Simply Irresistible

(click on photo to enlarge)

Two Trucks, Fish and Wildlife
2010
© Larry Torno


A gallery owner once commented that he liked my work best when I simplified my compositions to 2-3 main elements; part of my observe, select and eliminate the rest, philosophy.
     Something struck me as simplistically wonderful about this scene. The repetition of shapes, the contrast of light and dark, the textured surfaces, and the depth of the evening sky drew me to this parking lot that borders the Big Muddy Fish and Wildlife Refuge.
     I didn't set out to create a photo of two trailers but when inspiration calls, it's a good idea to answer.
     For feedback, I usually forward samples of my favorite images to a fine art photographer friend of mine in California for his thoughts. "Ahhh, the power of simplicity!" was his response and I couldn't agree with him more. I have always responded to the simple things in life and relish the beauty of shape and form in my photos.

Trees - Part Three

(click on photo to enlarge)

Broken Heart
2010
© Larry Torno

This tree at Creve Coeur Lake was the focus of my attention on a cold, rainy morning in May. I was tired of waiting for a bright, sunny day to take photos, so I set out to see what I could find during a dreary spell of gloomy weather.
     The literal translation of Creve Coeur is "broken heart" and it seemed appropriate to find a stand of lonely looking trees at the water's edge. Isolating this one against a background of incoming storm clouds, captured the eerie calm that I felt was present. Although it was only 9:30 a.m., the feeling you get from this image is that it's much later in the evening.
     As is usual with my photography adventures, the shot that I like the best is one of the last images that I created. I think I'm getting better at knowing when to quit.

NEWS - On Exhibition

(click on photo to enlarge)

The Pyramids of St. Louis
2010
© Larry Torno

Bruno David Gallery presents Recession Rejuvenations, June 11 - August 28, 2010. The opening reception for this group show is Friday, July 9, 6 - 9 p.m.

     One of my images, The Pyramids of St. Louis, is on exhibition in the Project Room. To see more of the series, follow the link to the Overhead Projections post.

The Pyramids of St. Louis is available as a limited edition print through the Bruno David Gallery.

Portrait of a Moment - Part Nine

The Artist Robbie
2010

© Larry Torno

After a long hiatus, the Portrait of a Moment series continues. This time it's the artist, Robbie.
     We shot a lot of photos this day, trying to find the defining pose. As we were about to wrap things up, Robbie relaxed a bit and rested his head on his hand . . . that's all it took and the last few exposures captured the portrait I was looking for.

Photographic Memory

Reflecting on a Weekend
2010
© Larry Torno

Rickie Lee Jones said "You never know when you're making a memory" but in this case, I took a memory and made a photograph.
     Several years ago my wife and I spent a tranquil weekend at Kentucky Lake. I was impressed with the stillness of the water and the isolation we felt . . . at one point we were the only people on the water. Before we left, I bought this model sailboat to remind me of our peaceful trip.
     Recently I brought the boat into my studio to see if I could capture the feeling of serenity I get whenever I see the souvenir. It worked.

Welcome to the Relaunch

Solo Calla Lily

2010

© Larry Torno

Welcome to the relaunch of the TORNO Photo blogspot.

Today's post marks the beginning of a new approach to displaying my images. Not only will the photos have a different look to their exhibition, but the images themselves will represent a more concentrated effort to capture an impression.
     Before I begin clicking the shutter, I have a basic idea of what I want to accomplish. Once I get started, the concept may shift a bit according to what I discover as I start visualizing. From there, the photo reveals itself as I see it from different perspectives. I continue to work with the edited images until I find the one exposure that remains true to my original vision.
  
The new posting schedule will be the first Sunday of every month, so we'll see you with a new photo on May 2, 2010.

New Direction

The tornophoto blog is changing. Beginning April 4, 2010, the tornophoto blog will start posting entries on the first Sunday of every month only. This schedule will allow me time to concentrate on creating new images and exploring ideas that I've been wanting to work on.
     Thank you, as always, for your continued viewership and I look forward to presenting the first of the new Torno photos next week. Keep watching!

Photo Spiva - Part Two

Reformed Spiral Lily II
© 2007
Larry Torno

Reformed Spiral Lily is the second in a series of photos that I worked on in 2007. I enjoyed the possibilities of reforming the composition by adding multiple exposures within the same frame. Although this image was not selected for exhibition, I consider it one of my favorites.

Photo Spiva - Part One

Reformed Hosta Variegae
© 2007
Larry Torno

In 2007, I was fortunate enough to have two of my images selected by artist/juror John Paul Caponigro, for the annual photoSpiva exhibition at the George A. Spiva Center for the Arts.
     I had been experimenting with the concept of multiple images, abstracted and reformed, within the same composition. In Reformed Hosta Variegae, I already liked the sinewy line created along the edge of the hosta leaf and wondered what the potential was for defining a new shape. The resulting composition was reminiscent of a multi-petalled, sensuous Georgia O'Keefe floral painting.
     Next week I'll present another reformed image that takes on a similar but distinctly different composition.

Midwest Cliché - Part Six

Crystal Cross
© 2010
Larry Torno

Another image from the Midwest Cliché series brings together several personal interests. First, I continue to explore the notion of stereotypical assumptions about the Midwest, then combine that with my interest in real and imagined visions of the Sign of the Cross (first presented on April 26, 2009).
     I wasn't looking for a cross when I came upon this decaying shed but was pleased to discover the subtle shape defined by the horizontal and vertical supports of the door frame. Real or imagined, it's part of the accidental observations that I like to make.
     In case you're wondering what this has to do with the Midwest; the area is considered a safe place to live, where it's not necessary to always lock your door.