What I've Been Up To Lately

Besides the renaming of art files and better organization as mentioned in the previous post, I have been putting together pdf files of demos and art reference sheets.  My latest project using bits and pieces of my artwork to create cover pages.

Here is an example of one cover in both portrait and landscape orientation.

And because I save my blog posts converting to pdf files, I've played a bit using Photoshop Elements to create covers.   Some are using scans from my artwork and some are playing with brushes in the software program itself.

I still have some work to do .....  like how I want to place a title on them but these are a good start to work from.

How Do You Name and Organize Your Digital Art Files?

WARNING:  Not for the faint of heart :-)

Through the years, this has been an ever changing task of naming and filing my digital art files.  

I started out just trying to choose a name that I might remember for a search.  Unfortunately, I'd find myself not remembering what I might have named something making it difficult to find later.  

Then I started naming my files with Month/Year plus short name but then later changed that to Year first and then month plus name.

This latest way of naming my files is proving to be the best for me and I've been going through folders renaming my art files using this method.  Talk about a task but at least I've found a nice free program to help with batch renaming of files............. FastStone Image Viewer.

Then of course comes the task of maintaining a file folder structure that makes sense to me helping to locate my files based on media used.   My system may be overkill for some people but because I use my files for various projects, I have managed to come up with a filing structure that more or less works very well for me.

First the naming of files:

For every painting or sketch I scan, I create several files.  I first scan at 300 resolution and save as a TIF file. From that scan I end up with the several files.   Let's take an example of sketching a bear in a Strathmore Visual Journal using watercolor and pen and ink completed this month:

Year first and then month plus short name and scan number.  The scan number helps when I might sketch or paint more than one page of a bear within the same month.

1509bear001.tif = Original Scan

1509bear001ws.psd =  Evaluate the tones and colors against the actual journal page and with layers in Photoshop Elements, make corrections and add a signature layer for web posting.  My scanner tends to struggle with certain yellows and blues for which I try to correct and it always scans with more contrast than the actual painting or journal entry.

1509bear001ws.tif = New tif file with changes and signature at 300 resolution in case I want to make a good print.  Tif files do not compress the file as jpgs do.

1509bear001ws.jpg = Jpg for use in document/pdf demonstrations, etc.  Resolution still at 300 but saving at the low end of maximum quality which is 10 in Photoshop Elements.  This gives me a smaller file size making it more manageable in a document or if I create a disk of my images to share with family.

1509bear001wsweblg.jpg = This file is for uploading to the web.  I change the size to 7" or 7.5" at the longest edge with a resolution of 120 (instead of 300) and then "Save for Web" at high quality or whatever I need to achieve a file size of about 120 k.  I don't want to go much higher than that due to total storage in Picasa where my blogger images are stored.  Plus if an image is too large in file size, it can take awhile for it to load when someone goes to your website or blog....especially if you share several image files within a post.  I also use these weblg size files for my Ipad and smartphone.  Takes up less space but still shows a decent quality picture on these devices.

Although I can end up with several more files from one scan (crops, ATC size, etc.), the above is my main system of naming and saving files.  

So where do I save these files?  

First I work in a Temporary Folder under Documents called NEW Files.  All my art files are saved there where I later distribute between various places on my hard drive often making copies of the jpg files (either full size or weblg jpgs depending what I might need for demos or contact sheets (later explained), etc).

To share how I distribute between folders is quite involved and not sure I can explain without causing confusion.  But I'm going to try using what you see in red as my main example.  I also use the subfolders like Flowers, Landscape, Other, People, and Wildlife under Cameos Journals.

Also under the main Art Folder I have a folder called Sketchbooks and Thumbnails (not showing above).    In that folder I have subfolders by name/type of journal where I store a COPY of each weblg image file I created.  Using FastStone Image Viewer, I can put my individual scanned page files in page order of the journal(s) and then create a contact sheet that I can print out and view thumbnails of those sketches and paintings worked in that particular journal.  My contact sheets not only show a thumbnail image of my paintings/sketches but also show the name of the file which can help with searches.

If I have scanned steps of my progress for a demo or visual demo, I will save a COPY of the jpg files (not the weblg jpgs) under a subject subfolder of Demos.

Once I'm satisfied I have saved the COPIES I need to distribute to various locations on the hard drive, I then move the main files temporarily saved under the NEW Files folder to their proper places under the Media Folders such as Paintings Watercolor, Sketching Drawing, etc.

Although this probably sounds like a major pain, it pays off in the long run............at least for me.  My file structure goes beyond what I've shared here but this is my starting point and main system for naming and saving my art files.

Taking the above file name of 1509bears001, I would:

1)  Save a COPY of the *weblg.jpg to the Sketches and Thumbnails folder under Strathmore Visual WC #1 (#2 if working in a second Visual WC journal, etc.)

2)  I didn't scan steps so no need to worry about saving a COPY of the jpg file under Demos.

3)  I would then MOVE all the related files to the appropriate Media folder which in this case would be Paintings Watercolor / Actual Paintings or Cameos / subfolder Wildlife.  (Subfolder named Other if a stuffed bear.)

File Names and Searches:

This is where it pays off for me with the way I name my files....

Let's say I want to look up all my files regardless of medium used for the month of September.  I would start my search under the ART folder and type the following under Windows Explorer Search Box:

1509*.jpg > 200k

This tells Windows I only want the files for September of 2015 for jpg files greater than 200k.  That way I'm not seeing duplicates of the regular size jpgs plus those scaled down with the added "weblg" named files.  You could always just search for the Tifs which would read:  1509*.tif. 

Another example:  Let's say you want to see all the artwork you did in 2014.  Maybe you've misplaced a file and you can't remember the month or the file name.  You pull up this search, locate the image of the file you're looking for and you right click and select Open File Location.

15*.jpg > 200k

This tells Windows I want to see all the jpg files greater than 200k (in file size) for the year 2015.

There are many other search parameters one can use but that's beyond the scope of this.  Searches can be saved but I haven't quite explored that yet to share here.

Hopefully sharing this might help others with a general idea or starting point in naming and organizing files :-)

Painting Cameos

Doodling with watercolor.  Cameos that I prefer to call them as they are a little more than just mindless marks put on paper.

Playing with different brushes; different colors; and different techniques.

Mixed Pen and Ink Sketches

Various sketches I've worked on over the last several days........all in the Strathmore Gray Toned sketchbook.

Fort Island Beach, FL

Here are a couple pages in different journals of our trip to Fort Island Beach a few weekends ago.

This first page entry is standing on the pier looking towards the man-made beach and the second is from the beach area itself looking towards the pier.

This one worked in the meandering journal an art friend made for me back in January out of Arches paper.

Second painting/sketch from the Strathmore Toned sketchbook.  I chose the gray paper for this one because it actually depicts the gray skies with storms that were coming in off and on that day.  At the time we were there, it wasn't storming (had already hit earlier that morning) but then the sky opened up about the time we were leaving.

August 15, 2015 Virtual Sketch Crawl

There are groups of people across the globe who physically get together in what are called sketchcrawls.  They meet up somewhere walking around and sketching what they see and experience.  For many people, they don't have this luxury often because of where they live and/or not knowing others who enjoy this type of get together.

Cathy Johnson holds an event each third Saturday of the month pulling people together in what's called a Virtual Sketchcrawl.  Individuals, small groups, and even larger groups from all over, utilize this third Saturday to go out sketching and then come together to share their day out in Cathy's Artists Journal Workshop group under Facebook.  A way for all of us to come together as if we actually met up in one huge group.

This is what I did for yesterday's sketchcrawl.  I've missed out on the last couple of months but managed to participate this month.  This little building stands at the entrance to a shopping mall area in The Villages / Lady Lake area in Florida.  I left the lettering off the building as I just wanted to keep the sketch simple.

Missing Our Hummers

Where we lived in West Virginia, we had an abundance of hummingbirds perched in our front yard trees; zooming back and forth to include under our porch roof; and we went through a lot of sugar water keeping them fed and readying them for their trip back south each year.

They would fly around us, at times hovering right in front of our faces as if checking us out.  They knew we were not a threat and it was such a treat to have them each summer.

Now we live in Florida and we saw one last year that didn't hang around.  We've put out feeders and all we seem to attract are ants.  We so miss these little guys!!!!

A Tree With a Heart

One of the things I find amazing are the various shapes of trees, how their branches might grow twisting and turning in unusual ways and some of the holes you see in trees.

What caught my attention with this particular oak was the heart-shaped hole.

Working with pen and ink on toned paper, trying to depict moss against leaves and branch/trunk under heavy shade, was quite a challenge.  I was in unknown territory as to what to do or how to go about it without making it too dark and showing some depth.

This is what I ended up with and I'm not real sure at this point how I feel about the results.  I'll have to revisit this page days or even weeks down the road when my mind is fresh to really know :-)

Strathmore toned paper; Microns 005, 05, and 03 and some smudged graphite to gray some of the canopy area that was a bit too bright so that the main branch came forward more.

Market Square Lake Shore Dr Florida

Years ago all I used to be interested in was nature........flowers, plants, wildlife, and landscapes without any man made structures.  It seems my interests have shifted or expanded through the years and now I find it not only challenging but enjoyable to include buildings and other architectural structures.

This is located in the center of the Market Square off Lake Shore Dr and Sumter Lake.

Worked in the Strathmore Visual Journal, QoR watercolors, and Micron 005.

A large waterbrush was used to paint this piece.  I'm finding lately I want to grab for these brushes rather than a standard paint brush.  It just seems I have better control and love the sharp point these brushes return to.  Out of all the waterbrushes I've tried, my all time favorite is the Pentel (blue barrel that body has a flat area to keep from rolling off the desk).

Outing at Lake Shore Drive, FL

I could work several pages of this area as there was so much there to see and to sketch/paint.

The day we went, it was between storms so we basically walked the area taking pictures....plus it was super hot and humid.  We plan to return in the near future as there are lots of shops to explore, loads of restaurants, and this area borders Sumter Lake.

It's beautifully set up with the boardwalk and plenty of props like you see here on this page.  Barrels and buckets with live flowers and trees; boats set up out in the lake (for viewing only) to include one large ship partially sunk.  Across the lake is a beautiful golf course.

This page I've just finished is using my Pilot Falcon fountain pen and Lexington Grey ink.  Worked in the Strathmore Visual Journal.

Various Doodles

These are just a few little doodles I've worked either in sketchbook or scrap paper over the last few days.

These painted ones were worked in a sketchbook (bockingford) playing with various brushes like a filbert, dagger, and comb..........just playing.

                                

Palm scene using my Pilot Prera fountain pen on scrap paper.

Lego Scarecrow worked on scrap paper with a new mechanical pencil purchased by Staedtler...........a 2 mm lead 4B softness.

Simple Brush Strokes

Here is a little sketch where I just wanted to use simple brush strokes to portray a landscape.  I had been looking at photos from our weekend trip and this has one element from one of those photos and the rest is just made up as I went along.  The part from a photo is the rocky area.  Rest is just winging it.

Bockingford Spiral Journal; Mixed Brands of Watercolors; and a touch of 005 Micron pen.  Brush work using an angular flat (3/8").

Power Plant Across from Fort Island Park and Pier Area

This is another little sketch from our trip last Saturday to Crystal River checking out Fort Island Park, Beach, and Pier.

Worked in the Strathmore Visual Watercolor Journal; Platinum Carbon pen/Lexy Grey; and DS watercolors.

I understand there are two power plants; one solar and one nuclear.  I believe this is the nuclear.

DB Field Bag

I've had a chance to take this bag out but haven't actually used it yet for painting/sketching (only because of the weather keeping us from taking the time to stop and sketch).

I have my sketching/painting gear packed in it, my wallet, and a camera hooked to the outside for quick access.  The bag is going to work out wonderfully; however, I do find the strap hurts my shoulder.  Due to nerve issues in my neck and shoulder, I can feel every little ribbing in the strap and it just feels like it's cutting into me.  I'll have to come up with some sort of padding on the area that would naturally rest on my shoulder but other than that, the bag is wonderful!!!  Not too big but definitely big enough to carry what I need with room to spare.

Crystal River Florida - Fort Island Park

Here are a couple pages in the Strathmore Visual Journal (watercolor) worked from Saturday's outing to the Gulf Coast area.  It was between storms so rather than sketching or painting on location, I took lots of photos to work from.

The mushrooms are one of several varieties I came across while out and about.  As for the Heron, this little guy was busy fishing when I managed a photo.  For some reason (probably the heat plus the stormy weather), we're not seeing much in the way of birds right now anywhere.

New Toy - Darsie Beck Field Easel Art Bag

One who believes things happen for a reason, this is one little occurrence that has proven to be one of those times and a positive one for sure.

I missed out on the Nomad Kickstarter bag and waited for many months to be notified if or when new Nomads were being offered for sale.  During that wait time, an art friend had one she was wanting to sell and I could kick myself in the backside for not jumping on it.........or so I thought soon after I declined.  I hesitated only because at the time I had to watch my funds rather closely and it was just one of those iffy situations that made me pass on it.

THEN, weeks later, I received the notification about 85 Nomads going up for sale and would receive an email when it was available to purchase.  I knew the day and time to expect the email and as soon as I received the notification, I jumped online to order only to find it was already out of stock.

That started me on a mission to try and find something else that 'might' come close to what I liked most about the Nomad..........the ability to have an easel platform while standing in order to hold my journal taking some of the pressure off my arm/hand while working.  With all the Urban Sketchers out there, surely someone had come up with something similar I would like.

Sure enough, my search ended with me finding the Darsie Beck Field Easel Art Bag.

It is a bit smaller than the Nomad, which for me is a better choice.  I really didn't want anything big and bulky or weighing a lot especially after full of art materials.

It was more affordable compared to the increase in price with the Nomad.

Delivery was super fast being it is made in the USA; and, I had a choice in color which I also liked.

I love how light the bag is too by itself and even after adding what I plan to take out with me.........a major positive.

Do check out the link above and watch the video he has included to share how it works.  Here are my own photos of what I received.

Front of Bag.  The zipper compartment in front has a plastic sheet (colored plexiglass I think) cut to size of the pocket to act as a stabilizer for the easel platform shown later.

The front flap is secured while carrying with a push button like clasp.  You open it up and find another zipper compartment and two mesh pockets.  There are also two sewn velcro strips that are used for the easel (shown in a few).

The back of the bag has this large pocket.

Inside the bag you will find a piece of plexiglass with velcro on top and bottom and a pouch that has the two front pockets, one behind the two and yet another on full size of the pouch on which is a piece of velcro attached.

The plexiglass with the velcro pieces on either end is your brace to attach as you see in the next photo to the velcro pieces shown in photo 2 above.

Easel platform created with the plexiglass attached under the front flap.  This is what I was mainly hoping for in a field bag.

Next is the pouch with the velcro on the back.  It attaches to the shoulder strap resting on one side of your chest while working for easy access.

Main compartment inside has a padded pocked (left in the picture if you can make it out) and two other pockets off that one.

On one side is another zippered pocket that opens up to a mesh pouch you can place a water bottle in.

And the other side has three pen/pencil pouches

BTW.........The rings you see on the zippers are ones I put on to make it easier for me to grasp.........they did not come with the bag.

Can't wait to get out and use it!!!  Might help me out of this funk I'm in right now.

A Little Sketch for my Granddaughter

Last night I was a bit down after my family left from their second visit and I decided to work this little sketch for my eldest granddaughter, Madison.  It's her favorite of all the beanie babies I and my youngest son collected years ago.

Sketching this helped raise my spirits and relaxed my mind so I could finally go to sleep.

Normally I grab for my trusty mechanical pencil but wanted to use something different.  I have all these different sketching/drawing pencils and yet I tend to grab for the same thing.  It was fun working with a thicker softer lead and one I could use on it's side.

While using this pencil, I actually focused on the feel and the sound of the graphite moving on the paper surface.  :-)

Worked in the Zeta sketchbook with a 6B Mars pencil

Handling Stress and Art

I know I've mentioned several times about how art is therapeutic for me.  It helps me focus on something positive.......taking my mind off of things that would normally weigh on me horribly.

Many times the medium (and sometimes subject) I use will remind me when looking through my sketchbooks what mood or state of mind I was in at the time without me actually stating it on the page.  Not always but a good percentage of the time.

This sketch is pen and ink only (no preliminary pencil) I worked a couple nights ago.  I chose a very detailed subject to help force me to concentrate on other than what was on my mind at the time.  And using pen and ink only played a major part in deep concentration to get things right (or as close to it as possible).  Early evening (getting my nights and days all mixed up), I quickly brushed some color on it.

Madison's Homemade Cinnamon Crunch Toast Journal

This week my eldest son and his family are here visiting us again and this visit Madison (eldest granddaughter age 12) wanted to make her own journal.

She googled ideas and viewed a few youtube videos on making journals and this is what she came up with:

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal Box
9 x 12 Sketch Pad Paper - 20 sheets folded in half
Yarn
Duct Tape

First she removed 20 pages of sketch pad paper, folding each in half.  Next she measured an inch on top and bottom of the fold cutting a slit for yarn to fit into rather than sewing.  Then she nested the pages together.

Looking for a cover material, she chose the cardboard from a cereal box.  We both loved the pattern/image on the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal so went with that.  Because the cover was cut a little larger than the pages, she made a slightly longer cut slit top and bottom of the fold.

Next step was taking yarn wrapping twice around the folded area neatly tucking the yarn into the slits to hold everything together and knotting in the center of the back side.

Final step was taking duct tape to hide the yarn, knot, and add a decorative touch to the folder edge.

And here are her first two pages she sketched........