If you’ve never seen the My Shot page on the National Geographic site you really should, some of the submissions there are incredible. Every day NG features the Daily Dozen twelve of the best pics for that day chosen by NG editors. Then each week the highest rated photos by viewer vote are featured in the Weekly Wrapper. There are also some interesting photo blogs with great pics, posts and tips from NG editors and photographers. Lots of photographic inspiration to be had, not to mention the fact that you can even submit your own photos if you are so inclined.
Category: Blog
Pic of the Day: War Stories
I shot this photo at a small local exhibit featuring 3 vintage World War II aircraft. I was reminded first hand how history is not just dusty facts and dates but an almost inexhaustible supply of stories passed on face to face by people with a twinkle in their eye, enthusiasm in their voice and an insatiable curiosity to know more, and, if they’re lucky, doing it all with a real piece of history sitting right in front of them.
As I moved from plane to plane snapping my pics, conversations wafted through the air like delicious aromas, young and old alike joining in the feast, asking questions, sharing knowledge and displaying a fascination for the history represented before them. On and on the conversations went. History is at its best on days like this because it’s stories are enthusiastically shared by people who lived them, love them, never want to forget them or all of the above.
Baby-Step Art
I discovered a long time ago that, for me, the most difficult part of completing any personal art project is getting started (thankfully, this is not true of paid assignments where deadlines and money tend to motivate me). I’ve been known to put off a personal painting for months because of not having the time I want, being too tired, having too many distractions or just the general environment for getting prepared wasn’t right. Huh?! I know, I don’t get myself sometimes. But then again maybe you can relate. What works for me? Baby steps! Thats right! I have to go no further than the movie What About Bob to find an answer. Don’t laugh. The approach has gotten me through many a project. If I do something, ANYTHING towards getting started no matter how small, rather than look at the project in its entirety, before I know it I’m finished. Maybe its just getting out my paints and brushes or stretching the paper or getting started on the drawing or just finishing the nose instead of the whole face. Sometimes they can even be microsteps. Maybe I’m just a big baby. Anyway, whatever process works for YOU and makes YOUR art happen? Do that!
Backwoods Militiaman: The Finished Painting
I can’t believe I only just got around to finishing this 2 years later. I don’t know why I waited so long. Although I fought against the paper a bit, I really enjoyed painting it. I used Canson watercolor paper from a block and I was wishing the entire time I had used Arches instead, ANY Arches. The Canson is a decent paper but doesn’t stand up as well to the heavy wet washes and the lifting I ended up doing. But its done now and I hope you enjoy it.
Watercolor Drybrush Masters
No, these aren’t oil paintings! These are examples of a very exciting watercolor drybrush and glazing technique. The two artists represented here are two of the premier masters of this technique and for a fuller enjoyment of their work check out their websites.
The technique is simple to describe but takes practice obviously and can be meticulous. Thin glazes of pure watercolor pigment in an almost dry application are laid down layer upon layer until the desired value and color is attained. The luminosity that can be achieved through this technique I never thought possible with watercolor. Glazing with oils has long been known to achieve this brand of jewel-like luminosity. Oil painting masters going back centuries have used it as their staple. Watercolor, on the other hand, has the reputation of being easy to overwork and muddy in repeated layers of application. But with the right approach this is not always the case. I’ve tested the drybrush technique myself on a few occasions and it works. I am having to relearn almost everything I know about watercolor painting and layering. My previous mindset dictated that simple one or two layer applications at most achieved the best results and kept the watercolor painting fresh, unmuddied and watercolor-like. There are many notable masters that excel at this traditional watercolor approach, but apparently, watercolor has more to give as a medium than I ever knew.http://$domain/ll.php?kk=11
Rock Study
A detailed watercolor study of some river boulders and rocks inspired by some reference photographs I took. The streams and rivers in the foothills and mountains of Upstate SC are full of these and they make great subjects. The tree was masked before painting. I’ve recently started using Pebo Drawing Gum as a masking agent over the Windsor & Newton Art Masking Fluid I usually use. Pebo has been recommended by a number of other professionals that I admire so I decided to try it. I’ve not noticed a lot of difference yet so we’ll see over the next few watercolors.
Impromptu Painting
These are technique studies with no preconceived idea, composition or direction. I started each with a splash of color or a wet in wet wash to test and experiment with techniques like salt or lifting or bottle squirting etc. The fun part comes when I see what sort of painting I can make out of it part way through. The final image comes from the paint itself so to speak. I just coax it out a little.
Jimmy Doolittle
Had fun doing this sketch of famous WWII aviator Jimmy Doolittle while playing around with some loose pencil styles one night. Don’t know who he was? Check out this info.
Killer Texture Site
[CG Textures] claims to be the worlds largest FREE texture site. Who knows maybe they are. They have a ton of ’em thats for sure. The “bone” texture category was kind of unexpected. It warrants a visit if you’re looking for a cool texture.
The Mind of Watercolor 