Pop Art

Today I thought I'd post my newest art form. I've been experimenting with heavy editing of my photos to transform them into a totally different type of art. Here are a few of my favorite and most successful results so far.

Perhaps, Maybe...

Well, we had a very interesting piece of information yesterday. As some of you may know, Adam has decided that he would like to teach High School (possibly English) and we have been looking into getting him a teaching certificate etc.
Last spring he talked to the principal of Kingsway Christian School about job possibilities with them. They didn't have any openings this year but said they'd be interested in having him next year. Anyway, yesterday we heard that their art teacher will not be able to teach this year after all and Adam was recommended as a possible candidate for the job!!!! It would be a great fit for him (see some of his art here www.imaginarystudios.etsy.com). We're hoping to hear from the school very soon.
If this does work out, we would be moving within three weeks, most likely. Sweet!! The school is about 1 - 1 1/2 hrs northwest of us, close to my parents house.
Hopefully we will have some more news about this soon! Keep us in your prayers/thoughts.
www.adambeutel.blogspot.com

The many uses of Photography...

What do you do with fine art photos? Buy a print here and there for your walls? Maybe for a friend. Or perhaps you prefer photo cards to actual prints. Today I'd like to talk about some unexplored uses for photography.
-Funerals
Several years ago my Grandmother passed away. We received scads of lovely flower arrangements, which were spread all over the house after the memorial service. Of course a week or so later they were all dead; rather depressing in the end, don't you think?
What about giving the family of the deceased a beautiful print? Perhaps a favorite flower, or a landscape that reminds them of the beauty their loved one enjoyed. A personal note could be included, "in memory of" or a favorite poem or verse. This allows the family a memento they can keep forever or pass on if they wish.
-Babies
On the opposite end of the spectrum we have babies! Flowers and stuffed animals are excellent gifts for babies/new mothers. However, for those who want to think long term, how about art? It doesn't have to be super sophisticated or adult, just pretty. Babies love to look at bright colors, crisp black and white shapes, and as they get older, flowers, animals, people, etc.
I hope this starts more interesting ideas for art percolating in your minds! Of course these ideas apply to any type of art, not just photography. Although, if you like what you see here, come see the new photos I've added in my store: www.maddoxstudios.etsy.com. Have a fabulous weekend, and feel free to share any ideas you come up with!

For the Love of Art

Wednesday = T-minus nine days till vacation!!! A toast to the sunny beaches of the Florida Keys.
I now have photos for sale in my store! I know it's been a while, but it's coming now. This is one of my new favs. My lovely cousin combined with a sweet color study. I'd like to work on some more like this.
One of the reasons it takes so long for me to get things posted for sale is because I keep second guessing myself. Is this photo really good enough? Would anyone actually want to buy it? Hang it on their wall? I can always find something about it that's less than perfect. I think I'm too much of a perfectionist in that arena. . .
Maybe if I can sell enough photos I'll be able to get a better camera...........................................sorry, dreamin' a little.
Peter comes home on Tuesday! YAY, I haven't seen my little bro in 6 whole months.
I'll leave you all with a question and one more new photo. The question: WHAT kind of photos would you look for/like to see???? Help me out here! That's all for now. Peace out homeys.

Presents, Art, and Passion

Last night my two families came over for an informal birthday gathering. My wonderfully talented brother Silas (who, I might add, is 18) painted me this oil portrait of one of my wedding pictures! Pretty sweet huh? Especially considering it's his second oil painting ever! I keep telling him he should let me sell his art for him on etsy... Do you agree?
We had an excellent weekend at graduation. Jasmine was the life of the party - she has a talent for that. It was great to see all the cousins, aunts, uncles and extended relatives again.
I also realized how much I love being around people who live and breathe art. My town is mostly farmers. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against them, I just miss being around people who have a passion for art. Whether they make it or enjoy it, sharing that love stirs the artistic passions and makes us reach out into things we have never tried or might not have thought of ourselves. I think my creative flow has been eddying lately, unable to get out of the pool and into the river.
On that note, I am off to list more jewelry. . .

Yay for weekends

I reiterate - Yay for weekends! We had a good one. Friday we went up to mom and dad's after work. Saturday we made potato blocks and stamped up a storm. I brought a bunch of prints back to scan for cards, backgrounds etc. Should be good for the new store... Saturday night was the homeschool play (Heather was in it!). It was hilarious and the acting was great! Sunday afternoon Silas and Adam got out acrylics and we all did a few color studies, which was really fun. Art rocks! I'm not as good as I might wish, but I imagine that most artists feel that to some degree. Anyway, enough mundane details.
I believe I have pretty much finished the branding for Maddox Studios. I have settled on 3 black and white pics and 3 color. Also a basic image for logo purposes. Here's a question - if I customize a basic shape from photoshop with color and text is it violating any laws to use it as part of my branding?
For those of you who may not know, the picture on the left is my lovely daughter Jasmine. This pic was taken a few months ago, when she was my jewelry model for an afternoon. Isn't she a doll? I must say I'm mighty proud of my cutie... Well that's it for tonight. It's time to change my etsy favorites. Scroll down and check them out!