Thursday, January 24, 2013

Painting in abstract . . .



Painting: the works of art painted in a particular manner, place, or period



"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep."
- Scott Adams

I chose the part of the definition of painting that didn't mention "paint" for a reason . . . 

I have had somewhat of a revelation about myself. I am a creative person. Well not that part, I've known that. But I'm also a pretty frugal, creative person. And by that I mean...there are many times that I hold myself back out of fear of making a mistake and wasting materials. I remember when I took a watercolor class, I would paint a little bit and stop out of fear of messing it up and when I got a little more confidence I would paint a little more, until I actually finished it. The only thing that would have been lost if I had messed it up, was a sheet of water color paper. But still, I tend to hold myself back from creating with abandon, that is until I discovered that all I have to do if I mess up with my camera is hit the delete button. That's it.

Like the next person I do like camera gear, but my gear doesn't make me an artist and it surely doesn't define my creativity, but my control of that gear does. In fact I feel like photography finally allows me to create with abandon, without fear of failure. (Disclaimer: But I'm not saying I haven't been frustrated) : )

One day last fall, while at a sunrise by the bay I decided to try a long shutter speed to get that nice blur in the water. And that created a chain reaction. I took my camera off the tripod, and took control of my camera and ever since then I've had a little obsession with speed, or lack of it.

The photo above was my first keeper in my first attempts at painting with my lens. It's taken me several months of practice to get a feel for what kind of movement and how fast or slow to make it to like my results. 

I'm kind of obsessed with reflections too...but that's another day. That same morning I got the one above, I went to the boardwalk overlooking the bay and caught these incredible abstract reflections in the slightly wavy water from the flags up above. I didn't purposely put movement into the camera on this one but I allowed my speed to drop lower than the minimum required for my focal length ( in order to hand hold an in focus shot ) so I got a slightly out of  focus, slightly blurry image. It created some interest though from people passing by wondering what on earth I was taking a picture of! ;)



I've never really thought of myself as someone who liked abstract art, but I believe that has changed as I have been experimenting and practicing. The next images are some of my more recent ones....slightly cropped, and the exposure adjusted for a bit more contrast. I happen to have a thing for trees...but have some different things to share with you next week. More painted looks, without movement of the camera.
















I chose to use this one as my Photo Art Friday submission.....adding 2 very subtle textures.

( I used Bonnie's textures at Pixel Dust Art, Raw Linen and Warm Glow - love these Bonnie!)

As photographers we are already using light in which to paint and by using speed to our advantage we
are "painting" works of art in a particular manner we wish.

"Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it that you can." - Danny Kaye 

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend...
Love, Kim
XO




65 comments:

Suburban Girl said...

LOVE the colors and textures of the water shot.

My Garden Diaries said...

My painting style is more abstract. I especially love the last few photos that you took....they have an impressionist quality to them! Have a great weekend!

4 Lettre Words said...

So cool, Kim. I really love the 2nd shot.

Kathryn Dyche said...

Kim, I just love these. The second shot was great but then I saw the trees and I was smitten.

kathyinozarks said...

I really enjoyed your post Kim, I have finally learned too-to just create and see what develops-its been a journey for me.
I really love your photography so much, the first one is my favorite piece and the second one looks like a painting.

Rosemary Aubut said...

Wow Kim these are amazing! Keep on experimenting! Loooove that water shot!

Tamar SB said...

WOW! These are just awesome! You have such a great eye!!

heyjudephotography said...

Kim, first of all I keep forgetting to tell you how much I love the new header to your blog. Just beautiful. Secondly, these photos are absolutely stunning! I have to admit, a couple of them almost made my vertigo kick in, but they are all so beautiful in their abstractness. Is that a word? :) This past fall I became obsessed with reflections in the water and was loving the abstract look to my photos. You have captured such magic with all of these you've posted here today. Such great work Kim, so creative.

Mary Gene Atwood said...

Such creativity, Nicely done. Love your expression of art.

TesoriTrovati said...

Oh my goodness! I love this! I love that you see these blurred images through the filter of an artistic eye. I would surely delete them as being failures. You have taught me a good lesson today. I love LOVE love that one of the colors reflected in the water. And the trees! Oh my! I think you absolutely have painted with light and lens. I could see these framed in a gallery exhibit. Wonderful you. Enjoy the day. Erin

Kmcblackburn said...

You are one of the most creative people I know! And don't you forget it! :)

Pride In Photos Beauty said...

You are so right the textures you added are lovely. You are a beautiful artist...don't worry about waste. We don't even know what tomorrow brings...enjoy NOW what you have been given my friend.
Laurie

Unknown said...

That water photo is fabulous! Reminds me of when I made marbelized paper. I never thought of using my camera in this manner, what an interesting idea. All the shots are so textural. When I was younger I always skipped the side of the museum with modern art, I was always obsessed with details. I never painted with a palette knife until last year b/c of this detail obsession. Well something changed as I got older. I took a class last year and used that palette knife and to my surprise - LOVED it! It was so freeing as you said! What a fabulous journey you are on - who knows where it will take you - keep sharing these please!

Kat Sloma said...

I love that you have discovered the freedom to create with abandon with these techniques in digital photograph. What a revelation, to realize the fear of waste was holding you back in previous explorations! The work you've been doing is gorgeous. I love it. I can't wait to see what you share with us in Exploring with a Camera next!

Gina Kleinworth said...

Oh WOW- I am so drawn to that second one. Water images always call to me.

Gail Dixon said...

Awesome photos! Pure art. Yes, the digital age of photography allows for limitless possibilities without fear of waste. Love this post!

Gail Dixon said...

Oh, and the flag reflected in the water is stellar!

Jeannelle said...

Beautiful photo art creations!

Kim Cunningham said...

I love this post! What a encouragement to take risks. I love what you were able to envision and capture. These are lovely!

Serendipityissweet said...

These are just beautiful! Slow shutter speed is one thing I have experimented with much. These are really cool. And that water image is so unique! Beautiful work!!

carol l mckenna said...

Wonderful exploring and explaining the process ~ my favorite is the next to the last one ~ Exquisite ~

A Creative Harbor) ^_^

carol l mckenna said...

ps ~ am your latest GFC follower ~ happy weekend ^_^

A Creative Harbor) ^_^

Linda/patchwork said...

Sometimes I still have to remind myself I'm not wasting anything, when I try new things with the camera. But, that's the way we grow. And, we learn new things about ourselves, as well.

I like these shots. Something new to learn.

Have a great weekend.

Pat said...

Lovely work!

Brenda said...

How inspiring that photography has become your medium of "wild abandon". Your examples of artistic blur are amazingly lovely and quite inspiring. My favorite (of course) are the abstract water ripples - the colors and shapes are simply out-of-this world. A wish-I-had-taken-it shot.

Lmkazmierczak said...

I dabble in songwriting and have found that my best work is from messing up and striking a new chord that works even better...recently getting into photography. Visiting from Cool Clicks, here's my effort:http://lore-eleven.blogspot.com/2013/01/as-rural-postal-carrier-i-come-upon.html

Anonymous said...

wow!!! Kim they are all fantastic... I am speechless how wonderfully you used the textures and blurry pictures. They all look like art to me, and you're right... the gear I have do not define my creativity, but the control over it!!! well said!

smiles, Sharon said...

Each photo stands alone, on its own merits. The flag reflections seems appropriate for recent inauguration.
Adding textures to the blur is a super idea. It is so subtle that it looks natural. For only posting a short time ago, you have a huge following. And I can see why. smiles: sharon

Marilyn said...

Kim, I love all of these, especially the one that looks as if you used the twirl filter and the abstract reflection. Beautiful!

A Garden of Threads said...

It is nice to meet another photographer who likes to paint with their camera :) These are wonderful, great job.

Kerri Farley said...

Wow! I think these are wonderful! Glad you're not holding back!

Jeanne said...

Fascinating "abstracts here Kim!

Bonnie Zieman, M.Ed. said...

How utterly inspiring, Kim - the products (your art) and the process (your evolution as an artist)!!!

What a good lesson for us all - to approach our form of expression with abandon - especially when you can produce such amazing results.

As well as inspiring us with your art you encourage us with your candid revelations of your process of discovery - acquiring the courage to make mistakes and endure frustration. This post is a lovely gift in so many ways.

Cathy H. said...

Kim, these are a wonderful group of "paintings." The reflection is just unbelievable! My favorite of the trees is the second one!

Elisa said...

I love the quotes you chose to pair with these photos & love your way with art! This is a fantastic collection! Truly Inspiring!

betty-NZ said...

Your choices are quite interesting. Some of them I like more than others, but I like the reflection the best.

Anonymous said...

I wouldn't hesitate to frame that water shot.It's sublime and totally original.

Gardening in a Sandbox said...

Wow you have been creating paintings with your camera. Good job. Valerie

Dianne said...

I love your work!!
you've inspired me to try to love my "mistakes" and go with them
thanks :)

Unknown said...

WOW! These look so awesome. How fun to make art with your camera. Very clever my friend.

Hugs~

Viv@Thoughts from the Desktop said...

Love the amazing paint effects I love the flags in the water thatnwould make a beautiful picture to frame in a whitewash driftwood type,frame....

Donna@Gardens Eye View said...

Bravo for playing with your camera as it has allowed you to be so creative...I am too fussy and want my pictures to be just so, but maybe I need to loosen the reins a bit and let the camera have more fun :)

Tiffany said...

Love them Kim, so great to get out and try something new and different. All of the images are unique and amazing. Have a great weekend.

Tiffany

patty said...

beautiful beautiful!! LOVE these images... yes, so much like painting. beautiful.

and your new(ish?) background and banner are such a welcome retreat from our iced out friday!! :) lovely!

Nancy said...

You go with your creative self, Kim. I always enjoy seeing your growth. xo

Currie Silver said...

extraordinary and wondrous, Kim!! I love your way of telling a story through sharing your process. I love what you've done and I even almost understand it!!! I love photographing water and reflections and catching the movement of the wind. my results aren't all lovely but my enJOYment is off the charts!! you've really inspired me to go play with my camera for no other reason than BEcause I CAN!!!

Sherri B. said...

These are absolutely amazing...I love them! I completely relate to your fear of "messing up the paper" when painting...what is up with that? I drive myself crazy...lol. I'm trying hard to get over it.

Thanks so much for sharing your creative results - they truly are beautiful.

Miriam said...

Your post and pictures are very inspiring, thank you. I really love the first two pictures though and will have a play at the weekend.

Miriam said...

Your post and pictures are very inspiring, thank you. I really love the first two pictures though and will have a play at the weekend.

Ida said...

Wow! How creative and so interesting. It's just amazing to see how you've created such artistic pieces with your camera. I'm sort of scared to try things like that (of course I don't have near the knowledge of my camera yet as you have). I think my favorite piece here is the Abstract wave shot - It's very fascinating. Some of the tree shots made me feel a little "dizzy" looking at them.

Barbara said...

You make me want to go experiment with movement and textures! Beautiful!

Janis Cox said...

No holding you back now. Beautiful shots. I love the colours in that reflection.
Blessings,
Janis author of Tadeo Turtle

Katherines Corner said...

creative, beautiful! love them all Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things hop xo

Debbie said...

Hi Kim,
You have an amazing blog, beautiful pictures!

Inspired By June said...

These are wonderful, Kim, and I could identify with much of what you shared. My favorite is your "painting" in the water!

Andrea Dawn said...

Those tree shots are all very beautiful, however my fave is the watery reflections shot. Reminds me of the First Nations artwork typical of the Pacific Northwest.

Ross said...

These are fantastic Kim! Such a creative form of art! I really like the second picture.

Ross said...

These are fantastic Kim! Such a creative form of art! I really like the second picture.

Anonymous said...

Such creativity... and such patience! I once spent two days shooting water - reflections (like your flags), and shapes in whirls and splashes... Then I made a weird "water-photo" collection of it all and then promptly lost patience with it... :P

Next time I am in a hurry to move on, I will think of you...

Oh, and I absolutely love the soft, almost glowing colours of the final image!

Marvett Smith said...

You are definitely an artist Kim, and a talented one at that!

Deanna said...

Oh my, these are little works of art...you my friend, are definitely creative and I always love what you come up with...eventho a couple of these made my head spin.

Susie @homemaker-mom.com said...

very nice! Love it ! I am stopping by from Friendship Friday Blog Hop!

Lisa Gordon said...

Trying to choose a favorite here, but it is quite impossible. So, so beautiful. Each one.

Honey from the Bee said...

Wow - you are beyond talented! I love the water reflection one - looks almost unreal.

I'm really ready now to get a "real" camera and am going to drop you a line to ask your advice. It's been amazing to see you grow as a photographer and how it's become for me at least - a way you communicate. Life is so busy and you seem to slow it down.

Carol said...

Oh, all wonderful but the reflections on the water - that's my favourite. I know what you mean about people wondering what you are photographing. I spent several hours once taking reflections at a wharf, in fact I took 1500 photos to my amazement, and I had several interested onlookers trying to see what I was seeing. It wasn't until I got home that I realised how many photos I'd taken, and how fascinating they were.

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