OCA-creative-arts-journey

Degree update

2011-03-20T17:15:00.002Z

For anyone that hasn't found my new blog I have updated it here if you are interested in seeing what I have been up to over the past few months with my latest work for Textiles 1: Exploring Ideas. Click in the side bar.

Happy Christmas ....

2010-12-24T15:48:00.002Z

and best wishes for a Happy New Year.

Thank You

2010-11-06T15:02:00.000Z

Thanks to everyone who left a comment on my last post the kind thoughts where very much appreciated at what has been a very difficult time for me.

My brother and I laid my Mum to rest with my Dad on Thursday. I know in my head that she is out of pain and at rest but there is such a large hole left in my life.

I don't have the enthusiasm to get back to my studies just yet but I know Mum wouldn't want me to give up on them.

Sad news...

2010-10-26T18:19:00.000+01:00

My beloved Mum passed away this morning.

1926-2010

The Dr's managed to treat the pneumonia but she had COPD and her lungs just gave up. I know it was a final journey she had to make but it was so hard for me. I didn't want her to be alone so I stayed with her and she went peacefully. God Bless Mum my best friend.

Moving Blog

2010-10-03T17:05:00.000+01:00

The OCA was recently confirmed as an approved degree provider by Student Finance England, SF Northern Ireland and hopefully SF Wales so now degree student on low incomes may qualify for Government funding.

As I got funding for my OU course I am pretty sure I qualify so early in September I applied. I got an email to say I would be officially enrolled on my degree course on 1st October and I should receive my 1st Module in the next week or two.

I am now officially a part time undergraduate so to put my learning blog on a more professional footing I won't be posting to this blog any longer and will from now on use my Wordpress blog here at OCA Creative Arts Journey

I can have different pages for each Module and I think it will be easier for anyone to follow, they will be able to click on the links in the side bar and go directly to the Module that is of interest instead of having to trawl through pages upon page on Blogger.

Hope to see you over there following my journey to a Textiles degree.

Spam

2010-08-28T11:59:00.002+01:00

You will notice I've turned on Comment moderation. I was tired of getting spam for dubious products, anyone that's had the same will know what I mean. Glad to see Blogger has done something about it though "We have enabled automatic spam detection for comments." Hopefully that will deal with it.

Finished

2010-08-26T15:31:00.000+01:00

Phew, by the skin of my teeth I've finished C & G Embroidery 7922.

My C & G registration runs out on Saturday so I've been hard at work on my wall hanging so I wouldn't have to pay another 3 years registration.

I've enjoyed my 3 years C & G and learnt a lot although I'm still not as adventurous as I could be but perhaps that is just my 'style'. If you'd like to see what else I did on the course have a look here

I could go on to do the Diploma but I've decided to go back to studying Textiles with The Open College of the Arts. As anyone already studying with them will know each Module will be assessed and count towards their BA Hons Textiles degree when it is validated by their accrediting University Bucks New University hopefully that will be some time next year.

Assignment 3: Your Neighbourhood

2010-07-03T15:49:00.001+01:00

I'm waiting for Assignment 3 to come back from my tutor but I thought it would be ok to post the photos before I get feedback from her.

I've used my local park for this assignment.

"Stanley Park situated between rival football clubs Liverpool and Everton is one of Liverpool's most important historic parks it was first opened in 1870 but over the years had become unloved. Work started in November 2007 to regenerate the park restore many of the parks features but also meet the needs of today's users. It is listed by English Heritage as a Grade II Park.

The original design of the park (1866) was by Edward Kemp, a pioneer of public park design and the restoration followed his plans which were in three sections each complementing and contrasting with each other.

The Gladstone Conservatory and Bandstand were later additions to the park (1899) but had become unusable over the years. But I am glad to say it has been restored to it's former glory. It was raised 1.5 metres higher with a Bistro underneath serving fresh and locally sourced produce."

Conservatory late in day with sun shining through glass

Front of Conservatory on sunny day

I wasn't sure whether to have just one of these photos but

I decided to include both - same position but different viewpoint
(the Conservatory is such a rich source I could have sent 12 of it alone,
but I wanted variety

Fancy roof and iron work on the Bandstand

Sculpture in front of the Conservatory.

Sandstone wall with flower beds in front - shows rhythm in the arches

Iron railings on one of the bridges by the lake
- I like the way the sun has cast the pattern of the railings
in shadow on the ground

Roof of one of the sandstone pavilions - I was going for the shape and
patterns but was pleased with the way the sun has come through
the small windows and been caught on part of the roof

Colour - one of the many bright plants in the newly restored beds
on the formal terrace

DOF - don't know what the plant is but it is under the trees in the shade
on the way out of the park so brightens up the space

Update - JanetB14 sorry should have put what the brief for this assignment was as I'm using the old version of TAOP.

"Assignment 3: applying what you have learned so far - subject matter is your neighbourhood. It could be the daily life of the community, your child's school, your place of work or you might prefer to concentrate on the surrounding buildings and landscapes."

I'm back....

2010-07-02T21:45:00.000+01:00

......you wouldn't believe the crazy few months I have had. No sooner was my Mum home from hospital than 5 days later I was admitted for treatment for severe anaemia. I've had to take iron tablets for years for anaemia but it had got worse over the past month. No wonder I felt so bad, I was out of breath just walking up stairs. I had no energy or enthusiasm for doing anything but thankfully I feel much better and can get back to TAOP.

What a difference a week makes

2010-05-27T11:36:00.000+01:00

This time last week I honestly thought I would be organizing a funeral. But thankfully I was so wrong. My Mum is well on the way to recovering. They moved her out of critical care on Monday afternoon. She's in a side room for now because she has an MRSA infection in her nose, it seems lots of us have this without knowing it. She's very unsteady on her feet but I suppose you can expect that after 5 days in bed but hopefully she will get her strength back soon.

We had a laugh though when she said the pysio was teaching her how to breath, as if she hasn't been for the past 84 years. But that was part of the problem I think she doesn't breath deeply enough into her lungs, it seems she doesn't breath out the carbon dioxide so it builds up in her lungs.

I hope they will let her home soon because this travelling up to the hospital each day is killing me. I keep forgetting to take my blood pressure medicine and I think I'm anaemic again because I have to keep stopping every few yards because I'm out of breath. I forgot to take my iron tablets for the past week so that hasn't helped.

Not again

2010-05-21T21:48:00.004+01:00

My poor Mum is in hospital again with pneumonia. The past few days have been fraught. Her breathing had got so bad I had to call an ambulance on Wednesday night and to be honest I didn't think we would make it to the hospital she was so bad they had the lights and sirens going all the way. They took her straight into A & E but it was over half an hour before they could tell me how she was and of course I panicked when they took me into the relatives room I expected the worst. They said she was very ill and when they took me through to see her I knew she was in a bad way. The Dr from ICU said she had single organ shutdown and that if it spread to other organs they would only be able to make her comfortable. I freaked out when they asked what she would want doing if they had to resuscitate her. I had to phone my brother to come over from York because they didn't think she would last the night. They let us see here for a few minutes in ICU but there wasn't much we could do but go home, now I'm not an overly religious person but I did pray a lot that night. My brother is a born again Christian so he'd asked his friends from church to pray for her.

We phoned next morning and they said she was still critical but talking to the staff so we went up to the hospital and they let us see here again for a few minutes and I can't believe the difference she was so much better. They must have pumped her full of antibiotics to get the pneumonia under control. She's still in ICU because they are waiting for a bed in the chest ward for her. They've taken out all the needles that where stuck in her and reduced the oxygen she needs.

As my brother said earlier today 'The Power of Prayer', it is indeed miraculous.

Hopefully she is over the worst and on the mend, but I'll try to get some work done in between hospital visiting.

NB I've just looked up Aintree University Hospital (although we know it by its old name of Fazakerly Hospital) and the Critical Care Unit is state of the art and the Chest ward (one of 3) she'll be going to is one of the largest in the country and many of the consultants are national or international experts so she is getting the best treatment possible.

Assignment 2: Colour

2010-04-18T12:18:00.003+01:00

I got my report back from my tutor yesterday. I'm very pleased with what she said.
I had to re-do a bit though. I misread the part about a sketch to show balance, I thought that it meant a colour wheel but it should have been to show how the balance of colour was in each photo.

Colour harmony - complementary colours opposite each other on the colour wheel.

The bright red of the berries shows up against the duller complementary green leaves of the background.

Bright orange brings the eye to the front of the photo while the blue recedes in to the black background.

The brightness of the orange and blue shows up against the neutral tones in the rest of the photograph.

The bright yellow of the flowers is vibrant next to the subdued tone of the violet flowers.

Colour harmony - similar colours near each other on the colour wheel.

The blue flowers blend with the green leaves of the plant.

Similar colours blend harmoniously together in this Hydrangea.

Bright yellow is sunny and cheerful against the dull brown of the centre of this sunflower.

Subtle change of the colour green from light to dark in this plant.

Colour contrast - contrasting colours 1/3 around the colour wheel.

Bright orange shows up against the duller green.

Bright yellow of the lemon stands out against the darker blue of the towel.

Purple contrasts against the green leaves.

The red and yellow contrasting colours add a bright splash of colour to what would have been a very dully photograph.

Colour accent - small area of colour against a larger background of another colour.

Red against green in a neutral background of mainly white.

The bright orange safety ring shows up brightly against the dark browns of the ship.

Bright red box stands out against the grey and green of the background.

A red rose is a subtle accent amongst the brighter yellow chrysanthemums.

Project 34: black-and-white and grey as colours

2010-04-11T15:27:00.000+01:00

I used a ball of white crochet cotton for the first part of this exposure test. The first photo as the camera meter reading, 2nd + 1/2 stop, 3rd + 1 stop, 4th +1 1/2 stop and the 5th + 2 stops.

as camera meter reading

+ 1/2 stop

+ 1 stop

+ 1.5 stop

+ 2 stop

For the 2nd part I used a floppy disc. This time as the meter reading, - 1/2 stop, - 1 stop, - 1 1/2 stop, - 2 stops.

as camera meter reading

minus 1/2 stop

minus 1 stop

minus 1.5 stop

minus 2 stop

Project 33: secondary colours

2010-04-11T15:23:00.000+01:00

Secondary colours are a mixture of 2 primaries. At its' simplest, orange = red + yellow, violet = red + blue and green = blue + yellow.

8 sec, f/8

8 sec, f/9.5

8 sec, f/11

8 sec, f/8

8 sec, f/9.5

8 sec, f/11

4 sec, f/8

4 sec, f/9.5

4 sec, f/11

Project 32: primary colours

2010-04-11T15:13:00.001+01:00

Find a red, yellow and blue surface and photograph them as your camera meter reading indicates, 2nd half a stop brighter and 3rd half a stop darker.

4 sec, f/6.7

camera meter reading
4 sec, f/8

4 sec, f/9.5

3 sec, f/8

camera meter reading
3 sec, f/9.5

3 sec, f/11

8 sec, f/6.7

camera meter reading
8 sec, f/8

8 sec, f/9.5

Chapter 4: Project 30: colour control

2010-04-11T15:12:00.000+01:00

Find a strong colour and photograph it so that the colour fills the viewfinder. Find the average exposure setting and take a sequence of photos from one stop over the average exposure that your camera's meter recommends to one stop under.

I chose the green cable box that is outside my house.

1/4 sec, f/6.3

1/4 sec, f/8

1/4 sec, f/10

1/4 sec, f/11

average exposure
1/4 sec, f/14

1/4 sec, f/16

1/4 sec, f/18

1/4 sec, f/20

1/4 sec, f/22

I've learnt that overexposed images are lighter and underexposed images are darker. Though saying that I would have thought the image taken by the camera's meter would have been the correct colour but it is nearer to the last photo.

NB I've re read this project and I've done too many photos, it should have been 5. Never mind I'll leave it as it is because it shows how the colour changes.

Project 29: applying the elements of design

2010-04-11T15:11:00.000+01:00

Use what you have learned so far to take a set of photographs showing the following:-

single point dominating the composition

2 points

several points in a deliberate shape

a combination of vertical and horizontal line

diagonals

curves

distinct, even if irregular, shapes - to follow

at least 2 kinds of implied triangle

rhythm - to follow

pattern - to follow

Project 27: real and implied circles

2010-04-11T15:05:00.002+01:00

For this project I had to take 4 photographs that included real and implied circles.

Photo 1 - sculptor Richard Wilson cut a circle out of a derelict Yates Wine Lodge and fixed it on a giant pivot. It rotates like a huge opening and closing window giving a glimpse of the interior. You can read more about it here.

Photo 2 - water feature at Liverpool One.

Photo 3 - sunflowers in St Lukes church in the city centre better known as the bombed church in Liverpool.

"Gutted by German Luftwaffe incendiary bombardment during the May blitz of 1941. To this day, the entire surviving shell stands (purposely) unrepaired as a true city centre 'war memorial'.

Photo 4 - hydrangea in my local park.

Project 28: rhythms and patterns

2010-04-11T15:05:00.001+01:00

The facade of the new Hilton hotel near Liverpool One shows rhythm.

The shadows made by the railings make a mirror image pattern.

Project 26: real and implied triangles

2010-04-11T15:04:00.000+01:00

Produce 2 sets containing triangles - one using 'real' triangles and one using 'implied' triangles.

Real triangles

Photo 1 - subject which is itself a triangle, monument at Pier Head Liverpool.

Photo 2 - triangle by perspective, ships mast

Photo 3 to follow

Implied Triangles to follow

Project 25: rectangles

2010-01-31T14:07:00.000Z

Find and photography 3 different subjects that contain prominent rectangles.

Doors in Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral.

Side altar in 'Paddy's wigwam' with quite a few rectangles.

The Shankly Gates at Anfield.

Project 24: shapes

2010-01-31T11:36:00.000Z

Take 2 photos of subjects that have simple outlines, stress the shape of the subject.

Project 23: implied lines

2010-01-31T11:35:00.000Z

This project is about implied lines

Photo 1 - an eye-line

Photo 2 - the extension of a line, or lines that point

Project 22: curves

2010-01-31T11:33:00.000Z

4 photos containing curves.

Photo 1 - Path through trees.

Photo 2 - Exchange station in Liverpool.

Photo 3 - roof of the Echo Arena

Photo 4 - Big wheel that was on Chervasse Park over Christmas.

Project 21: diagonals

2010-01-31T11:30:00.000Z

4 photos to show diagonal lines.

The new canal down at Liverpool's Pier Head with the Museum of Liverpool due to open later this year.

A different view of the stairs leading from the Odeon cinema in Liverpool One.

Flats opposite the Albert Dock.

Ceiling of Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral.

Project 20: horizontal and vertical lines

2010-01-31T11:28:00.002Z

For this project I had to go out and look for specific examples and take photos. The aim was to find different ways in which horizontal and vertical lines appear to the eye and to the camera. I also had to find different examples, if I photographed the vertical line of a tall building try not to repeat it.

HORIZONTAL LINES

Photo 1 - Steps leading up to a bridge in my local park.

Photo 2 - Side altar in 'Paddy's wigwam' better known as Liverpool's Catholic Cathedral.

Photo 3 - Steps leading up to 'Paddy's wigwam'.

Photo 4 - floor in 'Paddy's wigwam'.

VERTICAL LINES

Photo 1- I was trying to do the panning project when I took this, it didn't work for that project but is perfect for 'vertical' - the young man on the skateboard and the trees in the background.

Photo 2 - A monument down at the newly restored Pier Head, Liverpool to the:-

"Officers and Men of the Merchant Navy who died while serving
with the Royal Navy but who have no grave but the sea 1939-1940"

If I took this again I'd move so the railing was out of the photo.

Photo 3 - Art Deco 'Georges Dock Building' ventilation building for the Mersey Tunnel.

Photo 4 - pipes for organ in St Georges Hall.

Project 19: multiple points

2010-01-31T11:25:00.000Z

I had to use a background that was not fussy but not completely plain so I used a piece of wood that had been a pull out section on a computer desk but when I bought a new desk I managed to salvage this before I used the old one for my sewing machine.

I set my camera up on the tripod and looked down on to the objects which are from my sewing basket starting with a 'tape measure'.

a pair of embroidery scissors

box of pins with coloured heads

machine needles

reel of cotton

tailors chalk in pencil form

and finally my tailors thimble

Project 18: relationship between points

2010-01-31T11:20:00.000Z

For this project I had to find 2 naturally occurring situations where there are 2 points and compose and take the photos quite naturally.

The white duck in this first photo is the more prominent as it is swimming towards the viewer whereas the black duck is swimming away.

In this photo of 2 dahlias the left one is a side view of the flower whereas the right flower is full face and draws the eye.

Project 17: positioning a point

2010-01-31T11:19:00.000Z

This project is similar to Project 7. There are 3 positions; in the middle, a little off-centre and close to the edge.

As you can see from this first photograph placing something in the centre doesn't always work. It was taken very quickly before the magpie flew away. It was sat on a TV aerial on the roof of the house opposite and taken through my studio window. It looks like a statue but I think it would look better placed further to the right with a tighter crop and in portrait form.

This statue is placed to the left of the frame because the boy is looking to the right so draws your eye into the photograph. If it had been to the right it would have drawn your eye out of the frame.

Chapter 3 - Project 16: defining a point

2010-01-26T10:08:00.000Z

Part 1 - "Jot down as many types of situation as you can think of which would make a clear photograph of a point."

Centre of flower
Boat on lake
Bird on lake
Flower in lawn
Car in car park

Part 2 - Look through your library of photographs, your own and ones you have collected from magazines and pick out those that contain obvious points to follow.

2009-12-23T16:12:00.003Z

One of the first photos I took with my new 'nifty fifty'. I see why everyone raves about it the pictures are so sharp and it's great for taking photos in low light conditions.

This is of the large wheel that is in Liverpool One over Christmas. I thought the centre looked like a star so what better photo to put up to wish everyone who celebrates it a very Happy Christmas and best wishes for a peaceful and creative New Year.

Art Market

2009-11-28T23:48:00.003Z

While I was in town I noticed there was an Art Market in St Georges Hall so I went in for a look. There where a few photographers selling prints. I would have liked some larger ones but they are a bit out of my price range at the moment but I bought 3 greeting cards from this photographer. They where £2.60 each or 3 for £6, I'm going to frame them and put them on the wall. Click here, here and here to see the photos I chose.

Nifty fifty

2009-11-28T21:33:00.003Z

I've read a lot about this lens (Canon 50mm f/1.8) so today I went into town and got myself one. John Lewis and Jessops where charging £99 but I got it for £88.99 in Jacobs Digital so the spare £10 will go into the kitty for my next lens. I tried to get one a few weeks ago but they'd sold out and the young woman who served me this morning said they sell out quickly and that it had only come in this morning so I was meant to have it.

I've had to put back sending my 2nd assignment until January. I was way behind anyway because of having a new kitchen fitted but in the early hours of last Saturday (21st) my Mum was rushed into hospital with pneumonia and fluid on the lung. The past week has revolved around hospital visiting so any thoughts of photography have gone out the window. Thankfully she is recovering well and it looks as if she will be home early next week.

Lino cutting course

2009-09-09T12:00:00.003+01:00

I’m hoping to do Printmaking 1: Introduction to Printmaking early next year as my 3rd Module in 1st level towards a Degree.

One of the blogs I follow is an artist based in Australia who is running an online Lino cutting course. It only cost $30 about £18 for 3 lessons and from what I’ve read on other blogs Dijanne gives a good grounding in starting to learn Lino cutting so I’ve just signed up for it.

I won't have to buy any materials because I've already got a small Lino cutting tool set and I bought some soft printing blocks but I want to learn how to use the proper 'lino' that I bought ages ago.....must remember to try the tip I read somewhere, sit on the piece of 'lino' for a while to soften it and make it easier to carve.

Assignment 1: the theory and practice of contrasts

2009-09-07T02:30:00.001+01:00

I've just got my 1st Assignment back from my tutor. She's given some constructive criticism and I've acted on a few of them.

Large and small in one photograph

Tutor thinks this photo and few work when viewed together but they don't when seen apart.

Many

Few

Tutor doesn't think this works she thinks it's out of focus and doesn't recognize what the subject is???? It's buttons btw. She said she was attracted by the swirls and dark contrasts. I'd converted to b+w to go with rough but I'm wondering if it would work better in colour or find something else to photograph as smooth.

Another thought perhaps its the paper it's printed on. I get 25 free photos each month from my ISP and had them printed on matt, perhaps would be better on gloss. I think I need to invest in a good printer so I can do them myself. False economy if you don't get a good print isn't it.

Smooth

Rough

Still

Moving

Tutor thinks using a slow shutter speed to blur someone walking, running would be better to convey Moving.

In the next 2 she thinks there is too much information in them so I've cropped them, what do you think do they work better. NB opaque image needs to be straightened the glass is leaning to the left.

Transparent

Transparent

Opaque

Opaque crop

High

Tutor thinks this is a good image but it doesn't convey 'low' what do you think???

I'm wondering if I should swap the captions around. Low instead of High and High instead of Low???????

Low

Or as my tutor thought 'High' was a good photo substituting this for 'Low'

Straight

Curved

Again my tutor thinks the following 2 photos should be cropped to get rid of excess information.

Diagonal

Diagonal crop

Rounded

Rounded crop

Sweet

Sour

Overall I'm please with her report. I prefer constructive criticism than being told my work is fabulous when you know it isn't.

I can see I'll have to rethink a few of the photos though.

For example someone on Flickr thought this was many

and now I look at it I agree so I may change it to many and look for something more suitable for smooth.

Eeek!!! The more I think about it the more confused I get. My copy of assessment requirements says

"all 5 assignments in their original form plus any amendments made in response to the tutor reports"

It's my understanding then that I can replace photographs if I think they will work better but that I still have to send the original set, obviously putting in my log book why I have changed them. Does is it also mean I have to send the original 4 x 6 inch 2 to a page prints that I sent to my tutor or can I reprint say to 8 x 6 inch and mount on suitable board.

Project 13: The Golden Section

2009-08-04T11:15:00.000+01:00

This project involved making a conscious effort to compose photographs according to the Golden Section.

Is it just me or does this look like a 'Lion' -

Project 11: balance

2009-07-28T00:12:00.000+01:00

I think I've managed to find 6 of my own photographs to show how the balance works in each one.

Project 14: vertical and horizontal frames

2009-07-19T16:13:00.000+01:00

This project involved taking 20 photograph in vertical format then continue by taking 20 horizontal version of each vertical that I'd taken. Where I knew that I wouldn't be able to get back to the same location to take the horizontal photo I took it at the same time. A bit of a cheat I know but this has been a good exercise in composition.

A lot of the photos are taken in my local park which has been given a £14 million renovation over the past year. Any football fans out there will know that you cross Stanley park to get from Liverpool FC to Everton FC.

The next photo is the same view as the previous ones but from across the lake.

One of the newly restored bridges. They had been in such a bad state of repair that they were dangerous to cross so for the past 5 years or so they have been blocked off.

A piece of public art in Liverpool City Centre. The statue is of Eleanor Rigby by Tommy Steele

Statue outside Liverpool Women's Hospital.

The original 'Superlambanana'.....

....... and some of its' offspring?

Merseyside Maritime Museum down at the Albert Dock.

The new Museum of Liverpool due to open in 2010.

Tate Liverpool

Entrance to Liverpool One looking out into an adjacent street. It may be modern but I can't say that I'm really keen on it, it doesn't have the character of the buildings it replaced.

A singer in Liverpool One on 'Beatles Day'

I couldn't end this short trip around Liverpool without these last 2 photos, could I - 'Ferry cross the Mersey'.

Project 8: recording a sequence

2009-07-13T20:10:00.000+01:00

This project involved recording the way I approached a subject from the moment I caught sight of a possible photograph to the final best image I could take.

Well finally I managed to find a situation suitable for this project.

Last Friday 10th July was Beatles day here in Liverpool and I manged to take a set of photos of one of the groups in Williamson Square. They weren't trying to look like the Beatles but they sure could belt out some of the Beatles hits.

Approaching Williamson Square by the side of Liverpool FC's shop.

One of the volunteers selling 'Beatles' wigs and collecting for the 2 charities that benefited from the day 'Alder Hey Imagine Fund' and 'The Marina Dalglish Appeal'.

A large crowd gathered to listen, I didn't feel so self conscious as there where a lot of people taking photographs on anything from mobile phones up to very expensive DSLR's.

Moved to the side a bit to take the next photos.

Project 15: cropping

2009-06-22T18:14:00.000+01:00

For this project I had to take 3 photos I'd already taken and crop them to make a new composition.

This 1st photo is one of my early photographs when I was looking for design ideas for Textiles 1 and not looking at photography as an art form in it's own right so I wasn't composing when I looked through the viewfinder (or I should say looking at the LCD screen with my first compact digital camera).

I cropped the building on the right hand side out plus some of the bottom to produce this photo.

The 2nd photo is one of the 'Superlambananas' that where on display in 2008 as part of Liverpool's European Capital of Culture.

I cropped part of the left and right to make a tighter image.

The last photo is of a street entertainer.

There are a few pieces of litter in the foreground so I cropped and also used the clone stamp in Photoshop to get rid of the white piece that I couldn't get rid of by cropping alone.

Project 7: objects in different positions in the frame

2009-06-21T19:10:00.000+01:00

For this project I had find a subject that is plain and big, well you can't get anything much plainer and bigger than a 'Superlambanana' can you!!!

The idea behind this exercise is to try different placing of a subject in the frame and say which you prefer.

Centre of frame

Left of frame

Right of frame

I prefer the last photo, even though the 'Superlambanana' is looking out of the frame at the right side I like the way I've managed to catch its' reflection in the left of the frame.

New camera bag

2009-06-18T22:59:00.000+01:00

I've been using a bag I got free with my 1st mobile phone but it's not really suitable as a camera bag. To give you an idea of how unsuitable - I put my camera in it along with a bottle of water when I went to my local park a few weeks ago. Bet you can guess what happened, YES the bottle tipped over and I mustn't have put the top on properly so when I went to get my camera out the bottom of the bag was swimming in water. For a few minutes my heart was pounding, I really thought my new DSLR camera was knackered, but thank goodness it was alright just needed the bottom wiping dry.

So I decided to treat myself to a proper camera bag, after a lot of research on the internet I finally decided on a Lowepro Slingshot 200 - £49.95 from Jacobs.

Photography exhibitions in Liverpool

2009-06-18T18:52:00.000+01:00

As part of the course I'm supposed to get to as many exhibitions as I can which is a bit awkward for me as I'm a full time carer for my Mum who is housebound after a small stroke a few years ago. I would love to get to London for a few days of cultural sightseeing but as that's not possible I'll have to make do closer to home.

I've already been to 2 this year.

Recollections

Photographs of Philip Jones Griffiths

17 October 2008 to 13 April 2009

and

Sound and Vision

Music and fashion photographed by Francesco Mellina, Liverpool, 1978-82

1 May to 31 August 2009

there are 4 more that I must see

Shoot Nations

Young people in a changing climate

17 January to 2 August 2009

Stephen Shakeshaft photographic exhibition (title to be confirmed)

18 September 2009 - 24 January 2010 - National Conservation Centre

Liverpool Daily Post and Echo photographer Stephen Shakeshaft has been capturing the lives of local people since the 1960s. This exhibition features an engaging selection of his portraits and candid shots of the people of Liverpool.

I'm particularly looking forward to this next one at The Walker Art Gallery

Cecil Beaton: Portraits

26 June 2009 - 31 August 2009

This major restrospective exhibition brings together captivating images from Cecil Beaton, one of the most celebrated photographers of the twentieth century. Renowned for his images of elegance, glamour and style, Beaton's work has inspired many famous photographers including David Bailey and Mario Testino. The exhibition covers five decades of Beaton's career capturing 50 years of fashion, art and celebrity. Highlights include portraits of Marilyn Monroe, Jackie Onassis, Audrey Hepburn, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles.

BBC WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR EXHIBITION : 15 AUG - 20 SEPT 2009 at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral

Trafficked

31 July 2009 to 28 February 2010

Black Britannia

7 August 2009 to 28 February 2010

Project 4: more shutter speeds

2009-06-14T20:36:00.000+01:00

The previous set of photos where taken with my DSLR but I'd tried this project with my bridge camera and a different subject.

This set of photos was taken of the fountain at Liverpool One, the new shopping centre that opened last year.

Even though I changed the shutter speed there doesn't really seem to be a lot of difference between each photo, or is it just me???

1/100 sec, f/8, ISO 100

1/125, f/7.1, ISO 100

1/160, f/6.3, ISO 100

1/200, f/6.3, ISO 100

1/250, f/5.6, ISO 100

1/320, f/5, ISO 100

1/400, f/4.5, ISO 100

1/500, f/4, ISO 100

This last photo is taken in Williamson Square.

1/200, f/6.3, ISO 100

Project 4: shutter speeds

2009-06-13T21:08:00.000+01:00

I set my camera to 'Shutter' priority so the camera will automatically set the aperture whenever I change the shutter speed.

I still feel self conscious whenever I'm photographing in public so I took these in a few places and tried to look as if I was looking at something else.

They're not a great set of photographs but they do convey movement which is what I was after.

1/160 sec, f/5.6, 100 ISO

0.3 sec, f/36.0, 100 ISO

1/4 sec, f/36.0, 100 ISO

1/5 sec, f/36.0, 100 ISO

1/10 sec, f/36.0, 100 ISO

1/10 sec, f/29.0, 100 ISO

Note to myself 'take a written note of shutter speed to go with each photograph' - I forgot to take my little note book with me so had to look up the 'file info' when I opened them in photoshop.

Project 12: positioning the horizon

2009-06-09T16:12:00.000+01:00

It was lousy weather when I took these 3 photos plus the view I chose is to say the least uninspiring - so I think I'll re-do them when the weather improves and find a better location in the park.

I went back to re-do this project but it was still dull but the view is a bit better.

Chapter 2: The Frame - Project 6: fitting the frame to the subject

2009-06-06T18:09:00.000+01:00

I chose to use the 'Dixie Dean' statue that stands at the corner of Goodison Road by Everton FC's ground.

Photot 1 - I didn't take to much time considering the composition of this. If I had I would have moved so the pole at the right side wasn't in the frame.

Photo 2 - as this is a tall statue I turned the camera to take the photo as a 'portrait' format. I also moved in closer but now I look at it I think I could have got even closer to fill the frame with the statue more.

Photo 3 - I got even closer to fill the frame with just the head of the statue. I think this is my favourite.

Photo 4 - I moved as far back as I could without stepping into a busy road junction to stress the surrounding the statue is in.

You can probably guess that this one was taken on another day (Everton fans leave floral tributes from funerals of a loved one and they're missing from this photo). I forgot the 4th photo when I was taking the others.

I went back to re-do Photo 4 in light of Jill's comment. The funny thing is I hadn't noticed the the blue plaque was covered by the statues elbow :(

Project 9: focal lengths

2009-06-03T16:11:00.000+01:00

I used my Olympus SP-560UZ for this project because it has a greater range of focal lengths on the zoom lens.

The sensor on the Olympus is 1/2.3 (6.16 x 4.62) compared with a 35mm film camera. The first number is when it is converted using this website and the number in brackets is the focal length on my camera.

I walked along to Everton's football ground for this series of photos.

Photo 1 - 26.8mm (4.7mm)

Photo 2 - 33.1mm (5.8mm)

Photo 3 - 42.2mm (7.4mm)

Photo 4 - 53.6mm (9.4mm)

Photo 5 - 76.4mm (23.4mm)

Photo 6 - 133.4mm (23.4mm)

Photo 7 - 189.8mm (33.3mm)

Photo 8 - 336.8mm (84.2mm)

You can see in photos 1 and 2 that there is an obvious distortion. Photos 3 and 4 are closer to what the eye sees.

Project 3: focus with different apertures

2009-06-03T15:46:00.000+01:00

The object of this project was to show how 'depth of field' changes with aperture.

Once again I used the same 'still life' as in the previous project. As instructed I focused on the middle bottle and using 'aperture-priority' mode I took the 3 photographs at the widest aperture, middle aperture and smallest aperture.

23mm, 1/6 sec, f3.5, 100 ISO

23mm, 1/6 sec, f9.0, 100 ISO

23mm, 1/6 sec, f22.0, 100 ISO

At firstI found aperture confusing, it didn't seem to make sense that f/1 had a big aperture and f/22 had a small aperture but I've got the hang of it now.

Photo 1 has the middle bottle in focus, in photo 2 the bottles are more obviously in focus and finally in photo 3 all the bottles are in focus.

I think I'll try this again when I have time with something that will show more obviously 'depth of field'.

Project 2: focus with a set aperture

2009-06-03T15:36:00.000+01:00

Every time I planned to go out it has been raining so I've had to resort to using a 'still life' for this project. I did something similar last year for an exercise in the Open University T189 course but that was using my Bridge camera 'Olympus SP 560UZ' but I want to use my new DSLR whenever possible.

I set up a line of 'silk paint' bottles and set my camera up on a tripod. I set my camera to 'aperture-priority' mode so the camera will automatically choose the correct shutter speed.

Photo 1 - focus on 1st bottle.

23mm, 1/6sec, f/3.5, 100 ISO

Photo 2 - focus on 4th bottle from right.

23mm, 1/6sec, f/3.5, 100 ISO

Photo 3 - focus on last bottle.

23mm, 1/6sec, f/3.5, 100 ISO

I prefer the 1st photograph - the bottles gradually become out of focus the further back you look i.e. Depth of field.

Chapter 1: A Way of Seeing -Project 1: Focal length and angle of view

2009-04-05T21:56:00.002+01:00

The first project is to find the standard focal length of my camera.

As I had to return to the same spot I used a pole at the corner of my street.

1/100 sec, f/6.3,ISO 100, 18mm (widest view)

1/100 sec, f/8 ,ISO 100, 35mm

This is closest to what my eye sees when I look at this view.

1/100 sec, f/7.1,ISO 100, 55mm (telephoto view)

New Camera

2009-04-02T21:29:00.000+01:00

I bought a Bridge camera to do Open University T189 last year but I decided to treat myself to a DSLR for doing this course. I got a great deal at John Lewis Liverpool £443 for a Canon 450D with kit lens (the RRP is £670).

I got it last Saturday but I've spent the past few days getting used to it now I can make a start on the course.

Course materials

2009-03-14T16:32:00.000Z

My course materials arrived on Friday. The tissue is a lot neater when you first get it but I'd already opened it before deciding to take a photo.

and this is what you get.

A large folder with all you need to do the course, a book 'Photography A Concise History', a hardback notebook and pen, and 5 envelopes for sending assignments to my tutor. I had a quick look through but I'm going to ready through properly over the weekend.

2009-03-07T12:19:00.000Z

My artistic muse took a holiday for most of last year but it's back now and I've decided to carry on with my courses with OCA which will hopefully lead to a BA Hons in Creative Arts.

I've done 2 courses with them over the past 5 years. Textiles 1 and Drawing 1 and partially completed Drawing in Colour but had to defer through ill health.

I applied for a Bursary from OCA a few weeks ago and was given help towards the cost of the course I want to do next.

I completed the Open University T189 Digital photography: creating and sharing better images last year and it wetted my appetite to continue so I've enrolled for 'The Art of Photography'.

I've imported some of the work I did on my other courses from my other blog so that it's all in one place.

I Passed

2007-09-22T12:17:00.000+01:00

I got the results of my Open College of Arts Textiles assessment this morning. I thought I would pass with maybe a Grade C but you'll never believe it I got a Grade A

I am so made up, chuffed, over the moon.

TAST French Knot Stitch

2007-06-16T21:28:00.000+01:00

I'm still doing my French Knot sample but in the best tradition of 'Blue Peter' here's some I prepared earlier or should I say what I did for a Project in my OCA course. The exercises where based on the painting style 'Pointillism' but using french knots instead of dots of paint.

The last one reminds me of marshmallows.

Textile Assessment

2007-06-16T21:20:00.000+01:00

I forgot to post about this yesterday but never mind. I finally packed up the 6 projects I had to send for my OCA assessment along with 2 sketchbooks, a theme book on flowers and a log book I had to keep throughout the course. I managed to make a box out of some packaging to put it all in but blimey it weighed a ton, or felt like it. I ended up taking the bag off our shopping trolley and tying the box to that so I could pull it up to the post office, I'd have either given myself a heart attack or a hernia if I'd tried carrying it and I very nearly gave Carol in the PO one. She had to lift it up on to the counter to weigh it on the scales, it came in at 7.6 kg. It doesn't have to be at OCA headquarters in Barnsley until 30th June by the latest so I sent it the cheapest way and that still cost £10.76. I'll find out 6-8 weeks after the 30th how well I've done, so keep your fingers crossed for me.

Sketchbook pages

2007-06-08T11:50:00.000+01:00

We've been having a discussion on the C & G Yahoo group I belong to about sketchbooks. When I first started my Open College of the Arts Textiles course I'd only ever done sketching for drawing or painting so wasn't too sure about keeping a sketchbook for textiles. I started of tentatively but got more confident as I went along. A number of group members have been generous and put photos of their sketchbooks on their blogs to share with us and when I compare mine with theirs I think I'm finally getting the hang of it. You have to throw any preconceived ideas out of the window and just go for it. In fact anything goes in to them and they don't have to be neat and tidy either which I've found hard to get away from. I have a very orderly mind so I like things neat and tidy though you wouldn't think that if you saw the state of my studio.

I had a go at putting some photos of my OCA sketchbook in to a slideshow and here is the result. You can click on a photo and it will take you to a larger version on the 'photobucket' website.

OCA Tutors report

2007-03-20T21:59:00.000Z

I got my last assignment back from my tutor at lunctime. with her last report - she wrote:-

I can see that you have learned a great deal during this course - you are starting to experiment more and be less reliant on the known, and instead starting to venture into unknown territory in order to create something new. It would be great to see this continue. I understand that you might wish to embark on a C & G course in Embroidery before starting Textiles 2. I would be happy to be your tutor again when you decide the time is right for this. Well done on completing Textiles 1.

I never said but my tutor is Sarah Braddock Clarke who is a published author of Techno Textiles: Revolutionary Fabrics for Fashion and Design No. 2.

OCA Drawing

2007-03-19T21:42:00.000Z

I thought I'd post some of the drawings I did for the 1st OCA Drawing course I completed last year.

It started with some exercises on using diferent drawing media such as pencil, charcoal. They aren't very exciting to look at so I won't bore you with them.

The next chapter was on Drawing and Looking

The drawing above is various boxes and books with tins done in charcoal.

Next I had to find a load of different sized jars and bottles in pen and ink.

Then we had to use tone to describe boxes and round objects in charcoal.

In the next chapter we got to draw some real objects, starting with eggs in various mediums, pencils, pen and ink, charoal.

Then Cups and saucers in pencil, charcoal, pen and ink.

Then I got more adventorous and set up a kitchen still life which I did with a drawing pen. It took me hours to do.

And finally in the chapter a mixed media drawing of various vegetables in pencil, charcoal, pen and ink and watersoluble pencil. Again this took me hours to do.

The next chapter I had to do a few drawings outside. This is in charcoal and is trees in my local park. I entered it in the OCA Student exhibition last year in Barnsley. Unfortunately I couldn't get to go to the exhibition. I looked up on the internet train times and it would have taken me 4 hours there and 4 hours back. I couldn't get a train direct so would have had to go via Sheffield or Huddersfield.

This is of St Lukes church next to Everton's football ground just along the road from where I live. I did this in pen and ink and must admit I cheated a bit and did some quick sketches in my sketchbook of it and took some photos to work from. I felt so exposed standing drawing in the street.
This is my attempt at a Cubist study for the chapter on perspective. I'd never done anything like this before so was pleased with the finished drawing. Now I look at it from a Textile point of view it could be used as a basis for a patchwork. What do you think?

There was a choice of subjects for the last chapter depending on which you where interested in, something suitable for photographers, garden design, or artists. I could have done figure drawing but I chose to do the exercises on collage I thought they'd be more useful for Textile work.

OCA comment

2007-03-07T21:52:00.000Z

Lynda asked in her comment what I felt I had gained from doing the course. Well firstly I've found another outlet for my creativety. At the start of the course I had to write a short piece

Hopes, Plans and Expectations

I have the ideas bubbling round in my brain and often see something that gives me inspiration but I can’t seem to get them down on to paper so I’ve only used patterns out of books or magazines for the various embroidery and textile/craft techniques I can do. I hope to learn how to turn my ideas into workable designs.

After looking through the course material I think I will be trying some things I’ve never done before and begin to look for ideas in even the most mundane of items.

I hope I can let my creative talents loose in new directions.

I don’t understand or particularly like some contemporary/modern art, I prefer traditional art work, clothing etc but I want to do work for Textiles 1: A Creative Approach to Textiles that has a contemporary feel and not be thought of as ‘old fashioned’.

Well I've learnt you don't have to do a literal interpretation of your resource material, before I would have done an exact copy of, say the photo of Hydrangeas I used for my last project, but now I realise you can use the colours as inspiration or enlarge part of the photo and use it as an abstract piece.

I've really enjoyed the course but I still feel that I'm inclined to be a bit old fashioned, by that I mean in embroidery I do each stitch as I was taught - but I have started to be less so since doing TAST. I don't think I was as experimental enough in some of the work I did for the course so as I've mentioned before I think I would benefit from doing a C & G course.