Reflections of color on a morning walk in Shanghai

“I am never going to have anything more to do with politics or politicians. When this war is over I shall confine myself entirely to writing and painting.” – Winston Churchill

I love it! A great quote from the man…..

I think many of us, if given the chance, would take that path…..the path to create and share your art. It’s funny how the school system and even society seems to beat that out of the student though….you know, the arts. As I begin to edge into my middle age years (I have a little bit of time….that doesn’t start till 50 right?), I notice this more and more. People in their 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s getting back to their “art” as if the crayons were being picked up again. (not sure why we ever put them down actually) In fact, this reminds me of a conversation I had this evening with a man who was just beginning his journey into retirement. Kind of unsure of his new “purpose” in life, he had asked me, a fellow entrepreneur, what I did for fun. Of course, enthusiastically I had to reply “photography!” I guess it was also a quick reminder to myself to never let the work life and carreer bury my own passion and creativity for the arts. Funny how the never ending and insane pursuit of the dollar can sometimes do that to you!

So……as far as the artist in me….

Not much of a freeform painter here, but I love the tools available to the photographer in the digital darkroom! As a logical progression from my dabbing in HDR over the last couple of years, these other tools have been really fun to explore. I have messed around with Painter 11 (has anyone else created with that program?) with minimal success, but I need a little more “Creative Block time” to really figure out what in the world I am doing with that program. More on that someday, I am sure. For now though, I decided to drop this image that I captured in Shanghai into a program called Adjust and Simplify by Topaz Labs as well as apply a few textures. Its not real painting per say, but still fun 🙂

I used a few other techniques as well and blended the final layers into this piece. Yes…..a little fun with the crayons. Should I put it on the fridge?

(maybe not…..)