Wow! I can’t believe the year is almost over. I have been thinking a lot about 2015. It was full of many changes and challenges for me, especially with my photography and art ventures.
Thinking Back on 2015 – Six Thoughts:
#1: Have you ever told yourself, “I can’t do that”? Of course you have, silly question, who hasn’t. When it comes to my photography I have never specifically said I can’t but I may have questioned it. With my art I have definitely said I can’t. This year there has been a lot of getting out of my comfort zone as a photographer and especially as an artist. Sometimes, depending on the kind of person you are, I guess you just don’t want to mess up over and over so you don’t really try anything new. I have started reading articles, looking at other peoples work, and searching the web for inspiration because I am ready to try new things. If you had asked me at the beginning of the year if I saw myself trying new things and succeeding I probably would have said, “No, way!”
#2: This year I joined some more social media and photography sharing websites as well as starting this website. I am now on Instagram, Google+, and Youtube. I joined 500px, GuruShots, ViewBug, and Fine Art America. I am really trying to put my photography out there for everyone to see. While it is still a work in progress at least I have started the process.
#3: One thing I always said when I started taking pictures was I won’t use Photoshop. Of course that was probably a little naive of me but I really wanted my photos to be natural. I decided after looking at an old photo (not a very good one) that I desperately wanted to use that if I have to edit a photo it is not the end of the world. When you edit a photo it can be a way of adding a feeling or emotion to your photograph that wasn’t there before. It can also be a good way to take an overexposed photo and turn it in to a new and beautiful photograph. 🙂 Example: “Blanco River”
#4: For woodburning I used one of those cheap craft burners. Well after it broke and I had a little trouble replacing it I decided it was time to upgrade to a professional pyrography machine. That was definitely my smartest purchase of the year. It is like sketching just on wood using a hot tool to sketch. It is so much fun.
#5: I was challenged to draw a few things this year and it helped me to realize that while I thought I couldn’t I in fact could. I learned I can draw a somewhat realistic looking tree, realistic grass, a skull and an elephant. I have also tested my skills in landscape drawings.
#6: None of this would have been possible without my family and friends. So I am going to take a moment to thank all of you for your love and support through out 2015.
To my parents, brother and sister: You know I am thankful for your support, help when I ask you for your opinion on a project, and everything else you do for me. I love you guys.
To Brenna: Thank you for your help with setting up my website and everything else you helped me with through out the year. It would not have been possible without you. Also, thank you for the encouragement to try new things.
To Hope: Thank you for challenging me to draw things I didn’t think I ever could.
To all of you who have shown support by liking or commenting on my posts. You may not realize but it means a lot to me. It inspires me to keep going and try new things.
A big thank you to all of you! Best wishes for 2016!
Alicia R. Paparo