Textured Photography . . . My New Addiction!

I got totally sidetracked today from painting. I happened to find Kim Klassen's website and watched some tutorials on adding texture to your photos via photoshop elements which is a program I have had for months. I haven't used it because I couldn't figure it out! lol She shares all the how to's in her video "Textures in Ten" which I highly recommend if you are interested in this technique. It was so much easier than I could have imagined! And she provided free textures she designed!

For my above image of the Chrysler Building and the one below of the Brooklyn Bridge I used the same texture. I thought it went well with the urban feel of these photos. I love how distressed they look! The brooklyn bridge was also altered to an antique tone as well.

The photo below that I took in Newport at a horse farm was altered using 2 separate textures with some yellows and browns to them. And I love the distressed look in that photo as well.

This was alot of fun! I like altering my photos with sandpaper and ink for my paintings but this was way cool being able to distress them with texture digitally! I think I have found a new addiction!

I am thinking of using the two city photos for the art show with texture as you see above. What do you think?

PS . . . Thanks for all the great comments on my angel ballerina from my last post!! You guys rock! :)

Blog Giveaway!!!

Love Me

NYC Lamp Post

In honor of Valentine's Day I am hosting a giveaway! I will be giving away one of my favorite prints! I captured this image walking along the Brooklyn Bridge. What struck me at first was the graffiti on the lamp post. Then I wondered about the story behind that moment on the bridge when someone wrote the words "Love Me".

The image size is 5x7 inches printed on 8x10 inch matte photo paper providing a nice white border for framing. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment! I will be announcing the winner Monday February 14th! Good Luck!

PS . . . Thanks to all who commented on my latest painting! I am working on something new with another photo of a sketch that I hope to post soon!

Scratching and Ripping Up the Brooklyn Bridge!

Many thanks for all of your comments on my last post! I am very excited that you are liking these latest paintings with my altered photography!

I did this one this morning. It is on an 8x10 canvas board that I covered with black gesso. This time in addition to scratching and inking the photo I also ripped the edges. So fun! I love this picture I took of the Brooklyn Bridge and pictured in my mind how I could extend the landscape of the photo into this painting. I am really becoming a fan of the black and white palette!

Working on this piece reminded me of my love of landscape painting!

Brooklyn Bridge . . . Making It A Good Day

The Brooklyn Bridge

At the end of the month I will go see my oncologist for an annual checkup. I used to go every 3 months and then every 6 and at the 5 year mark graduated to annual visits. Although it has been 9 years since my diagnosis I still get super anxious when I have to go see him. I go to Sloan Kettering in NYC so the city that I love is always a bit tainted for me. Each time I go to the doctor my hubby comes with me and we always do something good afterwards while we are in the city.

These photos were taken last November after my annual visit. I had always wanted to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. It has been on my to do list for many years. So finally I decided that we would go that day. The above shot is my favorite and is listed in my etsy shop as a photo card. I digitally altered all the photos in black and white. It was an overcast day and I just love the feel it gives these shots.

This was a random light post but I thought it looked cool against the bridge cables.

This is another favorite of mine. I had to get a shot of this lamp post on the bridge because of the words "Love Me" written on it! So cool! I also sell it as a photo card in my etsy store.

This one my hubby took while we were on the bridge. I was feeling a huge relief having been done with my doctor visit! I enjoyed every moment on that bridge. At first I was scared walking across it due to the height. But then I thought how silly that was with all I have survived in my life!

Not sure yet what we will do after my upcoming visit but I think it will definitely involve dinner at one of our favorite italian places in the city!

PS . . . Thanks to all of you for the amazing comments on my last post! I am happy to announce that she has a new home! Very excited to have sold her too!

Only Love Matters . . .

I don't think anyone will forget where they were 9 years ago today. I am a NY'er and live less than an hour from the city. That morning I was laying on the couch in pain recovering from cancer surgery feeling sorry for myself when I got a call from my Dad. He told me to turn on the television. As I watched the horror unfold tears began streaming down my face. My heart instantly went out to those who lost their lives while at the same time I felt stupid for feeling such self pity. I realized in that moment how grateful I was for my own life. It was a lesson I should have learned years prior when my first husband was killed. It is something I work in within myself each day.

I remember feeling scared as we frantically waited to hear from my brother who was working in the city at the time only 40 blocks away. Then I remember the relief I felt knowing he was ok. Loved ones were all that mattered.

It is always so easy to get caught up in the small stuff. It is easy to loose our way and forget that all that matters is this moment. On days like today I am reminded of how precious life is.

My grandma always said . . . "There but for the grace of God go I . . . John Bradford". And it is so true. None of us knows how much time we have. All that we can do is live each moment to the fullest and most importantly LOVE . . .

I took this picture last year as my husband and I walked across the Brooklyn Bridge. The word love spoke to me that day as I glanced across the bridge and looked at the skyline noticing what was missing. Today is a reminder for me that all that matters in this life is love . . .