Workshops and Art Jurying by joel Sampson

I occasionally teach a three day digital photography workshop and also jury art exhibits in the Dallas / Fort Worth area.

Dallas / Fort Worth area Art Jurying

I have worked professionaly in a variety of media and styles. I did post graduate work in art history and my area of interest is 19th Century American Painting (especially landscape) and Contemporary Art. I can jury any art media or style.

The following is my juror's statement for the Lake Granbury juried exhibit:

I always love the concept of a open group show, such as this LGAA Member's exhibit. With all art being accepted, not juried in, open shows are usually interesting, as this one certainly is. I like the fact that a beginner can also exhibit their work and get feedback. It took me two hours to jury for awards, as this show had quite a few very strong pieces. Often an individual artist entered two excellent works of art. We gave one award per person.

When I view and judge art, I look for something interesting and fresh. That's why cliches and overly sentimental art often have a disadvantage in any juried exhibit. I then look at design and technique. Does a painting or photograph have a center of interest? Does the work have a full range of values from a dark dark to light? Are the colors compatible?

And lastly the presentation or the framing. A poor framing job can detract from the art. A good frame is simple and clean. The star is the art, not the frame. If the work is on paper, a wide, white mat is usually a good choice. A simple wooden or black metal frame will set it off from the wall but does not get in the way of the image.

I always enjoy Granbury and especially enjoyed jurying this exhibit. The LGAA has some outstanding artists, a great venue and some very nice people. I hope you invite me back. Keep painting!

Joel Sampson 4/27/10

Digital Photography and Free Software
Making the most of your camera and computer

Modern photography is complex. Digital camera technology and software changes quickly. This workshop covers how to select and use a digital camera, from simple point and shoots to Digital SLR's. The basics of optics, exposure, shutter speed and f-stops have not changed in the move from film to digital, and I will cover those aspects. The workshop also covers how to get a good print for exhibition or other purposes.

The biggest challenge is what to do after you have shot the image. Today, you are the photo lab. Much photo editing software, such as Adobe PhotoShop is expensive. One of the most unique approaches of this workshop is the use of free and legal software. There is a wealth of really high-quality Open Source software that is professional. All the software runs on a Windows based PC and most applications also run under Macintosh OSX and even Linux operating systems.

We will also cover flatbed scanners and printers. Special emphasis on painter’s needs will be covered such as photographing flat art and using digital images for transfers and collage in mixed media paintings.

The workshop is a lecture and demo format. You are free to bring your laptop computer, if you have one, but it’s not necessary. Many handouts will be provided.

All levels are welcome. Many students bring their better half or a friend. It’s fun and useful for anyone that takes photographs.

Demystify Digital A to Z

Automation, batteries, backup, blur, b&w, calibration, color correction, depth of field, D-SLR’s, downloading, exposure, fireworks, flash, formats, f-stops, histograms, HDR, ink-jet printers, ISO, jpg, laser printers, lenses, lighting, longevity, memory cards, metadata, modes, motion, organizing photos, paper, pixels, printers, P&S, raw, red-eye, resolution, scanners, show entry, shutter speed, software, sunsets, supports, timers, white balance, zooms.

Now booking

I also do this unique workshop on the road for art groups. Let's talk.