Art&Artist Collaboration

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of doing a collaboration with Allison of Allison Jean Photo!

I have known Allison since elementary school, it's crazy! We only live five minutes from each other, but for some reason never collaborated before,-so we thought we'd change that!

Allison came to me with her idea of doing a series on artists at work, and I couldn't have been more excited! I have always loved pictures of artists "in their element", so I of course agreed (Plus, she's a wicked photographer). However, when she told me she wanted me to be one of the models! I was a little hesitant at first, because I've always been really camera shy, but I knew she would do a great job so I said yes!

We got up super early (or at least for us non-early birds!) and went to a dirt road near our homes. We drive by it every day and both thought it looked neat, so we thought we'd try it out! Lighting, scenery, and even temperature was perfect. (Except for a horrid smell from a coyote carcass we later discovered. Yikes!)

Let's start with the photos by Allison:

Here's me with my setup, looking all artsy.

 

One of my woodcuts!

 

We threw some charcoal drawing in too!

 And here are my pictures of Allison:

She's so cute, right?

 Some of her awesome prints! 

And she paints too! 

 

I had a great time and can't wait to see what other artists will be in her Art & Artist series! 

- Aubrey -

Music Monday: Marina and the Diamonds

I'm not even sure how I came about finding Miss Marina of Marina and the Diamonds,
but I'm glad I did!

She's stylish, incredibly talented, and unique. Her voice is deep and unusual, but it gives it drama that I think compliments her satirical commentaries on America.

Here's a favorite from her album Family Jewels, "Oh No!"

I believe I'm finally getting back into the swing of things! It's been a huge wave of events since I've returned from my vacation in Colorado!

• I'm having my first solo photography/art show at Mochalux Coffee in Arlington, TX on August  19th! I'm so excited and honored!
• I'm entering a local art contest with a potential prize of $3,000! (if only!!)
• I've been shooting some engagement pictures for some friends! So fun!
• Did an experimental shoot with fancy flowy outfits and an underwater film camera! 
• Shot my first wedding! It was insane but I'm glad I tried it!

I'm moving back to Belton soon for my last year of college,-I can hardly believe it! Until then I will be posting as much as I possibly can amidst the chaos!

Hope you're all doing well!
-Aubrey

Music Monday: Friendly Fires

I'm back! I'm back!

Colorado was an absolute blast!
I just finished editing over 400+ pictures, so I will have a Colorado post soon!

But for now-Music Monday!

I'm extra excited about this week's choice, Friendly Fires. My brother mentioned how much he loved their new album Pala a few months ago, but never got around to listening to it. Well, I finally did, and I'm in LOVE with it!

The album is extremely cohesive. Each song has similar catchy, dancey rhythms, but each so unique it doesn't get repetitive and obnoxious. You can put on the album and you have an automatic dance party! Be sure to check it out!

Here's one of my favorites from Pala, "Show Me Lights":

This will surely spice up your Monday!
xo Aubirdy

Vacation Time!

Back to the air I go, to fly to ColoradOOooOo!

Okay, that was cheesy...

My family and I are off again to one of our favorite places, Breckenridge, Colorado! It's a small town way up in the mountains. Fresh, light air, and definitely not 100+ degree weather! Thank goodness.

We've had a time share up there for a few years, and we love it. Unforunately, this is our last year to have it, so we're goin' out with a bang! A handful from my mom's side-grandparents, aunt, and 3 cousins, are going with us. I'm excited to see them all and spend time with them, since ALL of my extended family lives in California.

While there, we usually go to art festivals, bike, hike, ATV, and discover new places! I love it. It's quiet most of the time and storms roll in around the afternoon. It's incredibly peaceful.

Here are some pictures from previous trips!

Here's a view of some of the mountains (on the mountain, ha)

We won't this year obviously, but we usually are there on the 4th of July. There's always a big, bright parade and then the art festival is usually going on at the same time!

Kids playing with chalk at the art festival! Always makes me happy :)

I try to take as many pictures as possible when I'm there. 

Of course, the majority of them end up being nature pictures!

There's beautiful nature everywhere as far as the eye can see though, so how can I not?!

I may be posting while I'm in Colorado, but it has its ways of sweeping me off on grand adventures, so we will see! 

Peace, Love, and Art!
-Aubrey

Printmackin'

Or, printmaking in normal terms. :)

I haven't been able to do woodcuts all summer and I've been so bummed! Finally though, I got some 1/2'' MDF from Home Depot and ordered a tool sharpener! I had my 2x4' board cut into two long pieces and had 2 12x12'' pieces left over, so I decided to do something for fun!

Here are the results!

Healthy Mango Smoothies!

I would have to say my favorite fruit is the mango! They are so yummy! I like that they're not overpowering but have just the right amount of sweetness! (Oddly enough, I don't have much of a sweet tooth! I like making sweets more than eating them.)

Once again, my mother introduced me to a delicious recipe! She's been treating me to them all summer, and I definitely can't complain! They're relatively healthy too, so it's a perfect way to start your morning!

Yummm! (recipe below)

Mango Smoothies

2 Large peeled & cubed Mangos
1 Cup Dannon Vanilla Yogurt (or any brand!)
1 Navel Orange for juice

Fill blender with ice (about 2 cups), blend, and drink up!

Cheers!

-Aubrey

Music Monday (Late): Noah and the Whale

Hey everyone! Hope you all had a great July 4th!

My music pick of the week is Noah and the Whale.

I've been listening to their latest album Last Night on Earth over and over since TJ introduced me to it! It's got a very 80's-ish sound to it, as well as summery! They usually have a more folky sound, but I like the change of pace with this album. I love blasting it in my car with the windows down as I watch the sun set!

Here's their song "Just Me Before We Met", reminds me of TJ and I in a lot of ways :) :