Smart, reliable web/graphic designer committed to environmental sustainability.
When I first started working on a Mac in the 1980s, there were 2 kinds of font formats: Postscript and TrueType. Postscript fonts were used for printing. Several resided on the printer (Palatino and Times Roman, for example), while others were downloaded to the output device automatically when you hit the "Print" key in the software program you were using. TrueType fonts were intended for viewing on the computer screen, … [Read more...]
During the 22 years I lived in Somerville, Massachusetts, I discovered many grassroots environmental groups right outside my front door. We had a second-floor apartment in a triple-decker, not far from the Mystic River. I didn't visit the river very often because there are busy highways next to it. For years, I'd drive on one of those highways, Mystic Avenue, to get to work, and I became quite fond of a beautiful mural … [Read more...]
A few days ago, while I was browsing through Communication Arts at our local library, I had this moment of gratitude. It suddenly occurred to me how lucky I was to be able to hold this fantastic publication in my hands and enjoy its contents. Furthermore, I could take it home for FREE and continue to enjoy reading it, simply because I had a library card. Libraries have a long and rich history, and I often give thanks … [Read more...]
Painting outdoors is often called painting plein air." I didn't realize until recently that there are strong disagreements about what exactly constitutes "plein air" painting. One art group insists that "true plein air painting is always completed from beginning to end on site with the subject matter before the artist." Other groups allow some flexibility, with standards ranging anywhere from 90% to 45% of the painting … [Read more...]
What You Need to Run Mountain Lion If you are considering an upgrade of your Mac OS to Mountain Lion, first be sure that your computer meets all of the required specifications: is one of the following models: iMac (Mid 2007 or newer) MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer) MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer) MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer) Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer) Mac Pro … [Read more...]
I initially wrote this post in July 2010. Today, I updated it with information regarding Photoshop CS6 and OSX 10.8.2 Mountain Lion. I've always preferred doing my scanning from within Photoshop, since it offers a fuller range of control than most scanner software. It obviously interprets the RGB data extremely well. After turning on the scanner, launch Photoshop and scroll down the FILE menu to IMPORT, where you will … [Read more...]
My annual holiday sale has great savings for everyone. IT LASTS ALL MONTH. This year, ARTWORK PRICES have been REDUCED at least 50%! Check out the original art and see if there's a gift for someone you love. Art — http://www.askdesign.biz/ask_shop/shop-cat.php My Facebook Fans in particular get even bigger discounts on all artwork, cards, prints, and tees. https://www.facebook.com/ASKDesign … [Read more...]
My mother, Louise, passed away on September 24, 2012. Yesterday, we had a memorial service for her. In the morning, my family and I gathered together at the beach to scatter her ashes. She loved the beach and the sun. After a lovely lunch, we had the memorial service at a synagogue in Hingham. My brothers (Paul and Carl) and I each spoke at the service. It was harder than I thought it would be, but I'm glad I did it. … [Read more...]
Upcoming Exhibit Arlington Open Studios When: October 13 and 14, 2012 12 noon – 5 pm Where: Arlington Center for the Arts 41 Foster Street Arlington, MA 02474 NOTE: I'll be in the Theatre! http://www.acarts.org/arlingtonopenstudios.php Special Pricing on my Original Art There will be incredible savings during the Open Studios weekend on my original art, framed and unframed. Facebook ASK … [Read more...]
In July, I went to Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY, for an art retreat. You can register for all kinds of workshops there. The one I took is called "R&R Retreat", and you can do anything you want. I painted en plein air. The weather started out perfectly for outdoor painting. Refreshingly mild mornings, followed by hot and humid afternoons. On my first morning, I painted Long Pond Lake. I've painted the left and … [Read more...]
I recently returned from a week of landscape painting in the Hudson River Valley, New York. A highlight of the trip was the day I spent painting at Olana, which was the home of Frederic Church, one of the most well-known painters of the Hudson River school. I'm familiar with his work, but I don't know much about his life. It's actually Thomas Cole and Alfred Bierstadt whose work I really love, but the lure of Olana pulled … [Read more...]
Sometimes in life, unexpected things come your way and you are blessed with a wonderful learning experience. Such was the case with a school project assigned to me while studying graphic design at Mass. College of Art and Design. The class was Typography. We were each given one designer to research and prepare a presentation for the class at the end of the semester. I was assigned A.M. Cassandre, about whom I knew nothing … [Read more...]
I love bicycle riding and I love painting, so I often combine them into an experience I call "Bike 'n Paint". While bike riding, I scope out beautiful and interesting locations that make me think, "Wow, I'd like to paint this sometime!" I keep a running list in my head of places and things I want to paint. When the urge strikes, I'll bike to the area with my pastels and sit for a short time blocking out the scene. I … [Read more...]
This was originally a "Top 10" list when I first wrote it in the summer of 2009. I was preparing to teach a Typography 2 class, updating my bibliography list, and thinking about which books are must-haves and/or classics. There are many great ones out there, and I'd love to hear what your favorites are. Recently, I read a great book that I want to add to my list, which now makes it a "Top 11" list: Just My Type: A Book … [Read more...]
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