New Look!

Hope you all like the new look of the lab!  Please let me know if there are any links you want added to your artist page or want to be added or removed from emails.  I am trying to put all the ducks in a row...

Friendly reminder about our next deadline- August 8th "Bits of the past, pieces of the future".  Hope to see you there.  Happy creating!

Theme Four Submissions

This go-around I felt compelled to chose an inspiration that was quite literal.   For me, the theme felt more difficult because it was so specific.  I wasn't alone either.  But for others it was a welcome invitation to share unique perspectives of summer.  The results were much more personal and intimate this time.  A special welcome to our two new members- Ashley and Mary Jane.  Glad to have you in the Lab!  So without further ado, here, finally, in order of submission, are round four's entries.  Enjoy!
Theme Four - The inspiration: The words "Hot Summer Day"

Hot Summer Day
Song
by John
(Please see John's artist page to read the lyrics!)
Hot Summer Day.mp3

Hot Summer Day
Photograph
by Ashley

Hot and Bothered.  Where's the A/C??
Photograph

Blackberries
Photographs and story
(Please see Andrea's page for the accompanying story)

Mr. Ice-Scream Man
Song
by Ego
 Untitled
Painting

Day at the Beach
Photograph
by Anika

So there you have it!  And again, sorry it took too long to post them!  But vacation couldn't wait!!  I am so glad you all participated and I hope to see you in the lab for round five!  Happy creating!

Artist Page - Ashley

Ashley is an avid hobbyist photographer and blogger. She looks for inspiration in everything and enjoys challenging herself (and others) to color outside of the lines. Ashley also enjoys interacting with her readers/followers by sharing her editing skills through before and after assignments.

Take a look at Ashley's beautiful photography, see how she masterfully edits images, and read her blog by visiting Ramblings & Photos...you will be happy you did.  


Theme 26 inspiration: Brushstrokes
"This Little Piggy"
{Please roll over image below}



Theme 21 inspiration:  Front Page of the News
"Front Page of the News"
(To learn more about this submission please click here.)

Theme 19 inspiration: Spring
"Sunlight Bokeh"
"If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things in nature have a message you understand, Rejoice, for your soul is  alive."                                                                                                             ~ Eleanora Duse

Theme 17 inspiration: Lies
"It Lies"

Theme 15 inspiration - Fill in the blank 
When I think about how much texture is in the sky I just have to stop and photograph it.



Theme thirteen inspiration: Page 25 of a magazine
"Make Your Photos Sing"
Photograph

Theme twelve inspiration: Resolution
"Commitment"
Photograph
I don't really make resolutions (I prefer to work towards realistic goals), but I wrote about how I want to live my life in a post just before Christmas: I Want MORE for Christmas. One of my favorite scriptures is Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I've kept this verse locked in focus for years and I know that as long as God is in charge, then those plans will succeed.
Theme ten inspiration: Dreamland (Link here)
"Faces in the Sky"
Photograph

Theme seven inspiration:  Full Circle (Link here)
"Around the World"
(See Ashley's blog for a tutorial about creating this image.) 
I call this one "Around the World." It makes me think of the book, "Around the World in 80 days." I imagine what it might be like to sail around the world.

Theme six inspiration: "Shadow" (Link here)
"Night Falls"
Photograph 
I really struggled with this theme and then looked in the sky last night...the clouds were really coming in and I liked the effect. Now, it was still broad daylight but it appears as if Night is Falling.


Theme five inspiration:   "Bits of the Past, Pieces of the Future" 
"Bits of My Past, Pieces of the Future"
Photograph 
As I was taking the picture, I considered the bumps, the bruises, the scars on my face that told the story of my past, the experiences I'd had....and then I look deep in my eyes and see many years of joy, children, growing old...my future. 

Theme Four:  The words "Hot Summer Day" 
"Hot Summer Day"
Photograph  
North Carolina summers can be brutal. Take your every day 100 degree temperatures and add 90% humidity. For this month's inspiration, I chose to go with the literal and really turn up the heat. Nothing says a "HOT SUMMER DAY" like firing up the grill.

Artist Page - Mary Jane

Mary Jane Borst is a photographer who says she has fun taking photos while still learning and honing her craft.  Her images range from close-up images of nature to beautifully intriguing landscapes edited digitally.  Most of her work is a collection of her best shots spanning the last thirty years.  See many of these photographs in her Etsy shop.  Currently, Mary Jane is preparing ACEO cards so be sure to check back soon!   She also has a postcard store  and welcomes you to check it out.

The ACoLab is so proud to have Mary Jane as a participating artist!  Here are her submissions in order of latest entry to the oldest.
 
Theme ten inspiration: Dreamland
"Postcards from Dreamland"

Theme Six Inspiration: "Shadow" 
 2 Photographs
"End of Day"
This is a photo taken in Yu Yuan Gardens in Shanghai as the sun was lowering in the sky.  Our tour for the day was ending and it was time for dinner, bed, and be ready for another full day.  The gardens everywhere were so charming with many special spots, all of them peaceful, restful places.
"Shadows of 9 11 2001"
This photo was taken in bright sunlight early in the day.  It was taken of a leaded glass reminder given to me by a friend.  The figures inside the leaded glass show as deep shadows in the sunlight.  I have placed the photo in a rotated position to show the shadow to the best advantage.  A little funky but here it is anyway.  I think we all can use a reminder of the shadow that day has cast across our land.

Theme Four Inspiration: The words "Hot Summer Day" 
Hot and Bothered.  Where's the A/C??
Photograph
by Mary Jane

Inspiration Number Five

For this months inspiration you can use the phrase:

"Bits of the past, pieces of the future" 

Interpret this however loosely or strictly using any medium you desire.  Let your imagination create whatever it wants to!  Submissions due August 8th.  Any questions?  Just email me via the "Submit Entry" link to the left.  Thanks and happy creating!

Theme Number Four - A note...

So sorry the post is not up as I know you must be very excited to see all the entries.  I have seemed to fill my plate a bit full this week.  I will be putting up the post over the weekend and will email you all when it is up.  Again, sorry...I know, very unprofessional of me.  It's not laziness, promise!