23. The Business End - (photograph)

The Business End, by Bob Bickers, photograph, 2009

Technically, 2010 is the last year of the first decade of the 21st century, just as 2000 was the last year of the 20th century. But just as that argument fell on deaf (and largely ignorant) ears back then, so are people unwilling to listen to logic now. It's hard not to think you are in a new decade when you are forced to write two different digits in the date. That being the case, I won't even try to argue when the decade ends or begins, at least, not here.

This blog began in 2009 and it has been an interesting and successful year for me in many ways. I think it is fitting, however that I end out the year with the photograph, The Business End, as it shows how almost anything you encounter in life can be made into an interesting piece of art. This truck was in front of me and I was amazed at the detail in colors and shapes that was so unlike the back end of most vehicles. I had to grab a photograph and preserve what I saw. I want to thank all those who supported and encouraged me this year and in the past. I hope your own artistic vision continues to expand as well and that you will find art --and maybe beauty- in everything you see throughout the new year. Let's make this year and decade a good one! Click on the image above to enlarge.

22. ESAL Art Show at the Penn State New Kensington Gallery

The East Suburban Artists League is holding its annual members show at the Penn State Gallery at their New Kensington, PA campus during the month of December, 2009. The campus is located on Route 780 in Upper Burrell, PA in Westmoreland County. More than 50 paintings, drawings and sculptures are part of the exhibit, and many are for sale at prices ranging from $50 to $500. An artists' reception is slated for 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, in the gallery. The Art Gallery and the East Suburban Artists League exhibit will be open through the holiday break except for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The reception and exhibit are free to the public. For information on ESAL, contact Sue Foster at (724) 327-6097 or susanfoster@windstream.net via e-mail. The two pictures shown here are by Bob Bickers and appear in the exhibit, Clear Signal and Misdirection. Both pictures are framed and available for sale at $60 each. Click on the images to enlarge.

21. Conemaugh Photo Album - Autumn 2009 [Conemaugh River Reflections III & IV]

The season has passed and the colors of autumn here are but a memory. They still live in my photos and here are a couple more images of the area behind the Conemaugh Dam not too far from where I live in western Pennsylvania. Click on the images to enlarge.

20. Tree Dreams I - (photograph)

I cannot help but stop and spend a little time with a tree that catches my eye. That was true of one particular tree I have known for some years, but which seems to grow more spectacular as it ages. This one is not too far from the Conemaugh River in northern Westmoreland County. Besides the gnarled wood and rich texture and color in the leaves, the truck is splitting open but also appears to hug the ground. I like the spacing of the branches that allow a view into the tree trunk. I took this photo late in the day as the sun was setting. The tone was slightly modified to bring out the rich details. It is not uncommon for trees that have either grown isolated or had the surrounding forest cleared away by agriculture to grow into eccentric individuals. I have more images of this tree to post later. Click on the image to enlarge.

19. Conemaugh Photo Album - Autumn 2009 [Conemaugh River Reflections I & II]

The leaves here have turned, briefly filled the hills and valleys with color and then dropped to the ground. Before that happened, however, I managed to get out to Conemaugh Reservoir near where I live in western Pennsylvania and take a few pictures. Every year the trees react differently and it is hard to predict how colorful the leaves will be. This year, the leave stuck around a little bit longer and were beautiful in certain places, particularly near sundown. These are the first of a series of photos. Click on the images to enlarge.

18. Art Juror for the Community Arts and Activities Center of Jeannette, Pennsylvania

I have been asked to serve as the Juror (or Judge) for the 2009 Community Arts and Activities Center (CAAC) Juried Art Exhibition, November 7-29, 2009 in Jeannette, Pennsylvania. The art show will take place at Hanks Hall, 211 Gaskill Avenue, Jeannette, PA (off alley to the back of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity). This is an open, juried competition for works in all media. There is a young adult division for artists in grades 6-12 and the main adult division for artists 18 and older. Awards will be given (some of them for cash) and will include Best of Show, People's Choice Award, First, Second and Third Place, Honorable Mentions and a Purchase Award. More information, including entry deadlines, entry fees and drop-off / pick-up instructions and entry applications can be obtained by contacting in writing: CAAC, 211 Gaskill Avenue, Jeannette, PA 15644 or calling Sheila Defibaugh (724-527-2433) or Chris Mozley (724-527-5683). An entry form is available here. I sincerely appreciate this opportunity and I look forward to seeing and judging some mighty fine art!

Postscript - November 4, 2009: It was a sincere pleasure and honor to be able to judge this art show yesterday. It was very difficult assigning awards due to the large volume of extremely fine pieces which included mixed media sculpture, oil, watercolor, pen and ink, fabric art and other media. The artwork was hung on the wall of the very beautiful main sanctuary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity. Thanks again for allowing me to be apart of this artistic experience. I highly recommend this exhibit and may enter this show myself in the future. --Bob Bickers

17. Toll Road - (photograph)

This photo is based on an image I took a few years ago while traveling on Highway 66 in Westmoreland County, PA, not far from my home in Murrysville. This toll road is an off-shoot of the Pennsylvania Turnpike and shows the winding roads and hills of this part of the state. Click on the image to enlarge.

16. Misdirection - (photograph)

Misdirection, by Bob Bickers, photograph, 2009

Here's another one of my photographs taken in the Allegheny Mountains just west of Altoona, Pennsylvania last month. It was early morning and the fog was only slowly revealing the landscape as the sun climbed into the sky. Broken clouds and rays of sunlight illuminated the road unevenly, creating this mysterious and entrancing scene. Click on the image to enlarge.

15. Apollo 11 - 40 Years a Memory Redux

I have been asked to repeat my presentation of Apollo 11 - 40 Years a Memory, first presented at the Monroeville Public Library on July 20th, before the residents and families of Bayberry Court Retirement Home in Lower Burrell, PA, on October 10, 2009. I will have several of my paintings on display and my collection of newspapers and magazines from that historic mission in 1969. Again, you can see my complete show on display at my website here. At right is Columbia Earthrise, 18 x 24, oil on gessoboard, 2009. Click on image to enlarge.

14. In Murrysville Magazine Article published

The Fall 2009 issue of In Murrysville Magazine is now out and inside on page 6 you will find an article written by Barb Glozik on my art show and presentation on July 20, 2009 at the Monroeville Public Library and the Gallery Space called "Apollo 11 - 40 Years a Memory". The article is similar to one that was published last week by In Monroeville Magazine. Again, many thanks to the publishers of In Murrysville Magazine and to Barb Glozik for writing about this event. Click on the magazine cover to see the full article.