Amazing Young Artist - Kirke McNeel

I recently had the opportunity to see work from a local Jackson artist who is quietly bursting onto the scene the way artists are supposed to... because she creates outstanding art that evokes a feeling, not because my friend Johnny says she's the best that's ever been. Kirke McNeel (follow her on twitter: @K_McNeel) is formally trained as an architect, but brings remnants of O'Keefe and her own flair to the canvas, where she is primarily working in acrylic. Kirke is also getting behind the lens with some interesting photography. Below is one of my faves that I could also link from her new Weebly site. It instantly brings my mind to a romantic date with my wife and the red rose dappled in candlelight - you imagine for yourself... I'm busy splitting a tiramisu.

Here are a couple of places to find her online, but she cautioned me the sites aren't ready yet. I will keep an eye out on her progress and post an update when she is ready to go live:

• @K_McNeel
• kirkemcneel.carbonmade.com
• www.mcneeldesigns.weebly.com

I am also trying to talk her into doing a show this winter. Get some of her work while it's reasonably priced... it won't be for long.

50mm Prime Lens

So my dog ate my favorite lens... after my wife dropped it, I recovered it, my dad dropped it, and it was left outside. I am debating which 50mm prime lens to purchase, though it is hard to go wrong with the f/1.8 lens from Canon for about $100 (aka the "Nifty Fifty"). I have taken some of my best digital photographs with this lens. At this point it's a matter of when, not if, I will replace it.