When I'm between projects all I pretty much think about is "what am I going to paint next?" So I'll pack up my camera and go on a subject matter hunting mission. I should probably know better by now that finding my next subject isn't something to be forced or scheduled into my day, it's almost always something that takes me be surprise. Although my missions may not always be successful in terms of finding subject matter, they get me outside looking and exploring doing something I absolutely love...taking photographs. It was when I was in art school that I really learned to appreciate the process of developing my own film. There's just something about a darkroom developed print that has so much honesty, it's unedited and soulful. Here is one of my favorite photos from my darkroom days...it's a portrait of my friend's mom. By playing around with the developer I achieved this almost fleeting affect...a happy mistake. I used to daydream about the day I could have my own darkroom, but now we live in a world where digital everything rules...so I eventually tossed my manual camera and got a cannon slr. As far as my personal taste in photography goes, I've always been a sucker for documentary and portrait photos. Although, after graduating from college I quickly learned that it's a little awkward asking strangers if you can take a picture of them, so I've mostly just been using my camera as a tool for recording subject matter...although I would like to get back to taking photos simply for the love of photography. 
    A good friend of mine Samantha Robshaw, is a very talented photographer, so lucky for me I can live vicariously through her. Here's a beautiful portrait of a grandmother and grandchild she snapped at a family reunion. It's so much fun hearing about her photo-shoots and getting to see all the portraits she takes. Lastly, the image of the girl at the counter is one of my all time favorites. Photographed by William Eggleston, a southern artist and one of the first pioneers in color photography.
    

With the warmer months approaching, I've found myself becoming restless, both in the daily routines of life and also in the studio. So many ideas are clouding my brain...which is mostly a good thing! I often do rough sketches so that I dont forget my ideas and can revisit them later. I've been wanting to step outside of my comfort zone and try new things, which brings me to the painting i've recently been working on "flourish". It's a self portrait (which i rarely do) and it symbolizes all of the creative thoughts in my head growing. William Morris, a famous 19th century textile designer was the inspiration behind the floral pattern. It feels good to experiment, whether this painting turns out well or not it will be a learning experience and sometimes we learn most from the things at which we dont succeed. Besides, I have a sketch book filled with plently of creative ideas but I'm going to give this one a shot!