It's never too Late to learn new Skills as an Artist

In my last post talked about change being good. I hadn't thought about a new venue until a few weeks later when I signed up for a painting class. I started painting with oils many years ago but couldn't deal with the mess and smell so acrylics were a nice switch. They dried faster and still had some texture.

I didn't think of watercolor paints as actual paint so didn't want to investigate the possibility.

For some reason, I was drawn to learn how to create artwork with watercolors.
My first venture was not good so I won't show it but as the weeks progressed, I learned to love it.The Buoys hanging on a wall was a little better than the first try so I felt encouraged.

The Koi fish were a little abstract
and definitely impressionistic.



The next piece was also aquatic and something I don't normally think of as pretty.
The jellyfish is so lovely when floating along ,in the ocean. its graceful moves and colors make it appealing,maybe that's why fish are drawn to it.

My most recent piece is a land animal. I love to watch these little Finches flutter about. I took the liberty to colorize her and make it impressionistic as well. It turns out I may be an impressionistic artist!

As it turns out, I not just a photographer, I'm a painter as well. I had painted as a youngster but was discouraged going into the field because family didn't think I could make a living from it. They may have been right but now I can enjoy this and maybe earn a few dollars as well. Don't give up on your dreams and it's never too late to learn new skills.
My website

Change is Good

 Almost every photo one sees today is Photoshopped or edited in some manner. I used to be against this type of manipulation but have come around to seeing the value in it.

Changing an image is the photographer's prerogative I suppose, but customers and admirers will send a message whether the changes are an improvement or not.

I recently walked with a group in a nearby park a few weeks ago. The Sunday afternoon crowds were starting to arrive so we began the walk down the gravel trail around the lake. Our first stop was atop a wooden footbridge where daydreamers gaze at the wonders of nature. This one image was altered to the final appearance. I'm pleased with the results as it reminds me of a painting.

This bottom photo is the original. I suppose it is acceptable but it felt uninspiring. what do you think?

We walked down a trail until another lake appeared. This one had wildlife and I snapped some photos.
The bottom of the swans on the lake scene is the original and the top is slightly altered. Not a very big difference but enough to make a difference I think. As photographers, we need and desire to impress the viewers. The top image pops a little more as there appears to be
some sunlight in the background and highlights the shore and tree line.

Here are two more sets I altered a number of years ago. The top was heavily saturated and the bottom was sepia toned. The resolution is too low for today's standards but which would you prefer?
I love color images, but sometimes a mood and subject matter requires very little. I seem to have a preference for footbridges, even back then.

I offer some of these images on my photo site . Stop by and see if there is something you like.

A Winters Day at the Beach

A day at the beach (in the winter) that is. Normally people visit the seashore on warmer days but for those of us that have cabin fever in the middle of a New England winter, it's essential to get out to the beach!

The sandy walk is a little tough after being cooped up for months inside. The only exercise some of us get is the snow shoveling or snow blowing off the driveway.

We headed out to the ocean beach on eastern Long Island's south shore, crossing over a bay bridge to Fire Island. As it turned out, many other like-minded souls had the same idea.  We all stiffly walked the from the parking lot, under the road tunnel, straight into thick sand blown trail. It reminded me of the Penguins in the antarctic; a stiff walk, heads down and staring at the glimmering waves.

Luckily the day was relatively warm so spirits were high. We must have ventured for a mile before turning around to head back.  I brought my camera of course; my Nikon 3200 but discovered that I forgot to change the lens to the wide angle. Instead, the telescopic lens was still attached from the last venture in the woods, some months back. I had to make the best of it, I guess.We'll dream of warmer days to come.

Say it with Photos

I haven't blogged for a while now so today I am feeling some inspiration to do so.

Recently I started revising some older photos and creating some newer one with some familiar sayings and quotes. I think it may add to the image in a way that most people can relate to.

After visiting a few places this summer and early Autumn,  I have a few more images to add to my collection and placed them on my photo sites.

Here's an image I snapped in the late Spring and now added this little saying."Find a Place where there is joy!

Another one is a little more inspirational and gives hope to a lost love.                                    
A simple woodland flower sets the background and I think it was effective."One day someone will walk into your life and make you see why it never worked out with someone else."







How about using an autumn backdrop for a sobering message..."The monotony and solitude of a quiet life.."


This next one looks so official, I wish they would commission me for the George Clark memorial in Vincennes,Indiana! LOL  George was the older brother to Clark of the famous Lewis and Clark expeditions.The monument is huge and round. it sits on the Wabash river in a charming small mid western town. I never heard of him but I think the photo made a great poster.
So these older and newer photos were turned into something a little extra special instead of a plain image.

Summer Dreaming

Since we have been in a cool rainy spring this year, many thoughts are on the sunshine and warmth of summer. Days of going to your favorite fishing hole, lying lazily on a beach, or tending your your flower garden are on the horizon. I think of my bright pink,yellow, and purple flowers I have snapped over the years.

They always seem to brighten my mood. Favorite photos can bring back emotions we thought were long forgotten. Open a photo album from childhood and you'll soon be filled with mixed emotions. Isn't that why we take so many photos in the first place?

I remember going to the Fire island Lighthouse for the first time about three years ago in 2013. This very popular and many visitors come to climb the all the way to the top. I did so and it wasn't easy but I did get some great views and pics.

 If you can make it to the top, you'll be rewarded with a wonderful view of the beach, bayside and ocean.

SL Siemsen New Photography Webpage on Pixels

 

 I have a newly designed web page on Pixels.com. It was originally a dark background with a red header and it did make the photos pop but this new lighter background seems a little cheerier. With spring in the air, I'm feeling lighter as well.
Here's a screen shot.

http://1-stacie-siemsen.pixels.com/

I have been a member of Fine Art America for 3 years and this is the new address.
This has to be the best location for print on demand images I have used. The forum is very friendly and members usually have the best advice.
I mostly have nature images, but have ventured into altered, digitally enhanced and abstract art as well.
My images come from  locations such as Kentucky, Tennessee, Long Island New York,Ohio, and Indiana.

Here is the newest addition to my shop and customers may choose prints, canvas, greeting cards, tees, phone covers, etc.

I took this shot in Northrup Falls Park, just outside of Allardt,Tennessee . I love to explore the rural areas in this part of Tennessee where caves,arches, rivers,and most isolated destinations a nature photographer would love!