Introduction
 

Hi, everyone.

I noticed that it's been 9 months since I joined the Forum without introducing myself. Partly it was shyness, but mostly it's been wanting to post one of my paintings and not being able to. And since I haven't been able to do that yet, I don't want more time to pass without introducing myself.

I'm living in Portland, Oregon, right now and supporting a friend who has been going through a health challenge. The Good News is she's a Winner!

I'm from New York, Brooklyn to be exact. As my registration says, I am a figurative painter, moving toward becoming a full-time portrait painter. I studied with Dean Keller, Jack Faragasso, and Michael Burban at the New York Art Students League for four years. I studied artistic anatomy for those years, as well as painting. I believe though that the learning continues, it will continue through the rest of my life.

I would love some suggestions about how to get the work on the Forum. I do have access to this computer, but no scanner, or digital camera.

This past year found me painting not at all as I was afraid to paint indoors. And my attention/energy has been on my best friend, but I decided to "paint" with graphite, in other words
to draw, not to let my hands forget...drawing for me is the foundation of my work.

I've begun painting again this past September and it feels so great, I'm home again. Also, a person from work has commisioned me to paint her, and her kids.

I wanted to let you all know that you have supported me through rather scary times here. You have all been a source of learning, moral support, joy. Thank you for being here, and hopefully soon I'll share with you all my work, my life.

Gracias,
Magdalena

Hi
 

With a list of teachers like that I'd love to see you post some work! Welcome

Magdalena,

Having been put in charge of such matters, I declare you to have the most beautiful name on the forum. The title being previously held by Steven Sweeney.

Take a photo of your painting to Kinko's. They can scan the image and put it into an e-mail (jpeg). Then have them send the e-mail to you. If you need more direction just ask.

Hello Tim,

Yes, my teachers at the League are some of the best. Still no matter how good the teachers are,
I believe in painting/drawing it is in the doing;
the skill, as you know, is in the eye, hand, heart, and spirit.

I'm looking forward to sharing my work with you, and learning from all of you as well. Thanks for the reply Tim, I have enjoyed your postings, your work.


And hello Mike,

Thank you for your compliment regarding my name, Steven still has the title for Best Writer in my book though...Mike, the Kinko's idea is something I can certainly do, I wasn't aware they were scanning so thanks for sharing that. One question: is there a certain size I should tell them to make it, so that it will fit without problems onto the Forum site? And thank you Mike for your centered presence on this Forum, your sharing has always reminded me of the importance of "walking the walk".

Tim and Mike please excuse the delay in my response, I have just come home from work, and am on Pacific Time.

Magdalena

Magdalena, how lucky your friend is to have such a dedicated person as you behind her!

Magdalena,

I'm certainly no wizard but, as to the parameters of the scan, I think it would depend on whether you had a photo editor (Photoshop, etc.) program on your computer.

To post an image on the forum it must be 400 pixels wide. If you are not able to modify the image once you get it then you should direct Kinko's to make the image size such that the width is 400p wide.

On the other hand if you do have a photo editing program, have them scan your photo at 300 dpi or greater, a much larger file with greater image clarity. Then once you have downloaded the image onto your computer you can bring it into your photo editor and resize it for forum posting. I would, however, retain the larger image for future use.

P.S. Kinko's could also download the image to a disk or CD instead of sending it in an e-mail.

Welcome Magdalena
 

I'm looking forward to seeing your work, and yes, art is healing.

Jean

Hi Elizabeth, I've been thinking about what you said, I feel I am the lucky one for being able to be here with my best friend. It's a long story, but suffice to say that it's the Love that I will take with me, nothing else. Thank you for your words.

Mike, this is not my computer, and it doesn't have any photo programs. I'm shopping around and looking at what would be best for me. I know Cynthia recommends Paint Shop Pro, so I'm busy. I am excited to get a piece to share with everyone, I'll speak with the Kinko folks and see how I can/if I can use one of their programs...Thank you Mike

Jean, I learned that art is healing many years ago. And facilitating art as healing groups has shown me first hand how transforming, and joyous this process can be...Thank you.

Thanks, Magdalena, for the writerly compliment.

Now, as agreed, a faux Naugahyde satchel (carry-on

Good to hear from you Steven, look forward to the sharing, Magdalena