New Year's Greetings
Some of my photo friends have noted a slower pace in my sharing photos. It's more of an artistic shift in attention than distractions. I'll explain a shift in my artistic direction that I believe will yield deeper engagement and possibly some inspiration.
My creative eye is still active. Fortunately, my advanced iPhone is always there to capture and surprise as I wander. After fifty years, Corning city still can deliver a visual treat like this unexpected autumn view of iconic Little Joe Tower.
The sun directly behind the tower was unplanned. The appeal of the scene is driven by the two subjects- architecture and autumn reflections.
So it was on a neighborhood walk that a scene expressed the hopeless wish that fall would just STOP.
In the last year, I have realized how easy it is make beautiful images with no real engagement on the subject.
In October 2023, I discovered The Zen of Seeing by Frederick Franck. The basic premise is that moving from Looking to Seeing engages your mind intimately with the world. Absent all the complexity of photography, pen and paper are all really required.
My sketch book from yesterday engaged my attention for nearly an hour with the result that for the first time, I really was seeing a deer; seeing where eyes are located between nose and ears example.My goal is not to create art for display but to really see, and ultimately make stronger photos. An artist has the choice of what to draw and what to leave out. Neither the deer or the amaryllis sketch has need for background.
So, it is that I more fully see the form of this common vine - maybe Virginia Creeper- that is behind my shed.
Unlike the camera, the act of drawing this completely disengaged me from the passage of time and the daily stresses of life. Drawing is often described as meditative. There is no pressure to please anyone but self.
As autumn has gone into winter, I am engaging in some photography that creates subjects for sketching. Here are a few with comments about how this Zen Seeing considers the subject. First is a female Northern Cardinal.
Notice the subtle colors. Other than the brilliant red-orange beak, the colors are difficult to describe. There are cool yellows blending into greenish browns, plus blue/red mixes. I've made two attempts in watercolors. Humbling.
Ah, but the flashy male is easier.
Maybe the male's winter coloration is still difficult? The wing and tail aren't easy, and forget about the feather details. Made one attempt. Not ready to share a cardinal sketch yet.
There is some advice to ignore the feather details that are difficult. Will try.
The coloration of the Tufted Titmouse seen at right is a bit less complex. Perhaps its coloration has less seasonal change? Let's see below what was created in a recent sketch.
The ink underlay is a bit strong. Still drawing shows clear seeing of plumage, form and coloration. No comprehension of the bird's feet was necessary on my part to capture the photo.
At this juncture, the admonition from a friendly preacher comes to mind. It went like this:
A good salesperson learns to recognize when the sale has been made and quit talking. Same goes for the person delivering the sermon. Time to close with a few wintry images.
Remnants of Summer
If I were to sketch the image below, there would be no detail in any crisp features past the windmill. There is no benefit to that.
The Farm's Only Reminder
The camera looks, but never sees.
If this stirs any interest, I am happy to share the resources that guided me. I found it personally freeing to step past exhibit and only draw for myself. As I began sketching, that was valuable lesson shared with me.
Best wishes for 2025.
Paul Schmitt