2012 Regional Artist Project Grant - Recipient

I am very pleased to announce that I have recently been awarded a grant from the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County to purchase new studio lights and materials to build new studio equipment such as a new model stand and storage racks!  These Regional Artist Project Grants (RAPG) are awarded annually to qualifying applicants to provide financial support for projects that will advance the applicant's career in demonstrable ways.

Britek Halogen light set, including boom, 2 stands, and three adjustable lamps!

All recipients are required to spend all project funds by December of 2012.  So, I dutifully purchased the above beautiful set of three Britek Halogen lamps, soft boxes and stands (including that awesome boom) right away.  I have been trying them out for both lighting my subjects that I choose to paint, as well as using them to take more professional photographs of my artwork.  Using these lights to photograph my work has made my least favorite aspect of being an artist a much more palatable chore!  Next will come the building - of storage racks and a new model stand.  My models will no longer have to pose on the floor or propped up on a hobbled table!  Thank you to the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County, especially Jennifer McIntyre who works tirelessly to continue this wonderful opportunity for our area artists.  I very much appreciate the support and it will undoubtedly go far in advancing my efforts as a fine artist.  

The Regional Artist Project Grant is funded and administered by the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County.  This project is supported by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources.  The program is operated in partnership with the Franklin County Arts Council, Johnston County Arts Council, Vance County Arts Council and Warren County Arts Council.

2016 Regional Artist Project Grant - Recipient

I am very pleased to announce that I have recently been awarded a grant from the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County to purchase new studio equipment, specifically a new Nikon D610 digital camera.  These Regional Artist Project Grants (RAPG) are awarded annually to qualifying applicants to provide financial support for projects that will advance the applicant's career in demonstrable ways.

 

Nikon D610 camera with my recent painting Eulogy in the background

This camera and the attached Nikkor 50mm lens is a huge improvement over my old Nikon D80.  With this camera and the Britek lighting set up that was awarded to me from a previous 2012 RPAG, I will now be able to take professional photographs of my finished works with out the expense of paying a professional photographer.  Any photo reference I may need will also vastly be improved.  The last added benefit is that this D610 is capable of taking high quality video.  I foresee using this feature to create both promotional and "how-to" videos.  

I want to thank the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County, especially Brandi Neuwirth, for this wonderful opportunity.  I very much appreciate the support this local institution provides for our area artists.  

The Regional Artist Project Grant is funded and administered by the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County.  This project is supported by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources.  The program is operated in partnership with the Franklin County Arts Council, Johnston County Arts Council, Vance County Arts Council and Warren County Arts Council.

 

Nikon D610 camera (back) with my recent painting Eulogy in the background

 

NikonD610 vs D80 What a Difference

As I mentioned in a previous post (found here), I was recently awarded a grant from the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County to purchase new studio equipment, specifically a new Nikon D610 digital camera with a fixed focal length lens.

I want to take this moment to appreciate the vast improvement that this camera offers in shooting images of my paintings.  Below you will find images comparing the same painting shot with my old Nikon D80 versus this new Nikon D610.

First, I will discuss a few of the major advantages I have found that the D610 offers, for my purposes.  Most importantly, the image quality if far superior with the D610.  With 24 megapixel vs 10mp resolution capabilities, I immediately notice much less graininess to the D610 photos.  I also immediately appreciate the more accurate color taken with this camera and lens.  Also, the LCD screen on the back of the D610 camera is quite a bit larger, and also has a higher resolution, so I can more easily and quickly assess if the photos I am taking are exactly what I need.  One feature the D610 offers that I look forward to using is the high resolution video capabilities.  I foresee creating timelapse films of my works in progress or short how to videos.  The D80 is only capable of taking still shots.  If you would like to read a more detailed comparison of these two cameras let me suggest this website.

Now for the image comparison:

 

Rising Tide, oil on panel 34" x 54" Shot with D80

 

Rising Tide, oil on panel 34" x 54" Shot with D610

  

 Rising Tide detail, oil on panel 34" x 54" Shot with D80

 

Rising Tide detail, oil on panel 34" x 54" Shot with D610

     

Again, I want to thank the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County for this wonderful opportunity.  I very much appreciate the support this local institution provides for our area artists.  

The Regional Artist Project Grant is funded and administered by the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County.  This project is supported by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources.  The program is operated in partnership with the Franklin County Arts Council, Johnston County Arts Council, Vance County Arts Council and Warren County Arts Council.