deliberately present: 2.5 ~ project . week 2

I apologize in advance if this rambles ... it was so very enjoyable to work on this this week ...
{If you'd like to read up on this on-going project, you can find the info here.}

Here was the goal:

"ASSIGNMENT -

**BASIC

Part 1 - make an individual inspiration file of not only your favorite photographs/contemporary photographers but also paintings, old photos, works of the old masters, etc.

Part 2 - review these artists and works and define WHAT it is that you love about that piece of artwork, or that style of art.

**ADVANCED

Part 3 - make a specific photograph based on that influence. Explain who your influence was in for this piece and what you learned / incorporated from that artist’s work."
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Finding what influences me was not difficult, I am influenced by literally everything. Now, narrowing down what I see repeatedly drawing me back to a center of reference? That was where I had to dig. What a completely deliciously self-absorbed time I had browsing old, bookmarked sites and developing a file of what I think could be a composite sketch of my core influence.

so.much.fun.

... are you ready? Here we go ...

To start, a look at my favorite painter. Andrew Wyeth.

I have a strong draw to architectural images (I am a future sustainable urban planner, after all ...). I think that the time-worn structures in his paintings are what make me go all a-flutter.

What I love most about Wyeth is the simplicity of the images.
And then there is the light --it's multi-directional-- I sometimes have trouble figuring out where it's coming from.

... and then there are the colors. muted and subtle and ... oh man.

(the color palettes for each image were made here.)

There is a very definite reflection of Wyeth in the work of one of my favorite architects, Jeremiah Eck.

His contemporary farmhouses are so remarkable.

But, back to Wyeth. Here is where he really gets me -- his Helga series ...

(wanted to set up this shot, but couldn't get a model ... maybe a self-portrait?)

... are you kidding me? Ridiculous.

There is another painter I found recently that I keep visiting, drawn by her simplicity and and the same subtle colors - Ida Lorentzen. Here are some examples:

It strikes me that they could almost be the interiors to Wyeth's exteriors.

As for photography, minimalist landscapes and the simple portrait are my continued draw, in both the old masters and the contemporary artist.

Harry Callahan:

And then there is this guy --Vladimir Zivkovic. I so love what he does with a landscape.

And, lest you think I am only a sucker for a great black and white, there is the incomparable Deb Schwedhelm. I am officially stalking her now. I am very secure in that.

And one more ... because I am a sucker for a great black and white.

And, as if all of that wasn't enough, here are a few random images of other things that draw me in -- textures, colors and shapes. Feel free to tune me out at any time ...

If you are still with me, I actually did brave the "advanced" portion of the assignment. I wanted to make a Wyeth/Schwedhelm/Callahan inspired photo (how very schizophrenic of me), tying in all of the simplicity, texture, color and ambiance I discovered were influencing me. I made one in color and, of course, one in black and white.