Jazz & Java Paintings (Commission)

I apologize for the image quality (as in you can see parts of the garage), but I wanted to show what I worked on for the Menomonee Falls High School Jazz and Java concert yesterday (5/30/09). The theme was "Cities around The World" and each painting was done on 4'x8' drywall. This iss my first completed commission of the summer.

Amy/Lime Kiln Park

Okay, if you are a regular reader/follower you probably realize that I have not updated my blog in two weeks. This is true....sadly. But the good news is the semester ended well and I am back in Menomonee Falls. Up until today I have been slaving away at one of my two Noodles & Company stores--the store I like the least, but that has nothing to do with art so we will not get into that. Today my friend Amy and I wound up at the local coffee shop and eventually meandered across the street to Lime Kiln Park to photograph whatever happened. We tried some shots with an umbrella, but those didn't work too well. Above are two shots that I yoinked from the shoot that I felt okay putting on my portfolios. They're pretty. Amy is pretty. So that is good. Let me say it was so great to shoot again. I have to do that every day so I don't go crazy.

I plan on doing a post with my work with drawings but sadly the door where the artwork was in a flatfile at school were locked in. I will definitely get around to doing a post with some highlights from Graphics Studio I. I have a solo show early this fall and 3 months to make art. Let's see what I come up with--the summer has only begun.

Shooting in DePere and Finals

Long story short, ventured to DePere with Adam and Jason to shoot whatever caught our eye. I think I found a few interesting things: worn, aesthetically interested buildings in particular--one with fake windows that looked real far away and a brick wall in an alleyway where you could see that a door and stairway had once been there. There were many other interesting finds as well such as White Pelicans, an abundance of rabbits, a geometric sculpture on the St. Norbert College campus that is supposedly called "The Abortion" according to Jason, Seroogy's amazing chocolate, and we also managed to stumble upon a great european style bakery where their chai tea and gyros make me want to return. So, above, as you probably figured, are some images I shot while on this adventure. They're just interesting and for fun.

So as of right now I have one obligation remaining with finals. My drawing portfolio is due tomorrow and we are critiqued on an individual basis. Rather nervous for this one, and I really hope the outcome is good and that I can finish my last drawing in time---it is taking forever! I am doing detail work of a shoebox study with Prismacolor. Talk about time-consuming. Today we cleaned the darkroom as well. It was bittersweet. I won't miss being at school, but I really do love the photo dept. and our facilities. I will be without a darkroom.

As I clean and move, be sure to find posts reguarding work this semester from Graphics Studio I and Advanced Drawing. And for those of you who still have finals yet, and I know you, good luck!

I Shot A Concert!

As Jason put it, "Welcome to the World of Photojournalism. I love this planet!"

Said planet is new to me, but after tonight's experience, I might explore it more. We the Living, one of my favorite bands came to campus like they do every year so I photographed them. It was good that I knew the band, and that made my environment more comfortable. I was thrown into an environment where figures were constantly moving in front of my lens and the light was CONSTANTLY changing. I also found that the setting sun was blinding me and washing out my frame...so we didn't get along but eventually I got a better handle on it. Lessons I've learned:

1) The lead singer WILL look the best in your photos, it's just the way it goes.
2) Snap the shutter CONSTANTLY.
3) The sun is evil.
4) High ISO's are fun! Even though I hate using them.

I am so used to controlling my shots, from the lighting to the figures...and having them pose. This was reality. It was such a fun experience, I enjoyed the challenge of live-action photography. Enclosed in this entry are my two best shots.

Also, sorry I haven't updated in so long. I've been living the life of a college student during finals time where you stay up past midnight every night and eat one thing a day because you can't make time to eat. Orange sodas are a great coping mechanism during these times. And as today was the last day of classes, taking Jezebel out of her case and using her for the first time in a few weeks--actively shooting--was what I needed. I'm so happy when I'm out there snappin the shutter and working behind my lens. I cannot wait until summer...just a little over a week to go.

Please keep updated for updates on projects from the semester :D