Surrealist Artists

Hannah Hoch

I can’t say for sure why it is that I like photomontage by Hannah Hoch. Something about the tonal qualities of the piece and also for what on the surface appears to be whimsy but upon closer inspection seems to be a commentary going on about women and their struggle for equality.

Rene Magritte

This gauche painting on paper by Rene Magritte is pure magic. The man racing his horse through the woods on a cold morning, the choice of palette she uses, and the unique symmetry of the tree lines really make this something special in my eyes. Can’t tell you other than what I’ve already described because as you well know, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Maggie Taylor

This wonderful oil painting titled; “The Night Sky” by Maggie Taylor speaks to my personal leanings towards fantasy or rather a reality other than the one I constantly find myself living in. The girl’s expression is difficult to articulate in words. It seems to be one of sadness and longing for something that “isn’t” or a questioning of why things are the way they are.

Lou Beach

This photomontage piece titled; “Revenge of the Bad Old Days” by Lou Beach is probably one of my favorites thus far of the surrealist artists we’ve looked at. It speaks to the sign of the times. My generation. The economy in a shambles, the government can’t govern properly, drugs running rampant in the inner cities and the general population angry and disgruntled. It reminds me of all the photos and stories I’ve read about New York in the 1970’s. Love it!

Dave McKean

I really like this surrealist oil painting by Dave McKean done in 2008 for Bill Bruford’s Earthworks. I love the quality of light and the feeling of the apples on the table being something old and of a mystery not unlocked. And then upon closer inspection we see that the key to the locks is actually inside the apple. There is the possibility for all kinds of interpretations going on here. I see one of spirituality. The answers to the questions you seek come from within. Great art that makes you think. Love it!

Top Fashion Photographer Georges Antoni

file under: one of the best

Georges Antoni is considered one of the best in the world of high fashion photography. I find his work especially compelling for his ability to move in between styles from traditional black and white photography as seen below to a much more cutting edge style as seen in the image above.

All images sourced from Georges Antoni's website: www.georgesantoni.com

The Photography of Roger Davies

File under: one of the best

There is a crispness and clarity to Roger Davies' work that sets him apart from so many other Hollywood photographers. His portfolio is impressive ranging between interiors, portraits, travel, and assorted projects. In all his work he is able to capture powerful, crystal clear images like few others.

All images sourced from Roger Davies' website: www.rogerdaviesphotography.com

The Famous/Infamous Punk Photoraphy of Ed Colver

As far as photographers go Ed Colver just happened to be in the right place at the right time and is considered by many to have captured some of the most historically important images of the early Southern Californa punk scene. Thank God he was there in the thick of it with camera in hand or there would be very little visual record of one the most important musical movements in the last 30 years.                                       

                                                                                                                                                                   

Ed Colver's now infamous/famous shot of young punks boots at an early Bad Religion show

One of Ed's most famous photos from the early 80's that captures a young punk inverted in flight after throwing himself off the stage

An angry Henry Rollins fronting the band Black Flag as captured by Ed Colver circa 1983cx                                                                                                                                                                                    xxx    

For more information about the man who captured the glory days of Southern California Punk Rock please visit: www.EdwardColver.com

Class Photo Shoot #2 - Week 4

File under: My digital photography

Title: A study in Light and Color
Medium: Digital Photogaphy
Location: OCC Campus
Settings:
ISO 400
Aperture  f 9.0
Exposure time: 1/160
*Notes: I was pleased with the intensity of the light and color and the unusual focus points.

Photoshop Tutorial

Photoshop Colorizing Effect

Source: PhotoshopCAFE

Tutorial URL: http://www.photoshopcafe.com/tutorials/trendy-color-photoshop/trendy-fashion-color_photoshop.htm

Jeff Divine - 4 Decades of Surf Photography

Jeff Divine's name has been synonymous with photography and surf photography in particular for the better part of four decades. Beginning in the 70's until present day he has traveled the world capturing some of the most iconic and famous surf shots ever. His body of work has the undeniable mark of someone who knows what he's looking for when he sees it. You can't teach someone to have this kind of eye. You either have it or you don't. The images he's captured through the years are not only beautiful pieces of work in their own right but have also documented the sport of surfing for close to 50 years. Impressive is an understatement. Difficult to pick one favorite.

Source: JeffDevineSurf.com