Van Duesen Preserve: The Beauty of the Adirondacks

Brightly colored leaves create a carpet on the trails at the Van Duesen Preserve located off West Mountain Road in Queensbury, New York. According to Queensbury Land Conservancy's website these trails were donated in December 2003 by Richard Van Duesen and were made open to the public; the only requirement is that you sign in prior to entering. The parking lot is kept in good condition, as are the trails all of which are well marked. Upon arriving you can read the bulletin board and learn more about history of the trail before embarking. As stated by the QLC’s website the summit of these mountain trails offer a view of both Queensbury and Glens Falls.
The trails offer a wide array of terrain from steep hills to basic flat trails. As stated on the board the trees are eighty five years old, ". . .[giving] a sense of how grand the original forest must have been." They are open from sunrise to sunset giving adventures plenty of time to explore the picturesque surroundings. As if from a fairytale tree branches intertwine to form benches and landmarks along the way. The most notable ones are the old stone walls that appear to the sides of the trails. They look like small dens. Historically they mark the origins of the trails. Once the upland section of the preserve was used for farming. One of the other landmarks is a tree that has formed a step with an overhang. Be sure to duck when approaching!
Strength and comfort come to mind when visiting the trails. The trees act as a green blanket providing shade from the garish sun. As a hiker you have two options you may either take the steeper path which leads to the top or the flatter trail. Stop and appreciate the chirping birds and take a deep breath. Peacefulness encompasses you as you march through.
Residents and tourists alike can appreciate this untouched gem during the week and weekends. Pets are also welcome. The trails are even open during the winter. Nan Kopels, a Queensbury resident, first discovered this hidden gem from her husband, who is an avid hiker. As a frequent visitor when asked what her favorite aspect of the preserve was she responded, “Just being in the woods, close to nature and close to my home. [These trails are] great for hiking and not very time consuming. Also we see beautiful foliage in the fall and the snowfalls are a magnificent sight.” Wild life in the midst of community. Another resident, Lee Schurga, comments, “A walk in the wild in the middle of my community.”

Reviews

Dear John

The picturesque scenery of Charleston is one of the best things about this film. It starts of as the classic boy meets girl and they start to fall in love but it is not as simple as the trailer makes it seem. John Tyree, played by Channing Tatum (Step Up), first encounters Savannah Curtis, played by Amanda Seyfried (Mean Girls) while on leave from the army. He heroically saves her bag after it falls into the ocean so to thank him Savannah invites him to her beach house for a barbecue. During the next two weeks their romance blossoms.
Tatum and Seyfried while both pretty decent actors seemed to lack chemistry to make their relationship seem believable. Even though this film is different than The Notebook I still felt that Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling had more passion. Also I felt as if we knew so little about these characters to really feel any connection toward them. Despite that they shared some good onscreen moments such as when John makes his promise to Savannah on the beach. Tatum played his role well and he seemed like a regular guy. I was disappointed with Seyfried, she seemed to lack something for me.
The best character and the most lovable was Mr. Tyree, played by Richard Jenkins (Step Brothers). He was truly the best thing about this film. His scenes were so well acted and heart warming.
All in all this movie was touching and sad at times but it was just okay. I would rate this film a 6 out of 10.

Book of Eli

This film was about a traveler who possesses the book of salvation. The film takes place after the apocalypse and it is now up to one man to help Earth rebuild. Along the way he meets a young woman who will assist him in his task. My favorite part was how the film was shot - lots of shadows and gray scale. The mise-en-scene echoed of western as well as a road film. Also the lack of dialogue in the opening was well executed, due to the cast being chosen so well.
In many ways this film reminded me of Stage Coach but with a modern take on the western genre. I enjoyed the relationship that developed between Mila Kunis (Forgetting Sarah Marshall) and Denzel Washington (Training Day). Especially in the scene where she tries to seduce him, because instead they gain mutual respect for one another. I admired Kunis' character's respect for her mother; she was very protective of her. The scene by the distressed wall helped illustrate the turmoil her character had been through.
The grayness and the muted colors that brightened up towards the end gave the film grit and a sense of realism.
"Stay on you path. . .this is none of your concern." Washington however felt compelled to save Kunis because she had an inner goodness.
The script was well written and so was the camera work. As well as the editing techniques used. For example the fighting scenes were nicely choreographed.
Gary Oldman's villian was cruel and I really hated him. Which shows that his personification of evil was a success. I would rate this film a 7 out of 10.

Chicago Black Socks Scandal

Eight Men Out

The 1988 film Eight Men Out retells the infamous Black Sox scandal of 1919 and features some well-known actors such as John Cusack, Christopher Lloyd, and Charlie Sheen. I thought the film was very good and it kept my interest throughout. It was very well acted and I can see why they decided to make this into a movie since it was an unusual event. There were some funny moments too such as when Ring Lardner, played by the director John Sayles, is singing a parody of “I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles.” I also enjoyed the interaction between the players and the media as well as Buck Weaver’s interaction with the little kids. Out of all the sports films I have seen this one was definitely one of the best and it is clear why it was critically acclaimed.
In 1919 baseball was very different from today and one of the major differences was the salary of the players because back then they did not make the astronomical salaries like they do today. Also they were paid by how well they played and how many games they won so injuries were more of a big deal then they are now. For example Eddie was hurt those two games and it affected him getting paid since he need to win 30 games. Today players get paid whether they win or lose and they also get paid through sponsorships such as Derek Jeter and Gilette. Baseball back then was all about the game and the players were celebrities but no where near to the extent that they are today.
In my opinion I do not think a scandal like this would happen in baseball today because the players are no longer being underpaid like the White Sox were. I feel the genre of sports films is still popular today since most sports films are about an underdog team who overcomes an obstacle such as in Remember the Titans. I also think that since sports are such a big part of our culture these films are popular.

Inspired by Georgia O'Keefe

Here are my latest sketches. I am also working on an article about a hiking trail that I frequently visit with my mom and my puppy. That will be completed soon.

Next month I am going to try to start watercolors and oil pastels. Also I am going to be posting my reviews and other pieces I have written as well as any new artwork.

New Paintings

     Currently working on some new artwork and will have images posted soon. Also, I recently completed act one of my short essay. Not sure what to entitle it but it is still a work in progress. So far the piece is just under five pages long and may be lengthened but not sure yet. I'll begin working on the next installment in the coming weeks. I won't be posting it any time soon but may wish to seek publication upon completion. 

     Any ways I plan on beginning watercolors soon since I have experimented with oil and acrylic. Before I venture to a new medium, I will be reverting back to black and white photography. Mainly photographs of flowers and parks. Such as Georgia O'Keefe inspired flowers. Focusing mainly on individual buds with blurred backgrounds. Then I plan on painting the photographs. I have included a painting I recently did as my current photo. This was done using acrylics, which I was initially going to do. I drew the flowers and leaves by hand. Then I went back and painted trying to show warmth and depth. This is my second painting so far.

     I have recently been reading The Hobbit. This literary work is enthralling and I love the way Tolkien describes every detail. Once I have finished I plan on going through the whole series and perhaps it will inspire some artwork. The weather has been perfect for summer reading and I am remembering all the times at the library when I was younger. Enjoying the sun with a good book can be relaxing.

Creation

Currently working on a new project. Not sure what the title is yet or what the topics will be about but it will be mainly short essays.

Twilight book covers

Here are my latest sketches. They are the first two Twilight book covers. I discovered that hands are so hard to draw just right. I decided to try anyways.

This has been the hottest summer in 10 years! So nice outside too but still not feeling well. However I got a new mac and it is the best computer ever. I recommend them if you are looking to buy a new computer. Other than going blonder nothing too exciting has been happening around here. Working on a short story. I have some that I want to go back and edit as well. I will post them when they are complete. Enjoy the art. Please note I am a fan of the these books which is why I decided to draw the pictures. This is a disclaimer. I wanted to see if I could sketch something besides still lives, such as pears. Also the names change is an ode to one of my favorite bands. It is a poignant piece of work to me right now. All my pieces are protected under copyright law as well. Unless given permission by me, the actual person, my work is my own. I appreciate anyone who respects this.