Introducing the "Surreal" Gallery

You may have recently seen my new gallery entitled "Surreal." These images are created by taking real photographs and adding enhancements. Therefore, they are not "Natural."

These days as you look at magnificent and breathtaking photographs, you must ask the question: "Is this photo real?" If your definition of a "real" photo is one that is not retouched, cropped, or changed in any way whatsoever from the original camera shot, you may be astonished at how many photos out there are not real. Odds are, you'll probably never really know unless you have direct contact with the photographer.

With digital software evolving faster than ever before, it is easier to change and enhance photos than ever before. It's remarkable what can be done in these software packages, and yes, I am a junkie which is why it is has been enjoyable to put this "Surreal" gallery together.

The ability to change photos has created great controversy in the photography world. Some photographers embrace it while others cannot tolerate this "digital evolution" and frown upon using software. My personal stand is somewhere in the middle. I feel that if you create an image that people enjoy, it should not matter what methods were used to create it. However, I do feel that it should be stated by the photographer whether an image is real or enhanced so the end consumer is not mislead.

The "Surreal" gallery will be my personal way to display photos that are a bit more imaginative and I hope you enjoy them on my website displaying digital abstract art and photography on FranklinArts.com.

2009 Franklin Arts Calendars Now Available!

I've put together a couple different 2009 Franklin Arts calendars. One features natural photography and the other features abstract art. Enjoy!

Time for a new camera, the Canon Rebel XSi

Well, I've taken the next step to becoming a true "professional."

Thanks to my wife, I was the recipient of an unbelievable early Birthday/Christmas present--a new digital SLR camera. In just 5 days, I already know that the it's going to be well worth the investment. The detail, speed, zoom, and mexapixels will allow me to make my art as big as I want without any hesitations.

I went with the new Canon Rebel XSi after doing some thorough research and visiting with camera store "techies." Immediately, I noticed the speed at which I'm able to take pictures, and I didn't notice the quality until, of course, I downloaded them to my computer. I'm thrilled with the purchase. For any of you on the fence about whether to buy an SLR, I say--just do it. It's worth it.

Now that the art show season is over and winter is upon us, I plan to do more experimenting with photographic art and try to focus some more on natural photographs as well.

Lincoln Arts Festival - The first out-of-state show.

I'm still recovering a bit from the first out-of-state show at the Lincoln Arts Festival in Lincoln, Nebraska. Overall, it was a pretty good show. It was quite a bit different since there were not as many crafts. Additionally, it was located in a mall parking lot which eliminated many of the food and beverage vendors. Something I also noticed was that there not very many people from other towns, just locals from Lincoln for the most part. These, together, made foot traffic significantly less than the other shows I have attended in the past.

The weather was unseasonably warm, but the skies were clear and I couldn't complain. I can now say without hesitation that shows on grass are much easier on the body than concrete. Yes, I sound like an old man but standing in that environment takes its toll. I saw a few artists with giant rugs in their space....hmmmm......

The art keeps on flowing from my imagination, yet I'm faced with the reality that Lincoln was basically the end of my art show season. I'm already looking forward to next year to get more shows on the tour list including metro areas like Minneapolis, Omaha, Kansas City, and Denver. We'll see how all of it pans out. In the meantime, keep checking my site for 2 new pieces every week!

Sioux Falls Sidewalk Arts Festival Recap

Well, I had my first run-in with the elements of nature. The day started great, and people came out in swarms, but then the rains came. Fortunately, I didn't have too much damage, but I cannot express what a ROYAL pain it is try to display fine art when it's raining. I was nervous for many hours and just tonight was able to confirm that my canvases escaped any water damage.

As I watched the crowd disperse, I couldn't help but ask myself as the rain fell, why can't more fine art shows be indoors? Does that just make too much sense? Obviously, with the amount of artists at this show, no arena could hold everyone. That is why I wish arts and crafts could be held at different times. Don't get me wrong, I have many friends in the craft world already, but it seems that there needs to be a division so that events can be held indoors. Maybe I'm alone in this thinking, but I feel like I took a step backward this weekend now knowing that a great deal of success in my business is determined by something beyond my control. That doesn't sit well with me, a "control freak."

Enough of my griping. It was good to chat with people as always, and that energizes me. I'm already looking forward to the next show in Lincoln, Nebraska, my old stomping grounds. Attached is a picture of my booth with my newest and most prominent triptych work, "Still" which presents a natural photograph taken near Gettysburg, SD.

Sidewalk Arts Festival

I'm very excited about the Sidewalk Arts Festival coming up tomorrow in downtown Sioux Falls. I'm crossing my fingers that the weather holds up. It's going to be a long day as Meaghan and I will have to wake up around 5am and start setting up. It won't even be light out as we somehow have to set up our tent. Wish us luck!

For all you Sioux Falls folks, and those from surrounding communities, I hope to see you there! I have A LOT of NEW natural photography artwork and digital abstract artwork to show.

Yankton Riverboat Days - The 3rd Show

I was pleasantly surprised at Yankton Riverboat Days this past weekend. The weather was near perfect once again and mobs of people came out to see art, crafts, and participate in all of the events and fundraisers. I'm always amazed at how friendly all of the other fellow artists are, not to mention all of the visitors passing by. Meaghan and I are getting much faster at putting up the canopy and setting up, always the most difficult part. Thanks to all of you that stopped by to say hello, and if you didn't make it, make sure to make the Sioux Falls, SD or Lincoln, NE show!

Several people were interested in custom work this past weekend, and I was obliged to help them. This whole journey has been quite exciting. Creating art is one thing, but having the people actually buy it is another, and I'm encouraged by all of the little things that happen at these shows. I can't wait until next summer where I will surely have more shows at bigger venues such as Minneapolis, Omaha, and possibly Denver.