A Note on Photography

A note on the photography

Metallics are difficult to photograph, so the images shown on the web site are far from a perfect representation of the art. For example, "Ritual of Transformation" and "Houston Still Life" are very similar pieces in a series, but they are just reflecting differently in the photographs. Likewise, "Dark Bee" and "Dark Flower" have a very similar background, which just happens to appear different in the photographs. Complicating things further is the use of thick translucent areas in the encaustic works. Some images on the web site have been altered by Photoshop to restore the saturation of the original as the artist sees it. I use the services of a very good, professional photographer, whose specialty is artwork reproduction, and he does his best, but there's nothing like the real thing. Part of the joy of living with one of these artworks is watching it change in varying lights and environments.


Here is an example of the effect different photographic techniques have on metallics, in three views of the same painting. For those of you who may be interested, and would like a reference point, the red is pure Windsor & Newton Cadmium Red Light. I would typically select the center view for reproduction, feeling it is the best compromise between accurately representing the color of the line and the texture of the metallic background.

 

Mobius Transformation II, unretouched

 

Mobius Transformation II, unretouched

 

Mobius Transformation II, unretouched

Many thanks to photographer Jeff Rowe and Austin Prints for Publication, for putting up with the unique challenges I bring them. They're great!

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