You just gotta love technology.

...Nostalgia...
No this is not a photo of my camera.
I found this great camera sitting in a 'swap shop' a couple of years ago,
took some photos and then just looked at them for months before getting the nerve to try the drawing.
The precise detail in 'Nostalgia' was over whelming at times.

You can read more at the above link.
_____________________

My camera is still in possession of the memory card and still not giving it up...at least not willingly. If you read my last post you know the whole story.

I still haven't had time to get to get to the camera shop...and still haven't resorted to the 'hairpin'.

Most of my free time has been spent working on the commission of Mr. Lincoln. Even though my XTi wont give up the memory card...it is still willing to take photos, at least it appears to be taking photos. So I'm hoping to have some good WIP photos of these final drawing steps on Lincoln.

The commission of Lincoln is one of the largest drawings I've done. At 12x24 it is almost too large for my drawing table. I had to attach it to its own board to keep from creasing the paper.

I know there is no photo, but his jacket and shirt are just too cool. I love my carbon pencil for the deep darks...no shine, and great for showing the various shades of the fabric in his jacket.

I knew full well how important my camera was to me...but this has been really frustrating. I'm just hoping that the photos I've taken are still on the card when we get it out...and that it is possible to retrieve the memory card without damaging the card or the camera.

This experience has made me consider again...purchasing an additional camera. You know, that handy little 'point and shoot' camera I wrote about a while back. Still haven't made that purchase.

Have a good week.
Marsha

Ahhh!...for a roll of film.

...Exposures...

Carbon and Graphite on paper
__________________________________

My camera won't release the memory card...URGH *^%$(*
I spent most of the past weekend working on Mr. Lincoln. Took lots of WIP photos and planned on posting them this evening with an explanation of the process.

You Got It...they are still on the memory card and the memory card is still in the camera. I took all the usual steps to remove it...and have to admit my mind began to wonder. Being a hairdresser I found myself looking for a 'hairpin'. Thinking better of my inclination to 'dig into the problem'. My camera sits here, in full view and in full possession of the memory card...taunting me.

I hope to get out of town this week sometime to a camera shop for some assistance...a good choice I think. (much better than a hairpin) Until then, I believe the camera is going to be put into a drawer so I don't have to look at it.

Yes, I know, I could download directly to the computer...but never down load photos in this way and can't find the cord.

Just not a good evening. I hate it when this technical stuff whips me.

On a positive note. I did make good progress on Mr Lincoln...in fact could have it finished by the end of next weekend except for the usual tweaking. Hopefully by then you will also have some photos to look at.


A Parting Thought: What ever happened to the lonely roll of film?


Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
The Extraordinary Pencil...blogspot
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques

Increasing Your Visibility...Where to begin

...Salad Fixins...
Carbon and Graphite pencil on paper

Can you be an artist today and not have a website and a blog? I suppose so...but I think you are missing a Golden Opportunity. More and more, the public expects it and they ask for it. Times have just changed and our marketing must also change. The Internet has opened up opportunities that never before existed. Europe is just a click away. Why shouldn't we artist benefit?

Galleries are closing and from what I'm seeing personally, the Art Fair venue is also suffering...the "real world markets" that we have been so familiar with and so comfortable with are disappearing. We can either sit around, reminiscing about our past success or we can forge ahead.

The Internet is here to stay...it's time we artists got on board in a big way.

So why do you need both a website and a blog? How are they different? First of all they are very different and work together to compliment and strengthen each other. Your website and blog are the foundation of your online presence. They aren't all you need to do but they are most definitely the start. (I will write about other venues later)

Your website is your 'Professional Venue'...It says to the public "I'm an artist and I'm in business". It's where collectors and yes 'just lookers' can visit and comfortably view your work.

Your website should make the viewer feel as though they are in a gallery...quiet, easy to move through, and friendly. Keep your colors soft and neutral...let your art shine and be the center of attention. (When you look at your website what do you see first...the website colors or your art?)

Tell them about you, your vision, why you paint. Provided answers to their anticipated questions...perhaps a FAQ page. Make sure there's an 'obvious' way to contact you. Provide a way to purchase. Lastly, Put prices on your work...don't make them ask.

Your website is not an ad agency...it should be about you and your art.

Now...the Blog is a different animal indeed. This is a more casual setting. Here you can express yourself (within reason)...get personal, let them 'see' who the artist really is. Learn to write in 'speak'...less professional. I've said it before and I'll say it again...for those of you who think you can't blog because you can't write...you don't have to write well, you just have to write often.

I actually have two blogs. One is provided by FASO and is integrated into my website. The other is a Google Blogger site. They both carry the same post...and with good reason.

"My Studio Blog"...is integrated into my website, it's secure, and keeps my website, my name, and my art fresh and alive on the Internet.

When the viewer clicks on My Studio Blog, they never leave my website. All my collections and other pertinent information are just a click away. (Try it...click here to go to my website, then click on "My Studio Blog")

Why an Integrated Blog? Search engines love fresh content. Most websites tend to become static with time. After the initial setup the information and yes the art become stale...search engine rankings drop and your website ends up on page 86 when someone does a related search!

The integrated blog provides new content to my website every time I post an article...keeping my website fresh. For Example: If I write an article about the methods and materials I use to create my drawings...it will get indexed in the search engines and could be pull up if the keywords were good. My Studio Blog is a valuable marketing tool for my website.

My second blog..."The Extraordinary Pencil" is a Google blog. It serves as an additional Internet presence and traffic driver to my website. It is heavily linked to my website and has a more casual format. The down side is this...it is totally vulnerable to Google's whim.

I've experienced two shut downs in the last year because they marked The Extraordinary Pencil as a spam blog. My blog was held hostage several days each time...some innocent people have never had their blogs returned to them. Free is not always the best. Just make sure you have some kind of backup.

Can you put ads on your blog?...I suppose so. I don't personally care for them. I don't care for the way they look on my site and I feel they are distracting to the viewer. Do they pay off?...perhaps in some cases. The question would be how much monitoring does it take and is it worth the time it takes away from creating your art? Is the 'clutter' it creates worth the effort and payoff? I think you will find this article by Clint Watson enlightening....Why I dropped Google AdSense.

I guess I'm saying all this to acknowledge that today...more than ever before we are all trying to decide how we are going to 'best' survive until the economy turns around. I used the word BEST because WE WILL SURVIVE. It's just human nature. But the hierarchy will change...many of those who were 'on top of the pile' will no longer exist. Many business, (well known business) are going to disappear. While those who wisely adjust the dynamics of their business will remain and be poised to move forward when the time comes.

Where will you be?

I want to be on the top of the pile and ready to run when the economy turns around and it will turn around. We are all making tough decisions but when I see an artist close down their website it saddens me.

I know many of you have paid hundreds if not thousands to have someone set up your site and continue to pay each time it is updated. Others are sitting there with sites they're not pleased with...and some artists have no web presence at all and wondering, should I?

My website and the features it offers is the back bone of my art business. It is the glue that holds everything together. To give it up would be like hanging a CLOSED FOR BUSINESS sign on my door.

As an Artist...this is not the time to decrease your visibility. It's a time when we need to figure out how to ramp up our marketing...using methods that are proven, and affordable, if not a little creative.

PS...It's a time to share what works for you... so others can benefit.


Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
The Extraordinary Pencil...blogspot
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques

Artist to Artist...A time to reflect and look ahead.

Yes..."Mr. Lincoln" is up here again
Not for you this time but for my benefit.
He's back on my drawing table and next on my addenda.
I hope to have updates soon.

This has been a year of many changes for me and most likely for you as well. Each fork in the road as we move through life changes the direction of our future. Some decisions are hard, some are major sacrifices, and some are out of our hands.

As most of you who read this blog regularly know...I am not a 'working artist' I am an 'artist who works'. It's a constant struggle for me to protect the precious little time I have set aside each week to be in my studio.

A couple of years ago I started taking off the month of January to regroup...to just reflect on the year past and plan for the year ahead. (no art and no blogging)

I use the time to analyze the 'business' end of my life, both my art and the salon. I clean out the files in my computer (perhaps a couple of closets while I'm at it), get my tax information together (which is usually an eyeopener), and plan for the coming year.

The computer files are cleaned out, my figures for 2008 are with the accountant, and I'm looking toward 2009 and the months ahead with hope and anticipation.

"I'm not going to do Art Fairs this year."...WOW!...there I really said it out loud. This was a tough decision. My season last year was not that bad. Sales were pretty close to the year before but towards the end, expenses were just over the top. I didn't say 'never again'...but I will say the last year was just hard...this artist isn't getting any younger and outdoor venues are grueling.

As the season was coming to a close and I saw the writing on the wall...I wondered what I would do. This was a major source of income for me and income I depended on. Besides, once set up, I enjoyed the contact with the people.

As one door was closing another opened. In late August I was approached to do Tech Support for my website hosting service, FineArtStudioOnline. What can I say?...I absolutely love it. I was scared to death, afraid I couldn't do the job. I have learned so much and I've made connections with so many wonderful artists. It blends perfectly with my salon hours and I have my weekends free for my art...who could ask for more?

Isn't it interesting...we think we know where our lives are going. We plan, make life altering decisions, hit bumps in the road and think we have failed only to realize...it was that part of the trip that got us to where we are now. Failure isn't always as it appears...failure is doing nothing...failure is not trying.

Had I not stepped out as a 'late in life artist', seven years ago, to see if I had what it took to be at least minimally successful, I would not have this tech support position. It was my journey that provided the knowledge for the position.

So, if I'm not going to do art fairs...what then? First of all, I intend to fine tune my website and blog...post new information more consistently and build more content with better use of key words and phrases. Link more to other sites and provide more 'deep links' to my own content. And yes, be more appreciative of your efforts by being a better 'commenter' on your blogs.

I want to refine my newsletter. It's been fairly consistent, sent out around the first of the month...but I can do better. I can write a more interesting newsletter that my readers will anticipate receiving. I believe I can improve on the content.

As far as sales go. My commission work is fairly consistent as a result of my website and blog and print sales have increased since adding PayPal, (I know, you said they would).

But I still need to search out some additional venues for my original pieces. Perhaps some galleries or national exhibits...You know, where my art goes on the trip and I get to stay home.

This will take some time and research to develop properly. We'll just have to see. I will keep you posted.


PS...It feels good to be back. I missed blogging and I missed you.

I Lost My Best Friend...a tribute to Alexis

Alexis...1994-2009

I remember when Alexis was born. The breeder was a friend and I was showing my boy 'Conrad' at the time. Alexis was the boss of the litter...keeping all her siblings in their places. She had this beautiful little square body, feisty attitude, we could tell she was going to have a wonderful hard coat...the signature for a Standard Schnauzer. Alexis was was the 'pick show female' of the liter.

Alexis was purchased by a man as a 'show' puppy at 8 weeks. She was returned to the breeder at 6 months on the premise that she was 'untrainable'....THE MAN HAD BEATEN HER.

My friend and I were heartbroken...this man had not trained her, he had attempted to force her into submission. She came back a broken abused puppy. She became mine that very weekend.

When I first brought her home she wouldn't even respond to her name and if you picked up a magazine or a yard stick to measure something, she was gone...as far away as she could get. If you moved to quickly, she coward and shook. With love and patience Alexis came out of most of her 'fright' but never returned completely to that trusting little puppy she was when I first saw her.

Conrad, gentleman as he was, allowed Alexis to rule the roost and she certainly did. Her problem was with people not with other dogs and Conrad seemed to understand. He was a stable, soft, gentle spirit...and I think this helped Alexis adjust.

Alexis was the 'first born' and trust me was going to be first in everything in life, and would almost knock Conrad and I down to get there. She was first to get outside, first into the van (to get the best seat), and when we went on walks...she always had to be 'just a little' ahead of Conrad.

When it came to sharing...Alexis didn't. She 'hid' all their toys under the glass top coffee table (as if they were out of sight!). If Conrad had a toy, she would 'steal' it the minuet he wasn't watching and put it in her stash...stand back, take a look, and then readjust it until she was happy that it was appropriately hidden.

Alexis didn't want to share me either. If Conrad and I were 'lovin', Alexis would pester him until he just moved over and let her in. Alexis became my shadow...always wanting to be where I was at and as close as possible. I believe Conrad understood her needs.

When Conrad became sick their rolls reversed...Alexis became devoted to Conrad and mothered and looked after him. She would come get me when he was having one of his spells and mourned him for weeks after he passed away. For a long time after, if I corrected her she would go into the other room and lay in his bed for comfort.

In Conrad's absence she became even more attached to me...bringing joy, laughter, and companionship to my everyday life. Her presence filled the house and today there is such an emptiness.

Alexis had sever liver issues...the tumors grew at a rapid rate causing problems with her other organs. She would have been 16 next month, an age where surgery and treatment were not an option. In the end she and I both knew it was time. She was barely eating and could no longer support herself to go potty. Her organs were shutting down and the ornery little twinkle in her eyes was just not there anymore.

Her last night, she wanted in bed with me. I put a piece of plastic down and a blanket on top...we just cuddled. In the morning I took her to the vet and stayed with her while the sedative was administered. "My last act of love for my Best Friend."

I've been through this too often. Even though you know it's the right thing, it's so hard. The quiet in my home is deafening. The void is palpable. I just hate it.

Weekend Chat Line...My suitcase is still packed

Teddy's poster for his Bar Mitzvah

The last time I posted on my blog I told you my suitcase was laying out, ready to be packed for my trip to New York to visit my daughter and grandson. Well, I'm embarrassed to say that I've been back since December 30 and it's still packed...or at least partially.

No, I'm not planning another trip soon. It's just one of those things, I took out the necessities, laid it in the corner of the bedroom and there it remained. Taking care of this is on the top of my to do list for this weekend!

My travel was perfect...no delayed flights and wonderful weather. I was really concerned as we had bad ice storms here in central Illinois the three days prior to my leaving. Several of my salon clients were unable to make it in for their Christmas hair appointments. I felt really bad but there was nothing I could do.

The visit was quite hectic...not much down time or 'private' time with my daughter and grandson. There were many out of town guests in and out all weekend. The Bar Mitzvah ceremony was beautiful, and it was great meeting Teddy's extended family for the first time. He did such a wonderful job. I am so proud of him.

I arrived back home absolutely exhausted and went back to work the next day (new year's eve). The rest of the weekend was pretty much a waste. It consisted of going from the chair to the bed, paying a few bills, back to the couch, eating, back to the chair, look at the suitcase, take a nap....get the picture?

It definitely took a few days to recoup but I'm now ready to 'whip the world' and yes, get that suitcase off my bedroom floor!

I've been considering my personal and artistic goals for 2009...right now they are mostly in my head. I need to get them organized on paper. I try to be realistic but there are always a few of those lofty 'couldn't reach in a million years' type goals on my list. I will be sharing soon.

If you recall, Henry, my trusty computer of five years had his issues. Well, Henry's replacement is arriving this afternoon. I know many were wondering whether my new computer would be a boy or a girl. Alexis (my standard schnauzer) and I had a little talk and we both agreed that we needed a strong man in the house...so we decided to name the new arrival Charles Edwin, after my Grandfather.

I will be updating you on how well Charles Edwin blends into the 'family'...and if we can get along!

So I ask...Have you recovered from the Holidays? Since I seem to be running a tad behind here...did you make any goals for the new year? Do you have a secret for sticking to your goals and resolutions?

The "Chat Line" is open... Remember...when you share, others are blessed.

_________________________________

It was so wonderful seeing my family again after such a long time apart. I can still feel the hugs and kisses...still hear the sweet conversations...and still feel their unconditional love.

It's great to go and it's always good to be back home in my own surroundings. There is just nothing like family. I hope your holidays were as wonderful as mine.


PS..This is my 'vacation month' from blogging. I always take the month of January to regroup....clean up my computer files, my studio, and simply 'regroup' for the year ahead. See you in February with a new outlook, new ideas, and hopefully a new, fresh,energized outlook for 2009.

Sincerely,
Marsha

Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
The Extraordinary Pencil...blogspot
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques

The First Child of Christmas

Antique Christmas Card
...artist unknown...

My suitcase is out and clothes and gifts are being stacked around it...awaiting the final packing for my flight to New York on Christmas Day.

Christmas is a special time of the year. There is excitement and anticipation in the air. Children have sent their list to Santa and kitchens smell of cookies and breads. Decorations are in place and the tree lights twinkle in the night. Little ones and adults alike can hardly keep their hands off the presents as new ones are secretly added daily.

Family and friends gather, talking about old times. Ribbons and paper clutter the floor. Little ones run around playing with their new gifts from Santa. All the while 'new' memories are being made and new traditions are begun that will be carried on by generations to come.

In this commercialized era it's important to remember why we celebrate. To take a moment to thank God for His gift to us. To remember what it must have been like on that first glorious day when the Christ child was born. To remember the First Child of Christmas.


The First Child of Christmas
His hands were soft, small, and red,
on a crisp morning in Bethlehem...

His hands were strong, calloused, and scarred
as He fashioned a new chair for home...

His hands were confident, gentle, and firm
as He touched the sick and the lame...

His hands were broken, bleeding, and bruised
as he gave His life away...

His hands are reaching out to mankind...drawing and
beckoning,
and holding us close to the heart of God.


May you feel the touch of His Hands where ever you are this Christmas season.

Best wishes for a blessed holiday.
Marsha

Does Your Art Have Value???

...Old Glory...
Original Drawing, $655

Could you, for example, pay your bills with your art? My local news station aired this story and I chuckled in disbelief. It took some searching...but I found the complete story, and then laughed out loud!

Times are tough, money is tight...this is definitely taking 'creativity' to the next level.

I'll say no more. Read on to see how one struggling artist handled his problem of an overdue utility bill. see his correspondence with the utility company below...guaranteed to make you smile.

_________________________________

From: Jane Gilles

Date: Wednesday 8 Oct 2008 12.19pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Overdue account

Dear David,
Our records indicate that your account is overdue by the amount of $233.95. If you have already made this payment please contact us within the next 7 days to confirm payment has been applied to your account and is no longer outstanding.

Yours sincerely, Jane Gilles

From: David Thorne
Date: Wednesday 8 Oct 2008 12.37pm
To: Jane Gilles
Subject: Re: Overdue account

Dear Jane,
I do not have any money so am sending you this drawing I did of a spider instead. I value the drawing at $233.95 so trust that this settles the matter.

Regards, David.

From: Jane Gilles
Date: Thursday 9 Oct 2008 10.07am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Overdue account

Dear David,
Thank you for contacting us. Unfortunately we are unable to accept drawings as payment and your account remains in arrears of $233.95. Please contact us within the next 7 days to confirm payment has been applied to your account and is no longer outstanding.

Yours sincerely, Jane Gilles

From: David Thorne
Date: Thursday 9 Oct 2008 10.32am
To: Jane Gilles
Subject: Re: Overdue account

Dear Jane,
Can I have my drawing of a spider back then please.

Regards, David.

From: Jane Gilles
Date: Thursday 9 Oct 2008 11.42am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Overdue account

Dear David,
You emailed the drawing to me. Do you want me to email it back to you?

Yours sincerely, Jane Gilles

From: David Thorne
Date: Thursday 9 Oct 2008 11.56am
To: Jane Gilles
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Overdue account

Dear Jane,

Yes please.

Regards, David.

From: Jane Gilles
Date: Thursday 9 Oct 2008 12.14pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Overdue account

Attached

From: David Thorne
Date: Friday 10 Oct 2008 09.22am
To: Jane Gilles
Subject: Whose spider is that?

Dear Jane, Are you sure this drawing of a spider is the one I sent you? This spider only has seven legs and I do not feel I would have made such an elementary mistake when I drew it.

Regards, David.

From: Jane Gilles
Date: Friday 10 Oct 2008 11.03am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Whose spider is that?

Dear David, Yes it is the same drawing. I copied and pasted it from the email you sent me on the 8th. David your account is still overdue by the amount of $233.95. Please make this payment as soon as possible.

Yours sincerely, Jane Gilles

From: David Thorne
Date: Friday 10 Oct 2008 11.05am
To: Jane Gilles
Subject: Automated Out of Office Response

Thank you for contacting me. I am currently away on leave, traveling through time and will be returning last week.

Regards, David.

From: David Thorne
Date: Friday 10 Oct 2008 11.08am
To: Jane Gilles
Subject: Re: Re: Whose spider is that?

Hello, I am back and have read through your emails and accept that despite missing a leg, that drawing of a spider may indeed be the one I sent you. I realize with hindsight that it is possible you rejected the drawing of a spider due to this obvious limb omission but did not point it out in an effort to avoid hurting my feelings. As such, I am sending you a revised drawing with the correct number of legs as full payment for any amount outstanding. I trust this will bring the matter to a conclusion.

Regards, David.

From: Jane Gilles
Date: Monday 13 Oct 2008 2.51pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Whose spider is that?

Dear David, As I have stated, we do not accept drawings in lei of money for accounts outstanding. We accept cheque, bank cheque, money order or cash. Please make a payment this week to avoid incurring any additional fees.

Yours sincerely, Jane Gilles

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 13 Oct 2008 3.17pm
To: Jane Gilles
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Whose spider is that?

I understand and will definitely make a payment this week if I remember. As you have not accepted my second drawing as payment, please return the drawing to me as soon as possible. It was silly of me to assume I could provide you with something of completely no value whatsoever, waste your time and then attach such a large amount to it.

Regards, David.

From: Jane Gilles
Date: Tuesday 14 Oct 2008 11.18am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Whose spider is that?

Attached

________________________________________

Final Thought: My Visa bill is due next week...wonder if they would accept an Original Drawing. I could send them Old Glory...I figure it would be an over payment of $125.80. I would actually have a credit on my account.

Who knows, maybe CEO of the company owns part interest in a basketball team. What do you think?

_______________________________________________

To give credit where credit is due...I found this article on http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=665847
____________________________

Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
The Extraordinary Pencil...blogspot
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques

Weekend Chat Line..."When life preempts art"

...Wine Country...

From me to you.
It's the 'holidays'...sit, relax, and enjoy a glass of wine.

In the art world the words 'Working Artist' indicates an artist who makes their living from their art. I've never heard a phrase that applies to the rest of us artists who work a regular job and have to carve out 'creative time' from their busy schedules of 'job' and 'family'.

I'm certain I'm not alone here...but many times my cherished 'creative time' just gets pushed by the wayside. The month of December has been a perfect example. The last drawing I did was the portrait for my grandson. Ever since then, LIFE has just bombarded me. As if preparing for my trip to New York for Christmas wasn't enough, if you read my last post you know 'my friend Henry' is being replaced and I've had issues with my fine art printer.

My printer has been replaced (under warranty) and my new computer has been ordered...a custom built model from Wibben Computers, a local business here in town. They have the most wonderful 'same day service' for business when there are problems. They consider me a business even though some days I question how true this really is!

I wouldn't really say loosing my creative time makes me grouchy...but it certainly brings feelings of 'absence'...you know, when something or someone you love is missing from your life. There is a real void. I almost feel lonely. It's hard to explain.

So I ask...During this time of the year do you find you have less time to work in your studio? If so, do you feel it effects your emotional health? Are you a 'working artist' or 'an artist who works'?

The "Chat Line" is open... Remember...when you share, others are blessed.

_________________________________

Things have been a little quiet here on my blog and will no doubt remain so until after the holidays. I'm counting the days until I leave for New York. I haven't hugged my daughter and grandson for over a year...and lots to do yet before I fly out on Christmas Day.

I still have prints to make and package, packing to do, gifts to buy, and of course there are those two other jobs I work at other than my art. You see...I am 'an artist who works'.

Sincerely,
Marsha

Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
The Extraordinary Pencil...blogspot
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques

A Week of Silence..."Henry has been sick."

Last week was a week of events for me...not all good. My trusty computer, which I named 'Henry' when he arrived in my home almost 5 years ago, started acting up last week. Actually, there had been signs for awhile that he wasn't feeling well, but I ignored them. 'Henry' had become stubborn when searching the internet and when doing everyday tasks would frequently scream for more memory. I thought he was just being difficult.

The diagnosis, after a seeing the 'specialists', is that 'Henry' is just old and tired. The Doctor told me that 'Henry' was just maxed out and needed to be retired in favor of a new model. The 'specialist' made a few adjustments so 'Henry' could properly execute his tasks for the moment...and the new model will be arriving perhaps yet this month or soon after the first of the year.

Well....this certainly brought on decisions that I hadn't been expecting. 'Henry' and I had become good friends. We understood each other and until most recently worked well together. I don't blame 'Henry'...he's been a faithful companion these past few years, and I understand that he's old and I'm asking much more of him now than I did in his younger years.

As a result, I've had big decisions to make in a short period of time. Henry is a PC...and I plan on staying with a PC. It's been the question of what operating system to get that has caused the biggest issue. I'm currently running Windows XP and I understand support for XP will cease in 2009. Vista, as we all know has had it's issues. There is supposed to be a new Windows 7 released in a year or two...I cant wait that long.

In between Henry's visits to the Doctor we did a few Google searches on Vista vs XP. It sounds like Vista has leveled out some what and that most of the issues have been with it's use on computers that didn't have enough memory to run it properly. The consensus of the 'experts' seems to be this. If you have a good running computer, wait for the release of Windows 7. If you need to do something today...get Vista. Knowing Henry's issues, I'm not in a position to wait for the new Windows 7....urghhhh! So, I guess it's Vista.

Hope Vista works well for me...it seems to be a HATE IT or LOVE IT situation with most people in the forums I visited. I guess if I hate it, I can always step back to XP. I will keep you updated.

Enough of this...'Henry' and I are going to color correct the high resolution scan I had done of the portrait I did for my grandson so he can give prints to his family. The large format printer that I use for my fine art prints was my other issue this week. We're not even going to go there now..perhaps another time.

Today's technology is soooooooooo beyond most of us everyday people. When it works, it's BEAUTIFUL. When it has a glitch, it just makes life miserable!


Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
The Extraordinary Pencil...blogspot
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques

PS...make a point...leave a comment