I've been working on).

Anyway, I thought I'd share my WIP (that's Work in Progress).