Observe What is Around You

As I've been in the software / UI field forever, I've been able to observe changes and how they effect others around me and then, view the results.

Sometimes we are so busy, we don't take time to step back and notice the rest of the system we are intwined with and understand what is transpiring. It's a funny thing. I always say, it's not what you see, its what you don't see that matters Statements like "Joe has always made the UI design choices" may instill confidence in Joe, or it could point to the question "is Joe the best person to make these decisions?".

It's not often that events appear that actually answer that question (no, Joe is not the best person). What comes next is what is important. How does Joe react? How do others react this news? This will tell you a lot about the makeup of Joe and the team. Acceptance and relief will assure you that you have a thoughtful and understanding people to work with and great progress can be made.

Every team is dynamic and fluid in nature. Changes will come and go, but how people react tells can provide insight on a more personal level.

The same is observing yourself too.

Comments

There is no "Right" way.

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3rd Try is a Charm

I've been trying to draw / paint these barns for a couple of years but never felt or got them right. This time I think they turned out right. So What went wrong before and what's right now with this drawing? This time, the light was right. It's coming from the upper right and the shadows just looked right. The other thing is the corn field on the left had to "be in season", otherwise it's just a plowed field. I had taken other photos from different angles but they never felt right. This angle has the road, power lines, corn field, etc. all leading to the right. The shadows on the lower right helps fill in that corner (don't forget about the corners!). The last part is trying to draw (ink paint maybe) the trees in the background. Not so easy when they are kind of a blob is green shades. So yeah, it's composition that is king. Many times I just don't see it until the drawing / painting is finished and when it's right it feels goo...

So THIS is My Style?

If I play around long enough my style will appear. I'm guessing that this is kind of it. I'll keep working on other techniques in watercolor but for now this appears to be my style. I do like it and others appear (to my face) to also like this. Not every one of my paintings is a success. About 1/3 so far, but when they do I am rather pleased that anything good comes out of it at all. I do love color. Color is happy and outdoors is full of color, be it the west or back east with the greens. Color color color. Also doing some painting on hot press paper and see how that goes. Later......

A Person, Artist, Software Engineer, Geologist.

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