Painting

I spend today painting, this is the latest for one of the paintings that I am working on. The painting canvas is 48"x48"x1.5".

It is strangely physical working on paintings, entirely different then working in the bits, ones and zeros of the digital work.

You get to feel the pressure of the canvas, the paint that gets on you, your hands, the floor!

I think my next step will be to add some color using oil pastels, I am likely the layers that are beginning to appear and I think by adding the oil pastels I can add some more depth to this piece.

I entitled the piece "HK" becuase of the inspiration from Hurricane Katrina, and the overhead visuals that have been coming in from the media. Amazing how in this day in age when media is so immediate that we can get devastating news like this, however I am sure that in other parts of the world they are moving along their lives without a care in the world. Strange how if we did not have the media we probably would not have known about the disaster.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Neither Here Nor There

Today was a day of creation.

I slept in, ate breakfast at Urban Market, painted, digitally took pictures, updated my blog and my webpages, made my bed, did laundry, donated a printer to charity, created some greeting cards, cooked dinner, watched Big Brother 6, organized, paid bills, relaxed and ate an ice cream sandwich.

All this and it was "Neither Here Nor There", the title for this new piece.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Anxiety and Friendship

Created this piece this evening.
It is entitled "Anxiety"

It is representative of my feelings of anxiety when I come into conflict with good friends. I had a friend push my buttons today and I lashed out. I am not proud of the fact and I hope that I have not damaged our relationship. Most friendship have to go through some turmoil - this usually happens when they begin to take each other for granted. I have apologized and hope that in time we will be able to have fun like we used to.

Made a new blogger friend today. It is great to know that people I have never met can be touched by my thoughts as well as my art. It is the emails and comments that keep me going. My new friend is Kelly Cox Semple, she is from Connecticut and you can catch her blog sanguinary blue here.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Circle of Friends - Flat Ass Coffee

I created this piece today entitled "Circle of Friends". It basically captures what I did today with friends. I started the day off with brunch with my photographer friend, Michal Boothe, where I took the overhead picture of my cup of coffee. Then we proceeded to work with scanning his beautiful Black & White nudes, and portraits, so they could be used electronically for email, webpages and more. Later that evening after seeing the movie "JuneBug" with my artist friend, Jim Frederick, I drove him to his car which was in the garage and it had a flat tire. These three photos summarize most of what happened today. It is a salute to the artistry in all of my friends.

I thought about rearranging these photos into a visual pun but decided at the last minute not to for go that trickery. But in case you are wondering - I would have enititled the piece "Flat Ass Coffee" - I guess if you rewind the day - that is what it was.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved
Copyright 2005 Michal Boothe All Rights Reserved

The Aristocrats

The people who have seen the very offensive and funny movie "The Aristocrats" will understand this picture. I am colored blue of course for the humor which I will leave for telling you in private versus typing my version here.

Well its starts like this...

"A family walks into a talent agency. It's a father, mother, son, daughter and dog. The father says to the talent agent, "We have a really amazing act. You should represent us."
The agent says, "Sorry, I don't represent family acts. They're a little too cute."
The mother says, "Sir, if you just see our act, we know you would want to represent us."
The agent says, "OK. OK. I'll take a look."

>......YOU FILL IN THIS PART......

then end with...

"For the longest time, the agent just sits in silence.
Finally, he manages, "That's a hell of an act. What do you call it?"
And the father says, "The Aristocrats!"

The Movie

Submit your own joke

WARNING: This is the only movie that I have gone with seven friends to and 4 of them walked out of the movie! I of course stayed to the bitter end to see the rolling credits and appearance of Tim Conway.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Soft Blue Hard Wood

Today was a great day. I took this picture at a new gallery in Uptown that I locked down a showing. The showing will be March 2006. I think I will work on a show that shows connections between my paintings and my digital work. The gallery is a new concept - combination dental office and art gallery. Hibernia Dental Arts --- who knew --- well go see the art and say ahhh!

Tonight is the opening of the art show at the Circle Theatre Art Gallery with Jim Frederick opposite the showing of the play "Tuesdays with Morrie".

I visited the VACD show today and was very excited to see the boxes that artist friends of mine had done. Dinora loved your Water Flowing out of Pots box, Joleen your box was very colorful, Greg your architecture work is so powerful and Jim you are really onto something with the reverse painting on glass --- loved your hat box!.

Tonight is Ann's 45th Birthday!

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Butterfly Feet

Today's image is entitled "Butterfly Feet" - it was created to show off my new sneakers. It is a pair of Converse All Stars, my first pair actually. I had always wanted a pair growing up. I did this piece because of the butterfly feeling you usually get in your gut before you give a speech or perform. Well for me, with the beginning of my exercise program I get those feelings alot in my feet and legs. Will they carry me the length I need, will I go fast enough, will I gain the strength I need to be able to ride in the Lone Star Ride.

I have excited things working, possible new venues for upcoming shows, new artwork ideas brewing in my mind, new photos taken to turn into my next set of print, a business idea that needs hatching from a cocoon to be the beautiful butterfly that I know it can be --- it is a great universe filled with potential.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Embrace that which is in you and hold fast to your dreams

"Fear less,
hope more;
Whine less,
breathe more;
Talk less,
say more;
Hate less,
love more;
And all good things are yours. "
~ A Swedish Proverb

Just around the bend

Today's picture is entitled "Just around the bend" - I think it symbolizes where I am in my life. I am at an age where I am comfortable with myself, but know I am stretching my comfort zone to do something I have always wanted to do. I am in a physical condition in which I need to exercise to reform the pounds that have changed me the last few years. I am redefining what are my priorities in life. So like everyone on their own path - I would like a glimpse of what is around the bend for me, but I will just have to wait and enjoy the moment, the moments as they come. So as I venture to a healthier, slimmer, non-diabetic self, as I skip towards a creative pursuit that I can produce the money I need to live from, and as I walk down an unknown path with friends and family by my side - I remember the words of my good friend Steve - baby steps my friend, take baby steps. Here are to the baby steps on the path of my 2nd half of my life.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Armchair Artist

Today worked with Jim to install the art at the Circle Theatre Art Gallery. It was very, very hot today 100+ degrees. Amazingly the time it took to hang was much faster this time becuase we had the nails in place. I enjoy working and showing with Jim. We are very much on th same level.

Today I visited a friend, he told me a story of a friend of his who is an artist, who upon seeing my work said "this isn't art, he did not paint this, he did it on the computer, anyone can do that...".

Being a digital artist is a hard thing to be in the world. Today, I created this picture entitled "Armchair Artist". You have fellow artists or critics who believe that it is somehow "not art", or not as good as painting or drawing. Digital art is something that confuses many people. They think the computer does all the work. That could not be farther from my truth. First, I need to come up with the idea for the image or thought that I want to communicate. Being constantly bombarded by images in the media, trying to work through the clutter to have an image standout and make your point can be difficult. Then I need to search my archives for the right picture to work with or go and take the picture(s) I need. Then it is the knowledge of not just one computer program, but several to work through layers, filters, colors, painting, and layout - to reach that image that you feel as an artist - communicates what you want it to. I enjoy trying to push myself - the computer allows me to push the edges, that if I was painting I might not take the chance to ruin an image for the sake of my art. Digital allows me to do that. So I call this piece "Armchair Artist" -- a homage to those who are critical of digital art -- call them Armchair Critics, Backseat Drivers, or Couch Quarterbacks -- until they try it themselves they may never understand the digital way.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Good Morning !

Today, I walked two miles down Katy Trail, with my artist friend, Jim Frederick. It was early but it was still hot and even hotter when we finished. It was just another 100 degrees plus day in Dallas.

I took this picture of a part of the trail and created this picture using my software programs. I wished I could say that it was as fun as walking into the chalk paintings as they did in Mary Poppins, but it was enjoyable to overcome my fears of doing the exercise. It was difficult, but I am looking forward to doing it again tomorrow morning. And yes, I will try to say more "Good Mornings" to strangers on the trail.

It was also a day to spend with my other artist friend, Joleen Decle, and help her with her website showcasing her art, www.carranzacreations.com.

I also worked on some of my painting, as well as getting ready for my next joint show at the Circle Theatre Art Gallery in Fort Worth, TX.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Walking for a miracle

Saw a movie today with friends. The movie was Saint Ralph. It was a movie that caused me to find that inner part of myself that is so totally committed to something that it would be a miracle if I did it. I think I am beginning to find that inner part of me that is committed to being an artist. Despite the urging to find a safe job, despite the doubts of others that may think I can not do it, I do want to succeed as an artist. I am committed to that path. It may take a miracle for me to be able to live off that path, but somehow I know this is the path I must follow. And I put my trust and faith in the powers of the universe that if all my thoughts work towards this end, then I will get my miracle. Some how creating my art, showing my art and selling and donating my art makes me feel as a I part of something so much bigger then just myself. It is keeping in touch with these feelings that will help me carry on.

Looking forward to my first morning walk tomorrow. I hope to get some good exercise, some good inner thoughts, some conversations with nature and some more images!

The image today comes from my favorite summer drink - iced tea.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Isle of Pure Enjoyment

Created this piece today, just for pure enjoyment. So I entitled it "Isle of Pure Enjoyment". It was a good day with a trip to IKEA with my friend, Laura, to get a new desk chair. Watching my friend, Patrick's Dog, Miss Ellie (you may remember her from a previous post). Talking with a reporter about my involvement with the Lone Star Ride (also from a previous post). Meeting with the organizer of another fund raiser that will be Wizard of Oz focused. Taking a great long afternoon nap. Watching my favorite reality show - Big Brother 6 - go Janelle go! Eating dinner Cashew Chicken with my friend Jim. Creating digital art on my computer. A great day.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Loading

I took this picture yesterday while working on my blog. In a way, that is what I have been doing myself - RELOADING. Trying to recharge myself creatively, emotionally, physically, and mentally.

Today, I worked on cards, helped a friend, got my haircut, celebrated with friends, checked on my cellphone not working, made plans for the weekend, worked on things for the Lone Star Ride --- it is feeling good -- now for a good nights rest!

To quote a friend - "I'm happy, I'm healthy, I'm strong" --- you can go to bed now Jim, the blog is written.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Happy Birthday to Everyone

This is a painting that I did recently called "Celebration". I thought that it was appropriate given that this month, many of my close friends are celebrating their birthdays within the same two weeks. So this month -- Carpe Diem! You never know when it will be your last.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Guts

Today was a day to reflect on my health. The gut that I have grown is getting in the way of my health goals. So I created this piece as a reflection of the honest look that one must sometimes take at themselves. In my case I need to loose the gut to get the glory. Of course it will require starting my exercise regiemin, changing my eating habits, getting rest (hard for a night owl like myself) and making all of this a priority over everthing else.

It takes guts to show yourself to the world, it takes even more to awaken yourself and show you - what you have become. Now it is time for change. Time for sweat. And time for action.

What was the catalyst that started all this, my friends and watching them attend or not attend to their own health. It is always somehow easier to watch and judge from the outside. Now I am finding the courage to reach outside of myself and watch and judge my own self.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved.

Oprah Eyes Oz

I created this image today, a blending of rephotos taken from Oprah and Oz.

Interesting to think how television has made both Oz and Oprah cultural icons.

Now if I can just remember what the point of the movie and Oprah's show are "You've Always Had the Power To ...", "Why didn't you tell me before?", "Because you wouldn't have believed me."

There's no art like digital.
There's no art like digital.
There's no art like digital.
Click, Click, Click.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

PS. Oprah if you happen to read this blog, the artwork is for sale.

Sea Tortoise Somersault

This image is a collage of images that I took today - they combine, the earth, the water, the sky, the city, nature, and my own painting.

Today was a day of looking for inspiration.

We had great weather today which allowed me to take a deep breathe everytime I went outside, I experienced something different by my senses.

I hope I can use these experiences, connect with my spirit and create some interesting images.

Spend time looking for the sea tortoise to somersault - it will change your day.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Speed Bumps on the Road to Life

The title says it all...

Today was a day to get over the bumps, move on, and get things done. Working towards another show in Ft Worth, glad to have the opportunity, hope that some sales come from this new show.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Duality

This is an image of a painting that I created. The photo was taken when it was selected in the creation of my webpage - www.whimdesigns.com . I found the image to be very creative because of the different colors. I still enjoy the energy that this piece creates.

Today it represents the duality that I have been experiencing.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Bowling for Bloggers

Today's picture is from a charity bowling event that I attended. It was lightning bowling so the lights are turned down and florescent black lights glow everything. These are my bowling shoes.

I just joined photoblogs.org - so I am hopeful that the viewer who visit, will visit my site and hopefully bookmark me, check back often, leave comments about my work. This is the only true way to grow as an artist.

I am back in the creation mode, and now I just need to pick up some paint brushes to extend the painting side of me. I came across a good quote that I will share:

"If you hear a voice within you saying, 'You are not a painter', then by all means paint...and that voice will be silenced." - Vincent VanGogh

"If you hear a voice within you saying, 'You are not a photographer', then by all means grab your camera, see something interesting and take a picture...and that voice will be silenced." - William H. Miller

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Pegasus But No Perseids In Dallas Skies

This is an image that I took from the roof of my parking garage. I went up there to see if I could capture any meteors from the Perseids Meteor shower that was to happen. But becuase of the light from the city it was too hard to see. I could take a picture of the lighted skyline. After blowing it up a million times (slight aggeration) I concentrated in on the red lighted pegasus! I find the abstract image in combination with the blue light very interesting, almost a ying and yang.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Frozen in Fear

Today I created this image to reflect that I am stuck. In a way I feel frozen in fear. I find it hard to accomplish what I want, I get distracted from my purpose, and then at the end of the day regret that I did not accomplish what I wanted for myself.

When this usually happens - I create lists. Lists of things to do. I guess I just need to start finishing some of the items so I can get out of this sticking place.

Stuck in a rut.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

aRt VS. organization

I created this piece today after the meeting of the art group. When two of our members were getting into a heated discussion about the group's organization.

I created this piece to show the blending of the individuals, and the creation of art.

This is an art group --- the organization existed because of the efforts that each individual in the group puts into it. We have kept the group less structured to allow each member to participate as much or as little as each one can. There are no rules that says that one member can not do some show, or that --- the purpose of the group is to share. To share modivation, to share successes, to share information about where to show, how to show, who is looking for artists, and to share in each others growth as an artist.

The organization will grow in the direction the members who add to it's growth. Art and Artists are very hard things to organize --- because we do not like rules, we want to break rules, and we make our own rules.

So in parting ---- Be the change
Be the change you want to see.

Note: Thanks Jolene & Dinora for your inspiration for todays blog.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

So Lovely

This is an image that I created for my art group. I used an original black & white drawing to start, then after several programs and iterations , I finished with this.

Not much happening here, getting back to my art, creating, thinking, cleaning up the apartment, visiting with friends.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Seeing the light

This image was taken today at my friend Karen's home. I went there today to have lunch with my friend, Jim and Karen's daughter, Mila. Mila is a great artist. She has done these wonderful portraits of women. She really has a great way of doing the human form. Her website is www.MilaCharleston.com .

Today was about reigniting that spark that I had while I was away. Connecting with my Dallas friends. Telling them all about the times that I had while in Buffalo. It was also a day for reflection. Sometimes for me creating allows that reflection to come through in my art.

The week lays ahead with plenty of opportunity to make the most of my creative self. I guess you can say I was seeing the light today.

We also played scrabble - Karen was the runaway winner with the play of the word: Collared --- yes I looked it up to see if it was real and it was --- http://www.collins.co.uk/wordexchange/ is a great site for word checking.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Chugging Hot Sauce

The things that some people will do to get there picture taken! This is one of my muses- always willing to come up with an idea for a unflattering picture. Thanks PH.

Today was Larry's 39th Birthday party. Good times were had by all. I am getting back in to the Dallas groove.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Back In Dallas

Not much to say today - back in Dallas after an uneventful trip home. Got home and the digital signal on my television looked like this. Thought that it was interesting so I took a picture of it. Interesting the things we see in this digital age --- to think that all these words, thoughts, images --- are but electronic ones and zeros!

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Inspiration

INSPIRATION

Inspiration comes when you least expect it too. I have only another night here in Getzville, NY with my family and tomorrow I venture back to Dallas, TX. I was able to work on a few paintings before I left. This is a detail of one of the abstracts.

Below was the Whistle Pigs that Mom created for my last home cooked meal... (for those of you who were trying to envision what a whistle pig was!).


Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

WHISTLE PIGS

Whistle Pig

The mascot for Page's Restaurant in Niagara Falls, New York. What's a Whistle Pig, you ask? A "skinless" hot dog wrapped in bacon and covered in cheese sauce, that's what!

Although we did not eat at Page's, Mom cooked her own whistle pigs for us to eat. YUMmmmmmm!

Number Eight Horse

This is an image I created from a photo I took today at Batavia Downs. My brother, Mark and I took our parents there for dinner and some gambling on the horses and the slots. While none of us were break-away winners, we did leave with some money in our pockets and a good time was had by all. The number eight horse was a longshot that won! Wish I had bet on it.

My time in Buffalo is drawing to a close. The time spent here has been fun, productive and renewing. I look forward to getting home to Dallas, and finishing work on some of my paintings, getting ready for the new shows, and job interviews for some of the new positions I applied for while in Buffalo.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

The Falls & More

Relaxed today - visited the Falls again this time from the side of Goat Island and saw both the American Falls and the Canadian Falls -- my friend, Chuck and I got drenched in mist from the falls. Afterwards we dried off and ate dinner at Teds Hot Dogs (www.tedsonline.com ) and had dessert at Andersons Custard (www.andersonscustard.com ).

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Buffalo Texture

Today was a great day in Buffalo. Visited Buffalo Big Print and arranged to blow-up some of my art and have it hung & shown in their gallery. I took this picture while driving downtown to visit my friends Andrew, Paul, Chuck & Michael for dinner. It was a lovely evening -- a thanksgiving in my honor since I usually am not here in Buffalo for the festivities.

The photo is a great texture photo taken at Andrew's home. It is actually a lamp shade. But the color and texture is so rich I could not resist.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved