Enjoying the Day

On a recent trip to San Diego with my family, we spent a day on Coronado Island. This image was taked on the grounds of the famous Hotel del Coronado, California's equivalent to The Broadmoor in Colorado. Seems everyone can find a haven there....

"Secret" Lake

Sworn to secrecy, I can only reveal this is located in the state of California.....

With great access to water, peaceful setting, and plenty of sites, this was the perfect camping location. (How's that for a tease??) Good friends, good food. Four blissful days.

Latest Coloradoan Column

Click on this link to read my photography column, "Exposed", in today's Coloradoan explaining the Ansel Adams Quote, "You don't take a photograph, you make it" (as this image was obviously "made" in Adobe Photoshop):

http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20100613/LIFESTYLE/6130327/Exposed-Lighting-composition-help-you-make-image

"Support Local" video

Click on the arrow below to see my video, "Support Local", featuring Fort Collins own Local Roots.

Congrats to Local Roots Farm!

(Local Roots farmers, l to r: Dylan Meints, Karen McManus, Iland Haalenson)

Local Roots Farm, along with Tom Stoner of Spoons restaurants, were recently awarded the Larry Johnston Award for Advocacy and Service by the Food Bank of Larimer County. These generous farmers regularly donate fresh, organic produce to feed neighbors in our community. They deserve our support and gratitude for their continuing work in Larimer County. This photo, along with those of other farmers in our community, will be on display at the newest Spoons restaurant. Located at the southwest corner of Harmony & Timberline in Fort Collins, tentative opening date is May 24th.

Photography & Painting

Photography was originally intended as a means of assisting painters. Photos were used in lieu of live models, and to remember detail in scenes. As the medium of photography developed (no pun intended!), it became recognized as its own art form. Photographic styles have gone back and forth on closely imitating the look of paintings or looking distinctively different.

We now have computer software available that allows us to manipulate photos to resemble paintings, offering as many different styles as there are individuals. Is this any less a true art form than applying paint to canvas? It still requires composing a picture-worthy subject, and skillfully capturing the subject with a digital camera. After "post production" work, I print these images on canvas and hand-apply gel medium with brush, to give it the tactile texture of an oil painting.

I have a solo gallery show scheduled at Art Lab in Old Town Fort Collins for the First Friday Gallery Walk in October to display my work featuring this technique. More updates to follow.

Spring is Prom-Time!

Saturday was prom for my youngest, Kate. So glad she can still retain her sense of humor while being glamourous! Photographic evidence provided.....