New Glass Scuptures

"Magical Reds" - 4.75"x3.75" - SOLD

"Blues & Purple IV" - 5.25"x4.00" SOLD (EL)

Creating glass sculptures is quite an experience. Having the glass go from a molten state, to the final form, is something everyone should see or do. If you have the chance to stop by a glassblowing studio, or hot shop, you'll witness an amazing process you'll never forget. I've created around 60 pieces now, and every sculpture seems to take on a life of it's own. You never really now how the colors turn out, until they have been in the annealing oven, and cooled for 24 hours...the wait is sometimes agonizing!.

Those that have purchased one of my glass pieces come to realize that the glass is so much better when viewed in person. What a ray of sunlight does to the glass is pure magic!

Both pieces have been SOLD.

Be sure and click on the images for a closer look.

HDR Photography - My First Attempts

HDR Photography is also known as high dynamic range photography. HDR photography is the process of combining 3 or more exposures of the same image. The idea behind high dynamic range photography is to highlight the best exposure for different parts of the same photograph. HDR photography typically works best in outdoor settings, or settings with a wide range of light and color.

The 1st photos in this post were taken at the West Hylebos Wetlands in Federal Way, Washington. The last photos were taken at Alder Lake near Elbe, Washington.

To all my "Plein Air" artist friends - using an HDR photo reference is pretty close to working on location!

I'm still learning how to create these HDR photos, and I'm having a blast doing i! I'd love to know what you think! Make sure you click on the photos for a better view!

Chinook Pass and Mt. Rainier

Dominated by majestic Mt. Rainier at every turn, this All American Road traces the historic Naches Trail trading route between Enumclaw and Naches. At 5,430 feet, Chinook Pass marks a dramatic change in the landscape, separating the dense cedar and fir forests on the west side of the Cascade Mountains from the massive basalt cliffs of the Columbia Plateau on the East side. This byway is known for its history, the beauty of Mt. Rainier, and the many outdoor recreational opportunities it offers. The Federal Highway Administration honored Chinook Pass as an All American Road in 1998.

Be sure and click on each photo for a larger view!

The Great Prosser Hot Air Balloon Rally

I had the pleasure of attending my first balloon rally last weekend in Prosser, Washington. All I can say is that it's an explosion of color that everyone should enjoy. The following are just a few of the photos I took at the rally.

Ballooning in Prosser started 20 years ago when balloon pilot Ted Wirch came to town to give his in-laws a balloon ride. During Ted's flight over Prosser he realized just what a beautiful place Prosser really is. He decided there and then that he had to tell other balloonist about the great flying there was to be had in the skies over Prosser.

Make sure you click on each photo for a closer look. Enjoy!!