My friend Bob is a fascinating guy. After a career teaching math at both the Junior High and High School in Burnsville, MN he started a second career as a financial advisor.  Now, in “semi-retirement” living in the Villages in Florida for six months out of the year he decided to become an artist.  After a few lessons he quickly surpassed the instructor and has become quite good. His subject matter so far has been interesting landscapes painted from photos. When Bob and his wife were back in Minnesota for the Christmas Holidays I told him about The Burnsville Rotary Club’s upcoming Concert For Caring Fund Raiser and he volunteered to paint a picture of a Burnsville scene and donate it to the silent auction. The catch was that I had to select the “Burnsville Scene” for him to paint and provide the photo. I gave him two to choose from, a winter shot of our Centennial Park garden and a fall scene of Gemstone Park.  Bob chose the more colorful photo (not a surprise-who wants to paint snow when you are in Florida) and here is a photo of the painting. Bob is even donating the frame. Below Bob’s painting I included the photo Bob used. You can see that Bob added his own creative touches. It seems he prefers blue skies and blue water. Maybe he is spending too much time in Florida.

Gemstone Park, Artist: Bob Karp 2009Gemstone Park Photo

I took this photo on my way to the office last fall. It was a beautiful fall morning with bright sun and no wind. As I drove past I couldn’t resist taking the photo even though I had to go back home to pick up my camera.  Since one never knows when something worth photographing is going to pop up it is a good idea to keep you camera charged up and in the car. And, who would have thought that this photo would turn into wonderful painting by a new artist.

Gemstone Park Photo

Bob started painting pictures about the time he turned 70. So, we are never to old to learn something new. At his point I plan to continue taking the pictures and let Bob do the painting. But, one never knows. Something to think about.

Wayne http://www.correctphoto.com

BTW, I did use CorrectPhoto with OneClick Color to make the color right before I made the print to give to Bob.

Gemstone Park-Original Photo before CorrectPhoto OneClick Color