KOBI McKENZIE's DIGITAL GALLERY

Jasmine Star's CreativeLive workshop

2010-08-28T12:23:00.000-07:00

WOW...what a week. To tell the truth, I was mildly interested in what CreativeLive in Seattle had to offer with their latest workshop for photographers. However, after watching the first day, I was hooked. Jasmine Star and her husband JD have really opened my eyes to the possibilities that weddings provide.

I'm definitely NOT a wedding photographer...the idea of running full tilt (even if organized) for an entire day (or more) is more than even a lively 69 year-old would want to tackle. But, choosing just the right photo for portrait painting IS right up my alley. So, while watching the going's on for the last few days, as Jasmine was being video taped "doing her thing", I grabbed a few screen shots and made some quick attempts at painting a bride. Since these are low resolution images (off the internet) the particular style I have chosen is, of course, much more "rustic" than I would normally choose for painting a bride.

Since Jasmine and I both live in Orange County, hopefully I'll be able to contact her, and discuss whether the kinds of artwork I do might be an additional product she might offer to her brides.

Just puttin' it out there...

Evan

2010-03-22T13:25:00.001-07:00

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It's been a while since I've posted anything. Since my move to southern California in early December and a hideous bout with the flu, I'm almost ready to resume painting. The latest addition to the gallery is a casual portrait of Evan Rundle (19 months old) painted from the snapshot beside the portrait.

Portraits

2009-09-28T13:08:00.000-07:00

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Even though I haven't recovered from the 50th reunion events, I talked to several people who asked if I did portraits. Sure I do portraits!! And not always pets. Reference photo used for this one was a photograph taken by Bruce Halen of his grandaughter Somana.

Good Old Memphis

2009-08-21T16:56:00.000-07:00

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I haven't posted in a while. That means I've been busy...however, I haven't been painting. My 50th High School reunions are coming up in September and I've been busy doing web design, trying to remember how I did that back in the 90s. Luckily, it's easier now!!

I've added a portrait of my friends "granddog" Memphis, that I completed last Spring. I got some good reviews at Corel Painter Magazine site, so I thought I share the image here as well.

Animals?

2009-03-09T13:43:00.000-07:00

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Absolutely!! What goes better with children than animals. And for some, their animals ARE considered their children.

I've painted many pet portraits for my friends over the years, but have never (until now) sought commissions for painting them. However, they have become some of my most requested subjects. Here, we see "Moxie"...full of the devil, and ready for a romp. While for the 9 month old kitten "Raisin" an inquisitive look was more her style.

If you decide your animals should occupy a special place on your walls, as well as in your hearts...let's see what I can do for you. If note cards would be more appropriate, I can do that as well.

Time Out!

2008-11-22T18:13:00.000-08:00

Learning lessons: Don't break in a new pair of shoes on game day, and take off your sock BEFORE you open the band-aid wrapper!

It's Not All Play!

2008-11-10T09:44:00.001-08:00

After practice, many of the kids start doing their homework while waiting for their rides home. To me, the words "over scheduled" often come to mind.

Ready to Defend His Position

2008-11-07T14:52:00.000-08:00

The coach said..."be ready"...and, I AM!

Fall Schedule Well Underway

2008-11-07T14:34:00.000-08:00

Local fall soccer leagues are well underway, with team practice during the week and games on Saturday morning. Sometimes the uniforms appear to be "one size fits all" but the enthusiasm is definitely "large".

Spring flag football

2008-06-06T20:24:00.000-07:00

June 1st marked the end of the Spring flag football season. Locally, the teams play on Sunday's and sport the jerseys representing those of the NFL teams. There are five players per team, with teams divided by categories from 5 to 14 years of age. The teams are open for both girls and boys. I, particularly enjoy photographing and doing paintings of this sport because I can get close to the action, as well as being able to see facial expressions on the players.

Big girls during league play

2008-04-24T13:41:00.001-07:00

High school girls were playing for all it's worth a couple Saturday's ago...giving lots of opportunities for action shots of all kinds. For me, soccer is great to shoot because I can get close to the action and capture facial expressions.

Little Leaguers

2008-04-24T13:34:00.000-07:00

Every weekend, three local diamonds are filled with LittleLeaguers of all ages. Pictured here is one of the players just before hitting a blast over the centerfield fence. Having so many shots to choose from after my last photo outing, it was difficult to pick the best one...let's say, this was one of the best.

Grab those clubs

2008-03-20T09:09:00.000-07:00

Spring sports of all kinds "officially" started last weekend. Unfortunately, it rained here in the San Francisco Bay Area, which put a "damper" on many of the activities...but not on the enthusiasm of the kids.

Getting out and hitting a bucket of balls at the driving range was the most activity I could manage, spending most of my time catching up on a bit of painting from previous weeks photo sessions. Since I've been painting more than golfing, that's the area that's gotten most of my attention. Of course, it was apparent at the driving range that the winter "lay-off" had not magically been the "cure" for my generally less than spectacular shots. What did bring a smile to my face was noticing how many more kids had accompanied their parents to the range.

I hope the trend continues, because getting the kids pictures at the driving range is much easier than on a course.

Time to start thinking golf

2008-01-16T02:27:00.000-08:00

With warmer weather on the way, it's time to check out your equipment and make a trip to the local driving range in preparation for the '08 golf season.

The first of the professional events has already taken place in Hawaii. Will this be the year that one of your children will join you on the course?

Last month I included a few paintings of children involved in the martial arts. Golf will be one of the sports featured this season.

In line with the Charles Schultz Philosophy

2007-12-20T13:00:00.000-08:00

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the the 'Peanuts' comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read the list of questions straight through, and you'll get the point.

1. Who are the five wealthiest people in the world?

2. Who were the winners of the last five Heisman trophies?

3. Who were the last five winners of the Miss America pageant?

4. Can you name ten people who have either the Nobel or

Pulitzer Prizes?

5. Who were the last five winners of the Academy Awards?

6. Can you name the last decades worth of World Series winners?

How'd you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers; they are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. The trophies tarnish. Achievements are all but forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. Can you list a few teachers who aided your journey through school?

2. Can you remember the name three friends who have helped you

through a difficult time?

3. Can you name five people who have taught you

something worthwhile?

4. Could you think of a few people who have made you feel

appreciated and special?

5. Who are five people you enjoy spending your time with?

Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a real difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials...the most money...the most awards.

They are simply the ones that care most.

This particular message makes it's way around the internet around this time of year. I love receiving it. It always brings back a flood of memories...of the person who sent it to me, and of all the people who were among my answers to the "easier" questions above.

When I was a kid, it was always more than special, when a friend or realtive took time regularly to know what my interests were. And, when I was fortunate enough to receive a Christmas or birthday gift, their acknowledgement of my interests was always apparent in their gift selection. How incredibly special it is to have your uniqueness recognized!

Who are they?

2007-12-12T13:26:00.000-08:00

At this time, the children I have illustrated are local to the San Francisco Bay Area. They are not "stars" or particularly noted for their athletic talent; but they are dedicated participants. I have returned to their playing fields, gyms, rinks, studios, and dojo's on a weekly basis and have taken notice of their developing skills, technique, physical agility or simply sportmanship. All appear to be positively effected and Hooray for them! These experiences will serve them for a lifetime.

I paint children, because I'd love for them to see "themselves" as role models. Through their actions, they learn the responsibilities they have to their peers and siblings. And, I like to see them rewarded for their efforts. In developing strong self-esteem, they learn early on not to shy away from new experiences, to take on difficult tasks, more responsibility and how to confidently move forward to the next life challenge.

In the beginning...

2007-12-11T18:31:00.000-08:00

As a child of the 50s, I always enjoyed drawing sports figures. Every Sunday, I remember rushing for he San Francisco Chronicle's "Sporting Green" to admire the latest illustrations of Howard Brodie.

Eventually, I became a graphic designer and for over 35 years, made my living working in that field. Life may have been simpler back in the day, but producing exactly what you could see in your head was much more difficult. The process usually required a team of people and always involved more time and frustration.

I was fortunate to "be involved" as the transition from traditional methods to electronic wizardry took place. While still working, I was able to learn a great deal and broaden my exposure in many areas of the digital world.

At about the time I retired, I saw that great advances being made in digital photography as well as in creative software and printing. It became possible to paint from my digital photos and print my artwork on traditional materials. I could handle the whole process in a reasonably small studio and I really liked that!!

However, even with the availability of all those new tools, I still had nont developed my personal style nor found subject matter that truly peaked my interest. Friends commissioned me to do paintings of their children and pets, and I'd paint flowers for hours. Clients were pleased but those subjects were NOT my passion. Not until I joined an online forum for digital artists, did I find myself headed in the right direction. It may have been through a process of elimination, but when I painted my first "sports art" picture, I knew that was IT!

So, after many years as a graphic designer, now semiretired, I have time to create what I like best. It comes as no surprise that my love for sports, digital photography and digital art have blended into what has now become my full-time passion.