August 10, 2012

Here’s a quick video from the night of mt recent gallery opening after things quieted down. We had a great turnout and a good time. Just a peek inside my studio/gallery and a look at some of the new work. Gav

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June 29, 2012

The Giants Court – Carlsbad Caverns NP, New Mexico, 2012

I’ve spent three days at 750 feet below the surface, photographing in the dim light with digital and film. It’s truly awe inspiring and it was one of most challenging subjects I’ve worked with and not for lack of beauty or interest, but perhaps for to much of it.

A subterranean wonderland that’s a challenge to capture in a natural sense, since natural here is total darkness. The artificial lights here have been beautifully done and you rarely see a cord or a bulb, but they are low and were designed for seeing with the eyes more than seeing on film.

It was breathtaking. One day I hiked out the natural exit, packing all my gear all the way to the top rather than use then subterranean elevator. I’ll admit it was more than I bargained, but a stunning hike and a great exercise.

Behold! The Hall of Giants! Perhaps my favorite place in the caverns. It’s Stalagmite columns like towering kings watching over the royal court. It took some time and study to gain a grasp on how this beauty beneath should be best captured, but I feel I’ve in part conveyed that feeling I had as I stood, looking on in awe.

 

Release details: Prints Available.. Order Open Edition originals above.. Master prints and Signature Limited Editions are listed below and can be ordered by contacting gallery.. Learn about limited edition prices here.

Released prints….

For Photographers. How it was made…

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June 17, 2012

I wanted to start a new series looking at classical art on my journal, as I get a lot of my inspiration by studying the masters. It makes me study line and tone it a broad since instead of merely by what’s the popular fad of today.

Here’s Thomas Gainsborough‘s, The Watering Place from 1777. You’ve probably seen iconic work by Gainsborough in paintings like The Blue Boy. I also find myself wondering what he thought of Americans at this at this time, as the Revolution was now on.

It’s currently on display at National Gallery in London at at over 70 inches it will be quite impressive, reminding me once again why a wall piece can take an image from a little print to a piece of timeless fine furnishing.

Next to the painting is a beautifully done engraving of it made by William Miller many years later. It some ways I think the detailed beauty of the monochrome engraving is more impactful that the original. But both are beautiful and I’m guessing we’re seeing some fading the the painted work from how it was originally intended by Gainsborough.

There’s a simplicity here. Yet there’s also a subtle complexity. The cattle watering are clearly the subject, but as you look closer you see many details of supporting cast. The people relaxing under the trees, the distant farms, the birds in the sky. There’s something to be learned from this pieces that was praised by critics when it released.

What are your thoughts and what’s your favorite classical art this month.

Gav

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