Pretty Petals

I fell in love with Lightroom a year or more ago.  I became so immersed in LR I didn't realize that I was losing my Photoshop skills.  As you all know I've been AWOL for some months and just wasn't able to reconnect the circuits for my art/photoshop.  A good friend basically told me that for me to get re-inspired I needed to "just do it" as Nike says.

I also started to use my iPhone rather than my DSLR.  This week I did a photo exercise using both cameras.  I decided to edit one of the photos in PS.  Wow!  I had forgotten so much it was crazy.

With lots of effort and some frustration I managed to come up with the above image.  I used mostly PS but also relied a bit on LR.

  During all this time I've been learning Instagram.  So I wanted this image for IG.  I shot it on my iPhone for that reason even though I know it is possible to cheat and post DSLR and other types of photos.  Forgive me but my technical skills are always behind the curve.  I'm pretty happy with this.  I will continue using Photoshop more and shooting with both cameras so I don't get so rusty.

Have a great rest of the week.

~ Create ~

Starting to Paint Again

I lost my muse a few months ago.   I don't think I've ever gone so long.  I wondered where my inspiration was hiding and if it would ever return.  I just didn't feel creative either with photography or painting/drawing. Has this happened to you?  If so what do you do?  Hopefully I have found my muse once more.  I kept looking at other artists' work. I continued to work on Kim Klassen's classes.  I mean if I can't get inspired while watching her videos, then I am in real trouble.  I'm starting to paint again.  I thought it appropriate to photograph a few supplies and a couple base layer paintings.  I don't want to get too serious here just yet.

My favorite paints are Golden.  I have others - Liquitex is good too, but there is something about Golden.  I particularly like their fluid acrylics.  Sometimes I use specialty paints like Jacquard or Stuart Gill's "Byzantine".   The Byzantine line  is metallic and very beautiful.

Hope you all have a great day!

~ Create ~ 

Food for the New Year

After reading Carol Hart's  beautiful post I was inspired to purchase this cookbook.  It has so many wonderful recipes, and it's not about dieting or losing weight.  It's really about eating healthfully.  I've made a couple of the dishes and they are delicious.  

She also posted about a wonderful lemon detox drink consisting of warm water, lemon juice a smidge of maple syrup and cayenne pepper.  It's very comforting first thing in the morning.  I've heard that warm lemon water is alkalinizing to the body.

After my previous post I decided to use some of my lemons for the detox tea.  Yum!

  

When Life (Friends) Give You Lemons.....

Yesterday we visited with Rob and Sharon who just moved into their brand new home.  It is right out of a magazine....beautiful finishes and a pale gray/cream color palette.

They made lunch for us....a magnificent technicolor raw salad including artichoke hearts, and both black and green olives.  We also had a delicious tuna salad which I put on top of the veggie salad.  Sorry, I did not make pictures of these salads.  They were certainly pretty enough.

They gave us a bag of lemons from a bag they received from friends.

 

I could not let one of these beauties go to waste so I got out my juicer which my mom gave me years ago.  I love this juicer.  It is so old and just keeps on juicing.  It's a Procter Silex "Starflite".  On the bottom, it says it was made in the USA and the warranty is void after Dec. 1969.  Wow, they don't make them like they used to.

I have a thought.  We could keep so much trash out of the landfills if we just made our goods in the USA out of good materials like we used to.  How about that.  You wouldn't even need to have extended warranties since things would last!

I sliced one of the lemons and froze the slices on a tray.  Then I put those in a zip lock freezer bag.  I zested several lemons and put them in a jar to keep in the freezer.
 
 Here the juicer is in all its glory! You can even see some rust marks on the body.  The actual reamers large and small are made of porcelain.

Happy New Year to all.  May you have peace and joy in 2016.

So Many Toys

So many toys.....not enough time....

I don't know about your children/pets, but mine aren't satisfied until they have all their toys in the middle of the living area.  They, however, never put them back!  I love the commercial where the dog is talking about how his owners are not too smart.  They always hide his toys in the same place and then get excited when he finds them....then they hide them again in the same place.  If only our animals could talk.

After they have finished their game, Anna and Ollie have to rest!

Enjoy the day!

~ Give ~ 

Fall Arrival

I have much to be thankful for.  Fall has finally arrived in Southern California.  Whew!! We had the hottest summer on record.  For those of us who live at the beach (and don't have A/C) it is more than welcome.   It was actually under 70 degrees yesterday. 

It's so easy to get ready for Thanksgiving..... a few branches, some candles and fall colors.  I found this adorable sequined pumpkin at Pier 1.

Branches are from Michaels. 

 Candles are from everywhere.
Here's wishing you and yours a full of wonder Thanksgiving!!

Orchid and Rose

A couple edits to ease myself back into Lightroom and PS.   I feel really rusty, so I'm just diving in.

First the orchids...

I used a LR preset called Old Polar to bring out more color in the foreground and keep the background soft and hazy. 

Next the rose....

This image seemed to imply sophistication with the black linen.   I chose the Park Lane font for its sophisticated look.  I used Kim's Dark Mood preset.

~ Give ~

Lightroom Fun

When I have an image like this, I'm tempted to delete it immediately.  However, I'm learning to hang on and use images like this for lessons.  In this image I focused on the berries in the glass.

It's Week 34 in Kim's Be Still class.  Though I did not use the prompt of spoons yet, I watched her video and decided to use this "throw away" image to edit.  I first changed white balance and increased clarity.  I've not used some of the specific tools in Lightroom, so following her instructions I adjusted hue in Hue Saturation Luminance panel to give the berries a little more purple.  It's a minor adjustment but I was happy to learn how it works.  I also cropped to get in closer.  Since some of the panels in Lightroom seem a bit daunting, it's nice to have her instruction.  Finished edit below.

Its' so worth taking Kim's classes as I've learned so much.  I started with her when I knew very little of Photoshop, and I've grown along with her.   She is amazing in her knowledge and her ability to impart her knowledge online.

Consider taking an online class if you have interests in art, photography, Photoshop, Lightroom.  You will be so glad you did.

~ Give ~

"New" Old Stepladder

While "junking" with Erin at the flea market, I found this marvelous stepladder (heart skipping a beat). 

 Actually I found two ladders....the first was red.  I had been looking for the perfect ladder for several months and decided I'd just have to paint this red one.  Then just as we were taking one last lap, I saw this one and I fell in love!  The steps fold out (in) just like a ladder I had as a child.  It has obviously had a lot of use with its paint spatters.  I can't decide if I want to paint it white or leave as is.  It has a lot of character this way.  I was lamenting the fact that I didn't need both ladders as I'm really limited for space.  Besides what would hubby say?  Why was I bringing two stepladders home??  Erin was a sweetheart and bought the red one from me.  She has lots of primary colors, as you can see, in her garden.

My project this week was to learn more about my Canon camera.  I watched some YouTube videos and finally learned how to "back button focus".  And......my camera has a touch screen which makes it really easy.  I just touch where I want to focus.  I also wanted to experiment with creating more light using the camera since most of my house is lacking in it.  I changed exposures while working in live view.   I used my louvred closet doors as a backdrop which helped.  I also changed lenses from my 50mm 1/4 to my 18 - 200 mm.  What a difference.  Because my shooting areas are so tight I needed to have a wider angle view.

I used Kim's Sunday preset on left image, Quiet Dreams on right image and no preset on center image.  

Have a great week.  I'll be working on lighting and exposure for the next photo sessions.

~ Give ~

A Walk in My Back Yard Garden

I hope I haven't disappointed my readers.  I've been out of circulation for a few weeks.

I've actually been off trying to get acquainted with Instagram (I know..... I'm a late bloomer).  I've also tried to be a little more active on Facebook, or at least looking at everyone else's posts to the Studio Online group.  I've been learning to really use my phone for images and editing those images.  I'm getting better.

I've contemplated closing my blog because it seems people are more active on IG and FB.  But.....after reading Carol Hart's post regarding same, I decided to keep it going for a bit longer.  I started it as a sort of diary/journal of my art work.  So really, it was primarily for me to keep tabs on my progression. 

 I discovered that what I love about blogging (aside from seeing my progression) is the personal connection with fellow artists.  Facebook and Instagram just don't do that in the same way.

Today I'm sharing a walk around my back yard garden.  These images were taken on my iPhone.

Wishing you a beautiful day!

~ Give ~

  

Berry Love

As members of Kim's Studio Online group, we are given prompts to play with.  A most recent prompt was "berries".

If you're a photographer, I'm sure you've had a few shoots, especially still lifes, that have given you less than exciting results.  I have done three different shoots for the "berries" prompt.  So frustrating, I wasn't even going to post my photos.  However I decided to post as every shoot is a learning experience.  These are the best of 80 shots on different days.  I used Kim's "Prairies" preset for this one.

Below I used her "Raw" preset.  I like the wide aperture setting on this one as it blurs the background.

I was determined to use my vintage table cloth for this shoot.  It was a bit of a challenge to keep the overall image clean and uncluttered looking.  I used Topaz Simplify for the painterly look  of the two images below.

Finally, my Canva layout.  Still learning how to use their labels.

Have a great week everyone!

~ Give ~

Wednesday Photo Shoot

 Seems Texture Tuesday is on hiatus.  But, I've been more involved with Lightroom anyway and Texture Tuesday was all about layering textures over photos.  These days we can get gorgeous looks with presets in LR.  Sad to lose TT though.

We have one tomato plant in a pot that overwintered.  Our nighttime winter temps in So. Calif. have only dipped below 60 degrees maybe in Dec or Jan. this year.  We have an overabundance of tomatoes - bright, juicy, flavorful and  so much better than store purchased tomatoes.  They were part of my shoot this week.

I also shot some photos of this teacup and chocolate.

For some interest I clipped a rosebud and some thyme from the garden.  I now have the thyme hanging upside down to dry.....didn't want to throw it away and didn't need it in the dish I cooked.  This china was my mother's.  I think it was the first china she purchased after she married or maybe it was her wedding china. It's Syracuse china and actually says "Made in America".  How old is that???

Hope all you lovelies are having a great week.  If you're a photographer, try putting a little Lightroom love in your life.

~ Give ~ 

Edit Wow

My membership to Kim Klassen's The Studio Online entitled me to her Studio Collection of presets - about 80 of them.  Her presets are so artistic, it would take me forever to make my own.  And....let's face it, I'm lazy. 

I discovered I can get a beautiful edit without doing anything other than adding her preset.  Below the original...

It's a so-so photo.  But with one click of her preset in Lightroom and cropping to square I got this.  

I used "Rumpled" preset.  I just love the effect here.  I'm going to try several more presets, but this one really wowed me.

If you are into photography and still lifes, and you have not yet joined The Studio Online, hurry over there and sign up.  It's a huge value for the money and there are so many talented people you can learn from.  If you do love still life photography, Hans Blomquist has a beautiful book called "In Detail" which you can purchase from Amazon.  I'm ordering that for myself.

Wonder of wonders, we actually had a sprinkle of rain this afternoon.  I guess we're getting the monsoon moisture coming up from Mexico.  It wasn't really rain like we need but it was so exciting to see the sky get dark, and listen to thunder.

Plus, the rain smelled wonderful!!

~ Give ~

Remembrance

I posted these images a couple years ago, but they bear repeating.  Regardless of how we feel about the war(s), our soldiers only follow orders. 

So many have died in service to our country.  The real shame is in the lack of support for those who are able to return home.  I'm taking a moment here to remember them with honor.  The flag walk at Castaways Park, Newport Beach….. every year volunteers put out 2001 flags in this park overlooking the back bay and blue Pacific.  It is breathtaking and seems to go on forever.  

My tribute in collage form…

~ Calm ~

When Did This Happen?

I'm referring to my donut addiction.  In a little strip center on what is affectionately referred to as the 17th St. Promenade in Costa Mesa, CA.  I had been watching as a new eating/gathering spot was about to open.  It's called "Sidecar".  It was all about really fresh donuts in some really wild flavors.  I recently tried their Strawberry/Elderflower flavor.   A customer next to me said I have to try the Butter and Salt, so that's my next visit purchase.

Now I have not had a donut since Krispy Kreme opened its first location in Orange County some 20 or so years ago.  I have tried to eat a more healthy diet, but I must confess I do have a sweet tooth.  I was looking for something to replace the morning buns Starbucks used to have before they purchased their own bakery company.  Since then I think their pastries have gone way downhill.  I would give anything to find that morning bun somewhere.  What in the world would I have with my morning Starbucks?

My husband kept making remarks like "I'm not paying $5 for a donut.  They won't last."  Not only have they lasted (and most of their donuts are $3 to $4 - not $5), they have gotten busier and busier.  Impossible to get a sidewalk table in front of their store.  

My favorite is the simple Vanilla Twist for $2.25.  It was my first taste, and I was hooked after that.  I didn't get a picture of it on this day as I was waiting for them to bring out a fresh batch. But this will give you a sampling of their offerings.

I used Trey Ratcliff's preset "On Recreational Drugs" from his 2014 collection on the photo above.  I used Kim's "SummerLight" preset from her new Studio Collection below.

Those donuts in the lower right corner are maple bacon.  Yes, it's real bacon!  And…Kim's "SummerLight" graces the image below too.

There are people who leave with a mixed box that cost $40 or $50.  I certainly hope these are for their office and that this person is not intending to eat them all.  

On this particular day they were playing Fleetwood Mac's "Rumors" album on a vintage turntable.  Wow, how cool is that?

  I purchased a Breville espresso machine, and I make my own espresso macchiato every day.

But you can purchase Sidecar's coffee.  I just happen to be stuck on Starbucks coffee.

Here's a sampling of the drinks you can get at Sidecar.  I used Kim's "Moody-ish" on this image.  I'm in love with her Studio Collection presets!!

If you're ever in my neighborhood, you definitely want to give this place a try.  You won't be sorry.  You may gain a few pounds though……    

~ Calm ~