Blog posts about my paintings and about Dynamic Symmetry workshops conducted at the Bluebird Studios in Santa Fe. The most recent workshops are on Intuitive Composition and Dynamic Symmetry with master artist, Albert Handell. You will also find posts on specific topics such as "overlaying a grid in Photoshop" as well as "Anatomy" of my paintings. Scroll down for posts. Or use the menu icon/Labels or search icon above for labels such as dynamic symmetry, appendix, Photoshop.
Posts
iPhones, Tools, Grids and Plein Air Painting
In my quest to learn everything about how we can use an iPhone effectively when setting up for a Plein Air Session, I learned a lot. I hope what I have learned can be as helpful to my readers as it has been for me. I wrote this post while staying in San Diego near my son's house in Jan 2023. I took the photo of the view from the back patio. I just read through the post (Jun 11) and rather then try to perfect it, I think it has enough useful information to publish the post. June 11, 2023: originally published, republished Jan 31, 2026. iPhone Editing/Cropping and Aspect Ratios Tip #1. iPhones automatically take photos at a 9x12 (horizontal) or a 12x9 (vertical) ratio by default but it can be changed (see tip #2). For the WISE Apps' Dynamic Symmetry grids described below use the 3 to 4 OR the 2 to 3 ratio OR a Golden ratio. I have tried to edit a photo to my desired measurements incorrectly. This leads me to .. Tip #2. The edit/crop tool provides a set ...
HIGHLIGHTS 2025 Aug Workshop Intuitive Composition and Dynamic Symmetry
This workshop was held at the Bluebird Studios in Santa Fe Aug 24, 2025. Karen Halbert and internationally known, master artist, Albert HandelL, joined forces to provide the workshop. His intuitive composition skills were juxtaposed in this presentation with Dynamic Symmetry for a unique approach combining intuition and analysis. The approach was demonstrated through the lens of dynamic symmetry with iconic, historic paintings along with Handell’s work. In addition, hands-on guidance in the Dynamic Symmetry tool were provided. Add a Dynamic Symmetry tool to your repertoire of painting tools: fast track your goal of good design and composition. Halbert became a full-time artist after careers as a Professor of Mathematics, Computer Programmer and Wall Street Executive in NYC, leaving Manhattan for Woodstock, NY. Halbert came across Intuitive Composition by Albert Handell in Woodstock. It inspired her...