JBWOODS

HOW IT BEGAN www.jbwoodsart.com

My entry into the PHOTO ART world began simply by walking for the health of it. I knew I had to incorporate exercise into my life and getting out doors to accomplish this was at the front of my mind. Jogging was definitely out of the question! By walking, I could accomplish my exercise goal and just as importantly, I would get to see the beauty all Vermont has to offer around me.
I started off slow. 1 or 2 miles was a big event. Gradually the “walked miles” increased to as much as 15 miles on certain days. Before I knew it, I was walking 1200 miles per year. It was always fun returning home and explaining to family and friends what I witnessed during my daily walk. The question they always asked was “So did you take a photo.” Early on the answer was “no”. Soon after, the camera on my cell phone became my “walking diary.” Eventually I graduated to a “Big Boy camera”. Some days I would come back from a daily walk with as many as 300 photos.

With a growing photo library I knew I wanted to turn these “shots” into art, but not just in a traditional Photographer style. I wanted to find a way to add “additional life” to my images! I wanted my family and friends to feel like they were there with me during my walk, in beautiful Vermont, and witness what I had seen. That’s when the trial and error and late night experiments began. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to create. Finally after numerous attempts, my PHOTO ART CREATIONS came to Life!

My digital art was created with the use of several software programs. Each piece of software, offered one special contribution to the effect that I couldn’t seem to accomplish by utilizing just one of them.

My Photo Art creations are all about focusing on a central element and adding vibrancy to the environment around it. That focal point is usually what pulled me in as I was walking. It’s generally the key factor in my decision to “snap that photo” which is the first step in the development of a PHOTO ART CREATION. Though there are thousands of photos in my library, only a “select” few will move on to the creation stage!

Be healthy, and take the opportunity to see the beauty that surrounds you.