Private Parking

I shot this photo from
a tiny window in the
break room at my office.
We are on the sixteenth
floor so there are some
fantastic views of
downtown.
Now if they would
only clean the outsides
of the windows!

Guns! Guns! Guns!

It's the perfect gift for that "hard to shop for" person on your list. I ask you, who wouldn't want an AK-47? That's the Christmas spirit!

Quiet Repose

Worn out from all of the Christmas excitement, Tica relaxes in the sun. Check out this photo and other Shadow Shots at Hey Harriet by clicking on the Shadow Shot Sunday link on this page. This shadow shot will be there next Sunday (1/3/10)

It's Christmas!

I saw these ornaments hanging in the windows of a little coffee shop near work one day recently and thought they were quietly festive. I like the subtle approach.

Birthday Girl

Nature Video

Here is a little video I made just for fun, enjoy!

Yes, More Panoramas!

I'm afraid we will be on this kick for awhile....bare with me.

Panorama Bonanza

This week I have been learning about making Panorama photos. At first I thought "oh that is so gimicky." However, once I had "stitched" a few together I was hooked. It was pretty fun seeing the results of combining 5, 6 or more shots together into one. It kind of reminded me of the old days in the darkroom when you didn't know for sure what you were going to get until it started appearing in the tray of developer. I am soooooo easily amused.

Shadow Shot - Dress Envy

I was actually scouting out a spot for a nighttime backlit portrait when I cam across this store display window. The dresses were so lovely that I had to take one with me...if only in the camera. To see more Shadow photos check out Shadow Shot Sunday at the link provided.

The Stone Wall

This is Pat in front of the stone wall of the shower in "Jessica's Dream House." I am taking a digital photography class and the assignment is a backlit portrait. I really like the dark and brooding quality of his expression but I'm not sure it isn't too dark. Comment please.

My Favorite Place

It's a beautiful fall day here in sunny Phoenix and I have been out running errands thinking about all of the projects waiting for me at home. I have not started a new drawing, perhaps later today. Of course, this is what is calling my name.

EDM Challenge #3 Purses, Bags or Totes

I finally finished this drawing and my reaction to it was unexpected. Although, technically it is pretty good, considering I have been away from my colored pencils for awhile, artistically it is somewhat flat. What I have learned once again is practice, practice, practice and that even our best ideas sometimes disappoint us in the end.

I also realized that I had not considered that the paper would be too big to fit on the scanner....so I did a couple of scans so you can see everything and am including a photo (a terrible photo) so you can see the whole drawing in one piece. I love learning new things, don't you!

Love These Colors

I started cleaning up my office/studio(LOL) last night trying to eack (sp?) out more space. I realized one of the things I am lacking is a well lit spot to set up still lifes. I am preparing to start my next EDM Challenge. Hoping that will happen today.

But in the meantime, here is an old drawing to keep you entertained. This is a re-creation I did from "The Colored Pencil Solution Book" by Janie Gildow. This book is a great reference for anyone wanting to improve their colored pencil skills.

EDM Challenge #2 Draw a Lamp

This is the lamp on my nightstand. I was happy with this drawing, however, I would have done a few things differently. The shade has a beautiful sort of Paisley pattern on it that I neglected to render on the initial line drawing so I sort of improvised (read "creative license") on the pattern. I am not completely happy with the way the drawing scanned. I will have to keep experimenting with settings. On to the next challenge!

EDM Challenge #1 Draw a Shoe

I joined the Everyday Matters Group back in 2008 and am finally getting started with the Challenges. I decided it was appropriate to start at #1. This was done with Prismacolor Turquoise Graphite pencils on Strathmore Sketch paper.