Embracing the Artistic Journey: A Tale of Unveiling Creativity

In the hallowed corridors of my self-reflection, I’ve never considered myself an artist. Words like thinker and observer found cozy corners in the gallery of my self-identity, but artist? Never. All my life, I watched as others conjured breathtaking works of art, marveling at their innate talent. But I, I believed, didn’t have the gift. The talent that effortlessly transformed blank canvases into masterpieces eluded me.

I ventured into the realm of artistic expression a few times, testing the waters. One summer, I enrolled in a community art class, eager to explore this latent aspect of my being. However, the cruel truth of my lack of natural-born talent soon became painfully apparent. It was disheartening to confront the possibility of being subpar at something initially, the grim prospect of creating mediocre art repeatedly until mastery seemed daunting. My perfectionism, a relentless companion, wouldn’t allow me to endure such a learning curve.

But then, a revelation dawned on me as I began to capture moments through the lens of an old Canon Rebel I had discovered. I uncovered an innate sense for beauty and a willingness to persevere in my photographic endeavors, even when I was still a novice. Criticism and self-doubt often loomed over me, casting their somber shadows. Nevertheless, day by day, I continued to press that shutter button, crafting my skill with each click. Working with the play of light and the dance of colors, I realized that a glimmer of creativity might indeed reside within me.

Deep down, I had always yearned to draw, a desire that had nestled within me since childhood. However, I lacked the discipline to embark on the arduous journey of learning to sketch, to paint, to master the art of visual storytelling.

But change has now unfurled its enigmatic wings within my life. You see, too many souls spend their existence dwelling in the realm of wishes. They dream of doing something, hoping for the magical moment when their aspirations will materialize. Yet, wishes are but fleeting whispers, evaporating into nothingness. They remain trapped in the realm of thought, unfulfilled.

I may never be the artist I long to be, but that will not deter me. I have resolved to practice relentlessly, to sketch with reckless abandon, and to study the intricate interplay of shadows and light. I will fill countless notebooks and sketchbooks until my well of paper runs dry, and my once-lengthy pencil dwindles into a mere stub.

The crux of the matter is this: I no longer wish; I do. In this newfound journey, I embrace my own subtle creativity, a realm of enigmatic allure and intellectual exploration. I unravel the layers of my artistic identity, one stroke at a time, allowing the intricacies of art to lead me into the depths of my creative potential.

Unleashing the Beauty with a Camera: Capturing Gabrielle’s Journey to the 2024 Hooters Calendar Shoot

Photography is an art that requires both technical skills and creativity. Despite the convenience of having a camera on our phones, not everyone understands the complexities of photography. That’s why it’s always a joy for me when a friend reaches out to me for help with their photography project. And recently, my friend Gabrielle asked for my assistance in capturing her journey to the 2024 Hooters calendar model shoot. I was more than happy to help.

Gabrielle has always been confident and comfortable in her own skin, and she wanted to showcase that confidence through the lens of a camera. Our goal was to capture her unique personality and beauty in a series of photos that would make her stand out in the highly competitive world of modeling.

We decided to shoot at a local park with a lush beach background, which would provide a natural and organic backdrop for the photos. I started by taking some test shots to get the lighting and settings just right. Then, I gave Gabrielle some simple poses to start with and encouraged her to relax and have fun. She quickly got into the groove and started to showcase her stunning figure and gorgeous smile.

As we continued to shoot, I tried to capture her different expressions and poses, showcasing her versatility and range as a model. We also played around with different lighting and angles to create a range of photos with different moods and feels.

In the end, we came away with a series of stunning photos that truly showcased Gabrielle’s beauty and personality. The images captured her confidence, her stunning figure, and her infectious smile. I was thrilled to have played a part in helping her achieve her goal of becoming a Hooters calendar model.

Photography is a powerful tool that can help capture and showcase our unique beauty and personality. Whether you’re an aspiring model or just looking to capture special moments in your life, a great photographer can help bring your vision to life. And if you’re lucky enough to have a friend who is passionate about photography, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for their help. They just might be able to help you unleash the beauty within.

Wax Paper Art Project #1

IMG_1091One of the things I love about my house is how creative we all are.  Between Kiri, Sydney, Ken, & myself someone is always working on some sort of creative project.

IMG_1093While I was on Pinterest the other day I saw a project using pallet paper, markers, alcohol, and cue-tips.  It seemed easy enough so I decided to give it a try.

So when I first saw this project on Pinterest it did not mention what kind of paper to use.  DO NOT use regular paper!  It doesn’t work.  Look for wax paper or pallet paper.

Next using markers scribble all over the pallet paper using your favorite colors.  You really don’t need to have any rhyme or reason to how you scribble.

Taking a cue-tip, dip it in alcohol & apply it to your scribbles.  The marker paint will begin to blur and mix.  Again there is no right or wrong way on how to do this.  I used a number of cue-tips, and tried to keep the colors from mixing.IMG_1094

After my first application of alcohol I allowed the paper to dry, and then scribbled more marker onto of the page, and did a second application of alcohol.

I think it turned out really good 🙂IMG_1097