Papier-mache sculpture in progress: Susan Komer art

My last post showed the process of building the armature for this piece.  The photos that follow are first layer process photos.  During this phase, I'm working to get the first layers done to provide a more stable surface for shaping the form.  The plastic & tape armature I've used is something new I hadn't tried until now.  I think that its great to get the proportions right, but it does have a tendency to lose its form.  I'm doing a lot of shaping on the backside as when I did the front, the weight seemed to collapse the form.  A bummer for sure, but something I can work with.

We've had some rain and windy weather for the past two days, so I was forced to move inside which slows the dry time.  Drying layers before moving on is crucial or you'll have collapse in structure...while I know this full well...I still tend to push it a bit which only adds more work.  Patience...something my creative flow has a tough time dealing with!

Papier-mâché armature process photos by Susan Komer

For those of you who follow my work, you know I'm very interested in sculpting...particularly papier-mâché. Yesterday I finally started one that is to represent myself.  It will end up being a  part of a much larger project, but I've noticed an interest in these sculptures so I thought I'd share something new that I'm trying out as an armature.  I've never done this before and only recently discovered the wonders of it.  I'm going to include a few photos but the process is basically to wrap yourself in tape, cutting it off and reassembling it to create a shell that can be used as is or as an armature for other things.  Its been interesting to say the least.  I'll keep posting as it progresses so stay tuned :)

Sketch of the day...by Susan Komer

So, if you're wondering where I've been...I've been working!  On art of course, all sorts...playing with watercolor, oil pastels and most recently...drawing!  On Monday I started sketching again...now every day I do a warm up sketch and this week I've been working on a portrait of my youngest son.  The portrait is not yet complete, but I thought I'd pop in and let you see my last 3 sketch/drawings.  It has been awhile since I really focused on my drawing skills and I must admit that I'm truly enjoying my drawing time.  Yes I'm still out photographing constantly, but this girl is no one trick pony.  Art, its all I know, its who I am and it makes me happier than anything else possibly could!

Weekend in Chicago: photographs by Susan Komer

This past weekend I ran off to Chicago to see some art, photograph the streets and check out the blues festival.  It was my first trip to Chicago and I was blown away by the sights. Just a quick trip in, but I'll surely be going back soon.  My weekend was a bit thwarted by rain, city construction and time restraints, but I thought I would post a few interesting shots.  If you enjoy my work and would like to see more please follow my link on Flickr provided below, Thanks!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/123441024@N03/

Catch of the day: heron photographs by Susan Komer

Wildlife photography is one of my favorite genre to work with.  I spend as much time as I can outdoors hiking to find true wildlife, hoping to catch things in action...showing us their true nature.  My husband enjoys fishing as a way to relax...as he fishes, I sit quietly...often perched on a rock...waiting.  On this day, we were down by a spillway when I had a chance encounter with this heron who didn't seem to mind my presence as he fished for his dinner.  Its not that often one stumbles across wildlife camera hams, but I'm pretty sure this guy was one.  I named him Slim and we spent a good hour together before he'd had enough of me, though I could have watched him for hours.

If you'd like to see more of my photographic works, please visit me on Flickr at the link provided below.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/123441024@N03/

Roses in bloom: Susan Komer photography

Welcome back to another week of adventure.  Over the weekend I got out and found some amazing photography opportunities.  I went to the car races, not my favorite thing to do, but the hubby enjoys it.  We also paid a visit to the Garden of Roses, the Scioto Mile fountain and some fishing at several dams in the Columbus area.  I've got 100's of interesting shots I'd love to share, but we'll begin with some gorgeous blooms.  To really get a good look at my photographic work, I encourage you to visit me on Flickr as I will be posting most of this weekends work there throughout the week.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/123441024@N03/

For the love of rescue pups everywhere

This post is dedicated to rescue pups everywhere, especially these three, whom I personally know.

Several years ago I was searching for a Boston terrier to join my family.  I ran across a puppy mill selling my poor little Dozer who was in really bad health and could no longer breed.  As I wrote a check out to this horrible man & his wife, my husband sat in shock that I was paying for this miserable little dog.  When we left, he asked how I could do that....my answer, how could I not!?!  Dozer has been a wonderful addition to our family and has reaffirmed that there are many wonderful older pups out there who need homes...and that you CAN teach an old dog new tricks.

My friend Faith has always rescued pups, but Lilac the Great Dane and Ollie, her newest addition, an abused pit bull have really been lucky to find their way to her. Lilac needed room to be Lilac and Ollie just needed love...both have more than enough of everything now and are wonderful loving pups.

So I guess this post is a reminder, if you're thinking that you might like to get yourself a loving companion, PLEASE consider adopting an older dog. No matter the breed, or how old they are, some of the most awesome loyal companions can come from some of the most unlikely places!

Hiking Hocking Hills, photos by Susan Komer

My previous post was of a rock climber I saw in Hocking Hills...today I thought I would post a few of the other great shots I was able to get while out hiking.  Yes, hiking is one of my all time favorite activities.  I really enjoy being outdoors, be it hiking the streets of the city or hitting the trails...if the weather permits, I can be found wandering with my camera.  One thing you won't be able to do is contact me via cell phone, its one of those things I just don't carry along while I'm out...one sure fire way to miss what's going on in the real world is to carry a cell...something I have no interest in! Please feel free to visit me on Flickr to view even more of my photographic works.  https://www.flickr.com/photos/123441024@N03/

Rock Climber photo documentation, Susan Komer

The Rock Climber's Adventure

While hiking in Hocking Hills State park yesterday I had stopped to let the kids swim in the falls.  While they were enjoying the water, this nice guy started climbing the rock.  I decided to document the journey.  I did warn him ahead of time that if he fell, as a photographer my first instinct would be to take pictures first, call for help after.  One of the things about being a photographer that I've noticed...somehow, when one is behind the lens, there is a certain amount of disconnect.  It's not malicious, just a zone one goes into.  Considering there was no cell service, I'm really glad this ended well! https://www.flickr.com/photos/123441024@N03/

photo work by Susan Komer

Some recent photos taken while exploring different dams & parks in Ohio.