Sunday Meditations - Imitating Lomo and Painting like Pollack

Imitating something is a good way to learn, but in the end my own hand begins to reveal itself and steer in my own direction... and it's better that way... Imitating Lomo Photography
I have been playing a lot with Photoshop (PS) lately while recovering from flu... I decided to try imitating Lomo photography, because I don't want to buy a Lomo camera and deal with developing film too, but I love the funky pictures. The first truck picture is after PS altering, the second is the original photo. Isn't that a great picture - taken at a garlic farm in Sequim, WA - the truck had the Superman icon on the side panel and was parked next to the chicken pens. Who knew, Superman hides out in a tiny sleepy Washington town at a garlic farm.

Aaah, what is Lomo? Here's what Wikipedia says: "...Lomography is the commercial trademark of Lomographische AG,Austria.... As the company states, they were 'charmed by the unique, colorful, and sometimes blurry" images that the camera produced. Lomography emphasizes casual, snapshot photography. Characteristics such as over-saturated colors, off-kilter exposure, blurring, "happy accidents," and alternative film processing are often considered part of the "Lomographic Technique.' Users are encouraged to take a lighthearted approach to their photography..." There are groups for Lomo lovers too, just google and you'll see.
Meanwhile, here's my second try, Lomo effect on the left, original on the right. This is the Kaslo, BC City Hall, circa 1906, a wonderfully charming town we visited on a Canadian road trip last year.Painting Like Jackson Pollock
Another fun thing to do while recouperating... yes, another computer thing, paint like Jackson Pollack.... Here are my creations, I love the intense colors (maybe why I like the super-saturated Lomo style too.....

So here is the meditation, go to this site and take a few minutes to play... with colors and lines and splotches. Painting and drawing (even virtual) can take you into that soothing place where you lose track of time and enjoy the moment.... The site is owned by Milton Manetas, original design by Stamen and lets you virtual paint a la Jackson Pollack style. I ran across this site a couple of years ago and had forgotten about it til I saw it mentioned somewhere recently.