Tag: art

I will go straight to what John wrote” One of my favorite things is to take the images I captured from my camera and put them in a workflow through two or three different photo editing applications”. I love doing this too. He asks us to feature three or four images in your gallery that you tweaked for whatever reason and the original image out of the camera. Here are my Before and After

I was going through some old photos, and this corner in an old building with light coming in from above, the texture of the walls set my creativity to flow and edited it for this challenge. With this first photo I am giving you more details to explain the edits I did.

This is the one I added light and contrast, texture, and clarity. I also added some vibrancy but used less saturation. I toned down highlights, lessened blacks and shadows. I did not change the composition.

This is the one I added light and much more contrast, texture, and clarity. I also added some vibrancy towards yellows and added orange to the shadows. I toned down highlights but not as much as in previous version, used more blacks and shadows. I did not change the composition.

For this image I converted the original image to black and white. I did not touch the exposure or contrast. I turned down the blacks, added dehaze and texture. I turned the colors all down except purple and magenta that I added a bit

This shot I took while running to the seaside to capture the sunset at Páfos in 2011. The original is very bland, but with my newfound editing skills I was able to bring the warm tones of the moment into the photo.

I adjusted the exposure and contrast down as well as the highlights and blacks. I toned down the texture, but added clarity and dehaze. Touch of added vibrance and saturation. Added touch of orange to highlight and midtones. Then inspired by John I changed the sky and did lots of little fixes and had an enhanced version, that I then converted to black and white. I have very rarely changed skies, because I try mostly keep it real – well the way I see it – or in this case remember seeing it.

This is a street view from Vancouver that I converted to monochrome – I am a big fan of B&W images. The last one is trying to replicate the style lots of movies and TV shows now use, with teal and orange colors. In both edits I have also edited the exposure, contrast and shadows and light.

Last week we enjoyed the inspiration from Sofia – Water motions , it was a theme I really enjoyed. I saw so many wonderful posts about it. Next week Donna is bringing us a new challenge, looking forward to seeing what she comes up with. Until then, keep smiling ☺

To participate in this challenge, you should link to or leave a comment on the week’s host’s original challenge post and please use the #Lens-Artists tag in your own post, so the post is easily found in the Reader.

And if you want even more information on the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.

Saturday Classics –06042024

The lyrics convey a feeling of being lost in one’s thoughts while people and their actions become mere shadows and echoes.

Harry Nilsson – Everybody’s Talkin’ – Midnight Cowboy

“Everybody s talkin at me I don’t hear a word they’re sayin, Only the echoes of my mind. People stopping staring, I can’t see their faces, Only the shadows of their eyes. I’m going where the sun keeps shinin Thru’ the pouring rain, Going where the weather suits my clothes, Banking off of the North East wind, Sailin on summer breeze And skipping over the ocean like a stone.

Lepis is hosting Saturday Classics, you can add your own link here Saturday Classics

On Her page she writes: This blog is back with hosting the Classics after few years break. This time we’ll be playing on Saturdays and you can link straight here on this own page. Rules: There are no rules, as long as the song you play is a classic in your mind. Linking open 8 am and closes 12 pm.

delicate blooms

Flowers, Nature

We had a few days of spring, so I took advantage of the opportunity to capture the mandatory photos of snowbells. As one of the first flowers of spring, they symbolize new beginnings, hope, rebirth, and the ability to overcome challenges. The sight of these delicate blooms filled me with hope and positivity.

However, nature had a surprise in store for us – a fresh coat of snow arrived just two days ago. Despite the unexpected turn of events, I seized the opportunity to capture the enchanting snow-covered landscape. It’s fascinating how the same scene can take on a different, yet equally captivating, appearance with a layer of snow.

As I’m writing this, a snow blizzard rages outside. While witnessing a snow blizzard at this time of year wasn’t what I had in mind, it’s a poignant reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the beauty it holds, even in the midst of unexpected circumstances.

Posted for Cee’s Midweek Madness Challenge

Monochrome – Melbourne

Black and White photos

This week Leanne has given us a topic – travel. I visited her beloved Melbourne some years back.

I hope these monochrome images give you a glimpse of Melbourne, allowing me also to reminisce about my own visit to this enchanting city. The evocative play of light and shadow in the evening and night captures Melbourne’s charm. The subtle details in the photographs subtly hint at the time of the year, eliciting fond memories of our December visit. No wonder, that I also harbor a desire to revisit this wonderful destination.

picturesque view

Captures from Finland, Interiors

As I gazed out of the window on that serene Sunday morning, the wintry scene before me seemed to encapsulate the essence of the season, and it has been too long if you ask me. The freshly fallen snow delicately blanketed the landscape, creating a picturesque view.

Yet, as I contemplated the enduring presence of snow over the past five months, I couldn’t help but yearn for the imminent arrival of spring. Though the winter wonderland had its own undeniable allure, the prospect of bidding farewell to the snow-laden landscape and welcoming a new season brimming with vibrancy and warmth filled me with anticipation.

As I embarked on my graphic art course, the view from the window served as a gentle reminder of the symbiotic relationship between my surroundings and the artistic journey unfolding within. I was eager to channel the essence of the serene landscape outside into my creative pursuits within the course.

For Ludwig’s Monday Windows

These are samples of the inspiration from the window view. Most of my artistic attempts can be labeled as color therapy than art 🙂

Emma – museum of modern art

Here are some photos I took from our visit to the EMMA museum in Espoo.

Below ROLAND PERSSON, PANAMA PAPERS, 2016

Glass and ceramics are made from natural raw materials. When cared for properly, they can last forever. Their enduring appeal rests upon a legacy of skills and knowledge passed down through generations. The visionary artists featured in this collection have been inspired and influenced by international trends, but their work is also informed by local traditions. The result is a unique creative fusion.

Designed by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen in 1968, the Futuro House is a round, prefabricated dwelling that resembles a flying saucer. Its unique shape and airplane hatch entrance have made it an iconic piece of architecture.

Exhibition Centre WeeGee in Tapiola, Espoo, Finland, houses the first-ever mass-produced Futuro house (No. 001)

Saturday Classics – 02032024

Captures from Finland, Cities

The cranberries – linger

This week I am posting a song that came up in my Spotify feed in one of the playlists. Yes I like it, so I thought I’d share it.

Dolores O’Riordan wrote this song about her feelings following the breakup with her first boyfriend, the soldier who broke her heart. She said the song is about “the way I reacted to infatuation.” she described this as “a love song.” In the lyric, she describes being mistreated by her love and seeing him with another girl, yet unable to break free because he lets their relationship linger. This hardy seems the stuff of dreams, but the feeling of first love is what O’Riordan keyed in on. It brought her back to a time of innocence.

Lepis is hosting Saturday Classics, you can add your own link here Saturday Classics

A day at the museum

Here are some artworks from the collection exhibition; A Question of Time reflects on the major questions of our time through art. The exhibition also offers fresh perspectives into Finland’s oldest and most extensive art collection and how it was built.

each gallery can be opened separately and click the image’s to see them larger

Saturday Classics – 17022024

I (Who Have Nothing) · Ben e King 1963 and also sung by Joe Cocker 2004, Shirley Bassey 1963 and Tom Jones 1970

So, SO many versions to pick from as you can see from the link first release 🙂 A classic would you agree?

The song’s melody was based on an Italian song, “Uno Dei Tanti,”First release by Joe Sentieri (1961)(English: “One of Many”), which King had heard in Italy. King’s producers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller translated the lyrics into English.

In the UK Shirley Bassey’s George Martin produced version, which peaked at #6 in 1963, is the best known.

Lepis is hosting Saturday Classics, you can add your own link here Saturday Classics

Saturday Classics – 27012024

Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold”

One of my all time favorites is Neil Young’s Harvest record.

I want to live, I want to give, I’ve been a miner, For a heart of gold, It’s these expressions, I never give
That keep me searching, For a heart of gold, And I’m getting old, Keep me searching, For a heart of gold. And I’m getting old

I’ve been to Hollywood, I’ve been to Redwood, I crossed the ocean, For a heart of gold, I’ve been in my mind, It’s such a fine line, That keeps me searching, For a heart of gold, And I’m getting old

Lepis is hosting Saturday Classics, you can add your own link here Saturday Classics

Lens-Artist Photo Challenge #282 – Dramatic

This week, Patti from is asking this question: what makes a photo dramatic? Maybe it is processed in black and white, or it has vivid colors. Maybe a person, place, or object is captured from a unique perspective or it is a macro shot.

I took this from the plane, the mountains make a dramatic scene behind the clouds.

The word “dramatic” holds immense significance for me – it encapsulates the sense of grandeur and intensity that is ever-present. It’s remarkable how the play of light in photographs can be so distinctive and impactful. In contrast, everyday life may not exude the same overt drama; seemingly mundane events can often hold hidden depths of emotion and sentiment beneath a tranquil facade. Being of Finn, I acknowledge that we may not be the most openly expressive people, yet our emotions are profoundly felt and deeply rooted.

These I took In Níce, France

For me, the sea stands as one of the most profoundly dramatic elements, alongside the ever-changing canvas of clouds. Nature, or rather the weather, serves as the catalyst for many of these breathtaking phenomena.

Furthermore, the architectural details has the potential to evoke a dramatic impact through the interplay of light, shadow, and contours.

This is detail of the roof Monte Carlo Casino. The interplay of dark skies and beautiful old architecture creates a mesmerizing contrast that captivates the senses. The looming presence of the dark skies serves as a backdrop, intensifying the timeless allure of the architectural marvels.

Skyline from Monte Carlo some years back.

“An event or circumstance sudden and striking,”

I sometimes capture documentary shots, sometimes I see people who are down on their luck. Even though I don’t know their stories, seeing these homeless men sitting on the streets of Las Vegas was truly a poignant and sad sight. They are not sharp images on purpose…

Lens-Artists Challenge #279: Magical

Lens-Artists Challenge #279: Magical Ann-Christine hosts the challenge this week. It brought focus to what really matters in life – magic moments. Rare – mostly. But they leave a lasting impression. I could post many of the previous challenge photos here too – unique and magical are so closely intertwined together .

Magical scent of spices at the market place in India

Magic has always captivated the human imagination. Whether portrayed as the ability to manipulate the elements, cast spells, or perform extraordinary feats, magic is often associated with the mysterious and the unknown. Magical traditions can be found in cultures around the world, each with their own unique beliefs and practices.

However, magic is not confined to the realm of fiction. In the real world, magic can also be seen as a metaphor for the wondrous and inexplicable. It represents the beauty of the natural world and the awe-inspiring phenomena that we sometimes struggle to comprehend. Whether it is a radiant sunset, a shimmering waterfall, or the birth of new life, these moments can often feel magical in their own right.

On a winter’s day the ray of light can seem magical.

Magic is a fascinating concept that holds different meanings and interpretations for each individual. It is shaped by our unique histories and life experiences, making it a subjective and personal phenomenon. What may seem like magic to one person might be commonplace for another.

The largest animal ever to exist on Earth, the magnificent and iconic blue whale, was previously hunted almost to the brink of extinction by commercial whaling activities and remains an endangered species today. The blue whales found in Sri Lankan waters, in the Northern Indian Ocean, are non-migratory and believed to be resident in these waters year-round

We were so lucky to see this magical sight at the coast of Sri Lanka. One rarely gets to see a blue whale so close. We were told to be quiet and having listened to the captains orders; the whale came to check out our boat. It swam around us and under our boat, so we were able to see it so close – It was impressive!

Our personal experiences contribute to our understanding of what is wondrous, extraordinary, or even inexplicable. For some, magic may be found in the intricate beauty of nature, while for others it might lie in the bonds of love and human connections.

The magic of Christmas for children

Ultimately, the notion of magic transcends any singular definition or explanation. It is a realm where imagination, wonder, and awe converge, offering a glimpse into the mysterious and extraordinary aspects of life that go beyond rational understanding.

I find magic mainly in nature, first flowers of spring, the new green, bird nests, summer colors, autumns tones and winters small details

Reading can open to the world to magical…. yes.

If you’re new to Lens-Artists and would like to join, follow this link for more information.

Lens Artists Challenge #278: Unique

Black and White photos, Captures from Finland, Interiors

This week Any wants us to showcase unique. What is unique.

My husband, my children and grandkids are unique to me. That is what first came to my mind. Life changing. One of a kind. I am not going to post photos of them, even thought that was the first thought.

The word unique has different meanings depending on the context.

being the only one of its kind
being without a like or equal
distinctively characteristic or peculiar
able to be distinguished from all others of its class or type

For example, a unique signature is the only one of its kind and cannot be copied by anyone else, see my header 😀 . A unique achievement is unparalleled and incomparable to any other. Things that are very remarkable or unusual. Sometimes, people use the word unique to describe themselves or their qualities. They may want to emphasize what makes them different from others, or what makes them stand out in a positive way.

Nothing what have I photographed is that unique, that is something I really think, i an sure someone else has capture them also, some better than me some less so, but in a a way they are unique none of them are totally the same. Here are my attempts of capturing something unique – to me.

Watching the waves , Each wave is unique every time, the movement, colors…so on. So yes here is a photo of waves.

Beauty is in everyone’s eyes, also, so is what we think is unique

California hosts the most unique trees , the redwoods. Redwood trees are some of the tallest and largest trees in the world. While there are three types of the trees in the world, sequoia and sequoiadendron are the type found in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world’s largest trees exemplify the diversity of landscapes, life, I was at awed by the nature in Sequoia

The art nature does… so unique. Beautiful details, every stone is different, frost on the glass, flowers pedals..

Why are we in a lookout for sunsets, because they are all unique. Glorious colors

I would like to think that my art is unique 🙂 Mixed media, statues, oil paintings and aquarelle are few mediums I have dappled with

If you’re new to Lens-Artists and would like to join, follow this link for more information.

Lens-Artists Challenge #270 – On Display

lens-artists

This week Ann-Christine inspires us with, On Display. In her post, she has fine examples, check her post out and be inspired. This one is really making display of himself – the pink dude.

So many things are on display, such a wide topic really. Here are few…

A view on display with a table set for three – after the fact of having lunch.

Art displays, whether in parks, museums windows, or buildings, offer glimpses into the vibrant world of creativity. They serve as portals to different eras, cultures, and perspectives, stimulating our imagination and invoking a range of emotions. From timeless masterpieces to contemporary installations, art displays invite us to explore, contemplate, and appreciate the beauty and power of human expression. So, step into the world of art and let your senses be awakened by the captivating displays before you.

A fashion window display is a captivating visual representation of clothing, accessories, or other fashionable items that are showcased in the display windows of retail stores. These displays are strategically designed to grab the attention of passersby and entice them to enter the store. Fashion windows often feature stylish mannequins showcasing the latest trends, innovative design elements, eye-catching props, and creative lighting to create a visually stunning and immersive experience for potential customers.

Marketplace displays are an essential component of any vibrant shopping experience. These displays creatively showcase a wide range of products, enticing shoppers with their visual appeal and strategic placement. From colorful fruits and vegetables arranged in eye-catching patterns to neatly stacked shelves displaying various merchandise, marketplace displays are strategically designed to capture attention and encourage purchases. With their vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and captivating arrangements, these displays create a sensory experience that engages shoppers and enhances their overall shopping journey. Whether it’s a meticulously decorated bakery section or a beautifully arranged floral display, marketplace displays are an art form that not only adds to the ambiance but also helps customers discover new products and make informed choices.

When it comes to displaying liquor in a bar, there are several key selling points to consider:

Visibility: A well-designed liquor display should ensure the visibility of the bottles, .

Brand Showcase: Use the display to showcase your bar’s featured or premium brands. Highlighting high-end or exclusive spirits can pique customers’ interest and encourage them to explore new options or indulge in something special.

Lighting and Ambiance. LED lighting can create an eye-catching display that adds to the overall ambiance of the bar.

Information. Provide customers with useful information about each liquor bottle displayed.

It should captivate customers, inspire exploration, and ultimately contribute to the overall success of your bar.

Soon is Halloween and people have lots of decorations on display

Posted for Ann-Christine’s Lens-Artists Challenge

Something I noticed #14

A chair in a corner, just something….yes I noticed it several rooms.

Monotype prints

About

I spent last weekend practicing, learning to do monotype. Janet from THIS, THAT AND THE OTHER THING wanted to know a bit about the technique, so here is some explanation about it.

It is hard, nothing turns out the way you think, you have to be really careful about colors how you lay them on top of each other as they mix in the printing process. white is not recommended, and I leaned why as is blurs the colors. if you wish to have white you scrape it off with various plastic or soft tools so you so not scratch the metal plate or use turpentine.

I was not really happy with any of the prints I got. I will try to silence myself critique and show some of my attempts. sorry about the photos, I just took them quickly with my mobile.

Monotype, , a technique that generally yields only one good impression from each prepared plate. Monotypes are prized because of their unique textural qualities. They are made by drawing on glass or a plate of smooth metal or stone with a greasy substance such as printer’s ink or oil paint. You can use a brush or more often a roller (cylindrical tool for applying paint or ink.)you can see them in the pictures below.

After the artwork you wet the paper for, it has its own kind paper, of course, several minutes. Then you dry the excess off by placing it between newspapers. This is an art form of its self you cannot have too wet paper or you too much paint or it spreads/leaks of the sides of the art work.

You set the metal plate on the press printer , add the wet, paper on top. Next step is to add several layers of felt on top of the plate. However, the tradition of imprinting conveyed in the literature in the field is unambiguous here. When printed, the press has several blankets of different thicknesses and qualities. the basic practice is to stack the blankets so that the densest thin 1/16 remains lowest against the tile and the more porous come on top of 1/8 and 1/4. Combinations vary slightly depending on different techniques and printing papers.

You press it once or twice depending how much color you want to get on the paper.

Abstract #2

Here is a bit of my abstract shots, can you guess what I have been photographing? What do you think, too red? Photographing raw you can bring all kinds of colors out… I don’t know about you, but I had fun taking and editing these.

Abstract

Here is a bit of my abstract shots, can you guess what I have been photographing? What do you think, too much?

Taking it easy

Flowers, Still life

I have tried my best to stay away from the computer these past days. I think I have done pretty well, but just to keep the momentum going here I am again.

I did not take any photos of the food I made. But this is a chicken dish from a previous meal 🙂

Easter came and went, mainly at home. We saw our sons and grandkids. I tried couple new recipes. I am getting rather good at picking them and always slightly altering them. As all the restaurants are only doing take-away food, me trying new things gives our menus some variation. Teriyaki salmon and chicken lasagne tasted so good. I am rather proud of myself as I am not into cooking all that much – I mainly make good tasty homemade food, I have not been a recipe reader, I’ve stuck what I know. That is not to say my food isn’t tasty. It is 😀 LOL. Desperate times has made me an explorer. Making it easy for myself I am posting an old photo of a chicken meal we had.

I also have been working on an art project. I have been asked to do a Triptych to be placed in a master bedroom – not a church as first comes to mind when you hear that term. A trio of contemporary art, that I do. So all three pieces are different but go well together. It is always harder to do something specific to someone’s taste and colors. Even if the origin is one of my original art.

56 – Dreams *

Please have a look at my latest collaboration with Frank from Beach Walk Reflections . His text beautifully highlighted my art that I post at ART BY RITVA.

Special thanks to Ritva for providing images of her art. Ritva is in Finland and I encourage readers to visit her photo blog Ritva Sillanmaki …
56 – Dreams *

comments

Travel, Traveling US

is anyone else having issues about posting comments today, I am frustrated!!!!! I have written several comments to various posts and then I they won’t go through. It does not happen to all blogs or all comments.

After several attempts I give up….I feel like these two below 🙂

My Artwork

About

I got a request from a woman whose husband had once when they started dating, long time ago, said to her that his ideal woman in the beauty sense was Sophia Loren. Now she wanted to surprise him with an artwork that had Sophia in it.

So I went to work, I did several sketches and used different photos trying to capture a look that worked for me, as I need to be happy with it before I can show it to anyone. Then I asked for the main color that they wanted for the piece. It was orange. I also needed to know what size they would like it to be. Wow, they wanted it to be 100 x 140cm. That’s big I had never had one of my art been printed to that size.

I sent her this as an example of what I thought was nice and suitable for the space. She came over to look at all the options and we decided that this was the one, she saw the others too, liked this one best.

Now I had to finalize the work by going through the picture with big zoom to see that the pixels would not be too obvious, as this was BIG. I got all the the issues that I found fixed, so that it could be printed.

I think this turned out rather nice 🙂 It looked really big when we took the wraps off it, but on the wall not so much so.

If you wish to see more of my artwork you can see them at https://artbyritva.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/artbyritva/

Sculture by Ritva

Still life

This years sculptures are done, maybe I will add some shine to them. My husband needs to build a stand for them, then they are totally a finished artwork. One more piece is ready, but I need to take a photo of it. These are just snaps with my mobile, but it will give you the idea 🙂

Art work