Sunday, December 28, 2014


   
           Photography; Seeing and Interpreting 
                                    Part 2
In part 1 of this blog topic I touched on the necessity for
the photographer to invoke his/her interpretation of a
scene that was captured with his/her digital camera. The
photographer's interpretation becomes an intrinsic element
of the work of art that is eventually produced from the
original file taken from the camera. Knowing that cameras
produce a limited representation of reality, the
photographer draws on his personal inner vision of how
he/she "sees" the end result of producing a Fine Art
photographic work. This art of "seeing" accrues from many
year's experience and practice.
Internationally acclaimed photographer, Ansel Adams,
referred to this process as "previsualization" - i.e. , seeing
in his mind's eye what the scene before him was to look
like when printed- and always used this as a starting point
for the realization of his Fine Art prints. In his day, the
interpretation that followed was achieved in his darkroom
using techniques that he had highly developed over time
based on his knowledge and understanding of the technical
principles involved (exposure limits, chemistry, film
characteristics, printing paper characteristics, etc) . His
most famous Fine Art photograph -"Moonrise Over
Hernandez" - was interpreted from a single original camera
negative that proved to be very difficult for him to print
because of the scene limitations. Only through his desire to
realize his previsualization and his persistence in the
darkroom was he able to produce this Fine Art photograph.
Follow this link to find more information about this work.
Original prints (20 X 24) of Adam's "Moonrise" have sold
for more than $115,000.





The image shown left
is the original camera
file from which I
interpreted my vision
of the "Sandhill Crane
In Flight" shown in
part 1 of this blog
topic (repeated below).




 


















The example below shows The Artist’s Palette in Death Valley National Park. My vision was focused on the color portion of the original camera file. I was unable to crop that portion in the camera so depended on post interpretation to achieve my vision. 

 


Original camera image, left, Interpretation of original camera image, below. 
Thanks for your interest and undivided
attention. You may feel free to email me if you have questions. Also be sure to visit our web page to see the very fine art of all our members.
 



Richard

PHOTOGRAPHY; SEEING AND INTERPRETATION

               Photography: Seeing and Interpreting

In the beginning there was light and before long there was a camera and film to go with it. At first this technological invention was used experimentally to record images of interest to the photographer (and maybe a few other folks). Light was (and is) the primary enabling ingredient for these photo captures but much time and technological development were needed before these captured images could be reproduced & seen by large audiences as enlarged, quality  photographic prints. While these early prints were considered to be marvels of science, there was largely no association of them with Fine Art. That came much later.

Fast forward to much later and the advent of Fine Art photography, which was given life largely by the unceasing effort of Ansel Adams and his colleagues to develop the zone system of exposure and other elements of the photographic craft. Today photography has its place as Fine Art among other recognized art forms (painting, sculpture, drawing, woodblock prints,etc) and is regularly viewed in many Fine Art galleries and publications around the world.
Fine Art photography today comprises two principal elements: 
    (1) The understanding and practice of using the highly technical modern tools of the trade (camera with its film or digital sensor; chemicals and computers for processing the film or digital files, enlargers and printers for making viewable prints, etc);
    (2) Esthetic interpretation by the photographer after the image capture of the scene before him/her at the time of shutter release.

Both of these elements are necessary to produce Fine Art photographs. The digital camera today is an example of high technology but it is actually sort of dumb in a way...It needs to be told what to do. To tell it what you want it to do, you really need to understand the underlying basic technical issues of capturing a proper image. Once mastered, this craft aspect of Fine Art photography becomes second nature and frees the photographer to concentrate on the esthetic aspect of Fine Art Photography, also known as interpretation. It is a fact that cameras produce a limited representation of reality, which is why interpretation is required to produce a Fine Art Photograph.

There are those (purists) today who claim that digital photography is "fake, or counterfeit" and that a photograph should remain untouched as it came out of the camera. That may be the criteria for news photographs but it has nothing to do with Fine Art. There are numerous examples of internationally recognized Fine Art photographers who interpreted (some say "manipulated"...call it what you want) their camera negatives or digital files to produce Fine Art prints that were universally acclaimed as Fine Art. These interpretations were done in the darkroom in the film days before the advent of digital technology and Photoshop by Adobe.


  "Sandhill Crane In Flight”       © R. Frederick



 Shown left is one of my photographs that I interpreted (yes, using Photoshop) from the original camera file to produce what I consider to be a Fine Art Photograph. Others must agree with me, as the print has sold well to art purchasers.
 I will post another article on this blog spot before the end of the year to further inform you about the Fine Art photographers I mentioned above and give some insight regarding their interpretation of scenes to produce highly successful Fine Art Photographs.



Friday, December 5, 2014

Cindy Briggs - Art Inspired by the Journey



For over 15 years, Cindy Briggs has been teaching workshops in Europe and throughout the West. Returning to the Emerald Art Center in March, Cindy will teach a Creative Watercolor Journaling Workshop with Theresa Goesling.  For information on this workshop that combines watercolor, sketching and mixed media visit:

Cindy will also be traveling to the Coast of Spain and "The City of Painters" - Collioure, France in May with her Seattle based business.  www.MakeEveryDayAPainting.com 
Join the enthusiastic team in these Artist's Retreats & Workshops for an enriching
and diverse artistic experience.  "I'm truly excited about this trip, we previewed our scenic locations last July and  can't wait to return." 


My art is inspired by my journeys near and far.  In my sketchbook and studio paintings, I  strive to capture moments in life that inspire my soul. - Cindy Briggs 


Wednesday, November 12, 2014

plein air painting is a practice of painting outdoors with changing light, wind and all the other thing that make being outside so unpredictable and real. Using two eyes instead of the flattened unchanging  image of the single eye  camera,

many painters use these creations to educate them for a studio piece. Others, the fresh and spontaneous creation can be the art form unto itself.

some painters record exactness, while others register color, or just use the experience to interpret feeling.

 Your meditation in motion, your changing aesthetic, your self reflection in how you solved a visual problem are all benefits of this unique practice.

As Plein air gains in a new popularity through out the United States, organizations of like minded people gather and meditate and share with each other not the greatness of the end result but the record of mindfulness, the undying beauty of personal marks beyond judgment.


in this place of pure freedom perhaps a metaphor for life, what are we to do with it.
 most of all stay in process, chase your excitement, and be kind to all things.

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

outdoor murals are of source for significant difficulty due to heat, rain, bright sun, and traffic.
after a june start and stopping july and aug for traffic and heat have now finished a 60 foot mural that is a recreation of an historical previous mural that had bleached out by the sun. The  story of the image is of 1921 before the change in the law that required residents to keep their chicken penned up.
without this law the chickens were creating trouble with getting around town, also historic businesses  are portrayed.







Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Who Are These Kind, Generous People?

Artists of course!  I am just back from CREATE, Seattle and just love all the beautiful friendships that come with teaching.  We share and give each other so much.  We share ideas, new art supplies, creative thoughts and encouragement.  And gifts!

Marlene gave me stencils - she says she bought too many, lol.  Diana made me a beautiful envelope to keep all the cool Polaroid mini photos that Michelle shared with me. Michelle also bought me a pencil sharpener because I needed one.  Susan gave me a magic wand (that can also be used as a pen).


Today in the mail, I receive two beautiful ceramic brush holders from the National Gallery of Art sent to me by Pat.   Here is what she says about them:
"ceramic brush holders - like a mug w no handle - I had one in class.  I think of you every time I look at it and would love for you to have one.  I use it for my clear water and pipette when I paint - lets me know it is NOT the one with my coffee in it and the water is always clean to add to a half-pan without getting too much water over into the next pan that I don’t want wet.  You of course, may actually drink out of it or use it for brushes.  I find it interesting that they list it as a brush holder. 


THANK YOU EVERYONE!

Friday, October 17, 2014

Jacqueline to Teach at Seattle's First CREATE Art Retreat



Jacqueline Newbold will be teaching four watercolor and mixed media classes a the very first CREATE ever held in Seattle.  She has taught at the Chicago CREATE and the Irvine CREATE in past years.  Jacqueline says, "I adore my students! They keep me motivated and inquisitive.  I know that as I am getting ready to teach at Seattle's CREATE Art Retreat, I will be meeting new students as well as many that have taken classes from me before.  I want to offer new and exciting ways to draw, paint, add to journals, create and explore.  As I am organizing and packing my boxes of art supplies I can't help to try new things.  It makes the preparation for my class take longer but it is so fun to offer new and creative ways to do the art that I like to do!"

Monday, October 6, 2014

Janice Rhodes has added new Encaustics in Red Chair Gallery

"The Kimono" has just been hung at the Red Chair Gallery in Bend. Here is what I've done in wax:

I kept the background to a minimum, then using black and white striped paper, covered with a clear beeswax, attempted to create a Geisha in motion....taking delicate steps. I have added hints of red in a hair clasp and her lips, and skin tone. The encaustic work is 22" x 26".






This fall I am also exhibiting the tallest work I've done in beeswax. Here is what "The Best of Times" looks like:
20" across, but 60" high!  No doubt an observer's eyes go to the man on stilts, but my hope is that they are drawn to the little girl looking up in awe.

Unlike other art mediums (pastel, oil, acrylic), working with very hot beeswax, the surface you are painting has to be level. It requires working from each side of the painting, then moving up and down the 5 foot length.

The image depicts a street fair with the landmark Tower Theater sign in the background. I hope it reminds you of the best of times.

Friday, October 3, 2014

VIVIAN OLSEN and BARBARA SLATER

                                ANIMALS GALORE!

                                                        
                                                      Showing through October

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Broken Top show features HDAL members

High Desert Art League members Cindy Briggs and Jacqueline Newbold showed their watercolor works at the Broken Top Clubhouse tonight in Bend at the show's opening reception. Cindy demonstrated her painting as patrons listened to jazz and enjoyed the wine tasting.

"Journeys" is the theme of this wonderful show  which depicts locations near and far. If you missed it, you can see Jacqueline's and Cindy's beautiful paintings through the months of September and October.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Here's a book you might like!

Interesting Art read!

The book "The Art Forger" a novel by B.A. Shapiro was recommended to me by a friend. I just started it and am enjoying it very much. It is about a young artist in Boston who makes her meager living by reproducing the masters in oil and sells them as copies (so it is legal). Her hunger for a solo show in a reputable gallery tempts her to paint reproductions as forgeries (so it is NOT legal). I won't ruin it for you...and I haven't finished, so I really can't ruin it too much...but I am finding it very interesting as she struggles with things that all artists struggle with.  She gets rejected from shows, she worries how her art is perceived, she laps up praise and agonizes over which pieces to show to the gallery owner. I will blog again after I have finished it, but I'm guessing my critique will be positive!

Helen Brown
High Desert Art League

Sunday, August 31, 2014

Kaseberg at Art in the High Desert


Artists setting up for Art in the High Desert in Bend, Oregon.
A village rises on the banks of the Deschutes River in Bend as Art in the High Desert comes together for three days. This is where Cameron Kaseberg spent  most of his time between August 21st and 24th, 2014. Loving every minute!

As a board member and an exhibiting artist, he sees the show from both sides and considers himself very fortunate to be a part of Central Oregon's premier juried fine art festival. The show is produced by artists, for artists, and art patrons and draws top artists from across North America. 

The artists village for three days along the Deschutes River. 
Art in the High Desert was the first art festival Cameron had ever juried for and the first he participated in. "I did not sell a single piece my first show, but I had such a great experience that I immediately applied to a bunch more shows.... and got in," he says. So began Cameron's life on the road for the last seven years, traveling between Texas and northern Washington state throughout the summer. 

"Art festivals aren't for every artists," he says, "but I have had a great time, learned so much, and met so many amazing people that I would not trade these last seven years for anything."

Cameron Kaseberg with his booth at
Art in the High Desert 2014 in Bend, Oregon.
If you have not been to a juried outdoor fine art festival, Cameron would surely encourage you to. "Wether an art lover or an artist, it is worth the time to seek out a quality show near you and explore, experience, and soak it all in," he said grinning. He told us that as an exhibiting artist, the work is hard, the hours long, and that some shows are more rewarding financially than others. But he was serious when he told us he would not trade the experience for anything. 

To learn more about Art in the High Desert visit http://www.artinthehighdesert.com. TO dig a little deeper into Cameron's art and life visit his website at http://kaseberg.com and follow him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/KasebergDesign.







Monday, July 28, 2014

Barbara Slater says, "I Paint What I Love"

                Art on the GO!  . . . Painting, A Daily Endeavor

"Wool on Wool"   Oil




Barbara Slater, who has been creating oil paintings for the past four decades, is well known for her portraits of horses, pets, chickens, and cows that come to life on canvas, like her painting “Wool on Wool”.


"Summer Dazzelers"   Oil




Her life-like images portray warmth, and her landscapes  and floral still life portraits are refreshing and dramatic. She says, “I paint what I love. I try to paint passionate paintings…. not just workable paintings, I feel a heart-felt connection to my work.

"Eclipse"  Oil




 Finding out what skills I have and what skills I need to improve is a big part of my journey. Taking classes from some of the best artists out there has become an ongoing part of this goal.”


"Alamo Canyon"    Oil


Barbara, who is a member of Bend’s High Desert Art League, will be displaying her artwork with the 12 member group in August at the Sage Gallery and at Broken Top Clubhouse in November.  She will also be showing her Paintings at Sotheby’s in Bend along with Vivian Olsen in October.

                                                   

                                                                                             


"Feathered Finery"  Oil

Barbara who is a member of the OIL PAINTERS OF AMERICA has been accepted into the 2014 Western Regional Exhibition with her Oil painting entitled "Barnyard Boss", 30X30 on gallery-wrap canvas. the show is being hosted by Mountainsong Galleries, located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Paintings will hang from August 30 through September 30.



For the past 5 years she has been juried into Richard Schmids’ annual September Art Show in Colorado and recently exhibited her art at the prestigious Scottsdale Art School juried students’ “Best and the Brightest” art show. Her work is frequently featured on the cover of Ranch and Country magazine. She is also a member of the California Art Club, and American Women Artists.  See Barbara’s artwork at her website: www.barbaraslater.com and High Desert Art League website:  www.highdesertartleague.com

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

A Busy Month for Joren Traveller

                   Creating Art - More Fun than Resting

           August is a busy month for me as I will be displaying my artwork in three shows in Bend. 


My ceramic sculpture "Friesian Fantasy" (a Friesian Horse) will be a part of the Art of the West Rendezvous Show at the High Desert Museum. 
  

My Show at the Red Chair Gallery will feature bronze and ceramics pieces of some of my favorite creatures including birds and equines. The bronze sculptures are produced in small editions and finished with unique hot patinas. All of the ceramic sculptures are hand built and individually finished using a combination of glazing and cold patinas. I’m pleased to be one of the featured artists at the Red Chair Gallery on First Friday, August 1st.



 As a member of the High Desert Art League I will also be displaying some of my paintings at our "Progressions" show at Sage Gallery and Framing in Bend. I was recently inspired to paint some of the rock climbers I saw at Smith Rock Park.  My paintings of “climbers” at Smith Rock seem  to exemplify how important it is to learn the basics and keep on trying.  Only then will confidence build and challenges be overcome - True progression - So true for all things in life.




Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Plein Air Painting Competition Brings Cash to the Table

Awards Structure Announced for the Smith Rock Paint Out

The organizers behind the second annual Smith Rock PaintOut have announced a change to this year’s event that should get some artist’s attention. Cash usually does that.

The Paint Out is a plein air painting competition open to all artists working in 2-D. At the end of the paint out, the artwork is submitted to the jury who judges the work and selects pieces to be exhibited in an exhibition at Redmond’s Roberts Fields/Redmond MunicipalAirport terminal.  Through partnerships and a grant secured by the High Desert Art League and Smith RockState Park, the event will now feature cash awards for the top three artists. The artist receiving Best of Show will receive $300; second place will garner $200; and third will be awarded $100. A Ranger’s Choice Award will be presented by Smith Rock State Park and Cascade A&E will award an A&E Choice Award, respectively each of these winners will receive a gift certificate from Sage Custom Framing & Gallery and Pacific Art and Framing.


The public is encouraged to visit for the day or even just an hour-or-two, to experience this unique opportunity. The Smith Rock Paint out is June 21st, 2014 from 8:00am to 3:00pm at Smith Rock State Park in Terrebonne, Oregon.  Artists are encouraged to preregister online for this free event at www.smithrockpaintout.com.  The artwork selected by the jury will be on exhibit and for sale at Redmond, Oregon’s beautiful Roberts Field/Redmond Municipal Airport terminal. The show will run Tuesday, June 24 to Monday, August 17 2014. For more information on the event and Smith Rock State Park visit www.smithrockpaintout.com.

Saturday, June 14, 2014

Time for Art Workshops!

Lessons from two famous Artists 

ERIC    5 - 19 - 14        I'd been Waiting for that DAY! - the art workshop day with Eric Jacobson. He's a well known plein air artist who was invited by Plein Air Painters of Oregon (PAPO) to teach both a 3 day and a 1 day workshop to its members. We all met at Dillon Falls  south of Bend on the Deschutes River to enjoy an oil painting demo by Eric of the meadow and distant trees. The sky was low and gray, and a mist hung in the air, and when it finally began to rain we all huddled together under umbrellas watching Eric produce a tiny jewel of a painting.

Eric Jacobson







       


 As the rain came down harder a new plan for the day had the group driving in-line to Shevlin Park where we could paint under the shelter. The rain stopped, the sun peeked through briefly, and the artists all had a productive day, each finishing up with 2 paintings. 

Eric's jewel - an 8X10 Oil
Shevlin Park Aspens - Vivian's effort






























DAWN  6 - 5 - 14         Another day dawns -  It's June and time for the 3 day workshop with Dawn Emerson in her new Terrebonne studio. Dawn is Famous for her innovative paintings with pastel and mixed media and she's also a veteran teacher who taught us, her 6 students, her amazing techniques and style. At least we got to see them and try them! The first day began with a demo of a veiled woman in charcoal - the basics to begin with - then it was our turn with the charcoal. 
Dawn Emerson and her charcoal woman to the right



























The next 2 days passed in a similar  fashion with step by step teaching demos which we tried to copy using different subjects but drawn using the same techniques. We did many pastel and charcoal works using either photographs or 2 live models. I learned SO MUCH! - but now I'm on my own!! Oh!

Here is our model and the drawing I did.  Vivian Olsen