Whether picking up books, chatting with old friends or just grabbing some lunch in the K-State Student Union, many students pass by the Union’s art gallery without knowing what it truly holds.
    Union Program Council is presenting “Nature Photography” by Judd Patterson in the Kemper Art Gallery on the first floor of the Union next to the Little Theatre. The exhibit will be on display until Friday.
    “Wow,” “Great Job,” and “Inspiring” are a few visitors’ comments left in the gallery’s guestbook that describe experiences in the gallery.
    All comments have been positive, said Beth Bailey, assistant director of the Union. Not a single negative reaction has been reported for this “talented young man,” she said.
    A quick look around will explain why Patterson’s photography is one of Bailey’s top three favorite exhibits to visit the Union.
    Patterson, a Salina native and K-State graduate in biology, currently works for Florida Parks and Services. Marilyn Patterson, Patterson’s mother and manager, said he always has enjoyed nature, and ever since he took photos on junior-high field trips, Patterson has had an immense desire to pursue this hobby.
    His photography reflects this passion for the outdoors and the beauty we so often overlook, Marilyn Patterson said. She also said she was most proud of his patience, because this has allowed him to grow and become “more professional.”
    Bailey said she often found herself thinking, “How did he get those?” as she looked at Patterson’s work. According to the photographer, the answer is not an easy one.
    “It’s a process,” Patterson said. His knowledge and understanding of wildlife is a large part of his success. Patterson said knowing details about certain species often has allowed him to find the right scene to capture.
    One of his most notable works involving a hummingbird illustrates his biological background. Anticipating the bird’s actions, Patterson was able to capture the details of the event that made for a powerful photograph.
    Patterson’s professionalism and patience has taken his work all the way to Washington, D.C., where he has a gallery display at the Department of the Interior Museum. In the nation’s capital, work and hobby will mesh as Patterson delivers an address there on Monday.
    Photos of the Konza Prairie and tallgrass ecosystems will “provide new audiences with something they are not familiar with,” Patterson said. His detailed photographs of the region have received high praise and, due to the creative style, some do not even look like photographs.
    “It does look like a painting,” Bailey said, “but it is a photograph, that’s for sure.”
    Patterson explained that the photograph is printed on canvas, which gives the picture a different style and look. Patterson’s “signature picture,” according to Marilyn Patterson, is a great example of this style. Not only did it require incredible patience to find the right angle on a rainbow, but the entire photograph looks hand-painted. 
    Visitors’ comments are the greatest reward, Patterson said. He said there are good and bad days, but it is worth it when the photographs “speak” to the audience.
    Students in geology classes might be able to experience Patterson’s picture all semester on the covers of their books. But the rest of campus has only until Friday to visit this gallery of landscape photographs.
    Patterson’s artwork also can be viewed on his Web site at juddpatterson.com.

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1 comments

viking

Tue Aug 26 2008 04:33

The exhibits were a visual treat!!!

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