Kim Shields, an artist whose work I recommend checking out, asked me if I have a background in photography. The answer is no - not even one class! For me, part of the thrill of photography is in the spontaneous discovery of what "that" button on my camera does, or how "that kind of day" produces that kind of light...and so on. It equates to those happy accidents in painting which end up defining an artist's style or chosen medium.
As well, I see things that others don't tend to. When I am driving along the back country roads around my home, I see color where it normally is not, or a dark shadow against the bushes that seems odd, and when I look closer, I find it to be a deer, or moose, a pheasant, or something unusual. When I visit another artist's blog, many times I also find the unusual - a brushstroke of yellow in one spot that creates a unique or emotional response in the viewer, color in a shadow that is not obvious but that adds an extra dimension to the painting. It is an innate thing with me, and enables me to understand the potential for that photograph that others may pass by - not every time, but often. So - long answer to a short question!
In the summer, we have many hawks in the valley over which our house looks. The cry of a hawk or eagle is like no other sound. I absolutely love the piercing loneliness of their voice! This hawk became very uncomfortable with how close I was (safely in my Jeep, with window open), and decided to take off. I have had hawks dive at me, so I have learned to be very careful when shooting these creatures with a camera. They are gorgeous in their markings, but they are very shy and defensive as well.
I am still painting. Because I work full time, getting to the easel often takes backstage to sleep. Today is my day off, and I will spend a really good chunk of time happily working on my passion! Hope to have some painting to post later in the week.
If you would like to purchase a giclee print of this photo, please contact me: jogiesbrecht@gmail.com
