WOW – We have an amazing first summer issue. The focus of this issue is two articles from two men who have expanded their passions for art in retirement. Mike Greenberg, past Mid-West Region President, tells us how he got into photography as a passion, avocation and retirement vocation. Larry Frank, a relative of the editor, gives insights into his passion for painting and where it is taking him.  

Jump around or read the entire issue.  Is any of this important to you?  We need to know if our efforts are worthwhile or should be re-directed.  We don’t really expect that every article will be of interest to every reader but there ought to be at least one important article in each issue that presses some of your ON BUTTONS.  Let us know if we are wasting electrons!!

Be sure to be in touch with Richard Gray, Editor, at rgray@fjmc.org with your articles, comments, appreciation and critiques. Each issue is brought to you by your editorial staff that includes:

• Richard Gray (Editor in Chief)
• Steven Mandel MD (Medical Editor)
• Gary Smith (Wealth Editor)
• Mark Druy (Publisher)

This HWR was sent out on , at approximately 9:45 PM (Eastern and prior to Shabbat).

Meet Michael Greenberg

IMAGETRIPPING- CHASING A DREAM IN RETIREMENT
Michael Greenberg Photography- www.Imagetripping.com

I have a life long passion for capturing landscape and travel images that provide sensory cues (vibrant and brilliant colors) triggering memories of past pleasant experiences.  This is known as “Imagetripping”.   These images bring back the aroma, tastes and visual stimulus of the moment the image was captured.  I weave distinctive lighting and composition  through the intersection of subject, weather, and astronomical conditions.  Professionally, I received a PhD in Chemistry and worked as a scientist and Research Director for over 30 years with the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company.  During my career, I had the opportunity to travel internationally allowing time for extended stays, (sometimes weeks) providing opportunities for photo shoots.  While at Wrigley, I volunteered to take photos of employees and one of them was published in Forbes Magazine- “100 Best Places to Work” 2006 issue.  I thought photography would be a great post retirement activity and possibly a business. In 2010, I exhibited at a holiday boutique to test the waters.  The sales at Congregation Beth Shalom in Northbrook exceeded my expectations. Shortly after, I started Imagetripping LLC and began selling framed images from past and recent photo shoots on my website (www.imagetripping.com) and at exhibitions and holiday boutiques. I retired from Wrigley in 2012 and began living my dream of shooting photos at exotic places and exhibiting them for sales.  My business mission is to share my work with archival materials so others can enjoy the art at reasonable prices. In short, I provide memories you can hang on your walls.  At exhibits, my greatest reward is not the sales, but hearing people respond to the art. What an adrenaline rush!

My passion for photography combined with various marketing approaches has resulted in many of my images being displayed in doctors’ and dentists’ offices, and private homes. Others have been displayed in juried exhibits and galleries such as the American Jewish Artists Club Annual Award Art Exhibit,  annual exhibits at the Northbrook Library (Northbrook Originals Exhibit), Northbrook Village Hall Executive Board Room ,and the Greater Chicago Jewish Festival and Juried Art Fair. In December, 2013-2017, I was the featured artist of the month at the North Suburban YMCA in Northbrook, Illinois offering art to purchase for Chanukah and Christmas gifts.  Three of my images have been displayed during the Chicago NBC 5 Weather segment with Cheryl Scott.  In addition, I volunteer to take photos at major events at Congregation Beth Shalom such as retirements, distinguished speaker appearances and Men’s Club events. I provide photo montages for CBS Men’s Club Torch Award submissions. As a result, some of my portrait images have been published in the Northbrook Star (Elie Wiesel), Northbrook Tower, and the Chicago Tribune North Editions (various stories).  Additionally, I have also taken pictures of authors, including Raymond Benson (author of James Bond Novels) published in his novel entitled “A Hard Day's Death", and Jay Heller, in his 2011 novel entitled "The Last Man".  Not bad for not having a degree in Arts!!!  My training in photography consisted of decades of reading numerous books, articles, short courses, and constant experimentation. In fact, I still take online courses as a member of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals.
 
In summary, I blended a life-long passion for photography with business and science skills to create an exciting and rewarding post retirement career.  To expand my website, I have traveled constantly with my wife, Judi, for over thirty years.  My latest trip to Lake Como and the Alsace region in France has provided very distinct photos that will be on the website soon.  A recent example of a 24” x36” framed image from Israel sold to an Israeli customer, and an image taking first place at the American Jewish Artist Club are displayed below from left to right.

Meet Larry Frank

Larry Frank
Artist, Modern Expressionist Painter

After decades working corporate jobs and raising a family, I was widowed, my family grown up … I decided to really change my life.

I began to learn photography, but after a few years of semi-professional art photography, I began to oil paint.   Loved it and yet hated my work in a relatively short time, not liking my paintings… I needed a fresh direction and inspiration.

I decided to shake up my world and enrolled in an Art Residency in Malaysia. . Went there not knowing anyone or anything much about the country.   It was my first Asian trip… I also traveled for several months in other parts of Asia.   I was blasted with the courage to take creative risks.   What a ride!!!!  I never had doubts after this.

The following year I went to Thailand and enrolled in another Art Residency.   Again, I added on additional travel.   I have now been doing this for more than six years.  I’ve taken four Art residencies on two foreign continents and traveled more and more for longer periods of time. I have made friends in almost all of these locales.   We speak often, inspire each other and meet whenever we can.

As I travel, I photograph and sketch.   I create the finished paintings when I am back home.  I gallery show on occasion and periodically teach painting.  I also have developed and teach a specialty painting workshop on how to travel, photo, sketch so one can create story telling paintings based on the adventures.

I believe it is important to reinvent oneself, step outside of one’s comfort zone and do these once seemingly unimaginable things.  It has become a gateway to a fulfilling and creative happier life.

I balance family, friends and home with my passion.   I have no regrets.   I never look back and embrace each artful adventure.   I can never wait to do the next one.
  
I’ve met and am inspired by remarkable, talented people.  I live what I only used to imagine.  
Taking that first step is hard.  Scary…but once you begin, it gets more wonderous.   It’s a sweet spot.

Lfrank4508@gmail.com,   www.larryfrankpaintings.com

This issue is prepared by a bunch of guys who are continuing to GIVE BACK to FJMC.  We invite you to also give back to FJMC through your participation and most importantly through donations supporting FJMC as Friends of FJMC.  Participate by clicking on “Become a Friend of FJMC” on www.FJMC.org or contact Gary Smith at gsmith@fjmc.org.

Send your comments to Richard Gray at rgray@fjmc.org.  We want to hear from you. HWR is a publication of the FJMC.

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