Painting…
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When I was younger I use to paint a lot. Like all the time. Mainly still-lifes. I’d paint fruit and other objects all arranged neatly in some dramatic light. I loved the shadows, the way the cloth draped, the colors. Paul Cezanne was my absolute favorite, with Van Gogh being a strong second. I’d put some music on, grab some fruit and paint. It was relaxing. (Lame, I know.) The paintings would hang around for a couple months and then I’d paint over them. (Mainly because I couldn’t stretch a good canvas to save my life and I didn’t want to shell out 50 bucks.)
But sometime during high school I stopped painting. I realized it wasn’t cool to spend your Saturday at home with brush in hand. Even though I was always known for being the artistic guy around the classroom, I couldn’t let my hobby effect my social life. So after a while painting sorta fizzled out and except for a few classes in college, I haven’t painted since.
Lately however, I’ve been working on a collection of photos that bring me back to my painting days. No crazy textures, or those terrible photoshop-brush-strokes effects. I just want to try and create the same style and feel, but with a camera. I want them to be simple. Very simple. I want them to be about light and composition, color and contrast. Its a study and process for myself. There isn’t a story, no recipe, no explanation or moment attached and I think thats OK. I have felt this pressure recently to only take and share photos that tell you something. Photos that have a purpose. But I wanted to shake that responsibility and feeling. (part of the reason behind the lack of post around here) I used to paint simply because I enjoyed it. (and Im sure I still do.) I couldn’t ever tell you why I painted what I painted, but I didn’t care. I just cut loose and painted for myself. So I am going to try and do that. Set aside time to create and shoot just for me.
I’ll share more later.
You having a background in painting makes a lot of sense. I can’t wait to see what you create.
Painting and photography walk hand in hand. I love both and I’m excited to see more of the photos you create with painting in mind.
Lovely, Timmy. Inspiring. Just doing instead of thinking so f’ing much about it.
Lovely shot Tim, cant wait to see your paintings, do share in time
the tones in this are just amazing tim. and funny, I paint too. I totally think they go together, and that it’s important to keep shooting for yourself. xo, rach
I love this, Tim. So painterly, and the light is gorgeous.
I don’t think your fascination with painting is (or ever was) lame at all. I think creative people are called to create, whatever the medium. I suspect if someone took away your cameras, you’d find another way to share how you see the world.
I love what you said about how you painted simply because you enjoyed it. That says it all, doesn’t it?
i love that – “cut loose”.
i need to do that more.
great post, Tim. Can’t wait to see what comes from this. It’s always good to challenge ourselves and change things up.
Nice painting thanks for sharing i like this painting thanks for sharing
I’m so pleased you are reposting and what a whopper of a post to come back with. Absolutely LOVE this photo.
Really Beautiful!
love this, tim. i kind of did the same after high school but w/ photography. social life was more important then i guess, but it did shape who i am now. can’t wait to see the photos you get from this project!
hi, I’ve tagged you on my blog. Hope you don’t mind, I sort of did when I was tagged but then it ended up being more fun than I anticipated. I figured you’d have some cool answers and questions for others so I hope you don’t mind.
All the best
Sarah
Are those red radishes? You’ve made them look so glam!
Beautiful painting like indeed..
This is just stunning. I have no idea how you achieved the look but it is a real accomplishment. Please share more of these!
i’ve linked your blog on mine
Stunning Tim. Absolutely stunning. Another one of those posts I love everything about.
I really see your voice…yours…no one elses’…coming through in this work. It seems like the perfect blending of passions and I look forward to seeing where it takes you.
In the meantime, no pressure. Create at your own pace and have fun. In the end that’s what matters.
great work, sir. hope you are doing well!
I love that you painted when you were younger, and I love how it is transforming through your photographs. this image is beautiful.
Holy smokes, I love this. I’ve been looking at it on and off for 15 minutes. It is so warm and rich…lovely!
I’ve just enjoyed getting lost in your blogs and images. Beautiful and good luck with your new projects.
Wowser – this is very beautiful!
Really an elegant photo. I know the pull of old masters myself; the lighting and folds of cloth for those paintings always holds me. Sometimes I swear they painted folds in drapes/table cloth/dresses just for the fun of it…because I certainly photograph them for that reason. Anyway, this is a very nicely done shot. Thank you for sharing and inspiring me