Part of the Process

"Little Sioux River Valley Autumn Bales No.1"

photograph - © Bruce A. Morrison

(click on image for a larger view)

I have been stuck in the studio "processing" all the image files from a week and a half ago; that was a busy and productive week for autumn in our "area".  Most folks don't realize all the post production work there is when working from "Raw" files...most of us shoot RAW, not JPG or TIFF...doing so preserves all the information that a file has to offer.  But a RAW file doesn't usually present the image as you would print it or use for a blog such as this or for publication, so some computer "darkroom" work is in order.

I spent many years in the darkroom professionally, way before digital imaging was even a flicker on the horizon; actually working mostly in B&W, then doing color printing and transparency film processing for roughly 30 years before I took the leap early into the digital fray. 

"Back in the day" darkroom work was inevitable - no way around it!  But even now, with digital imaging on the professional level, image processing is a necessary part of the process from exposing the image to print or publication. 

It's been overcast, damp and windy here the past 4 days, so its perfect "darkroom" time.  I would prefer to see a blue sky again soon though as I'm feeling couped up!   

A good side effect during this inside time is I get many ideas for future artwork while going through image files...paintings and drawing ideas come to me and get me even more excited!  Lets hope I can get some Autumn artwork ideas to get me through part of the Winter ahead!  

Oooh, did I just say the "W" word??!!!  Oh well, it's all part of the process! 
 

Autumn Is Good!

 "Autumn on Yellow Avenue in SE O'Brien County, IA"

(photograph - © Bruce A. Morrison)

The days are shortening and the color is good...the air is crisp, yet the sun is warm; this is a neat time of year and as with the harvest, there is much to be thankful for.  

 "High Water Color on the Des Moines in northern Webster County, IA"

(photograph - © Bruce A. Morrison)

We don't live in New England or where colors are breathtaking with reds, yellows and oranges shared among hardwoods like hard maples, but we can occasionally get lucky with autumn when all the cards fall just right, and this was such a year!

 "Electric Blues on the North Raccoon in southern Sac County, IA"

(photograph - © Bruce A. Morrison)

 Georgie and I drove the back roads here and in this corner of the state. taking in the transient scenery - a chance to get away from the daily tasks and reflect.

 "Below the Rapids on the North Raccoon in northern Sac County, IA"

(photograph - © Bruce A. Morrison)

We miss the river roads and streams of past journeys - they were dressed in colorful attire, preparing for a good rest from the past year.

 "Quiet Color near the Washta Access in southern Cherokee County, IA"

(photograph - © Bruce A. Morrison)

Some places were bright and noisily passing the day away, while others more somber and reflective.  It's been another year of new experiences, of life's sorrows and joy; it's now a time to rest and regain one's bearings, and to be grateful for those blessings that have come our way

Have a great Autumn season and be good to one another!

Coming This Weekend!

We're gearing up - its coming!  The Artisans Road Trip weekend studio tour event will be here this weekend - Saturday October 8th and Sunday October 9th!

 (Morrison's Studio at Prairie Hill Farm)

This is the 13th annual weekend A.R.T. event and it should be a great Autumn weekend! Saturday (October 8) kicks off at 9 a.m. and runs through 5 p.m., and Sunday (October 9) starts at 12 Noon and runs through 5 p.m.  

We've been working toward this weekend all year with many new original works of art such as drawings and paintings, many new open edition/signed photographs and several new Note Card boxed collections as well as new Greeting Cards - did you know we have the largest variety and collection of boxed note cards and greeting cards of NW Iowa found anywhere?!!!  Come and see for yourself!

But don't neglect the view from the studio deck and even take in a walk on our mowed native pasture trails...or just relax with some refreshments here in the studio!  Have any questions - please ask, we'd love to talk with you...this is a great place for conversation as well as browsing or purchasing artwork, or just taking in some of the valley's crisp Autumn air!

Hope to see you this weekend!