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A painter's day trip
STORY & ILLUSTRATIONS BY MIKE MILLER
I have a special appreciation for photographers. In search of the perfect visual, they pack pounds of gear and trek miles with it to find the right light on the right subject at the right time of day. If they miss that critical window, the truly dedicated will start all over tomorrow. That is, if it doesn't rain.
If they are successful, the gratification must wait. It's off to the lab to drop off the film. Now fingers are crossed that some technician doesn't open a door and ruin it. In that event, they will receive sincere apologies and a replacement roll of film.
I've always been into more immediate gratification.
In search for the perfect visual, I pack my two-ounce tubes of watercolor, a couple of brushes, and a few sheets of watercolor paper or board. No backpacks for me, no miles to walk. I can paint from the front seat of the truck if need be. There's plenty to see out the front window.
If I don't like the tree in front of me, I'll take it out. If that fence line is going the wrong direction for my composition, I won't walk to the other side of the valley, I'll just change it. If the light isn't coming from the right direction I can play God and command the sun. Even Ansel Adams couldn't do that.
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The March/April 2003 Issue is out. Find it at Las Vegas bookstores today.
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