Giving Thanks

Today was a day to give thanks to my friends, my family, my life, and my art.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

No Day But Today

I Can't Control My Destiny
I Trust My Soul
My Only Goal
Is Just - To Be
There's Only Now
There's Only Here
Give In To Love
Or Live In Fear
No Other Path
No Other Way
No Day But Today

Collaboration

Collaboration

The color of the canvas of your life can be seen by others and reflects those whom you chosen to allow to collaborate in the daily thoughts, activities, and rituals of your life.

Share the paint.

Share the joy.

Share the color.

Share the art.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved.

Imagine Peace

Created this image today for the Hibernia Dental Arts show. This is the digital art piece that I created. I then printed it out on canvas, and embellished it with acrylic paints. I have had several different ideas, some more radical and activist ideas, but then just started playing with the color and that the vision of peace is something that must be imagined. Once you start imagining it you can make it real. This is very much the way I am approaching my art at the moment, taking the time to become one with it. Listening to that inner voice that is telling me which color to pick next, what to do with it, trying to pull an feeling or emotion out of color, texture, forms lying on a canvas or on a computer.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Framing Directions

Today was another day to be proud. Somedays you just have to keep moving in the right direction even when you think everything is against you. Today I continued to move in that direction, and when I did, I was productive, cash flowed in, opportunities knocked, and I felt happy, healthy and strong.

This piece was created today, I am experimenting with color combinations of items that may be in people's homes. I think that if I can create some digital art pieces using colors that people find comforting, then they make want pieces like this in their homes to access them. I can also use these as digital sketches for paintings I do.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Art for the Eye

Just another productive day.
I was proud of what I did today.
Creating this piece with overlapping pieces. Would make for an interesting painting.





Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Hands Of Pace

Created this image from a photo of my hands that were covered in drying paint. Jim Frederick and I had finished working on our joint work of art for our 2nd Annual P.A.C.E. Art Showcase which will be held in December.
This photo is representative of the very struggle that I try to solve --- that of the physical painting world and the non-physical digital world and the journey back and forward between them.

I was struck today by a piece I read in Keith Haring's journals -- he talked about creating art in the information age and how even his work was already on t-shirts across the world before he had even created them himself. In many ways my putting my digital art on this blog is an act of faith because who knows who in the world may be viewing this art and taking it for their own use somewhere in the world. It may be interesting for me to watch and see where this digital path leads me in the world.

For those of you interested. The is our logo for P.A.C.E.
P.A.C.E. is an acronym --- it means
Positive Attitudes Change Everything.

The logo to me represents the transformation you can have as an individual when you use positive attitude. This was something Jim had worked on, and then I helped with resurrect and we used it last year to talk about our own art struggles and pursuits. We both realized that it was when we used our Positive Attitudes, and held onto them even during tough times, and when we reminded each other of them when we hit rough patches of self-doubt --- that indeed things changed usually for the best. You can go at your own pace but it needs to be positive and things will work out. This has been a rough year for me. I have been unemployed, but I have been creating art. I have had health issues, but I have not been sick. I have been down, but then my friends and family bring me back up. Everytime you start to think positive - little miracles occur and change everything. I have been lucky to know and meet Jim - we are good friends who challenge each other to be the best not only as artists, but as citizens of the human race. Trying to support each other through trying times, to be better people giving back to our community, that that Katrina aid, SPCA, AIDS Resource Center or just buying a friend a cup of coffee.

In the words of Heather Small's song PROUD and Oprah's new campaign of "What Have You Done Today?" --- keeping up the P.A.C.E. is something Jim and I are both proud of. Hopefully by sharing P.A.C.E. and spreading on the internet and across the world --- we will see things change for the positive. Please leave comments about how P.A.C.E. has effected your life.

Did we mention the PACE is PEACE in Italian?

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved
P.A.C.E. and Positive Attitudes Change Everything Copyright 2004 Jim Frederick and William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

This is the invitation to the 2nd Annual P.A.C.E. art showcase - hope you can come --- please mention that you saw it on this blog.

No Point

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Building Materials

Created this piece using two software programs, several filters, and two photos taken inside a building. It is interesting that you can create compositions that work well, show depth and have an interesting flow to them.

It reminds me of my ealier abstract paintings, the combinations of blocks, colors and texture.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Where's the hamburger?

This fun piece reminds me of mom's home cooking when I was a kid. It was what I thought spaghetti was -- Franco American --- from a can --- add a little hamburger and you're good to go.

My parents are off to the Bahamas for some relaxation. Thinking about this piece got me to think, "How do you as an artist - get to that place of innocence?" - When you are child, you do not know that there is anything else, and once you learn or become aware it is very hard to digress back to the place when you did not know better.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Newsletters, Business Cards, and more

This is an example of a quick newsletter that I created for my artist friend, Jim Frederick. I have also been approached by other friends who have businesses to create customized Holiday greeting cards, business cards, and corporate logos.

I am thankful that others appreciate my graphic talents to trust the success of their business with my work.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Brighter Days Ahead

Brighter days, brighter colors.

Unfortunately Texas has decided that some people's love for each other does not deserve the same rights as they do. May they begin to see the injustice.

Created ornaments for the Blue Yule Party at the MAC, had a lot of fun with some very creative friends. Scott, James, Sarah Jane, Jim and I.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Creating...

...just because









Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Art is ....

Copyright 1983 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Artistic Angel

I like to think that when I create, my artistic angel is helping to guide my creative self.



Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

The Light

Today was an emotional day,
but I would not trade it for
anything. It was filled with
Light, Love, Life, Laughter, and
Longtime friends.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Life As We Know It

Four Friends
Helen, Billy, Pam, Michael
Four Friends who loved disco
Billy, Helen, Michael, Pam
Four Friends who visited a foriegn country together
Forty Plus years
Life changes for each of us
and one of us is told today to get your life in order you have 1-2 months to live. That one is Pam. I am glad that we lived back in those days.... we danced, we partied, we talked about our parents, we threw bras out of moving cars, we all sat on the couch and watched movies, we traveled, we complained about our boyfriends, we used to toast "To Life As We Know It" it seemed that this was our mantra - Thank you, Pam for being such a bright part of my life....I know that your great light and spirit must be needed somewhere very important for you to get this news.

Simple Act of Defiance

Paying my respects to Miss Rosa Parks. It is nice to think that everyone has the ability to do simple acts of defiance and be heralded. This is what being an American is all about. My fears are that the religious right has somehow twisted the ability to be defiant if it does not agree with their agenda -- that you are unpatriotic, unfaithful, and unworthy. I hope that when I am called to stand up for my rights and the rights of others that I have the ability to see the simple act of defiance that I must do to help others see the injustice.

Rest in peace Rosa.


Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Scary Nights

Just a little BOO !







Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

In Loving Memory

It is hard when we have to say goodbye to a faithful companion. This beautiful creation named Harlow, after the actress, is leaving for heaven. All dogs go to heaven. I will miss taking care of Harlow. I will miss the way she would cuddle next to me on the sofa. I will miss her craziness in her final months of life when she would bump into walls, splash all the water of the water bowl, and pretend to want to go out when all she wants was another treat.
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Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved.

Gecko Glow

Created this from the drawing that I used for the tattoo on my calf. Geckos are supposed to bring good luck and the tails of the two geckos are intertwined to form the letter "B" for Billy.









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Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Two Hearts

This is a digital recreation of a painting that I donated to a charity. The colors are much brighter in this digital version. In some ways it reminds me of the colors of Leroy Nieman's work.

I have been working on a series of images that have a human spirit, human condition, human spirituality theme to them.

This painting originally was done to show how two beings become one heart. The Three Images is also my statement against the Texas Proposition 2. Please vote against it. Love should not be legislated.

















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Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Marks of friendship

Sometimes you need reminders of why people are in your life. Sometimes you may not realize how important your friends are, but each person that enters your life in some way makes a mark on your life canvas. And it is up to you to take those marks and tell a brilliant story and paint a beautiful picture.


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Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Happy Halloween Pumpkinhead

Just a hallowed greeting to all my blog readers. Camping this past weekend was great, and now I am getting back into the swing of things with my computer and digital creations. I am working on a set of holiday cards, as well as some all occasion cards.



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Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Island of Lost Boys

Created this piece using three different software programs. I call it "Island of Lost Boys". In the story of Pinocchio, the Island of Lost Boys is a place where the boys do not have to follow the rules, and no teachers are around. Well in many ways in creating this piece I broke rules, I did not follow the ways that the programs are to be used to create pictures, I broke with convention, and yet to me I created a satisfying piece.

What do you think?

Can you see the boys turning into flying donkeys?

My blog will be blank for a few days while I go Cabin Camping. Something new for me, a new place without internet access, however I will be taking plenty of digital photos to use as reference and promise to return next week and play catch up with my entries for the weekend.

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Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Changing Cells

Created this from an image of an painting that I did last year. In many ways it is making something old, new again. Similarly, I am trying to make my own cells new again. Watching my diet, exercising, taking my blood sugar regularly and taking control. In many ways I have had more energy and feel great.

Been organizing and cleaning it is that time of year for me.


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Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Natural Versus Man-Made

Today was a struggle of ideas.

Is it better to let your body fight a disease naturally or with man-made chemicals?

Both sides have their points. I am still thinking about this.

Come on POWERBALL ! Be my one in 147 million.



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Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Balancing the Layers

Today is about balance. Getting and putting balance back in my life. This piece was created using Canvas Painter IX.

It can be hard to get back your balance once one or more of your layers in too heavy or too light. I am learning how to listen to my body, to create that balance in my own life and my own actions.

Once you find the balance then you can live each day to the fullest.


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Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Thinking of you

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Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Blue Moon

There was a full moon tonight. I was able to enjoy the beautiful warm night with my friend, Jack who invited me to a VIP Party for the Starry Night Gala which benefits PAVE - Philanthropy and Volunteerism in Education. The very posh affair was held outdoors in the Ashton on their upper pool level. The served champagna, and a fashion show featuring Luca Luca designs was presented. Jan Strimple was there and they honored Dr. Carolyn Farb. You could much of the skyline of downtown Dallas as well as the Crescent hotel and American Airlines Center. It was a nice night and enjoyed talking with Jack.

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Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Midway

Corn Dog
French Fries
Roasted Ear of Corn
Deep Fried Snickers
Taffy

Sugar Levels Sky High!

Eating the way through the Texas State Fair!

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Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Pomegranate

Today was a great day to feed the senses. Woke up at 8 am, walked 3 miles on the Katy Trail with Jim at 9 am, ate breakfast at the Purple Onion Diner at 10:30 am, picked out delicious fruit and vegatables at the Farmers Market at 11:30 am, visited the Continental Gallery and saw some awesome art at 12:00, then home.

It was great to be in so many new places today and be able to capture new visuals to use in my digital work.

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Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Homage to Humanity

You know you have made it as an artist when other artists take your work and create their own style in homage to your work.

Yes, I am talking to you Jim!


Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Corporate Humanity

This is a digitally simplified image of me in my power suit with my power pink tie in front of a painting by Jim Frederick which is one of his "Humanity" series pieces.

I found enjoy the simplicity as well as that you can not make out my face, thus becoming a face of humanity. The suit and tie give it is formal corporate feel, and yet the art creates a opposite for which makes the digital piece so intriguing.

In many ways this is a collabrative effort between Jim and I since it uses his art in the photo, the photo was taken by Jim, and then manipulated by me. I enjoy the way that Jim and I feed our artistic hungers with each other.

Took down the show at Circle Theatre today, more art sitting in my studio looking for a home. I begin looking at the shows for December and 2006 and seeing what I can do to further my art career.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Say a little prayer

Created this image today as part of the upcoming online exhibition at periodgallery.com for the theme of spirituality.

Been doing some soul searching the last few days about friends that have recently pasted, friends that have health troubles, friends that have relationship troubles, and friends who are doing fine.

It is an amazing thing to have this ability in which I can lose myself to. When I create digitally I go to another place and I am excited by colors, shapes, forms, movement. It is this excitement which makes me think that I am touching my core being, and releasing it in my art.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Marrow

Thoughts of marrow.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Sunny & Cher

Today was a beautiful sunny day in Dallas. It was in the high 60s to mid 70s and a cool fresh breeze was blowing slightly. Today was my day to check in on Cher, my friend Warren's cat. She was her playful self, and of course demanded attention and position on the couch.

Today I took pictures of the sunny day and Cher both represented here. I also got a new bed frame, since the wooden one I had broke for the last time. It was great to see my artist friends at creative day. Although I did not paint, I soaked up the spirit and look forward to when I will paint. Now I am working on my digital art, and learning new programs which can help me in my career.

Tomorrow is supposed to be rain. I think I will enjoy that as well.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Snooze

Today was a day to nap, and so my friend, Patrick proves that my couch is the most comfortable in Dallas. If only I had a sound card to go with the sweet murmurs of snoring that were taking place at this moment.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Square Watermelons

Who Knew? They Did.

My work won special recognition at PeriodGallery.com's International Color III Exhibition.

It was exciting to go to Uptown Off The Wall Art Walk today and see my friends' Jim and Greg work displayed at Hibernia Dental Arts & Uptown Vision. The energy was real good tonight and I look forward to when I will be showing my art at these venues next year.


Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Reaching for the light

"You can not go back and change the past, but you can start now and create a happier ending."

I heard this today on the radio.

Things are happening all around us. I think I understand why my leg has been hurting. My friend, Pam who is going through bone marrow transplant for her cancer, is having some difficulties. I thought it was me and that I was exercising too much, but I just recieved about a week's worth of email progress reports and have found out she has been having tremendous pain in her leg. So it hit me, could these be sympathy pains, a way for the Universe to tell me to contact her.... so I will. Please pray for my friend to be cancer free and to get her health and vitality back.

Today's art was from a photo that I took while in Naples, Italy. I filtered the photo in Adobe Photoshop to concentrate the light in the photo. Amazing how grand it is to see all the great sculptures in Italy.

Good things are happening everyday...you just have to be aware of them.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Message from the Universe

This is a message that came to me and my friend, after a lunch in which we shared how things are going we each other. We both saw this and said "Yes, we are listening!" --- Staying Strong.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Finding the inner creative child

Today was another day about trying to find that inner creative child. The child who is just trying to express, not trying to prove. I created this piece trying to using many colors, trying to show an adult hand and a childs hand and what looks like (to me anyway) finger paints.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Hatbox

Today was another quiet day, learning Adobe Illustrator through www.lynda.com, had an enjoyable morning walk, but my leg began hurting and it hurt again this evening when I went bowling - obviously something is wrong. Blood sugar has been high, but the medication I am taking is bringing it back down. Just got to keep going on. Delivered my wreath for the Diffa Holiday Collection, very excited about being apart of Diffa's events. Created this image which I call HatBox using Corel Painter IX and Adobe Photoshop. First many photos were used to create the groovy colors and shapes, then it was morphed in Photoshop using some filters. I liked this end result best.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Watching Grace

Today was a day for me to watch, Grace. She was lots of fun, and provider of good company.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved

Sing the Electric

Today was a great day. I created this piece because I was reminded that when we as artist's put our work on display, we shout out our souls into the universe. From their the viewer sees our images and takes a piece of our soul into themselves and it becomes part of their universe. That electrical exchange is what keeps the uncollective consciousness going. You need to pay close attention to see it at work.

I was reminded today how exciting a first show can be as well as terrifying. But the best thing is doing it rather that talking about doing it. Not many people take the chance to sing the electric!

Sing it! Sing it and be proud.

Copyright 2005 William H. Miller All Rights Reserved