Beltran Studios

Time to Vote...

2009-10-27T19:06:00.007-04:00

Please Vote Below...

I realize I haven't been very good with my blogging, work has gotten in the way of that as has family time. I do get to stop in and check on my friends weekly, to see how you are all doing and what new creations you've made.
As far as my art, it too is taking a break..very sad to say, but you all keep me motivated..I thank you for that.

As my title says, "Time to Vote,".....My girl friend's sister, (a creative photographer, yea we are bias..but shes still GOOD!!) has entered one of her pictures in a contest and the first place prize is $1000 worth of learnings/art supplies. Along with her photography, she runs a in-home daycare/preschool (God has given her much patience). So the winnings would be very beneficial to her children along with the other ones she teaches. As we all know, ART is important and the chance to give young people the materials to expand there mind with art and creating with their imagination is priceless.

So if any of you have time to stop in at the website I've listed below and give her your vote, I thank you. The name of the picture is Shawna & Co. she's #8 on the list. Again thanks,
Ricardo

Here is a picture of Shawna with the link to the contest below

http://www.5minutesformom.com/9815/finalists-in-the-elefun-friends-silly-kids-photo-contest/#comment-1759620

Hello? Anybody out there?

2009-08-08T20:36:00.004-04:00

Wow...What a ride I've been on lately, a worthwhile ride and I have alot to share with you...well that is if anyone remembers me. LOL! However, let me get some new art up here for you to look at. I will post again shorty to fill you in on my life adventures.

Skyview

Budeye

Enjoy,
Ricardo

The Many Faces of Ricardo

2009-07-11T12:47:00.018-04:00

Hello All...

Well, I'm back in Iowa and am having the time of my life. So far we have seen the
4th of July celebration, the annual town party, went swimming, watched the final softball game of the season, and celebrated my 50th birthday. The pictures that are posted are from my birthday, where Trudy's sister took it upon herself to capture all of my many expressions, some I didnt realize I had. It was a great party, one I won't soon forget.

I will soon beable to start my painting and digital designs again, so I hope to see you all here.

Ricardo

To The Many Fathers...

2009-06-21T14:27:00.002-04:00

Happy Father's Day to all of the wonderful fathers who have cared for, provided for, and loved their child. For being the man your son can look up to with pride and say that's my dad, I want to be like him. For being a man your daugther can run to for love and protection, being the first love of your daughter's life. I honor you.

To the men who have helped, motivated, inspired, and been a role model for a child, a man doesn't have to be a father to make an impression on a child. I, myself am not a father, but I am an uncle to a wonderful little girl. I love her, protect her, and try to guide her in her life the best that I can. Thank you as well and enjoy today.

Ricardo

Eves

2009-06-19T21:42:00.003-04:00

Deep Blue

2009-06-14T15:27:00.002-04:00

The depth of blue

Bragging Rights

2009-06-12T18:50:00.006-04:00

As some of you know I was in Iowa visiting my girlfriend and her children; however, I had to come back to New York for a couple of weeks. I will be going out to Iowa once again to share in their lives. I miss them greatly. My lil lady is very special to me and is hard to be away.

So this post is about them and again maybe you all can get to know me a little better along with my art...some things are beyond precious, so I had to share them with you.

In this picture is my girlfriend Trudy and I on the Empire State Building during her visit here last summer.

This picture was taken during the graduation party of Trudy's oldest Son, Joey.

Here is Trudy's other Son, Jake. We were messing around at a park.

The boys at their highschool prom

Last but not least is me and Jacey, swinging at the park. Oh how I miss my lil lady.

Thanks for sharing in my world...enjoy

Ricardo

Here a fractal, there a fractal, everywhere a fractal fractal fractal

2009-06-11T11:31:00.005-04:00

Star Explosion

Furball

Seno

Snake Skin

Decoball

A Special Thank You

2009-06-11T10:00:00.002-04:00

I want to send out a special thank you to some very lovely and kind hearted people...

These awesome people have two very interesting blogs and make me smile almost daily. Not only do they share their ideas, opinions, pictures, and lives with the rest of us, but they take the time to make others feel that they are important. Subjective Soup and askcherlock have given me the following awards:

One Lovely Blog Award, from Subjective Soup
and
Kreativ Blogger Award, from askcherlock

Its people like all of you that give others encouragement and the desire to do better in their work and in life...many heart felt thanks

Ricardo

Hay Load

2009-06-01T20:53:00.001-04:00

Pictures of Me...

2009-06-01T10:17:00.008-04:00

Off the shores of a beautiful lake...

Me with my special lil lady...

Peek-a-boo

Waiting for my special ladies to catch up with me...

My beauty queen...

Lil lady posing...

Just me...

Top of the Iowa hills...

Always Two Sides To Everything

2009-05-29T17:33:00.002-04:00

It just depends what side your on and if your open to see the other view...

Klidascope

2009-05-27T15:25:00.005-04:00

The Confederate

Hearts For You

Golden Link

Inside the Inferno

2009-05-27T10:04:00.003-04:00

Iowa

2009-05-26T11:24:00.004-04:00

Hello Everyone,

Sorry for my time away, although it was for a good reason. I traveled to Iowa and am staying awhile to visit my special lady and her children. I haven't had much time to get new artwork out; however, she has my art studio set up so I can resume my creations and I now have the space and time to get back to painting. I have new digital art coming your way as well, but now I am able to enjoy my canvas work as well. I am beyond excited to get started again.

I hope all is well with my friends and visitors on here, and thanks for the visits and comments.

Check back later, I will have a desert scene to share with you.

Enjoy the day,
Ricardo

Thanks Slogbite

2009-05-20T12:21:00.002-04:00

I want to put out a great BIG THANKS to slogbite for featuring my blog today. What an honor!

Slogbite is a fantastic site, if you haven't signed up for it or checked it out...you should give it a try.

I'd also like to thank everyone for your comments and for visiting my artwork. I get such a joy out of creating and re-creating art in its many forms and I am now equally joyful for all of you.

May your life's be blessed...enjoy!

Ricardo Beltran

The Star Gazer

2009-05-19T00:38:00.003-04:00

I was looking through my art folders and came across some artwork that I made a few years ago. Here is The Star Gazer, I thought it might be interesting for some of you.

Mandarin Sea

2009-05-16T11:26:00.001-04:00

Oh Happy Days AskCherLock!!!

2009-05-15T11:02:00.003-04:00

To a very interesting and kind person...

Happy Early Birthday AskCherLock!!! http://www.askcherlock.com/

Happy Birthday!!!

2009-05-13T23:28:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday Shawna http://fireflyphotojewelry.blogspot.com/

I hope your day was a good one!!!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T00:03:00.006-04:00

To all of the wonderful mother's...Happy Mother's Day.
May each of you be blessed throughout the day and always.
Thank you for being the person you are and for being the mom your children love.

For you...Enjoy!

A Mother's Tear

When God was creating mothers, He was into His sixth day of "overtime" when an angel appeared and said, "You're doing a lot of fiddling around on this one."

And God said, "Have you read the specifications on this order?

She has to be completely washable, but not plastic.
Have 180 moveable parts....all replaceable. Run on black coffee and leftovers. Have a lap that disappears when she stands up.
A kiss that can cure anything from a broken leg to a disappointed love affair.
And, six pairs of hands." The angel shook her head slowly and said "Six pairs of hands....no way."
"It's not the hands that are causing me problems," said God, "It's the three pairs of eyes that mothers have to have. "That's on the standard model?" asked the angel.
God nodded. "One pair that sees through closed doors when she asks, 'What are you kids doing in there?' when she already knows. Another here in the back of her head that sees what she shouldn't but what she has to know, and of course, the ones here in front that can look at a child when he goofs up and say, 'I understand and I love you', without so much as uttering a word."
"You should scrap it and start over." said the angel.
"I can't," said God, "I'm so close to creating something so close to myself.
Already I have one who heals herself when she is sick...
Can feed a family of six on one pound of hamburger...
And can get a nine-year-old to stand under a shower."
The angel circled the model of a mother very slowly. "It's too soft," she sighed.
"But tough," said God excitedly. "You cannot imagine what this mother can do or endure."
"Can it think?" asked the angel.
"Not only think, but it can reason and compromise." said the Creator.
Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek. "There's a leak!" she pronounced. "I told you, you're trying to put too much into this model."
"It's not a leak" said God "it's a tear."
"What's it for?" asked the angel.
"It's for joy, sadness, disappointment, pain, loneliness, and pride."
"You are a genius!" said the angel.
God looked somber and said softly ......"I didn't put it there."

How about a little horsin' around?

2009-05-08T00:28:00.004-04:00

There are so many cool sites that have amazing pictures of horses, that I wanted some too.
I may be a big city guy and don't get to see the country side very often, but I have a strong love for animals...not just horses. However, horses are definitely one of the most beautiful creatures ever made.

Buckskin Billy

Pinto Paula

Dapper Gray

Horsin Harry

Fractal Bowls

2009-05-04T22:14:00.001-04:00

Just having some fun today...enjoy

Lizard Lady

2009-05-03T22:19:00.000-04:00

Good May Day to You

2009-05-01T10:25:00.003-04:00

Have a Happy May Day!!!

Crystal Rain

Mr. New York

2009-04-29T22:32:00.003-04:00

Following up on my last post in regards to which picture I never altered or changed would be....Mr. New York. The other 3 pictures I changed and added different things, or just cloned myself.

Good guesses though everyone.

As far as the pictures below are concerned; in 2003 I entered the Mr. New York Championship Competition, where I won the Mr. New York title and then later won Night of the Champion. It was definitely a great experience and one I will never forget.

Do you know what's real?

2009-04-28T12:34:00.002-04:00

There's so many digital programs out there from photoshop, coral, and many others that it's hard to tell what is real and what's not. With that said, it's easy to understand that any picture can be altered in many ways. Whether it be minor touch ups to hide flaws or to create some new out of something old. Just like the celebrities in magazines; all the changes that are made to make them look perfect: remove a mole, add a tan, erase some extra weight, add back some thickness in the perfect places, create a rock solid six pack, get a new hair style, visit a place you've never gone, and the list goes on.

So let's play a game today. Can you tell which picture hasn't been altered or changed in any way?

Pirate Beltran of the Caribbean?

Meet my handsome twin brother, Raul?

Oh yes, Mr. New York?

My days working at the Bronx Zoo?

Have fun and I will be back later to let you know which one I never changed.

Midnight Irish Rose

2009-04-25T13:22:00.004-04:00

There is a rose bud in there if you can find it...

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” Anais Nin

Mystery Road

2009-04-24T16:49:00.001-04:00

The mystery road came about from a picture I had taken of the Trump Tower and the surrounding area. I gave the art a little of my taste by putting in some dimension throughout the original picture and ended up with this as a final piece.

Liquid Crystal

2009-04-23T09:38:00.001-04:00

Candy Corn

2009-04-22T23:57:00.002-04:00

Abstract art has no boundaries...there's so much a person can express and create from the simplest of things to the more complex. A piece of candy corn?

Many Thanks

2009-04-19T13:22:00.003-04:00

I want to personally thank everyone for your comments and inspiring words. It is one thing to visit and browse around, but to take time out of your day to leave a message is very thoughtful.

When I first decided to give "blogging" a chance, I was apprehensive about the outcome or if my art would even be noticed. However, it has turned out to be one of the best ideas I've had. As soon as I finish the last details of my website and link them together, I will be able to bring a lot more creations and ideas to share with you.

I am grateful for the friends I have met here and pleased that I am able to share my passion with all of you.

Enjoy your day and find every ounce of happiness life has to offer.

Ricardo

Different Views

2009-04-19T00:26:00.002-04:00

Sea Cave

Ice Doom

Fractals, Fractals, Fractals!!!

2009-04-18T23:47:00.003-04:00

Fractal Blast

Dream Nautilus

Jellyfish

I just love creating fractals!!!

3-D Swivelball

2009-04-15T21:53:00.002-04:00

Ideal Perfection

2009-04-14T17:37:00.003-04:00

These are objects that are seen in everyday life, but never truly noticed for their perfection. People can idolize different things or objects in many ways for different reasons. Some of them are idolized only for a short moment of time, while others remain with as a constant reminder.

Twisted

2009-04-13T15:56:00.000-04:00

Psychedelic Fusion

2009-04-13T01:48:00.002-04:00

The Majestic Egg

2009-04-12T17:26:00.001-04:00

Ruby, The Spider

2009-04-11T00:51:00.002-04:00

I am always thinking of new ideas for artwork. Some times the ideas come to mind rather quickly and turn out extraordinary. While others take longer and have to be re-created over and over until I get a creation that I'm satisfied with.
My artwork "Ruby by the Sea" would be a little of both. I had a picture of my mother's favorite ruby ring spinning in my head. However, the picture that I had in my mind wasn't exactly how it turned out, the final piece was more of a planned experiment.

Ruby-by-the-Sea

My Value of Gold

2009-04-09T22:53:00.004-04:00

In my spare time when I'm not adding to my art collection, I make myself busy researching rare metals and precious stones. I am intrigued with the beauty a gold nugget holds, how rare they are and where they can be found. My interest with gold and other metals is something I hope I can expand on in the near future. I have always wanted to try metal detecting, but haven't had a good chance at it yet. I have researched the equipment and the places that are known for metals. I got to see this first hand last summer, as I watched a man walking along the beach at Coney Island with a metal detector. In the middle of his search and digging holes, I stopped by to ask a few questions. He was a very friendly man and invited all the questions that I had. Already that day, he had found a ring, a necklace charm, among other things, and odd-in-end change. He shared with me that he is able to find around $2000 a year of gold items and coins at the different sites he visits. I knew that day, it wouldn't be long before I would have the opportunity to put all my research to the test and try out this new hobby I was excited about. Until then; however, I will have to settle with the art work I create that represents my value of Gold.

2009-04-05T12:12:00.002-04:00

"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep." ~Scott Adams

Digital 3-D Art

2009-04-04T23:43:00.004-04:00

One of my favorite digital effect techniques is 3-D. It's fun to create and just as enjoyable to view over and over. Being that it's 3-D, there's many dimensions of it and more depth of the art to understand. This type of digital art is fun to play around with and enjoy.

Digital Art

2009-04-04T23:24:00.005-04:00

My largest selection of creations is digital artwork, so I have decided to list a few of them. I hope you enjoy them...

Golden Nugget

Melted Magic

Sea Nuggets

Electric Circus

Digital Landscape

2009-04-04T19:59:00.004-04:00

It's amazing what can be created on a computer. Getting my vision to come to life is what I strive for and am delighted when I achieve it. I enjoy working with photographs I have taken and either adding minor changes for detail or giving a complete face lift to them. Or starting with a black computer screen and compiling something beautiful.

Fractal Art

2009-04-04T19:09:00.007-04:00

Personally, I have taken a big liking to fractal art and all that can be created with such a technique. The appearance of a finished artwork is seen differently through the eyes of the beholder when it comes to fractal designs. It's captivating and no two people will see the same thing within the image itself. That alone makes this art fascinating, wondering how each viewer sees the creation if they can explain it or if it's something that's unexplainable to a certain degree. For me at times it can be hard to explain, especially when I don't always know as a creator what my final creation will be.

Welcome to my views of life and my passion for art...

2009-04-03T03:12:00.004-04:00

I don't remember a time that I wasn't intrigued with art of some kind. However, when I was in 4th grade my hobby for art became my passion. My main inspiration came on a field trip that year when my class went to the New York Hayden Planetarium. The first thing that immediately caught my attention, was a projector located in the center of the planetarium. It reminded me of a giant ant. I didn't get much out of the sky show that day, I was too preoccupied with this mesmerizing giant robotic ant that was conquering a few of the planets. I can recall experiencing a moment where I actually thought that this thing was going to catch me.

This machine was the Buhl's Zeiss II projector. It was designed and built in Germany shortly before World War II. The size of this projector was around 12 feet and it was placed on a three or four feet high base platform and weighed around 6000 pounds, including the supports and elevated platform. So to say the least I was captivated by the architecture of the machine and how the different parts resembled the ants eyes, mouth, and legs. This projector was showing a series called, “Tribute To Galileo Galilei“. While the class was focused on the amazing sky show and its effects (which by the way, was the giant ant’s way of distracting people), I was focusing in with great caution on this giant mechanical ant that only had one mission in mind. That mission was to capture me!

The following day, my class was instructed to paint or write about what we saw on our field trip. I decided to paint and paint I did; I focused on my work and painted as true of a picture as I could attain. I put great detail into my work as I painted the giant ant as I remembered it. I was never really sure what my classmates and teacher seen in my artwork; whether it was the projector with the many stars or my ant. That was my very first artwork and it was also the first time I got to see my art work hung on someone’s wall. I have been painting ever since.

Whether it be painting or sketching I continued to find happiness, joy, and contentment through my artwork; but it wasn't until my late 30's that I took myself more seriously. Since then I have researched, studied, joined a few local art groups and have continued to develop my own style.
I would say painting with acrylics would be my favorite medium and most challenging. I have worked with oil and watercolor as well and gotten desirable results, but in choosing an all time favorite it would be acrylics. (Even though my new fascination is with digital art and 3-D creations.)Acrylics tend to dry faster than oil paint, with little room for errors or long term decision making. The more paint I have on my palette, the more I will lose if I take my time painting or let it stand in the open long enough to dry. This lack of time and the fact that I love to load up my palette, puts me in a situation where I have to act out on the impulses of spontaneity. It also gives me little or no room to gear away from my current thoughts and emotions to something else. In other words, I have no way out if I decide to change my mind as I go along with any given project. It’s not the same with digital art.
With digital art you don’t have to worry about paint drying up or stretching and priming a canvas. I think the worst that can happen while working on a digital project is having your computer loose all your data. Come to think of it, I think that’s worst than having a loaded palette full of hard dry paint. Being from the old school and digital art being a new school technology, I try my best to create some of my digital art without using any 3-D related software. I find this way of creating my artwork a little more challenging. Of course this approach is not always practical. Why use four strokes of a brush when you can use one and get the same or better results. Again, this is a matter of taste and what it is that you’re trying to create. I some times find it very difficult to resist the temptation to sit behind the wheels of one of the dozens of high tech software that are out there.

It hasn't been until recently that I have taken my art to a full-time status. I have come to the stage in my work that I am presenting and selling my creations online to show my art to a wider audience. As I continue to create new artwork, I am also finishing the last few details on my website. So, until I have mastered the remaining tasks on my website I will be hosting some of my artwork here. As I have just started in this new online adventure, I ask for patience as I share my creations with you. I hope it's as joyful for you to see as it is for me to create.

If you are interested in purchasing my work or to ask me about them, please contact me at
beltranstudios@gmail.com.

Enjoy the day...Ricardo