Vote for your Favorite in 2009 Photo Contest

The photos in my second ANNUAL PHOTO CONTEST are all worthy and represent distinctly different types of photography. Please take a moment to view them all and then cast a vote for your favorite using the quick and simple poll feature in the lefthand column of this blog. Remember this contest is different from most since you, my blog readers, act as judges instead of an industry expert. Pass the word to every photo lover you know. Good luck everyone!

Last Call for Entries Photo Contest 2009

The deadline is Monday, November 30, 2009 for this year's photo contest! Hurry and get your entries in now. Comb through this year's images and choose the one you think will win the most votes. Remember, this contest is decided in a vote by my blog readers, not professional judges. Good luck!

Spectacular Views from the Hudson River Walkway

The Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad bridge has been closed since a devastating fire May 8, 1974. Such a large part of the city skyline, it has seemed almost a ghostly presence, a foresaken steel relic doomed to one day simply fall into the river below. Walkway over the Hudson has been trying to convert the bridge into a public walkway since 1992. Construction finally began on this dream project last year and the bridge was officially opened to the public as part of the 400th Centennial Celebration of the 'discovery' of the Hudson River.

The fall foliage made my first walk across the bridge truly spectacular. Though sometimes afraid of heights and despite a healthy wind (see the flag), the bridge didn't sway at all. As you leave the Poughkeepsie side, you walk above houses and roads and rail lines. It's truly breathtaking to stand mid-river and take in the view—Catskill mountains to the north, the Mid Hudson Bridge to the south. I was particularly impressed with the steel truss structure. The 80-spot parking lot is no nearly enough to accommodate the curious. So, best to visit during the week until the crowds thin out.

Originally constructed in 1889 with funds from prominent tycoons Henry Clay Frick and Andrew Carnegie, the Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge was deemed to be an extraordinary engineering achievement. The bridge stands 212 feet above the river, stretches 6767 feet and is a classic cantilever and truss bridge.

2009 Photo Contest

It's time to comb through your photos and pick the best one to enter in Molly Ahearn's 2009 Photo Contest. Remember, it's not judged in the usual way by a photography professional, but is selected by popular vote of my blog readers. Last year there were many, many beautiful images making the vote a very close one. For complete rules and instructions, check my website.

Last year's winning photograph was taken by Nadine Robbins.

The second place winner was: Dave Clarke of Scotland with an outstanding black-and-white image.


The third place winner was: Tracy Sofka of Poughkeepsie. Gorgeous blue jewels.

ASV Tour Draws A Crowd in Clinton Corners

Rather than clean out the barn, my husband suggested setting up a portable gallery under a rented tent for the Art Studio Views Labor Day tour. We had a few tense moments on Friday trying to figure out how to hang my photographs from the rented pipe and drape setup. Five trips to the hardware store and a lot of worrying on my part resulted in a simple, elegant solution involving chains, s-hooks and shower curtain rod hangars! It really looked beautiful (thanks Bill!). The weather was spectacular and a slight breeze drifted through as people wandered through the last 20 years of my photographs. My sister Margaret was such a huge help. She helped talk to people about my work and made tons of sales for me (my mom was her best customer!). I couldn't have dreamed up a better advocate. Her husband, Smitty, made delightful summer treats—heirloom tomatoes with celery on cucumber slices. I met many new neighbors and enjoyed talking at length to everyone, especially the handful of young aspiring artists and old family friend Jimmy Borghoff and his family. I was deeply touched by everyone's genuine interest in me and my work. Thank you all!

p.s. If you're wondering, I rented the tent from Paul Crittenden at Aladdin Tent 889-8547 in Hyde Park. He's wonderful to work with.

Oblong Offers Deep Discount on My Book to Fairgoers

For anyone who hasn't wandered through either of its homey stores—one in Rhinebeck and the original in Millerton—Oblong Books & Music is a local treasure. Time will disappear as you comb through recommended novels, art books and books featuring the local area. Their music collection is simply outstanding. If you're looking for hard-to-find blues or folk recordings, Oblong is the place to be.

I jumped at their invitation to sign books at their booth at this year's fair. AND they're selling the book to fairgoers for only $9.99, down nearly 40% from its normal $15.95 price tag. Find me in Building A on Saturday from 3pm to 5pm and I'll sign your copy!

Please pass the word about this special opportunity to anyone who might be interested. Remember, this book makes a great gift to parents and grandparents with long memories of the fair.

American Youth: Images of the Obama Generation

Been so busy working, decided I needed some inspiration, so I went to the Fovea Gallery in Beacon Friday afternoon. An impressive group of photographers from every genre—portrait to documentary—was assembled to take part in pictorializing the lives of today's 18-24 year olds. I was drawn in by this powerful cover image from the book by Erika Larsen and wasn't disappointed when I got there.

The images were mounted very simply on thin board with brief captions. Young debutantes at the Plaza Hotel in New York in their virgin white gowns. A lusty lesbian couple embracing legs and hearts entwined. The boots of a never-to-return Iraqi soldier sitting inside the front hall. A series of portraits posed with their messages to god—Can you hear me? What the F#@k were you thinking!? A Palestinian-American woman sips the sunlight through a forest of trees in an Ohio park. Go-go boot-clad Seattle Seahawk Sea Gal cheerleaders in their tanned muscles and exploding bustier tops.

Also going on right now is a Windows on Main Street show. A couple dozen storefronts have been turned into gallery space. A perfect 1-mile stroll winds you up at a mural exhibit public art display on the side of an old factory building. So, spend an afternoon in Beacon! Find the Fovea Gallery at 143 Main Street/www.foveaeditions.org.

Hudson Valley Art Studio Views Tour Labor Day Weekend

Are you staying home this Labor Day and looking for cool stuff to do? The annual Art Studio Views Tour will be Saturday and Sunday September 5 & 6 from 11am to 5pm. I’m stop #1 (sometimes it pays to have a last name that begins with ‘A’!). Come on by and see what photography I’ve been up to. There are 22 other talented artists on the tour, so make sure to leave time to visit other studios. You can download a map and artist details at artsnortherndutchess.org/asv to plan your route. My friend and fellow Hudson Valley 7 member, Joanne Klein lives just around the corner from me.

I’m going to have all kinds of photographs for sale—Dutchess County Fair, Cowgirls, Truths, Lies and Legends, New York City, Ominous Skies and more. I’ve got to clean out the barn so prices will be discounted at least 50%.

As an extra bonus, I designed the ASV brand this year—from logo to website to brochure and more. So when you go the ASV website, know that it was a Full Deck Design project. I can’t wait to see the logo plastered all over Northern Dutchess!

Fair Photos at Barnes & Noble

The Dutchess County Fair runs from August 25-30 this year. I’ll be giving a slide show with my latest fair photos as well as some historic ones at the Kingston Barnes & Noble on Sunday, August 23rd at 3:00pm. I’m always interested in meeting people with fair stories, so please pass the word to everyone who might have one to share with me. Of course, I’ll be signing copies of my book The Dutchess County Fair: Portrait of an American Tradition (Black Dome Press, 2007).

It’s also a great opportunity to see the images from my Truths, Lies and Legends collection that are hanging in the café. I’d LOVE to talk about that.

So, come out on the 23rd, we’ve got lots to talk about!

Advance Your Artist Website: Hire a Professional Web Designer

If you’d like to be a successful artist, you should be making art, not hassling with website design and maintenance. Professionally designed and managed sites are an investment in your craft that when done well will pay off in recognition and possibly sales. As my regular blog readers know, I’ve just launched Full Deck Design, a firm specializing in designing and deploying eMedia. I’m about to meet with a couple of artists interested in creating websites and thought it was the perfect opportunity to outline how to prepare for working with a professional web designer.

Tips on Preparing for an Artist Website
1. Website Purpose. Will this be a place dedicated to selling fine art? Or do you just need an online portfolio? Have people hire you for custom work? Advertise your classes/workshops? Or do you have another goal?
2. Determine How You’ll Measure Site Success. Sales? Number of visitors to the site? Exhibit opportunities? Gallery signings?
3. Design Guidelines. Decide who will design the look of your site. If you already know how you’d like the site to look, tell the designer right away. It may save you some money. Bring a sketch outlining any special features, fonts, colors. Print samples of sites you like and what you like about them.
4. Clear Communication. Make sure you choose a web specialist that you’re comfortable with. Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions. What is very familiar to them may be Greek to you.
5. Functionality. Do you want to include a link to subscribe to your blog or eNewsletter? Include an animation? Have fancy navigation or portfolio features? Include a shopping cart? Be compatible with handheld devices?
6. Decide on a Budget. Be honest about what you can afford to spend. Your budget may limit the functionality features, but better to set the parameters before the clock starts ticking.
7. Domain Name. Contrary to what some web hosts would have you believe, you can purchase a domain name easily and directly from many places online. I use NetworkSolutions.com. I know many people who let their web host purchase a domain name for them who subsequently wouldn’t give them their own domain account information when they wanted to switch host companies. So be careful!
8. Site Map. Most artist web sites focus on the portfolio but may also include press/news, bio, artist’s statement, gallery affiliations, class/workshop schedule, store and contact pages.
9. Content. Gather information for each site page. Try to include appealing visuals for text-based pages—a head shot for the bio page, a video of you creating your art for the home page, press clippings for the press page, etc.
10. Quality Imagery. Your art MUST look beautiful. Invest in high quality, high resolution image files. If you’re a photographer, consider digitally watermarking images or preventing image downloads with code.
11. Affiliations. If you’re a member of an arts organization or other professional organization that could reinforce your credentials, have them send you a logo to include on the site. If you’re involved with Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or any other networking site, you might consider including links to them as well.
12. Search Engine Optimization. Do you want people to find you easily via search engines? See my earlier blog explaining this further.
13. Timeline. When do you want your site to go live? Is there a special event in the future?
14. Web Host. After the site is complete, you will need your user name and password to upload the final files.
15. Ongoing Maintenance. Who will be responsible for updating content? Discuss options with the designer that might allow you to handle after the initial setup.

Insider's Look: Jumper

My Photo Stories
Swimming in the crystal-clear lake was strictly forbidden, but after a 5-mile run Anna didn’t care.
Or…
After losing his job and then his wife all in one day, Alexander wondered if a belly flop off the 60-foot drop would put him out of his misery.
Or…
Upon awakening from a sun nap on the warm October rocks, Sally saw the line of fire ants marching into her shirt.
Or…what are your story ideas?

Behind the Photo
The water in the lake at Minnewaska State Park is crystal clear. Some strange chemical combination prevents any life from enjoying its beauty. Once, I took a photograph half below the water here and half above for the cover of a publication printed by the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies.

Be the first to buy a Jumper print and get a 50% discount on the size of your choice. This is my August 2009 home page photo, part of my Truths, Lies and Legends collection.

Barnes & Noble Artist of the Month

The Kingston, NY Barnes & Noble has invited me to be artist of the month for August. I'm very excited about showing 10 pieces from my Truths, Lies and Legends collection. [One of the pieces—Aluminum Foiled—is on loan from the collector.] The common thread throughout all of my work as photographer is that I consider myself a storyteller. Until now, I have used a journalistic approach where multiple images seen together tell one complete story. With The Truths, Lies and Legends images, each image tells a story of its own. I choose a spectacular natural setting and place something in the frame—a card with crayon-colored boxes, a bicycle, flowers—that transforms the scene from a landscape into a stageset. Then, I write stories to possibly explain the scene. Those stories frame each image as you can see in the above image. Come on out to see what it's all about!

Jokers Are Welcome at Full Deck Design

I don't usually talk about my day job on this blog, but today I simply couldn't resist. I've just opened a boutique graphic design firm specializing in web and print media—Full Deck Design. My first job was to create a brand for an open studio tour for a group of artists. The artists love what I designed and are hoping it will attract lots of visitors this labor day. If you'd like to see it, check out a mini view on my newly launched website or check out the Art Studio Views website directly.

Please consider asking me for an estimate the next time you need web or print work. You'll get the full deck if you hire me!

July 4th Parade: A Slice of American Pie

Insider's Look: Frosted Pumpkin

My Photo Stories
His father made fun of him for being afraid of the family jack-o-lantern, but Teddie had a plan to get rid of it.
Or…Sick and tired of green goose poop littering his cornfields, his tractor tires and his boots, Farmer O’Leary took to scaring them off with lit jack-o-lanterns.
Or…Ned just missed seeing little Jack Frost powder the corn stalks with the season’s first frost, the breath from his tiny horse forming large clouds of white smoke.
Or…what are your story ideas?

Buy a Frosted Pumpkin Photo
Be the first to buy a Frosted Pumpkin print online and get a 50% discount on the size of your choice. This is my July 2009 home page photo, part of my Truths, Lies and Legends collection.

Bounty Show Big Success

The weather was dismal, but the G.A.S. gallery was packed. The first group show of the Hudson Valley 7 was a major success. For the first time, I showed work from my Truths, Lies and Legends collection—a combination of my written storytelling and my photography. I was a little nervous about what people might think, but was delighted to hear giggles and words of praise as people read the stories. I even sold one! Thanks to everyone for coming. Thanks to Jen for snapping my picture!

Main Printing Matches ModernPostcard

In these tough economic times, it’s good to save money when you can. But, it’s even more important to support local businesses. If you can do both at the same time, well, that’s a no-brainer. We chose Main Printing in Poughkeepsie to print the post cards for our upcoming Bounty show. Owner Marla Neville recently bought a high-end digital machine that allows her to offer color output at competitive prices. She matched ModernPostcard’s price for a 5x7 post card. Add to that, her eye for quality, and the card is beautiful. If you need small-run printed pieces, ask her for an estimate. You won’t be sorry.

Loved Lisbon

Lisbon is a charming city. The old trolley cars from San Francisco run up and down its steep hills. A broad, tree-lined central avenue reminiscent of La Rambla in Barcelona runs to the heart of the city. Much of the old town was completely wiped out by a devastating earthquake/tsunami. Since it was all rebuilt at the same time and under the control of a king, the buildings flow seamlessly into one another. Instead of marble, the Portuguese use an easy-to-carve type of lime that comes in shades of black, white, blue and rose. Tiles of it decorate event the sidewalks. The Monastery of Saint Jerome shows off spectacular carvings in the white lime. We didn’t have nearly enough time in Lisbon. I will definitely return one day.

Gray is the Color Porto

Porto, like the liquor of the same name, is an acquired taste. The gray skies melt into its gray buildings—broken only occasionally, and as a result, somewhat shockingly—by brilliantly -colored ceramic tile facades. The tiles apparently stand up to the stormy Atlantic weather. A brutal dictator, António de Oliveira Salazar, ruled Portugal from 1932 to 1968. The scars of his torture and pillage remain in the minds of its people. In a small town not far from the border, a statue of a broken chain celebrates their freedom upon his death.

Stone River Archival Rocks!

Got my prints for the Bounty Hudson Valley 7 show and they look fabulous! I know I’ve mentioned him before, but seriously, if you need quality digital output call Steve Kerner (845.679.6286). He knows more about profiles than you’ll ever dream of learning. And being an artist himself, he knows how to talk to artists about subtleties in color, hue and contrast—over the phone!

BOUNTY: A Show by the Hudson Valley 7

About once a month, I get together with 6 other artists to talk about art, motivate each other and enjoy each other's home cooking. We call ourselves the Hudson Valley 7 and we're about to have a group show at the G.A.S. gallery at 196 Main Street in Poughkeepsie. I'm going to be showing work from my new collection, Truth, Lies and Legends. The opening reception is sure to be as lively as the art. Join us June 20 from 6-9 pm.

Jennifer Axinn-Weiss is a mixed media artist who has exhibited for over 25 years. Jennifer creates textured, often figurative works, at times blurring the boundary between painting and collage. She currently employs vintage imagery of Geisha and Victorian women evoking both romance and contemplation.

Susan Hoffman, a pioneering contemporary quilt maker for over 35 years, thinks like a painter. Fabric is her palette and stitches are her pencil. Using traditional piecework and quilting techniques, she is inspired by the environment we share and the warmth quilts generate— both literally and metaphorically.

Joanne Klein creates minimalist color field paintings in which color relationships and linear planes are fundamental to the articulation of emotive content. Her work is both controlled and exuberant.

E. Elizabeth Peters is a multidisciplinary artist whose recent work explores the history of 17th century Dutch still life painting and the continuing impact of global trade and post colonialism in contemporary art and culture.

Helen Suter incorporates diverse, reused materials in her large-scale steel constructions, small objects and works on paper. Her current body of work reflects her opposition to all wars, an idea to use fabric and her confidence in communicating perceptions, feelings and concepts through purely visual means.

Elizabeth Watt is a photographer whose lush 20x24 polaroid Botanical studies are reminiscent of Dutch still life paintings. Elizabeth draws her inspiration from painting, collage, sculpture and nature. Her photographs are characterized by a painterly sensibility, classical composition and exquisite light.

Seaside in San Sebastian and Cathedral-side in Santiago de Compostela

One cool thing about traveling with a tour group is the local guide who introduces you to their city and its history. Cristina, our guide to San Sebastian was a chatty, lively woman who shared (perhaps too much) its history. Napoleon conquered the city in 1858. When the Spanish forces came to liberate them from his reign in 1863, they trashed the place and burned it to the ground. As a result, there are very few old buildings.

San Sebastian became a popular seaside resort when Queen Elizabeth visited as part of a cure for a herpes (!) condition. Her treatment included medication and a daily dip in salt water. An oxen-drawn carriage was pulled through the sea enabling the water to rise up through her skirts. At the end of her stay, the herpes was gone, she spoke of its beauty and its cure, and the place has been a hot spot for the rich and famous ever since.

Life in the Mountains of Northern Spain