Victoria Csikany

Over the years I have tried to decipher the invisible language that draws me to the personality and aura of another person.  I have also tried to understand what fills me with a sense of urgency to want to photograph a stranger who catches my eye.  I haven't quite discovered the answer as of yet, but the same "attraction" language must be true for the other person too.

The images in this post are of Victoria Csikany.  I was dining in a local restaurant when I noticed her beautiful hair in a ponytail and how efficiently she was working.  Crazy as it may sound, that was my initial impression of her and I knew I wanted to photograph her.  So, I gave my business card to my waitress and asked her to give it to Victoria.  To my surprise not only did my waitress give her the card, but she brought Victoria over to my table and introduced us.  It was at that moment that I got my first good glimpse of her full face and infectious smile.

I told her about myself and invited her to model for me at which she replied, "I'm too short".  We laughed and I promised I could make her look taller in photographs.  In parting she offered to call me, but that didn't happen for weeks and I figured we'd never get together. Once we did made the connection for her first shoot I think that unspoken language between the two of us played out very well in the images below.  Amazingly Victoria has never model before so I know the synergy we have is complete. 

Enjoy!
Willie

Click on images to enlarge

To see more of Victoria, click on this link:Victoria

I Can Draw #2

Man sitting in chair

This is another posting of drawings that I have done over the past months.  Admittedly, I have been a little too busy doing other things to keep up the routine of drawing something everyday.  Therefore, you may notice several drawings that I haven't finished. I hope you enjoy these latest attempts at stretching my personal talents. 

Disney Hall [pencil]

[Double-click images to enlarge viewing]

Face of Man [Pencil]

Flower Petals [Colored Pencils]

Orange on Table [Ink]

Woman Without a Face [Sanguine]

Mixed Fruit [pencils]

Self-Portrait [Pencils]

Scribbles [Ink]

Trash Can by Steps [Pencils]

Tulips [Ink]

Woman [ink]

Woman in red hat [Colored Pencils]

Flowers [Colored Pencils]

Portrait of Woman From Memory[2H Pencil]

Portrait of Woman [Ink]

Portrait Study of Girl [Ink]

Water Lillies [Colored markers and Charcoal]

Pears and Baseball [Colored Pencils]

Gianluca Foli

Sometimes you come across a beautiful thing in life and you know you need to share it with the world.  That is why I am sharing with my readers information about noted artist Gianluca Foli.  I came across his work in a video I was watching that led me to Google his name and find out more about him.  What a goldmine.  

On his website I found out that he is an amazing artist with some of the most beautiful drawings I have come to admire.  In fact, I want to place smack in the middle of this posting just one of my favorite drawings of his.

Presagio di Primavera

 I was so inspired by Gianluca's work I got back to sketching again after months of letting it slide.  I hope after viewing this link, Gianluca Foli, you will be much appreciative of the artist and his amazing artwork and see things in life, art, and certainly photography differently. I sure do.

Enjoy!
Willie 

P.S.:  If you really want to get up close and personal with Gianluca check out this link:  Video Documentary

The Lankfords - Confederate Reenactors

I've known Bill and Mary Ann Lankford for a number of years.  In fact, we attended the same church and sang in the choir together.  Bill and I sang side-by-side in the bass section and I will admit I think we laughed over more silly stuff than actually performing the appropriate notes for the songs we were rehearsing.  We shared a unique and great friendship that has grown over many years of trying to see who could make the other person laugh first and the longest.

So, when Bill asked me to create some publicity images for him and Mary Ann I was absolutely delighted.  I knew Bill and Mary Ann were serious about their roles as Confederate reenactors because Bill has shown me numerous snapshots of them at the various events they've attended throughout Florida.  However, when they walked into the studio I was completely taken in by the authenticity of their wardrobe.  I think I even smelled an aroma of gunpowder or tobacco about Bill.  Just the sight of them together screamed of a fun photo session and the following images will show you that they are not only great Confederate reenactors but also a good looking married couple too.

Bill and Mary Ann, I really miss you guys!

Enjoy!
Willie

Click any image to enjoy a slideshow preview

 Bill & Mary Ann Lankford

 My Friends The Lankfords

Enjoy!
Willie