Mixcraft 5

Hi - I started using the updated software, and it is really cool. Notable improvements are the ability to print sheet music from the app, editing video and audio, volume controls, and much more. More updates later.

More tunes on youtube

Hi:

I just thought I'd mention I've been posting tune on youtube because I had a 'what the heck' moment, and thought it might be fun. Unfortunately, my old laptop is having some odd issues with windows movie maker, and a few other problems, and my newer laptop seems to have gotten a bit messed up with one of the newer service packs - it's audio doesn't work now, so windows movie maker won't even run. At least I got an extended 3 year warranty, so I'm planning to take it in when I get a chance to see if I can get it fixed - I tried to do a few things myself to no avail. Anyway, if you want to find more tune, look on youtube for artistpw. Thanks, and I hope everything is going well for everyone!

MixCraft 4 (not MixMaster)

Hi:

I just thought I'd mention the application I used is actually called MixCraft in case anyone is trying to find it.

One tune from MixMaster 4

Hi:

Here's a fun little tune that I'm working on that was created with loops in the blues related musical loops. I made another little fun techno type of mix, but it's longer, so this example is good because it's just a little under 3 minutes. It is really interesting to try the different sounds to get ideas. I think this tune needs to be a little bit longer for an actual tune, and I might try to record or find some additional sounds like claps or snapping fingers to it, but it sounds fun so far to me. I hope it just gives you an idea of the fun in this application. If you have any frustrated musical ability (like I way do), this is so fun and sort of like putting puzzle pieces together. I was able to capture the video with my camera, but the sound was a little odd, so I blended the mp3 and the video in Windows Movie Maker. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this. :)

Something different

Hi:

The other day, I happened to watch a little video on cool technology for kids, and saw 'GarageBand' - an application that allows a user to add musical loops and possibly record their own voice or instrument. That looked so cool, I poked around the web , and of course, it only runs on macs (or on Windows Vista), so I found a similar application called MixMaster 4. I downloaded a demo version, and it is so cool. It comes with many different musical loops, and you can mix and match, and add effects like distortion and reverberations, so of course, I had to play with the hip hop, disco, and some techno sounds - I thought it would be maybe fun to try to make little tunes to walk to - in this application it's nothing to change key or tempo. Well, I tried to upload a version of my tune in mp3 format, but this application fussed - I'll see if I can upload a version of it later or maybe a video with the tune.

MidAmerica Pastel Society Small Painting Show Update

Hi:

I got a notification that the opening for this show will be on 11/14 rather than 11/7. The time is still 6 to 8 pm. Sorry for any inconvience this may have caused, and again, everyone is welcome to attend. When I go, I'll try to take some photos and post them in case you can't make it but still may want to see what the show looks like. Thanks!

MidAmerica Pastel Society Small Painting Show

Yesterday, I submitted my entry into the annual MAPS Small Painting Show at the R.G. Endres Gallery at the Prairie Village City Offices at 7700 Mission Road in Prairie Village, Kansas. This show will run from 11/3 to 11/26 and the opening reception will be 11/7 from 6-8pm. If you are in the area, please feel completely welcome to stop by anytime during this show to view the lovely works by MAPS artists. The paintings are all 8x10 or smaller and the frames are no larger than 14x16, and at least 80% soft pastel. I think all are for sale, and usually the prices are really reasonable for some wonderful works.

This is my entry which I titled "Overcast Afternoon". It was painted from a spot close to Alma, Kansas in the very lovely Flint Hills. This photo is actually from a not quite finished painting. My spouse made a nice oak frame that I patined to have a transparent golden finish that still allows the wood to show through. I will try to take another photo of the painting and post it later.