Mindfulness

Photography is an art form that  can take years and years to perfect, then there is still something else to learn and explore.  Painting is the same experience.  It takes years to develop a style, explore techniques, execute good works.  

Today I share photographs that in a way are "photographically-painted." No not with oil, acrylic, charcoal or pencil, but with textures and photo manipulation. 

There is the usual learning curve, much to be explored but one difference, I stay in one spot and it isn't messy!!!!!  No clean up!!

Bonnie at Pixel Dust Photo Art  gave us a free texture with a distinct Asian flavor which I was rather excited to explore. 

While enjoying this project I kept my focus on Aung San Suu Kyi a Burmese Visionary, the Burmese people, many worldwide  and I greatly admire. As I read some of her writings these pieces came forth.

  Like Aung San these pieces developed in slow, minute layers until they became a whole.

It is a collective wish that her country may live with more peace and tolerance than it has known for decades.

Artistico Blurro

No, I don't speak Spanish, but it would be nice.

However the words "artistic blur" seemed more catchy written as Artistico Blurro. Which is this month's challenge on Exploring with a Camera, presented by Kat Sloma.

"What is all of this about?" you might ask.

"Got it made," says I.

"No big deal, easy-peasy." I continue.

"This is something I excel at--shaky hand blur,  out-of-focus blur or paying-no-attention blur. I am Queen of the Blur." 

Fortunately I think that Kat had something  else in mind.

What she is suggesting is the INTENTIONAL--

THOUGHT-THROUGH BLUR.

This implies a photo a little bit soft at the edges;  a change of intentional movement; a deliberate change in camera settings; something placed over the lens, etc. 

 Once a month Kat offers a challenge which is really a very nice learning experience. She supplies lots of suggestions to make it easier...and it is complimentary.  It is open to all. Come join us.

One week ago we had our First Snow Storm.  Actually "dumped snow cone" is more accurate. When the sun peaked over the neighbor's ice covered roofs I was outside with Big Mama.

Getting inside the car and photographing out of the ice glazed glass was my goal...but the doors wouldn't open. So I settled for the outside.  I like the combination of "blur" and "focus."

You will think I am exaggerating, but this is the same icy morning. We still have one brave, endearing geranium clinging to life on the porch. There were filaments of crystal moisture clinging to the buds....while the blurred red petals are achieved using DOF.

A final farewell to a very hardy geranium.

This is my favorite picture. I am sitting inside a very bumpy car with nine passengers, lens glued to the window and attempting to catch scenes as they whizzed by.  What I love about this photo are the reflections that came through and the flash of light.  

Blur exaggerates exuberance.  Little Niko is practicing his fanciest hip hop moves. The movement is so fast that there is a translucency through his clothing.  Too bad the BBQ is in the way.

This week at Pixel Dust, Bonnie suggests sharing a photo that is simple.  Actually I think a blurred photo is a hallmark of simplicity as it eliminates distraction.  This is my choice. I processed it with Bonnie's  Monet's Morning texture.

What I learned from this Artistico Blurro assignment: I won't always discard photos that are slightly blurred. Rather I will think about how to use them in a more artistic form.

And I still need to try putting a piece of plastic over my lens.

Please join us next month when we will explore the Blur from another point of view.

Another reminder: simple can be beautiful. Thank you Bonnie and Kat

PS. remember that Photography and Prose is now part of this blog.

See preceding blog post. Thank you for dropping by. 

Next week will be the original painting give away.   See you then.