Posted on by Anne Sandler · 19 Comments

A Yolo Art & Ag Outing: Turkovich Family Wines

It’s so close to Thanksgiving here in the U. S., and it’s time to soul search and find what we are truly thankful for. I am truly thankful for the Yolo Arts & Ag Project. Each spring and summer the Project arranges for artists and photographers to visit farms and ranches in Yolo County. It’s refreshing for a suburbanite to get out into the country and experience amazing lifestyles. This outing was to Turkovich Family Wines in Winters.

The farms/ranches are open to artists/photographers twice a month for 4 hours in the morning. Sometimes we have full access and others limited access. Here we were able to ramble around the entire ranch. They had a small tasting room outside near the patio.

An artists sketches on the patio while the tasting station is being set up.

While roaming, I saw other artists busy creating. It’s interesting to watch them. Each has their own method of producing beautiful art.

I’m not sure what trees were on the property, but I did see nuts and fruits in the orchard.

And what would a winery be without grapes?

But there is work to be done.

I’m not sure what is in these containers. Grapes? Wine? I’m not sure of the process, and we are not to disturb the workers.

I just can’t close a farm visit without rust!

Thank you Yolo Arts & Ag! It was a great year of visits.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 43 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #292: People, Here, There & Everywhere

Let’s go back to 2016, 3 years into my adventure with photography, and the people I photographed. Was it easier to take people pictures? Was I more adventurous with approaching people when I wanted to take their picture? No! and No!

I was as shy then as I am now. But, I did manage to get some pictures, candid and with permission, of people. Tina requested that we post pictures of people we’ve captured. So travel back with me to 2016 and see what stories I found.

A girl and her dog. You can feel the love of human and canine.

There are many ways to have fun. Children can enjoy their play, and adults can enjoy their passion.

Music brings people together as in a concert venue or be a solo type of enjoyment. You’ve seen two of these before. I still enjoy seeing the pictures. Our guitar player knew I was taking his picture and gave me his approval.

My next three were just random choices that tell a story. The first gentleman is costumed for a pirate festival and the fun it will bring.

The gentleman in the middle had his attention drawn elsewhere. To what, I don’t know, but he doesn’t look happy.

The store employee is dressing a mannequin in a window. She saw me take her picture and smiled. It’s another workday for her.

Pictures can tell sad stories as in this couple, with all their belongings, walking over the bridge to find a place to stay for the night near the river. Homelessness is a problem most cities deal with.

But my favorite that brings me joy is this image of my cousins walking hand in hand through the Thousand Palms Coachella Valley Preserve. I remember going to their wedding many, many years ago.

Images of people can bring us intense joy and sadness. Isn’t that what photojournalism is about? Telling their stories.

Now when you introduce us to people you’ve met, please remember to link to Tina’s post and use the Lens-Artists tag. What great cityscapes you shared with us last week in response to Patti’s prompt. Each was an adventure. Next week Sofia will be presenting the challenge, so look for her post.

Posted on by Anne Sandler · 27 Comments

Beyond kids: Chalk It Up

Each year Fremont Park in Sacramento hosts Chalk It Up where artists claim a sidewalk square and create art with chalk. Some use liquid chalk and some use regular chalk. We went on the last day of the festival. I was surprised at how many artists were still at work. It was to be another triple digit day. So when we arrived at 7:30 a.m.. there were many others trying to beat the heat.

There were many wonderful squares, but you know art, it’s what you like! I narrowed down my many likes and came up with these to show you. First look at some artists at work.

These artists are willing to stop talk and explain their art. Next there were some pictures that were 3D.

Now, the best of the rest!

It was difficult to choose which pictures to show you. Maybe next year you’ll have to do down to see them for yourself. Or, find a festival like this in or near your home town.