Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Color Abounding--Hard Crops of the Studio Flotsom, and WELCOMES To New Followers!

First off, before I become lost in this post, which is completely possible with my swiss-cheese-for-brains state...LOL!!.....  WELCOME to my new readers! Hope you have a good time here; jump in, comment, ask questions, or if you have something you want to inquire about privately, click the *more about me* (or whatever it is on the side) and e-mail.
Happy to chat, happy you've found the studio! :-)


Yesterday, after working the amount I felt safe with doing and not having myself in deep *You-Know* with both DH and the upcoming visit to the Surgeon, I took a quick look around the studio and realized that right under my nose was all this color.
You have to understand that I can walk into a wall and not pay much attention to it if my mind is in creative mode, which thankfully it has been, so I knew the studio had a lot of *stuff* out, because I had been tripping over it and shoving it from pillar to post, but I was not looking at it.
Seeing, but not looking, is the greatest sin of the artist, or anyone who wishes to put more creativity into their lives. I don't care what you do, what medium you work in or what you would like to try, learning to see is vital. Basically, unless you live in a white cube, there is always something of visual interest about you. It is a matter of honing in with a different view.
One of the simplest things you can do, and it's fun, is to take a piece of cardstock and cut two *L* shaped pieces (about 2" thick strips), hold them so there is a hole in the center and there you have it; your own private viewfinder to the world! It is a simple tool, fun to use, and let's you rethink the overlooked in your personal space.


Thank heavens for cameras and computers to crop our photos with! Above are pieces I had tossed into my scrap basket during one of my emergency table cleaning escapades. Just sitting and waiting......Suddenly the mundane becomes sublime. You start looking. You start seeing. Life gets interesting!
Everything I have photographed was out in the studio, photographed as is and the only manipulations were to move a piece of junk if it was obscuring the frame or to go in and crop. That's all.
That means I have a lot of junk out in here---a lot.
A LOT.


I discovered that the Christmas bows I had not put away were extremely difficult to focus with an auto-focus digital. The abundance of color made up for the lack of clarity and sharp edges, so this one snuck in..... I know, I know; I should have tougher standards but I am not a professional photographer, and I don't think the *photography police* are going to pay me a visit! (and if they do, good luck getting in the door....HA!)


A simple close up of a cigar box shrine I made several years ago.....I happened to look only at the bottom...cropping everything else out mentally and decided I liked the possibility. I really am fond of that little segment, all by its self.


Last, and certainly not least, my pencils and markers on the table. This was both a close up and hard crop to remove a lot of distracting items and leave the sharp focus of the implements and the nice soft focus of color and pattern in the background. Also, the matte covering on the right container shows nothing, but the glass holder reflects pattern around it.
Maybe I should have recommended sunglasses at the beginning of the post, or put up a dislaimer of my love of bright, intense, saturated color!
I'm hoping you'll forgive me......
Now go make art, or at least take a walk about and try and look at your surroundings a little differently!

Pax.

39 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a bright sunny post on a gloomy dead-of-the-winter day!! Boosted my spirits!!
Hope you have a wonderful...productive & artistic day!!
**Smile**
Marilyn
xxoo

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

I hope I do too Marilyn, but I have a feeling it is going to have a lot of ignored housework interspersed with sewing (which is good) and maybe some art (which is good!).
I'm finally back on a normal sleep cycle and not getting those early mornings to produce a lot!
there's good and bad to that!!!
Take care!

XXOO!!
Anne

marianne said...

these are wonderful! but- emergeny table cleaning? wow! can you come & organize my studio? oh- it would only last about a week anyway!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

LOL!!!! Marianne, my "ETC" is basically grab everything that is one the table, semi-sort into unorganized piles and stash/throw it somewhere until you need it....which always requires at least a DAY or two to find said items.
It never lasts....it was just the last project of a different medium, squished and smashed into submission!!! :)

XXOO!!
Anne

Silke Powers said...

I LOVE all this color! I find that I'm usually drawn to bright and clear colors! Your photos just make me smile!! :) Silke

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Thanks Silke!

I love color too, though I do tend to temper the edges (normally) with a very dar color, to make things pop.
Some of my work is darker, but there is always this *light* in the center.....to draw the eye in!
Glad you found me!

XXOO!!
Anne

Ces Adorio said...

KA-BOOOM!

The room just exploded with color and all of a sudden I feel warm.


First thing - how is the temperature in Indiana. It is freakin' cold down here but it is wonderful to go for a walk because I don't perspire.

Seeing - ah you are an artist. Your fabrics are wild.

The never ending visits to doctors. I want to be a kid again. I am sick of going to doctors.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Ces!!!
Yes, color everywhere, even when I don't want it! LOL!!!
Trying to set up on Zazzle that stupis Java Love card so it anyone that has a business wants cards....you know.....what a pain!
It is still cold and snowy here, and my walking to the mailbox is an adventure to say the least! (no I should not be going at all, but I can't help it)
Yes, I want last year to start over and make changes on Jan 1st...
Then none of this would have happened.
Hindsight is 20/20.
Unfortunately!!! LOL!!!
Stay warm. I tell you, you just do NOT know how cold COLD can be!!!

XXOO!!
Anne

Unknown said...

Two minds think alike. I use your cardboard trick all the time. And find it amazing what you will actually see when you take a moment to just look around in your busy life.

However, I will have to say, there is no way I'm using sunglasses when I come to visit. I love each and every one of your pictures and the rainbow of color I see here. \
Keep'em coming.

So my one question is do you listen to music, The Ramones, while you work or is it silent? I will place $5 on silent...he-he. Pretty much like it is around here in right brain mode.

Have a great day and glad to see you are up and about.

Stay Creative,
The Garden Bell - Kate

My Vagabond Heart said...

I think we are all enjoying the color instead of the January blues!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Kate,

No, I usually listen to jazz, depending on what art I am doing, like collage, etc....more meditative pieces. For fiber art, it is the Ramones, Misfits, Rancid....anything that can keep up with the sewing machine in both speed and noise! LOL!!
I love music and cannot function without it!
And isn't that little viewfinder the best??? :)

XXOO!!
Anne....occasional headbanger!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Amen to that Vicki...I'm ready to just throw all my bright fabric on the floor....of course, I'd probably fall over it and hurt something else! LOL!!

XXOO!!
Anne

Deborah said...

Oh LoVe lOvE LoVe the yarn!!! My Magical Fanciful Vanessa has been posting a lot of yarn lately and it does the same thing to my brain that it does to a cat...I want to PLAY! **happy smiles** Deb

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Deb,

I love yarn. That was just the basket in the studio for felting onto things. The basket upstairs in the house....OY! It is BAD. I will never knit that many socks!!! Enough for a giant centipede---two pairs for each leg! LOL!!!

XXOO!!
Anne

audrey said...

Oh, what COLOR can do to our brain!! I LOVE all the color in your post. It brings the soul to life and makes me YEARN to create!!
Bone Density scan today.. and then Mom to grocery store.... there is always something. One day, I WILL spend the entire day in my studio making art!!!
I see snow flurries... YAY!!!
Stay warm and careful.
♥ audrey

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

It's always something Audrey. I was trying to set up a Zazzle store this a.m. for the "Java Love" print in various itmes, posters, half fold cards, a coffee mug....geez. My day is gone and I am still in PJs with DH coming home early.
I may not have a post for tomorrow!!! LOL!!
Hope all goes well---take care!

XXOO!!
Anne

Georgina said...

Wow, love all that colour...describes you to the T!!!! All my "colour" is put away in bins, so out of site, out of mind....well, out of mind is a given anyway. I keep telling myself that I need to clean up, but then I'll forget where I put everything, spend hours looking for it, get frustrated and really just pissed off and by the time I find it, the mood has escaped me, so to the couch, but on the boob-tube and forgetaboutit!!! Hence, my studio. I'll send pics of it one of these days since I now have to buy new software for my camera since it's old and can't download from the site anymore..all I see is $$$$...blah, blah, blah.

Anyway, will be going into the studio today, from my lips to God's ears, and start some work. Have to collect water for paints since my stepson is coming over and welding something or other outside for our sprinkler system and I have to go to the bank and make a payment on my credit card....will pay it off next month and farewell to Bank of American till next Christmas!!!

Love ya,
G

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Georgina,

Ah! You make me laugh!!! I'm in an "out-of-mind" moment too....mostly due to DH and a few things he needs to do...like pick up after himself and take me grocery shopping! DANG!
Yes, I think having the colors out keeps one motivated.
And not having too many chores too...... ;)
Now I'm back to the house to finish some basic clean up and then going to *try* to get some stduio work done. HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
I swear, I will not have a blog post tomorrow, other than a rant....

XXOO!!
Anne

Marie S said...

Photography police here!!! LOL!! Just kidding.
You are so funny, thank you for brightening my day with color and your humor. It is good for me and others too. Thank you so much for reminding me to refocus.
Have a great day Anne and I hope you are feeling better and better everyday!!

Leslie said...

Fun, fun, fun. Colour is a good thing!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

AAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!
Marie, didn't know you were the photography police!!! LOL!!
Doing better today, but unfortunately not a studio day---a shovel out the house and cuss at DH day. (just because...girls understand!)
I think I've seen so much white that the color, after being put up, was sort of jarring at first!
Glad you enjoyed---have to get to your blog...

XXOO!!
Anne on the lam from the photo cops....unless they look like Booth on "Bones" >:)

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

hey Leslie,

I enjoyed your Ravelry projects---would enjoy being there but I just cannot take on one more on-line thing or I would be there all the time....and, I mean, I try and be out HERE all the time... <:)

XXOO!!
Anne

Robbie said...

OK, just way too much color for me! NOT!!! Love the pics..now I'm headed into my 'makeshift' studio to see what I can come up with! I'm working on a small project for my BFF's 60th! Let's hope you inspired me in the right direction!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

I am sure, Robbie, whatever direction you were planning was the right one. Most often, our very first idea, the first inkling, is sufficient to get us on the path. Things may change, but it is that spark that is the keeper!!
Good luck!!!

XXOO!!
Anne

Marie S said...

Thank you so much Anne. As I was visiting you this morning I was getting images of a Anne Goddess, I may just have to try one.
I do not do bleached hair. LOL!!!
I could see hearts dancing around your head though.
Enter and see, I can ask and then interpret for it.
Just say "no" to white. LOL!!
PS. I am not the photo police, it just made me guffaw.
Can not even go there with the DH thing. LOL!!
Have a great colorful day and thanks so much for stopping by.
Feel better fast!!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Marie---It is a spin off of our most sarcastic *quilt police* comments, which I have to admit are for the most part, CHILDISH and just plain NOT NICE! (but the things I've heard said weren't nice either....I am so immature)
Okay, I have to go enter the goddess piece giveaway.
And yes, it has to have BLONDE hair!!!!
Or the Goddess Police will be visiting, with lightening bolts in hand....HAHAHAHA!!!

XXOO!!
Anne

Mary Helen-Art Saves Lives said...

Yesterday I took my favorite "messy"work table photos to remind me to keep my studio nest nurturing. I also still have the card table up in the living room where I am working on a special birthday card for a one year old and the beginning of the family valentine cards and sillies. Amazing blog to just enjoy so thank you. Imagine Peace. Mary Helen

Anonymous said...

Even in a white cube you can find the joining lines of each walls and imagine what could be on either side. LOVE YOUR COLORS!!!!! How cheery and festive! Straight out of Madi Gra I tell you!! Hugs, Tammy

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

And you must POST those photos!!!! :) I don't have an issue with the *mess* as it means I am working.
But I hate the cleaning up and switching over to a different type project.....sometimes that seems to stall everything for a while. That is the hard part; restarting.
maybe I need to do a post on that.....or maybe not!!! LOL!
Thanks for the blog compliment! :)

XXOO!!
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Tammy,

Hey---theme post!!!! Mardi Gras is coming and I need to get something up about it!!
Glad you enjoyed all the *brights* today---I had a ball shooting them!
Take care dear!!!

XXOO!!
Anne

Mary Helen-Art Saves Lives said...

HELP!!! I tried to buy the big ass Java Love coffee cup but I am a slow learner...God is not finished with me yet...email the correct steps....Ken is teaching and the computer is winning....I need the 15 ounce OMG size. Imagine and Live in Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

I just sent you an e-mail---if you have problems yet, either e-mail me back or call me---765-472-3786.
You're the second sale of the day!
Everybody....buy a coffee mug and help Mama get a new pair of shoes!!! LOL!!!
Or just tell everyone and that would make me happy too!
http://www.zazzle.com/leafs2


XXOO!!
Anne

Tristan Robin said...

Love all the colors!!!

I didn't know you had zazzle products! I'm off to check it out right now!

Tristan Robin said...

lovin' the 15oz java mugs!

The buyer of the stole is going to buy one for me! LOL

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Color is SUCH a delight when we're living through the snow drearies. Keep the succulence coming Anne! btw...I'm with you on 'Booth' (with an added touch of 'House' and Derek Morgan from Criminal Minds, thank you very much). Oh yeah, and throw a little of Sean Connery in there and the color police can take up permanent residence at my house!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Tristan,

I thought Zazzle was the easiest (read that LAZIEST!) way to put a few things out there and see what happens. Since it is liscensing, I already have the art, it's still mine, and if something sells, I eventually get some money! So thr recipient better get you the BIG MUG!!! LOL!!!
Take care---know you've been busy.

XXOO!!
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey MA,

OH! OHOHOH!!!! Booth and Sean Connery????? PLEEEEEEEEZZZZZEEEE!!! Wait till this leg is better so I could chase them as they desperately tried to escape! LOL!
The *only* Bond is Sean.
ONLY.
End of story....


XXOO!!
Anne

Magpie's Mumblings said...

I totally agree Anne...Sean/Bond. No other man could ever fill his gorgeous shoes!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Nope, and he could stash those under my......ummmmm......okay.
Nuff said!!! HAHAHAHAHA!!!!! ;D

XXOO!!
Anne

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