New Project

I was contacted by a book publisher about six weeks ago and asked if I would be interested in writing a book about the National Training Center and Fort Irwin, California. 

Since I’ve been associated with the base in one way or another for over 15 years, I guess they thought I might know a little about the place. 

I’ve discovered several little-known facts about the post, and have met several Soldiers that were at the post in the past who have great stories to tell. 

The First Unit Crest Painted on Painted Rocks

Painted Rocks a Few Years Ago, and Yes That is Snow in the Desert

It’s going to be an adventure.

Photo Walk San Diego

A couple of weeks ago I signed up for a "photo walk" in San Diego. The event was sponsered by 500px and Redbull.

It was kind of fun, but I was a bit disappointed that we missed the Tai Chi club and the Star Wars Jedi training.

I did get a couple of good shots, but he Redbull Website didn't work and I couldn't enter the contest.

Bummer.

Back on Route 66

I headed down to Rancho Cucamonga the other day, mostly to find a new pair of sneakers. Maybe stop for some lunch before driving back up the Cajon Pass to Apple Valley. 

I found some acceptable shoes pretty quickly and made the decision to drive Route 66 back to the desert. 

One of the places I stopped was at Bono’s on Foothill in Fontana. The sign on the building said that they may be reopening, I really hope it’s true. 

I made a second stop at a place I have been wanting to explore for some time. The Wigwam Motel is a great reminder of what the Mother Road used to be. 

Wigwam Motel, Fontana, CA

It seems to be one of the better kept properties along the California section of the road. 

If you go by, make sure to stop in and visit with the desk staff, they were really nice and had a lot of good information about the area.

Stuck in Time

So, here I am, sitting in a sports bar at the San Antonio airport, experiencing yet another flight delay. My flight was delayed two hours and when I got here to check in, found out that I couldn’t make the connecting flight. Now I have been re-scheduled, and I get to hang out for three hours. What fun.

On the way to San Antonio, I had a two-hour layover, then ended up with a three-hour delay. Good Times.

Anyway, it’s great to sit at the window and watch all the people walk by. The down side is I sitting in a fish bowl, it’s a bit odd when sports fans stop and look past you to watch the tv screens over the bar. Guess I’ll get over it.

This has been a pretty good trip, even though it was business, I still managed to get in a little “tourist time.”

The best stop was the Mission San Juan, just outside of town.

Mission San Juan

Now I’ll give it to the Alamo, it’s a great historic landmark. But it’s in the middle of the city. My biggest disappointment was that the Guinness World Records Museum is right across the street. Kind of takes away from the seriousness and reverence that is deserved by those who fell at the Alamo.

The Alamo

The mission is one of the more visually interesting buildings I have been in for some time. It’s been quite a while since a location really captured my interest. The mission did. 

If you’re ever in San Antonio, be sure to stop by.

10,000 Viewers Can't Be Wrong

So last July I posted about the blog hitting 6000 views. Now just 11 months later, we have over 10,000 views. 

I started to record my miscellaneous musings in May 2010. It took five years to hit 6000 views, and just over a year to add 4000 more. 

I do have to say I’m a bit surprised. Looking at the statistics for the page, I have to thank the fine residents of Israel and the Ukraine for much of the success. So let me say it, “Thank You.” I’m not sure why you’re looking at the blog, but I hope you enjoy it.

A couple of years ago, I was driving back from Washington DC back to California. Once I got to Oklahoma City, I decided to follow Route 66 as much as possible. It turned out to be a great choice, and yielded many great images. (you can see more at http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/kenneth-drylie.html?tab=artworkgalleries&artworkgalleryid=114966 and http://kenn7.500px.com/route-66

Here is one of my favorites. 

Getting Social

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about social media and whether or not it’s all that it’s cracked up to be for the art community.

I have been a member of Facebook, LinkedIn, Fine Art America and other lesser known sites for years. I have a blog (if your reading this that is probably a “duh” moment) and a Website. 

As I have researched new and emerging sites, I’ve looked at what other artists are using.

Some of the sites I haven’t tried are 500px, DeviantArt and Behance. Sure some people like Pintrest, Instragram and flickr among others, but I’m not sure if they really help sell art. 

I’m very familiar with flickr, and twitter, but haven’t ever had someone contact me looking to buy anything from those contacts. 

At the end of the day, you want to drive potential buyers to a place where they can actually select a product and give you money, yes it’s about income.

Sites like Fine Art America, 500px, and Etsy, give your followers an easy way to find and actually purchase your work. That’s what it’s all about. You have to decide if other social media sites are worth your limited time. 

Any other social media should be to inform potential customers about you and what you do, then give them the chance to see what you have created, and finally break out the wallet and buy. 

Just my thoughts, others may see it differently.