GVA

recent work

2011-09-27T18:03:00.000-04:00

I've put a lot of new work on flickr recently, http://www.flickr.com/photos/frankfoto/sets/72157627225886772/

2011-09-27T18:01:00.001-04:00

I'm going to have a show at the Ithaca Visitors Center in November! Time to start printing! And, I will have a picture in a mixed show at Moving Box Studios in the CSMA Building in October!

TWO ART EXHIBITS on the Ithaca Commons - May 2011

2011-05-05T22:28:00.003-04:00

GVA Spring/Summer Exhibits

Mansour Jewelers - May 2011

Waffle Frolic - May and June 2011

New work - website updated!

2011-02-27T07:28:00.003-05:00

Finally sat myself down and did a long overdue update of my yolasite over the past few days. I had accumulated too many photos that begged for processing, but there was always something else more pressing to attend to. No more! Being tired of the embarrassment of making endless inane excuses, I worked from morning till late into the night for several days and got the main part of the update behind me.

Of course there is much more to do - I still want to add some of the watercolor pages from my Book of Water to the painting section and do a proper photo of the male nude, but that will be another large project and of course there still is my long neglected blog. Ok, one step at a time - for now I am just so happy to have gotten this far! Go click on the headline of this post and take a look...

amazing local artist, CLICK HERE TO SEE

2011-01-28T17:16:00.002-05:00

I met Nick Wednesday Evening at the Castaways Pants Party Art Bazaar! He is so talented, there are no words to express it! I am hoping to convince him to join us. The Art bazaar was a cataclysmic success. They will do it every month. Join us next time, it's free!

Iridescen Feather Hanging on the Wind

2011-01-20T22:03:00.002-05:00

Scribbler is fuzzy

2011-01-19T13:21:00.002-05:00

2011-01-16T11:11:00.001-05:00

Yikes - seems to me I did better when I first found the scribbler years ago, did they change it? Probably me only...

Snowy Drive

2011-01-14T13:24:00.002-05:00

An Attempt to load a Scribbler Scribble

2011-01-14T13:16:00.001-05:00

!http://www.zefrank.com/scribbler/scribblertoo/!

Interesting links for GVA Photographers

2011-01-13T15:50:00.003-05:00

Feeling guilty about my lack of participation recently, yet having nothing too creative to share yet I thought to share some interesting links I found recently. The first is a young photographer from Iowa whose website I found last night and whose photography has kept me up till all hours. He is a storm chaser, so he has some awesome lightning and super cell photos on his site you might want to check out, but he also is into bird photography and he really likes to shoot at night. So there are very beautiful photos of places like the Badlands in South Dakota or Yellowstone Park. Very inspiring and despite his obvious talent this young man says he does not know what to do with his life yet - seems he is doing just fine with what he is doing presently!

http://extremeinstability.com/imagesbyyear.htm

Next comes a couple of links to a useful free application which allows photographers to calculate when the best time is to get those wonderful sunrise and sunset pics. It gives you this information for any location in the world plus it also informs you of the extended period beyond sunrise and sunset where you can see the stars as well. There is also an app for cellphone available, but this one will cost you about 9 bucks.

http://www.digital-photography-school.com/it%E2%80%99s-all-about-the-light-the-photographer%E2%80%99s-ephemeris

http://photoephemeris.com/

First link is to a short article about this program and then follows the link for the download. Btw, the first link is pretty cool to check out for those of you who would like to learn more about digital photography. You can sign up for free and then you will receive weekly newsletter with all kinds of information about different techniques as well as challenges using these techniques which you can publish on their forum for exposure, inspiration and constructive criticism.

While I was writing this it occurred to me that I have not been entirely without any artistic output and while here I may as well share it. It is a little exercise in digital art using several photographs Photoshop Elements and Gimp. Hope you like it!

Double Rainbow at Water Show Opening!

2010-11-06T02:39:00.001-04:00

At precisely 5pm Friday November 5th, the view across the street from The Green Valley Artists Water Show at the FUSIT Gallery revealed a double rainbow! How appropriate for the exhibits theme! And symbolic of how dark storm rains pass, to welcome the return of the light with such intense beauty. It was the second double rainbow of the year for me, the last being sighted late summer.

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T15:10:00.001-04:00

my kawaii hello kitty pumpkin

I was recalling the peak trick 'er treating of my late youth. It was fifth grade when my Dad took my little sister around, and I was freed at last to roam around with my buddy unattended. We eschewed the plastic pumpkin for a pillow case and set out to gather the sugar coated booty. In typical male fashion of quantity and accomplishment, we covered our own neighborhood in no time, then set off for the adjacent subdivision, a place where technically we weren't even allowed to ride bikes. The mischievous spirit of the evening possessed us. I returned dragging a heavy bag like a miniature santa, not a goblin. My parents were at first astonished, then admonished us for venturing so far afield. My sister and I munched that candy hoard until Christmas!

By junior high, we had relocated to a tiny rural village in upstate New York. Being a little Dungeons and Dragons geek, I reveled in the ability to dress up on this one night and not be considered a freak. Still, we had begun pushing the limits as people would comment as we departed their porches, "Wow, their getting bigger every year." Sometimes even directly confronting us, "Aren't you guys getting a little old?" as if this holiday was merely a cutesy toddler parade on their porch put on for their benefit. Trick 'er treating maximization had been raised to an art form. We carried a back up mask in our bags for changing up the look to hit houses again on the return trip that actually generously gave away full sized candy bars or some other rare confection, instead of the usual sweet tarts or milk duds.

It was my last trick 'er treating year ever, so we slogged it out in bitter cold and sleet. There was hardly anyone out at all. On the outskirts of the village was a large farmhouse. The front porch light was off, but a side porch was lit, so we investigated. An old woman came to the door and invited us in. My friend and I looked at each other, shrugged and went inside. A lifetime of "don't talk to strangers" made me enter with trepidation. But this was obviously a long lost grandmother that I never had. Inside it was a warm and hospitable kitchen, and we were treated to hot apple cider, and fresh homemade doughnuts. It was the most decadent treat I ever had! I didn't even know that you could make doughnuts at home. We munched our doughnut and warmed our wet cold fingers around the mug, waiting for it to cool enough to drink. The kind old lady was delighted to have company and provide us with hospitality and we chatted up about the nights inclement weather. By the time we finished, there was a knock on the door, we said our adieu as she welcomed in a clutch of tiny kinder and their mom. That was the last time I ever trick 'er treated and a perfect way to retire that childhood tradition.

From the book 365 Goddess by Patricia Telecso:
"Samhain is a time to rectify any matters causing dissent. Take a piece of white paper on which you've written the reason for anger in a relationship, then burn it in any hallowed fire source (the pumpkin candle, etc) As you do so ask Nicneven to destroy the negativity completely."

This is also an opportunity to work with Raven energy. Raven is about finding light in the darkness, and transforming dark into light. Its a chance to create some real magick and transform negative into positive.

Fall Commissions - Finals

2010-10-26T12:42:00.003-04:00

Completed these a couple weeks ago and delivered them. The client was happy, and she recently surprised/presented them to her friends. I have yet to hear about their reactions, hopefully good ones.

I'm kicking into high gear before December rolls around...
I've got a lot of things on my list, and more things to share =)

Alone Again Naturally

2010-10-25T23:11:00.002-04:00

This image was captured on an Evening GVA Photo Safari!

2010-10-25T22:24:00.002-04:00

More experiments with freeware! These are attempts #1 and 2 on a program called Dogwaffle. This program is a bit more complicated than Smoothdraw - but you can see it has potential! The bird is a bit skeletal but I got tired of messing with it so it is what it is and I am not sure about how to get the fractals right.

Give this program a try if you like, it has all kinds of fractal doodads and the brushes are something else - I think this one is a keeper for more painterly pursuits (once I figure out how to use it that is), Smoothdraw will be for posters and graphics. Here is the link for Dogwaffle:

http://thebest3d.com/dogwaffle/free/

Take a look at the video, I used it as a starting point. And did I mention this program is also free? Of course I did!

Amazing curtain on an amazing day of nature!

2010-10-25T21:39:00.002-04:00

I took several hundred photo's on this day. I wish I could post and print them all!

Friday, November 5th - Artist Reception, 5-8pm

2010-10-25T00:40:00.003-04:00

WATER

14 local artists share their views regarding this life-sustaining natural resource

Artist Reception and Happy Hour:
Friday, November 5, 2010
5–8 p.m.
Complimentary wine and snacks!

Live music by 6 yr old violinist, Zoe

RSVP to our Facebook event

First Unitarian Society of Ithaca
306 North Aurora Street (corner of Aurora and Buffalo Streets)

Show can be viewed October 15 - December 2

M-F 10am-4pm and weekends during and after services

Following up...

2010-10-24T18:51:00.005-04:00

This has been such a great get together at Judi's this afternoon, I can't really call it a meeting. I just want to say I am really happy to be a part of this great group! Not only do we have our creative pursuits in common, but there is so much more to be enjoyed. You all bring so much to the table!!! Thank you for being you!

Anyway, I just had to share what I am feeling...

Back to what I started to say in my last post and didn't have a chance because we were already late. These little doodles I posted before were done with a little software I got for free online some time ago but never used till the other day when I sent it to Judi to play with and I remembered that I had it. So this morning with a little time to spare I started playing with it and I had so much fun I thought maybe some of you might want to do so as well. So here is the url

http://download.cnet.com/SmoothDraw/3000-2192_4-10199284.html

It is freeware, you can just download it. It is really simple to use, so have fun!

Sorry for the way I posted the link, you will have to copy and paste it into your browser, because I could not figure out how to link it directly.

Quickies with new programs

2010-10-24T14:42:00.003-04:00

Just did these this am with a new program. Am late for meeting at Judi's so I will post more later.

some of my work from last year

2010-10-20T02:37:00.002-04:00

hi, I wanted share some of my work from last yeart with our newer members. I hope you found some of it interesting.

Fall Commissions!

2010-10-05T22:26:00.005-04:00

Nearly done with two pieces, wanted to share the progress. (These are cropped from the originals) I really don't like monkeys! When I was asked to do a monkey character I knew it was going to be a matter of pushing myself to draw something I normally stay away from. But... I had fun with it. =)
Working in Photoshop + wacom tablet.

Water vapor in the sky at Dawn, makes me happy

2010-09-26T21:58:00.002-04:00

If you're not a morning person, you don't get to see skies like this!

Autumn Web Vibrations

2010-09-26T21:46:00.002-04:00

If a spiders web vibrates in the Autumn breeze but no one's there to here it, does the note still sound as sweet?

Water Everywhere!

2010-09-26T02:10:00.005-04:00

Wow!

Great work ladies and gentlemen!

Judging from the samples of your work posted here, this will be an awesome show I think! I've been so busy lately I have hardly had time to get to my email, let alone posting here at our blog! Well, tonight I am making some time even at two in the am and post at least a few of my pics - all water related I think.

"Coconut Water"

2010-09-21T22:40:00.006-04:00

My last piece for the show. Took me all weekend, when I should have been packing. The colors are more like the one that is taken from the side, but I was just too tired to get a good picture. You'll just have to come see it in person at the show :)

Something Completely different

2010-09-19T23:08:00.001-04:00

Earthdance Party last night

2010-09-19T22:46:00.002-04:00

I went to an amazing event last night at the Ithaca Tea Garden.

iNSPired by the Great Blue Heron

2010-09-15T23:10:00.000-04:00

Almost done.

I like how fast the paint drys on wood. Allows for a lot of layering without waiting.

Title -- unknown so far.

2010-09-15T10:26:00.009-04:00

I woke up at 2a.m. and could not rest, so I tinkered broodingly around the house. Finally, at 5ish, I went down to the lake to look for the nature spirits. The sun had not arrived but the stream was willing to play so we started without him. He slid up later.

Jazz Jam at the Lakeshore Yesterday

2010-09-13T07:33:00.013-04:00

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I went to visit my friends at the lakeshore yesterday, the sun, clouds, stars, wind, trees, wildflowers, birds, bugs and lake were all there waiting for me to arrive! They already had a catchy beat jumping. Everybody was throwing down rifts like there was no tomorrow. We jammed for hours from morning till the stars and moon showed up. I danced with the rainbow light on the waves and sang harmonies with my brothers and sisters the kingfishers and katydids. I snapped some pictures to capture the crazy time we had...

I can't wait for our next jam session!

2010-09-04T15:03:00.000-04:00

I added a new gadget on the right side titled "Subscribe To GVA ART BLOG"

You can have posts and/or comments sent to iGoogle or MyYahoo or other similar pages (check the drop down menu)

ALSO -- when you comment on something -- you can click the "email comments" link that appears under your posted comment. Blogger will only email you follow-up comments for that one post.

Hi! Grounding WIP

2010-08-30T19:08:00.004-04:00

First of all... Hi everyone!

I've been working on this drawing on the side for a few weeks now... It's intended to be bottom heavy but I'm not sure if graphite was the way to go, I may take it into photoshop. So I'm debating whether or not to continue with pencil (ultimately darkening the piece, giving more contrast and work with the light source more) OR take it into photoshop and tweak it for a more airbrushed effect and darken it in that direction... it may be hard to see the detail, but I'm more concerned about feedback on the media used.

Canines, roots, reaching, antlers have all been my current obsessive themes.
Just been frustrated with this little one, will post when I've figured my path with it :)

Water is roundish.

2010-08-25T09:06:00.001-04:00

Nature is my RELIGION

2010-08-25T08:51:00.003-04:00

I visited nature again today, as I often do. Some say, "too often". Nature is my mentor, my teacher, my spiritual guide, my therapist, my scientist, my poet, and my religion. She is coy and shy at first. But if you visit her often and listen to her stories and her poetry, and bring only your honesty, she might reveal some of her beauty and knowledge to you. If you gain her trust she might show you her secrets. Be patient with her, I assure you, it's worth the time!

Fly towards the light!

2010-08-25T08:47:00.002-04:00

Ms. Seagull was in the shot, not photoshopped into it! I sat on the lake for 2 hours and watched this awesome storm roll down the lake on top of me!

Oil puker -- complete

2010-08-23T23:39:00.002-04:00

Mixed Media; ink, acrylic, and paper (scanned images and photoshop prints, sketchbook drawings).

Pretty much done --- some tweaking / layering of paint --- might be added.

I'm not sure what to name it....
1. Oil Puker Dude (that's just what I've been calling him)
2. In God We Trust (says that in the ripped money -- top right corner)
3. Goodbye Blue Sea (homage to Floyd and the real fear behind the image)

Opinions?

Welcome friends, it's a Gorge-ouse morning!

2010-08-11T09:23:00.000-04:00

I got my camera set up on my tripod in the middle of the creek, set my composition, and these folks climbed up into my picture!

After the deluge

2010-08-11T09:18:00.000-04:00

This wildflower is the size of a U.S. nickel.

Peek-a-boo Sun

2010-08-11T09:13:00.000-04:00

Sun reflection on pond behind reeds, taken two days ago.

Goodnight Sun...

2010-08-11T09:05:00.000-04:00

Goodnight Sun, goodnight Lady Cayuga, goodnight driftwood, goodnight sky, goodnight Suzie Seagull...

Sailboats and Lady Cayuga

2010-08-11T09:03:00.001-04:00

Two of my favorite subjects playing together.

So many water-y images, this is the latest..

2010-08-10T09:42:00.000-04:00

OiL PukER iN progrESS

2010-08-09T23:03:00.000-04:00

This is my oil puker dude. This is the 2nd and final sketch of him --- much will be added to him... above and below... and he will be cut out of sketchbook and glued to canvas.
This image (and the rest of the composition not included here yet) came into my head when I went to bed one night -- and I had to get up and sketch it out before I could sleep!

Base colors of one of the wood canvas mixed-media pieces.I have a Blue Heron planned for this one.
The Blue Heron flew directly over my head a few days ago just as I was running across a bridge.

Both undone --- in-process. I'd LOVE to see what everyone else is working on :)

Watery Vision

2010-08-07T20:25:00.000-04:00

Ok so this is what has been keeping me up until 3 am these past few weeks. These are not paintings but altered photo images I have taken with some painting done in photoshop ... not sure if these pieces are finished yet - they are still talking to me.

I am also working on another actual painting ... that is really not behaving, so it sits unfinished until I can figure out what comes next.

Under Water Wonder

2010-07-14T13:15:00.000-04:00

My brother took this photo.
It's such a cool fish, I thought you artists would appreciate its paint job!
-Laura

Not a GVA show, but one to see..

2010-07-14T13:02:00.000-04:00

FYI for inspiration:
one of my favorite local nature photographers,
David Watkins, jr,
has a show at State of the Art thru the end of July.
he sees colors in nature that I sometimes note.

Watercolor* Water

2010-07-04T18:34:00.000-04:00

Here is my first piece for the FUSIT "Water" show. It's a watercolor, which I have a really hard time with, but I think this came out pretty good. I am not sure what the plant is called but it must be in the pea family and grows all over our garden. The water is in the glass. Do you think that's too little water for the theme? Strange that should be so since it came out just as I had envisioned it.

Here it is with the still life for comparison. The background is a summer dress of mine slung over a computer monitor. Very funky :)

*Update 7-13-10 : I now realize why the painting came out better than I thought - it wasn't watercolor! I used acrylic paint instead of watercolors and diluted them. Just realized the mistake today. Am a bit disappointed actually, but perhaps I have learned a new technique at least.

WATER: ART RECEPTION

2010-06-24T08:58:00.001-04:00

GVA Art Exhibit

"WATER"
12 local artists share their views and concerns regarding this life-sustaining natural resource

Artist Reception:
Friday, November 5, 2010 @ 5–8 p.m.
Downtown Ithaca's First Friday Gallery Night
Complimentary snacks and refreshments

First Unitarian Society of Ithaca
Art in the Parlor
306 North Aurora Street (corner of Aurora and Buffalo Streets)

Show runs October 15 - December 2, 2010

WATER

2010-05-21T07:21:00.000-04:00

The theme of our fall group exhibit is water.I'm leaning toward a preference for simply using the word water:

"WATER" or "Water" or "w•a•t•e•r" just to jazz it up visually.

Other ideas are:
"ART 4 H2O"
"H2O"
and my silliness always needs expression...."Like Water for Art"
And maybe simply..."Art for Water"

Nope. I'm still preferring the simple word "Water"
I think it best expresses the idea that the beauty of water, is that it simply 'is' --- so lets not screw (or drill) around with it!

Anyone else have thoughts about our theme?

KEWL inspiring ART BOG

2010-05-13T12:19:00.001-04:00

http://thinkdesignblog.com/inspiration-the-work-of-designer-illustrator-mikey-burton.htm

Green Valley Artists - group blog

2010-05-12T21:48:00.000-04:00

This blog is an experiment.

I'm hoping for a visual forum that makes sharing information and communication easier.

This art group blog will link to and from our official website, www.greenvalleyartists.com, as a way for all of the artist members in GVA to post happenings, art contests, juried shows, and their own art if they choose.

The blog is intended to be public -- so the information that we share and post here is meant to share who we are as a group, our artwork and exhibits.

-Sheri