ramblings ons as I face another celebration of my birth

Enjoyable and productive evening. Besides from playing Wii, I enjoy creating art. Photoshop is such an great medium; easy, not messy and great way to store the art. If the art is in the computer, it isn't taking up much storage space, only a gig or two of computer memory as opposed to a large space which invades the living room.

Easter is approaching and so is my B-day. Cannot believe I am in my mid forties already. I like all the others who are facing the 'midlife crisis' wonder where has time gone? Just seems like yesterday that I was celebrating my 21st birthday. I remember it so well, the day I turned 21. Like many others on that legal drinking age, I took great pride to boast I engulfed a picture of beer along with 8 watermelon shots. Although it was kind of brutal the next day walking to the SIU campus to register for classes, yes it was way before the computer age when one could register from the comfy of their home, must say it was a great B-day celebration. I remember it well. The day I could legally walk into a bar and order a drink.
For me, I hardly drink anymore. Two beers now and I feel a buzzed, which not necessarily is a bad thing, it is just the way it is.


So many things have changed from then to now. My art for instance has changed dramatically. The computer age has made photoshop a reality and an acceptable medium for art. Yes, as I sit here typing away contemplating another year of passing, weighing the good & bad, uhmmmm...must admit, a very fine year. So the same day that
Canada celebrates Easter, I too will be celebrating, celebrating my B-day, the good, the bad and all that is in-between.


Below is one of my most recent creations.

©3-29-10 DJ McGarel

entitled the 'ramblings ons...."

more of my artwork can be seen at mcgarelgraphics

http://web.me.com/dmcga456/McGarel_Graphics/Welcome.html

Still in the purple phase-mcgarelgraphics

© 2010 DJ McGarel

Creative Image of 3/21/10

Exploring on its title

more artwork can be viewed at mcgarelgraphics:

http://web.me.com/dmcga456/McGarel_Graphics/Welcome.html

Am I Done With My Purple Period?

@DJ McGarel

Creative Journeys of 3-16-10

@DJ McGarel

Creative Explorations of 3/16/10

If you wish to look at some of my other creations, I have my

web page of McGarel Graphics http://web.me.com/dmcga456/McGarel_Graphics/Welcome.html

Images and more images from Frankfort

© 2009 DJ McGarel

entitled, "I Should Have More Answers"

media: mixed: torn canvas, digital prints & paint

©2010 DJ McGarel

Entitled: Passion

Media: Mixed: Computer graphic images, glitter, paints

Some images from my current show now on view at the Frankfort Library, IL

website: mcgarelgraphics

http://web.me.com/dmcga456/McGarel_Graphics/Welcome.html

Frankfort Libary March 1st - March 31st, 2010

Artist Statement:
Diane J. McGarel


Art is an expression of the self, intended to communicate the artist’s emotions, development, and thought processes to the viewer. Art is ever changing, metaphorical to life’s continuous changes. If life is perceived as being in constant flux, the expression of art should also be in constant motion.

Process: I begin each of my digital works of art by drawing, painting, or tossing dye onto canvas. I then scan the image onto my computer, altering it with a variety of computer programs. My mixed-media works evolve when I take the digital image, change it, and restructure it on the canvas by using acrylic paints, torn or ripped paper or canvas, metal, and various other objects: My predilection for abstract art is revealed in the preponderance of grids and fragmentation viewed in my artwork.

This technique offers the viewer my personal mode of expression because it symbolizes the circle of life: birth, death and rebirth. Similarly, the digital and mixed-media effect invites the viewer (or critic) to observe or interpret the works, by offering infinite possibilities without limitations.

Influences: My art is an expression of all my experiences that have manifested in a collective process. In my adult life, I have been highly influenced by brothers Doug and Mike Starn. They were the first to introduce me to the notion that photography like paint should have a tactile component. Photography can be felt as well as just viewed by the viewer. As such, I have incorporated texture in my works by surrounding the torn digital prints with paints, sand and other materials. Other artists I admire are Chuck Close and Henri Mattise who when faced with human frailty did not let their handicaps cripple them. They creatively endured and even strived to overcome adversity, and in the process enhanced their art works.

Contact info: McGarelGraphics@sbcglobal.net

and more info can be found on my website

http://web.me.com/dmcga456/McGarel_Graphics/Welcome.html