Hey Folks,

I made some tweaks to the resizing algorithm the site uses to automatically resize pictures over 600 pixels wide. I switched from a built in GDI function to a high quality bicubic algorithm. I think everyone will be pleased with the results. It's not perfect, but it's much better.

I am going to issue a new picture shrinking program as well. The Power Shrinker I released last year, uses the same code the site does and will benefit greatly from the new code.

Cheers,
Will

OK, took it for a test drive. Looks decent on me olde monitor but maybe I should take Scott's advice next time and kick up the saturation a little? Thanks for the work as always, Will! "Rusted Steel Panel, Shrewsbury, WV". This one, printed 18x24 looked very good.

MM,

What do you think? In my experience, a photo almost always looks better in a larger format. With that said, the automatic resizing should produce a much better quality image than it's predecessor did.

Very cool picture.

Cheers,
Will

MWNS, please see edited message above. Looks like we were both posting at the same time!

MM,

I bumped the saturation about 20% and applied a sharpen filter to the image. I think I like the original better. I hope you don't mind me altering your art. The original is on the left.

Cheers,
Will

Only a slightly discernible (better) difference visible on my olde monitor and with my olde eyes but thanks for the effort!

MM,

I put them side by side so you can see the difference. I'm glad you aren't offended by the update.

By the way, I'd like to see some of your sculpture, if you don't mind posting pictures of it.

Cheers,
Will

Wow! Yep, considerable difference seen side by side! Thanks!

All I currently have are slides of my claywork. The section of the alleged studio that I normally use for photographing 3D work has been in a state of ummmmm, metamorphosis for a while. That's a nice way of saying, "FREAKING MESS!" Long story. I might be able to find a photo and try scanning it.

A fairly recent wall plate of mine that hangs in our dining room. Not a calibrated studio shot, just a quick photo I took for a friend who had inquired about something. From a series of about 8 of these that I did, all of them very different from each other. Appears flat in the photo but is 1 3/4" deep. Outside dimensions are 18"X12". Multi-fired,lowfire clay (1200 degrees). Lead-free glazes but still obviously not intended for food usage.

OK MM, now it is my turn! I haven't done any clay work since high school but found it infinitely gratifying. Very tactile, very organic! I have always been very drawn to ceramic displays, whether in art shows or shops. Love some of the work I've found down Hatteras way. the Pea Island Art Gallery has some wonderful local (NC) artists. We picked up a couple of pieces last year for the in-laws. You should check out their web site...better yet, you should just get down there and see it in person!! Now on to your piece...I like it very much. It rather reminds me of the inner rings of a tree. And it posesses what I enjoy so much about ceramic work...the earthy, organic colors and textures. I would like to see some more!! May I ask what the diameter of the piece is? Never mind...already reread your original post. Also, what is the method you use...throwing on a wheel, coiling...I'd be interested.

It's slipcast. Several years ago, when my back problem was much worse, I couldn't work on the potter's wheel. I decided to try slipcasting. I made several of my own molds from either found objects or my own work. The mold for this one was made from old convex oval glass taken from a large picture frame. After the cast plate dries to leatherhard I apply a thick layer of slurry to the front of it. After that sets for a while, I go back and use my fingers to do the swirl patterns. Takes a week or more for that to slowly dry. The plate is bisque fired to Cone 06, followed by at least two more successive glaze firings at Cone 05. Sometimes I use my own glazes, sometimes commercial ones.
A funny aside. 25 years ago I didn't have my own kilns so I had to take my work (not these) to a local ceramic shop to get fired. It was very, ummmmm, "unusual" sculptural stuff and the very PROPER ladies at the shop considered me to be some kind of lunatic!

MM,

I don't know much about art, but I know what I like. The colors are striking. To my untrained eye, it looks like this would have taken a long time and many different glazings to get this effect. Thanks for posting the picture.

Cheers,
Will

As a very accomplished artist friend is known for saying, "What the hell do I know? I like jock itch!"

You must have quite a set-up. I guess one of the perks in doing watercolor is that it takes up very little room and tubes of paint last forever. It also keeps me close to the action with my family...which is good and bad! How I would love to have a studio someday! But I do what I can now...once these two youngsters get a move on, I'm sure my dear husband will insist that our dining room become a dining room once again! But that is still a long way of. Dear son is graduating from high school on Sunday and will be attending CSU in the fall...his tuition for the year will be $2300...it was an easy decision for him to make. he wants to go into Urban Studies and CSU has one of the best programs in the country. His little sister is not so happy but I don't mind him being around a little longer! We kind of like him anyway! Would enjoy seeing more of your work!