Latest Offering

Just completed a nice print and presented it on torn wallpaper in a floating frame. The frame size is 16x20, so it's pretty large .The title is "Fly Away Home" after the movie about Canadian Geese. I have my first Art Show in two weeks, so I'm very busy trying to get enough quality work for a show. Hope it goes good!

The End of Summer

Kyle and I had our father/son grand finale' this weekend with an overnite deep sea trip into Mexico. We landed a couple of HUGE Yellowtail, as well as Dorado (mahi-mahi). We came home sunburned, tired, and $140.00 richer for winning the large fish jackpot. And, we have a freezer full of fish!

For a summer vacation, it was a great one; two deep sea trips, two trout trips, a whitewater rafting trip, and a few trips to Disneyland. Hopefully, one day when Kyle's a dad, he'll remember this summer and do the same for his kids.

The pictures show our yellowtail and the beautiful sunrises you get at sea, plus about 30 pounds of fresh fish all filleted up!

American Pie

So we started getting email offers for cheap Viagra.... Ton's of them. Now, I'm not one to turn down a great deal. Plus, the idea of being able to ride my bike on even longer training rides without ill effect is certainly appealing! In fact, I've always thought it would be cool if Viagra sponsored a bike team (the slogan---- Ride hard). But, I digress.............

Tami asked "Hey, aren't we getting a lot of odd emails?" A leading and delicate question. "Yep," I replied, "Some one's been visiting websites that they shouldn't have" I said trying to sound official, but feverishly retracing my recent web footsteps. Then we found it, tucked away in the web history section of our browser.

Seem's the boy has developed a taste for fine lingerie'. I know, I know..... It's an awkward age, as shown by his jumping between Catholic Schoolgirl models (two thumbs up!) and the Toys-R-Us website looking at Nerf darts and guns. But, why don't we get emails for cheap Lego's or PS3 games? Something we could actually appreciate?

When I was his age, we did it the old fashioned way. We either waited in earnest for the Sears catalog, or we dumpster dove for a coveted Playboy. No worries about cookies, spam, email, or viruses (at least of computer variety).

So, I called him in and talked to him. Call it the What Every Boy Needs to Know About Being a Man- Part III speech. He handled it well, I and I hope I did because I'm not sure if the message was that it's a part of growing up, or that men should take better care to hide their naughty items....

Anyway, got me to thinking about the movie, American Pie, when the father is explaining female parts and sex to his son. I know how that dad felt, as did my dad, and as will my son one day. The biggest thing learned by me- take it all in stride.

The Show

Well, I finally did it..... I made the leap from the gallery on the refrigerator door to my first time showing in public. The Mountain Art's Network sent out an email inviting members to put out their work for the day.

I matted up some stuff, put together a presentation table, made some business cards, and I was off to the races! Unfortunately, the foot traffic was pretty slow; less than two dozen folks in 4 hours. No sales made, but I was encouraged by the 9 year old boy who was begging his dad to buy a trout print for $10.00. In the end, dad didn't understand that he could've purchased something that will one day be on the Antique's Roadshow (with the Keno Brother's oohhing...).

One of the pieces I put in was the school of trout. It's a solarplate relief and the paper is pretty cool. Tami found some vintage wallpaper (1960's?) that had some textured pearlescent design to it. I moistened it and used the paste in it to back it to card stock because it was so brittle. Once adhered to the cardstock, I ran it through the press with the plate for the final product. Kind of unique!

Anyway, now i understand what it means when they say "starving artist!"

Happy 4th of July!

Slap on some red, white, & blue, enjoy some BBQ, cold beers, good friends, and fireworks today. Remember to take a moment to thank those who have sacrificed in order to make our nation (for all the good & bad) a little better.

I don't mind saying there are some things our government is doing that I strongly disagree with, but I'm still very proud and thankful to have the opportunity and the right to express my opinion. I've been in countries where that's not always the case and it's very chilling.

Enough with the soapbox.... Above are some prints from a solarplate I developed today. It depicts a giant Sequoia at Balch Park in the Sierra's. The cedar below it are all in the 50-60 foot range, so you can get an idea just how massive the trees can be.

Deliverance!

The title is not about the fact that we just finished our whitewater trip, but also about getting back some perspective.

In forensic science, there's a theory that you can't pass through a place and not change it, and be inexorably changed forever. You leave a footprint, and you carry with you the soil on the sole's of your shoes. The same can be said in our contacts with others.

This weekend, we had the chance to meet some amazing folks. Three ladies who were rafting and staying in the campsite next to us shared with us there triumph's and tragedies; their personal aspirations, and their genuine pleasure at experiencing the simple company of others. There was a generation separating them, but they all shared in zest for living that was nearly intoxicating.

Later, on down the road to Sequoia NP, we stumbled into the Springville Inn. While enjoying a fine black ale, we chatted with a gentleman who was bigger than life. A huge man with bulging sunburned forearms that come from hard work, slate blue eyes, and a white goatee to match his silver haired crew cut, he introduced us throughout the evening to his friends as though we were his long lost relatives.

He shared with us the history and local flavor of Springville, talked about fishing, and what it was like to know and rely on your neighbors. After a wonderful evening, he told me to look him up when Kyle and I head back for trout fishing in the fall so he could buy us dinner. Turns out, it was the Mayor of Springville who was our new friend.

Funny thing about this vacation...... Met a whole lot of folks, but never met any strangers.

From top to bottom.... Rooster Tail Rapid, a class IV run on the Kings River; Kyle enjoying some reading time at base camp; evening on the river; the Springville Inn; Kyle with one of many trout caught.

Vacation Time!

Nothing like the anticipation of a family vacation, which is only hours away. Of course, I packed the car last nite, and am repacking again this morning in order to facilitate the burning off of coffee energy.

We are heading up to the King's River for a multi-day whitewater rafting trip, and then dropping down to stay at a haunted Stagecoach Inn just outside of Sequoia NP. It's a chance for some family adventure where Kyle loses what little teenage surliness he has and Tami, the sweet & thoughtful artsy crafter can become The River Hag.

Now, I've loved this woman pretty much since June 6th, 1987, the day of our first date. She's optimistic, kind, embracing; the definitive ying to my yang... But, throw some sunscreen on her and put her on a raft and she changes I tell you.

She's been rafting for nearly 30 years and has done every thing from pirate trips down nearly dry trickles, to crazy insane Class V, nearly killed her rapids. Whether it be the Kings, the Colorado, Rio Grande, Kern- she's tackled them all. So when she took me on my first trip, I reasonably and chauvinistically expected to take the lead in such matters.

As I confidently surveyed the first rapid I would ever plunge, taking in the glory of the sight and sound, I was shocked to reality by someone forever known now as the River Hag. My serenity was burst by the hard slap of a paddle on my life jacket and a scream, really a screech, of "Paddle, you S.O.B.!" I looked back to challenge, but she who was sitting behind me was no longer the sweet Tami of dry land. Her face was covered by her beaten river hat; eye's blacked with the deep dark pools of sunglasses, and arms bulging with the adrenalin of potential danger. She had morphed into someone new. And, I dare not challenge

So, anyway, as the years have rolled by, much like the river's themselves, so has our family. Now Kyle gets to see Mom as the River Hag (though he might argue at times that it's like that for him more often). We joke about it and tell our stories by the campfire and poke some fun at this woman we both love. For our little family, it's one more piece of timeless family history.

The woodcut is a collaboration between a very talented artist, Lisa Cook, and I for a new design for our local art's network. It features our mountains, the historic Rim of the World Highway leading up, and our local landmark Arrowhead.

More from the Sierra's

Seeing's how blogger only lets you upload a finite amount of photo's, here's some more from the weekend in the Sierra's. The Owens River looking towards the Minarets; the famous Green Church of the Eastern Sierra's; and a great shot of the Sierra's framed with the burning hot high desert. For those that may have seen the movie IRON MAN, does shot #3 look familiar? That's where they filmed the opening sequence. It's supposed to be a backdrop of Afghanistan, I believe. Cast and crew stayed in Lone Pine at a friend of mine's hotel.

Sierra's Fishing Trip

Another great weekend of camping, fishing, and hanging out with the boy. The temperature's ranged from high's in the 90's to lows in the 30's. In fact, Friday morning we woke up to frost and Kyle's wet sneakers frozen solid. I went to pour water in a pot for coffee, and it immediately turned to slush upon contact! Ended up sleeping in the car the 2nd nite, it was so cold.

Anyway, here's some pics. Easy to see why the Sierra's are called the "Range of Light."

Into the Wild

Well, we are off to the Owens River Valley, sandwiched between the Sierra's and the White Mountain Ranges. Today's the last day of school for Kyle, so we are kicking off the summer with some camping and trout fishing. And, it gives Tami some creative time to mess up the craft room she spent last week cleaning!

Lots of pics when we get back! For now, a teaser of the Owens River!

Home of the Whopper

Kyle had his 13th birthday yesterday. He asked if, instead of a party, he could go deep sea fishing. Sooo, I got together with some other guys I know and we chartered an overnight to Catalina Island as a Father/Son trip.

Some of the highlights included Kyle inking people with squids from the bait tank, having flying fish land on the deck, and trying to relieve one's self successfully in a toilet on a boat in heavy swells...... But, this trip was about fishing!

Sadly, the action was pretty light with little Calico Bass, Sculpin, and the occasional Mackeral getting hauled in. Two of the guys landed some nice Yellowtail. Kyle landed a huge Bat Ray in the early morning hours (which was promptly released), but we had no other bites. But then it happened.

My pole bent straight down and I knew we had something special. As soon as the hook was set, I handed the pole off to Kyle. Whatever was on the line proceeded to walk him around the boat several times. With me in one ear shouting encouragement, and a deckhand in the other offering advice, and a background of voices yelling support, Kyle fought the fish like Captain Ahab battling Moby Dick.

A full 10 minutes later, we saw our first glimpse of a silvery beast under the water. Kyle's arms were shaking from exhaustion. I wrapped my arms around him and helped him support the pole, and together we hauled that fish to the surface. A quick gaffing, and the fish was in the boat. Not just any fish, but a 30 pound White Sea Bass! Knowing the propensity for fisherman to embellish, I offer up the photograph as proof of the catch. And, when the fish finished in the money on the boat jackpot, Kyle and I split our winnings and walked away with an extra $50.00 in our pockets apiece!

As I type this, Kyle is upstairs sleeping. I think he's been out for about 12 hours now. Partly because he is a teenager now, but at least partly, I hope, because he had the best adventure yet on his birthday.

Something Fishy

Finally! I had a chance to develop a solarplate print today. Did a Rainbow Trout as a relief plate and printed using akua ink on arches paper. "Borrowed" some of Tami's watercolors to create the color.

I love trout, and not just because they are fun to catch (and eat). Their patterns and coloring are so amazing; art at its very finest! I'm no where near capturing the brilliance, but I'll get there!

And Now for Something Completely Different...

Since it's been snowing and raining here in beautiful Southern California, I decided to rework a plate with some mish-mash of color and concepts. Used akua inks and some of Tami's stamps. Image size is 11x17. Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Yosemite Valley

Finished up a linocut of yet another National Park. Yosemite Valley is one of those places that is surreal in its beauty. Seeing it for the first time is overwhelming; you can't imagine that anything can be so perfect. No wonder that John Muir devoted himself to this wonderful place. This print depicts El Cap and Half Dome with the Merced River flowing through the valley.

Hopefully, I'll be posting some solarplate work soon. Just got a shipment in that I'm dying to try out. We'll see what happens.

And the Winner Is.......

By virtue of a roll of the dice by my lovely assistant, Tami, the winner of the Big Horn Print is

LISA PURCELL

Thanks for commenting and all the positive support. As I print more things, I'll periodically offer some more. Thanks and have a great weekend!

Painting With Light

Back in my old days of 35mm photography, I always wanted to mess with painting with light. But, the turnaround time for film processing, coupled with a lot of hit & miss shots meant it could be costly. No such issue with digital!

The shots are from tonite out on the Rim. Nothing fancy, but fun!

Great Tits & Global Warming!!!

Some stuff you just can't make up. Take, for instance, a recent article in the Los Angeles Times on the effects of global warming on the Great Tits of England.

According to scientists, "few Tits have been analyzed as long as the Great Tits of Wytham Woods, near Oxford. Since 1947, scientists have tracked the fate of nearly every Great Tit, using tiny bracelets." Ouch! They have determined that the Great Tits of England are"thriving and growing in abundance compared to, say, their Danish counterparts, which seem to be shrinking." While I'm sure the blokes in Britain are thrilled, I feel some pain for the gentlemen in the Netherlands.

Being the concerned environmentalist that I am, I decided I need to take a much closer look at the Great Tits. I googled Great Tits and, after filtering out many offers for hot XXX, I found good, reliable information.

I learned from Wikipedia that "Great Tits are easy to recognize" and that they are "large in size at 14 centimeters" (thus making them great, I suppose...). I also found that "Great Tits come in many races." It's so refreshing to know that Great Tits have moved beyond racism to a world only envisioned by civil rights activists.

The website British Garden Birds says that "The Great Tit is the largest of the European Tits." Makes perfect sense to my way of thinking. Anything less would not and could not be great. They also advised that "the Great Tit is doing well and expanding its range and abundance." No doubt assisted by science, i.e. plastic surgery....

And, I learned that Great Tits are not the only Tits out there. From the World Bird Guide, I discovered Stripe Breasted Tits (think Austin Powers?); the Somber Tit (perhaps upset it's not Great); the Elegant Tit (as opposed to the trailer park variety); and in the spirit of equality, the Pere David Tit (freaky, but hey, who am I to question these matters).

So, at least now I know why Al Gore is so passionate about global warming. Aside from weather issues, glacial melt, and drought, that sly dog was all about the Great Tit from the beginning, starting with Tipper way back in the day.

And, I'd rant about the boobies in the Caribbean, but that's a whole other story......

I included a photo just to show how truely beautiful Great Tits are......

Blog Candy Print

I got busy playing with different versions of a print of Big Horn petrogylphs from the Anasazi Tribe. Nice thing about printmaking is that you can experiment over and over with your image. In this case, I played with different layers of color trying to achieve some depth and texture. I used Akua soy based inks on soaked Rising Stonehenge paper. The plate is an intaglio solar plate.

If anyone's interested, I'll offer up a print as blog candy. Just leave a comment and I'll use a sophisticated unbiased means of picking someone (roll dice and pick a number....) I'll include shipping as well and pick someone next Saturday!

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom's out there!

Off to the Races

The philosopher Anonymous once said "It's not the size of the dog in a fight, but the size of the fight in the dog...." Never a truer insight, particularly when Shelly and Mabel get out and start doing windsprints.

Testing the sports mode of my new camera (yup, finally committed to getting serious about photography again). Shelly leading with Mabel in hot pursuit. It kinda sounded like "thumpeta, thumpeta, thumpeta....tippity, tippity, tippity. Quite the sight.....

Free Your Mind and Your Ass Will Follow

I just spent 3 days printmaking with Dan Welden, a master printmaker and the creator of solarplate printing. It was an amazing experience, not only for pushing new boundaries, but for meeting some extraordinary local artists.

In the world of printmaking, I'd say I'm a neophyte enthusiast. I'm somewhat rigid to rules as a result of A) being a man, B) being a cop, and C) being a photographer. So when Dan laid down the rules, I was very attentive. Until he got to the final rule... There are no rules. Free your mind!

So, on the final day of class, I'm looking at a ratty plate which I over exposed a portion of it. "Free your mind....." I lopped off the over exposed potion with a cutter and began inking it up. Not the way it was intended, but in whatever way I felt. Throw some color here, some swirl there, burnish a bit there, and SLAP THAT SUCKER ON THE PRESS! Mass hysteria; anarchy.

When I pulled the print from the plate, I was stunned. It was like the part in the Wizard of Oz where Dorothy goes from black and white to technicolor. It was an irreverent epiphany.

So, I guess the moral to the story is break some rules and conventions. There may be pay off at the end of it!

Solarplate intaglio printed as a relief with Akua inks on soaked Stonehenge paper. Scroll down a few posts to see the original photo.