Creation.

 

“Colors changing hue

Morning fields of amber grain

Weathered faces lined in pain

Are soothed beneath the artist's loving hand.

For many years I painted. Some of the work I did was quick, some took months—and one actually took a couple of years. In the end, photography took over. It allowed me more creative freedom and every year instead of one or two paintings, I had tens of thousands of photos.

Now please keep in mind, being a painter for me is much more difficult than taking pictures. Why? Because the camera does all the work. No brushes, no paints, canvas, just a card and in my case some guy pushing a button. Yes, you have to focus properly, and make sure you have a memory card inside. The focusing is easy because the lens helps make that happen…the memory card? Well, I have actually shot an entire game and only realized something was missing. Gulp.

When I did paint, I would often use a photo from a magazine or even an advertisement I felt would be a good painting; because I had a piece of paper, and could look at it, it seemed to come together versus having people pose (no way) or paint something that came to mind. In case you’re wondering what my favorite subject was…sports—-Sports Illustrated was my favorite source.  However, there was one painting from a picture my former brother-in-law took. It was of Mark McGuire hitting a home run in 1998. It was a great photo and I thought…I wonder if I can?

Now for some reason, I liked to paint in black and white. It required less mixing of colors and once you had the shading down, it was fun to watch it come together. Plus, who paints in black and white? I guess I do.

The photo above was taken this morning. My wife has started to paint, and seeing her and a creation from my daughter Audrey above on the shelf, made me feel just fine she has taken over painting in our household.

Thanks for stopping by.