Q & A with Michael Murray Part 3

What is your technique?

I use toy animals for most of my pictures, which I photograph outdoors to benefit from the natural light for more realistic shadows and contrast. I then chose the best one to use, and using Photoshop remove the ground, enhance the shadow, and adjust the contrast, levels and colors until I'm satisfied. I then arrange the image according to my design and add any extra elements such as sports equipment and textures.

For the more complex architectural scenes I use Google or Bing maps as reference material, 3D software to create the buildings and shadows, and then Photoshop to add textures, colors and animals. The initial stage of sketching the layout and design is paramount as it saves a lot of stress and decision making later on in the process.

Finished designs are then either printed on the highest quality Kodak paper and mounted to be sold as prints, or taken to the framers who are very experienced with framing contemporary photographic pieces. I generally chose large impressive frames for maximum impact.

Picture credit: "Soccer Cows", digital photography, printed on Kodak paper

Click here to learn more about this cow art photograph

Friday's art themed website: ART QUOTES

*For those new to this blog, every Friday, blog writer Kathy Swift share an art themed article or website with readers.*

While you may have viewed and studied famous artists' paintings, have you ever given any thought to what they have said? Today's art themed website is Art Quotes. The site lists quotes from artists, and other entertainers, inspirational and religious people. The site aims to list quotes to inspire success, creativity, and knowledge. Readers can also find links to some well known artists and their work.

Q & A with Michael Murray Part 2

Why do you do photography?

I love the excitement/nervous energy I get from going to collect a large frame piece from the framers. The idea that the finished piece has grown from just a wee sketch in my pad is very satisfying. Even more so if it gets a great response from the general public at an exhibition or art event.

I've dabbled with a lot of art techniques over the years including oils and watercolors, but photography and digital work is the one which has really stuck and I find the most useful. I may even try mixing digital photography with painting and see where that takes me.

Cow art at the MIchigan state Brown Swiss show

Cow Art and More was thrilled and honored to have been asked to produce the Grand Champion trophy for the 2010 Michigan Dairy Expo Brown Swiss State Show. Pictured at left is the Intermediate and Grand Champion of the open and junior show, exhibited by Taylor Bolinger. Her mother, Laura, is holding the stained glass box trophy, made by Mary McIntyre, which contains a print of the Ideal type Brown Swiss cow drawn by Gary Sauder.

Many thanks to Sara Long, (@rosamyst) for providing this photo.

Q & A with Michael Murray Part 1

How did you get started?

I began to get frustrated with my job in London, constantly being told what to do, and not getting any recognition or appreciation for good work. I therefore decided to move back to Glasgow to create my own work for exhibitions, and work on commissions for people and companies. I do a lot of artwork as special gifts and it gives me great pleasure to know that my work has made someone's celebration a bit more special.

Monday's agriculture website of interest: FARMERS' MARKET COALITION

*For those new to this blog, every Monday, blog writer Kathy Swift shares an agricultural website of interest with readers.*

In honor of National Farmers' Market week, today's agricultural website of interest is the Farmers' Market Coalition (FMC). The mission of the FMC is “to strengthen farmers' markets for the benefit of farmers, consumers, and communities.”

The specific goals of the Farmers' Market Coalition website are:

* To serve as an information center for farmers markets.
* To be a voice for North American farmers market advocacy.
* To foster strong state and regional farmers market associations.
* To bring private and public support to the table to sustain farmers markets in the long term, for the benefit of farmers, consumers, and communities.
* To promote farmers markets to the public.
* To develop and provide educational programming and networking opportunities for farmers market managers and farmers market vendors.

The site also has a link to multiple article resources, such as food safety, farm business and marketing and funding and grants.

Digital artist featured for August

Photographer and digital artist Michael Murray is this month's featured artist on Cow Art and More. Michael lives in Scotland and enjoys taking photographs of animals and manipulating them into non-traditional scenes. He has exhibited at numerous galleries across Europe and also uses his skills as a graphic designer for magazines and catalogs.

Enjoy Michael's art in our specials section this month. Purchase any of his work during the month of August and receive free shipping.