It’s Spiritual

11″ x 14″ mixed media collage on canvas

I love mixing up my mediums! Here I started with acrylic on canvas, then I adhered the cut-up alcohol ink on photo paper pieces on top. Some acrylic dots and strategiclly placed circles balance it all out.

I still struggle with photographing my paintings that have solid black or dark paint, the glare is impossible to avoid. I’ve tried everything, indoor, and outdoor, screens, shades, and various lighting, but there is always a glare in my photos. Does anyone else have this problem? I’m open to advice!

35 responses to “It’s Spiritual”

  1. janicetv Avatar
    janicetv

    Looks colorful, although it has a lot of black in there.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. tiffanyarpdaleo Avatar

      Indeed, thanks, Janice!

      Liked by 1 person

  2. K.Hartless Avatar

    I was drawn right to the butterfly in front of seedy fruit, reminded me of a pomegranate. Sorry, I don’t have advice, other than please keep making your art. It’s always a lovely surprise.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. tiffanyarpdaleo Avatar

      Ah, wonderful perspective, K! I think it would be impossible to stop creating, I hope I can always find materials to play with!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. K.Hartless Avatar

        Me too. Headed out to collect some sunset right now.🦋💜

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Phil Avatar

    Splendid mixed media artwork, Tiffany, and I appreciate you sharing details about your creative processes, too. Lovely work! As for how to minimize glare, as described, are you using any post processing software (Photoshop, Lightroon, Affinity Photo, etc.)?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. tiffanyarpdaleo Avatar

      Thank you, Phil! I only edit my photos with the basic iPhone photo tools. One day I hope to get/learn Photoshop, but I’ve been saying that for 20+ years now! 😂

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Felipe Adan Lerma Avatar

    Looks real good to me, Tiffany – very upbeat, musical even, maybe a guitar in there! ❤️ Wish I had something to offer re glare, I struggle with it way too often; but honestly this one shows really well! 😊 Tweeted!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. tiffanyarpdaleo Avatar

      Thank you, Adan! I’m glad it’s not just me that has this issue, and there have been a couple of suggestions here that I will play with again, maybe it’s just finding the right app! 😉

      Like

  5. Mike Ross Avatar
    Mike Ross

    Natural light is best, early morning or late afternoon if possible. Shade is also good. If you need to shoot them indoors try shining a light (white balanced) on the ceiling and then move around to avoid glare. You could also try putting the painting on the floor and standing on a bed or couch, again experimenting with the angle of the light.

    Nothing is easy Tiffany. 🥴

    Liked by 1 person

    1. tiffanyarpdaleo Avatar

      Some great tips and ideas here, Mike, thank you!!!! It really is all about the angle of the light ☀

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Mike Ross Avatar
        Mike Ross

        If you want I can come over and take the photos for you? I’ll need a plane ticket, penthouse suite (or similar), rental car (preferably a Tesla) and entertainment (your choice). 🤠

        Liked by 1 person

        1. tiffanyarpdaleo Avatar

          Lol! Yeah, I will send your ticket and itinerary right over, just let me call my imaginary accountant and have her transfer some imaginary funds over! 😂

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Mike Ross Avatar
            Mike Ross

            The NFTs are on the way.

            Liked by 1 person

  6. jonicaggiano Avatar

    Lovely Tiffany. I like the colors. Much of your work reminds me of the beauty of the sea. Lovely piece with lots of images. Sending my love sweetie ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. tiffanyarpdaleo Avatar

      Thank you, thank you, Joni!!! It must have something to do with my past life as a mermaid! 😂🧜‍♂️♥

      Liked by 1 person

      1. jonicaggiano Avatar

        You and I both. I use to play mermaid in the pond when I wanted to escape. I think many of your pieces remind me of the sea. I love that. Have a great weekend sweetie. ❤️🦋

        Liked by 1 person

  7. M. Avatar

    That’s dope, I tend to see people in your work, looks like demonic mafioso in a blue sports coat with a murder victim and a woman in distress to his right.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. tiffanyarpdaleo Avatar

      I wouldn’t have seen that scene in a million years, but I love it!!! Thanks for adding your imaginative perspective, Matt! 😂 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Timothy Price Avatar
    Timothy Price

    It’s wildly spiritual.

    Liked by 2 people

  9. Kajal Avatar

    It’s beautiful

    Liked by 2 people

    1. tiffanyarpdaleo Avatar

      Thanks for stopping by Kajal!

      Like

  10. Mister Bump UK Avatar

    wow! looks very extra-terrestrial!

    Obvious, but is the flash firing when you photograph them? Or, have you tried contacting a local photographer who might have a studio? Who might also have experience setting up lighting?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. tiffanyarpdaleo Avatar

      Thank you so much Pete! Yes, I have a good friend with a photography studio and he has shot some of my work there, the quality difference is amazing! He taught me some tips, but I just can’t create the same perfect light at home, I keep trying! 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Mister Bump UK Avatar

        Might be difficult to rec reate at home as he probably will have dedicated lights, the ability to soften them etc.

        Liked by 1 person

  11. Simon Avatar

    Oh I love this – such riot of form and colour. As for photographing your work it’s trick – I have a similar issue with shadow. Have you tried outside with the sun behind the work? Maybe some kind of subdued light – maybe with the light filtered with a thin sheet or on a cloudy day might work?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. tiffanyarpdaleo Avatar

      Thanks for chiming in here Simon, good suggestions! It’s tough to shoot outdoors, it’s pretty sunny in San Diego, but the late afternoon in the shade does work best. I want to find a thin shade cloth and contraption to hold it, I rarely have an assistant!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Simon Avatar

        I’m sure you can work it out… if you need any suggestions let me know where you get stuck 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  12. Robin King Avatar
    Robin King

    Oh, fantastic!!! ♥️♥️♥️ the gorgeous energy! Mixing things makes magic! (I see razzle-dazzle Elvis rocking it out🎸🎶 WOW! 🥰

    Liked by 1 person

    1. tiffanyarpdaleo Avatar

      Nice!!! I didn’t see Elvis until you mention it, awesome! Have a great weekend Robin!!! ☺

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Robin King Avatar
        Robin King

        Thank you! You, too!! 🤗

        Liked by 1 person

  13. humoringthegoddess Avatar

    I do like the dark colors~~

    Liked by 1 person

    1. tiffanyarpdaleo Avatar

      Yes, very dramatic, I love the contrast!

      Liked by 1 person

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