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| Auryn Ink digital watercolor sketch |
In the meantime, I was playing around with some of the art programs I have downloaded from the app store onto the iPad. I decided to try Auryn Ink again. This is an app that simulates a watercolor painting. I had attempted using it when I first got it. It was a little frustrating. Actually, it was a lot frustrating. I was watching tv tonight and decided to give it a go again. It took awhile, but I think I am starting to get the hang of it. This is an imaginary image. Next time, I think I will attempt using a visual reference to start with.
Tomorrow I am going to a live drawing session. I think I will just bring my iPad and see what I can do.
14 comments:
Hi Myrna,
Happy Anniversary! Nice gift, too!
So much for small talk. I'm mainly writing to let you know the other email address failed, too.
The response said Google tried to deliver it, but your domain rejected it.
I wonder if your system thinks I'm a spammer? You might take a look to see if I'm in your address book. I know if someone isn't in mine, their mail automatically goes to the spam file. Luckily, with Google, I can see who the writer is and send it to my inbox.
Anyway, I hope to be able to send you what I wrote someday.
Thanks,
Gary.
Nicely done, Myrna!
Thanks, Autumn, You always have something nice to say!
Oh, what fun ! You really have the program mastered. I have it also, but never managed something that complex. I will try again. I love that face!! You did a fabulous job.
Oh, what fun ! You really have the program mastered. I have it also, but never managed something that complex. I will try again. I love that face!! You did a fabulous job.
Hi Napabelle, thanks for commenting. I think this is a tricky program but worth playing around with. Try it again. I would love to see what you come up with.
very cool. will look forward to seeing more ipad creations and lessons.
Evening Myrna,
Thanks for the additional "nudge". I have looked at most of the prestigious painting competitions over the years and agree with you about the wide ranging entries. Everyone and anyone seemingly has a pretty fair chance of coming out a winner. I've often been surprised at some of the winning selections, because, as you say, they can be edgy.
In 2003, a gallery owner here in Portland, offered to enter two of my paintings in an annual competition at the Coos Bay Art Museum. The exhibition, called, "Expressions West", is still held annually and comprises entries from the thirteen western states, including Hawaii. Since he generously offered to pay the entry fee, I said yes. To my surprise, one of the two paintings he entered, made it past the jury. My wife and I drove three hours to Coos Bay to deliver the work. It was okay, since we hadn't seen much of our new state, but to be honest, I figured it was a huge waste of gasoline. The museum director asked us if we planned on attending the awards banquet and I jokingly replied, "Sure, if I know I won a prize!" A three hour drive home and the spectre of repeating the trip to fetch the painting wasn't exactly appealing. Needless to say, I received no call secretly informing me I should attend the awards dinner.
And wouldn't you know it, my painting, "The Old Teapot", was awarded second prize, which was a $3,000 purchase award. That painting is now in the permanent collection of the Southwest Oregon Community College Foundation. I was so amazed, thrilled and excited, I even paid back the gallery owner his $25.00 entry fee!
That event made me believe anything is possible, so your suggestion hasn't been ignored. Perhaps because of that experience, I haven't felt the need to enter other shows. Arguably, the show had little prestige, but it convinced me that even a mostly self-taught painter can break through every now and then. To enter a big time show, with thousands of entries, seems like throwing money away. Couple that with my inferiority complex and you can understand why I'm reluctant to enter the truly important contests.
I was a member of, "Oil Painters of American", for a few years, too, and had to ship a couple of paintings to the regional and national show venues, all for naught. Soured me a little and I dropped out. So, Myrna, I guess I'm destined to labor in the studio, mostly unrecognized, but content to paint in ignominy. You know, the one thing about the art world that does scare me...is fame. You and I are old and wise enough to have seen countless artists explode into the spotlight, only to become yesterday's news. I don't know about you, but I can live without the pressure. The greatest thing I now have is time. When I left the navy at the age of forty-four, I was determined to do something meaningful, special or exceptionally interesting with the rest of my life. I chose art and have never looked back. I value each and every minute in the studio and relish the freedom to paint what or who I want, on my terms, without any deadlines, gallery owners or patrons leaning on me. I'm pretty certain I don't have much to worry about when it comes to becoming famous and I'll happily continue flying below the radar in the future.
My blog has given me all the fame I want or need and it's because of people like you that I don't hunger for more. I truly love the diverse international community we're part of. I've learned so much from you and many others like you. Gifted artists, more than willing to share your experience and knowledge with the world and help folks like me along. Your generosity and kindness is a daily dose of sunshine--even during the many rainy days here in Portland! And I'll be the first to acknowledge that the expression, "self-taught" is one huge lie. I've devoured countless art history and art technique books and hundreds of artists biographies. I've visited some of the world's finest art museums and spent many hours absorbing the great paintings within. William Matheny even did his best to teach me what he knows, though I'm sure I frustrated him on numerous occasions. It's been said before, but I still love saying, if I achieve any success, it's because I stand on the shoulders of giants. And you, my Dear, are one of my giant heroes.
So, thanks for ensuring I "get the message". I do. And who knows...maybe someday.
Have a great day tomorrow, Myrna.
Sincerely,
Myrna,
Just in case you were wondering why the letter came in multiple parts...Blogger said 4096 characters is the maximum allowed.
I was therefore, forced to send it in parts.
Sorry for all the work.
Sincerely,
Gary.
Thanks, Stamp Mouse! Coming up next post!
THat is beautiful!
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