DweezelJazz Art Blog

The Value of Mind Mapping and the Benefits of Using Mind Mapping Software

DweezelJazz — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 13:44:27 +0000

I’ve found a number of software applications recently that have increased my productivity enormously. I was checking out some of the Apps available for the iPhone when I came across a mind mapping App. It reminded me of mind mapping which I hadn’t thought about for ages, and I wondered if mind mapping software for the computer would be useful. At first it seemed a silly idea, why not just mind map on a piece of paper. But I’m incredibly messy – my handwriting can be almost illegible, even to me, if I don’t take care in writing and I can never find the kit in one place – paper, colored pens or pencils – and so I never get round to it.

After a quick search I discovered several contenders and narrowed the selection to a program called NovaMind. I downloaded the 30-day fully-enabled trial version and used it every day, pretty much all day long, all 30 days. It’s a fantastic way to take notes, to think through things, brainstorm ideas, and to plan for projects. It’s a visual presentation and involves using color and symbols, along with phrases or key words. The NovaMind program is intuitive to use, is very versatile and works smoothly.

Example 1 of Mind Map Created Using NovaMind Software

A search for mind mapping on the Internet quickly gives the main ideas about how it’s done. The map begins in the center with the heading of the topic being considered, and from that point everything else branches out. It’s a visual representation of ideas and facts and it illustrates their relationships and relative importance. It’s phenomenal just how quickly it’s possible to review something in depth with a mind map.

Mind mapping experts suggest that key words are used rather than phrases, because the brain responds quickly to a key word and it makes it easier to remember. It might be more effective, but I very much like having full phrases. Not sentences, but enough words that I don’t have to guess my original meaning when I wrote the map.

Another liberating thing about a mind map is that you can go back later and add to it very easily, without disturbing anything already there. The magic of having mind mapping software is that it always stays neat and legible, and it isn’t necessary to redraw it if it gets out of proportion or is too big for the paper you started it on, because the software handles all of that for you. It’s also possible to link to web pages and other files and to specific branches in other mind map files. I use it for everything now, both work-related and personal.

Example 2 of Mind Map Created Using NovaMind Software

A mind map is also visually easy to remember, and makes for a great tool for memorizing information. The key to memorization is to review the topic frequently, especially for a short period right after studying it for the first time, and then periodically afterward until it’s successfully stored in long-term memory. It doesn’t take long, but the periodic reminder is key in moving the information from short-term to long-term memory. Once this has been done, the memories are securely stored in our long-term memory and no further review of the material is necessary, regardless of how much time passes.

Example 3 of Mind Map Created Using NovaMind Software

Mind maps make the review a quick and simple matter. The visual layout and color helps because apparently the fastest way to put something in long-term memory is by mentally photographing it. If we can successfully take a mental snapshot in all its detail, then that’s it, we’ll remember it long-term. If not, then we need to create associations within our mind to help integrate the new information into our memories. Color, symbols, pictures, drawings, spatial arrangement, links – all present in mind maps – help to create these associations.

Some years back I read a book about mind mapping and made a few small maps on paper. I found them intriguing and potentially helpful, but I didn’t use them often. Now I create new mind maps just about every day, and go back and refer to them almost as often. Without the software I simply wouldn’t do it nearly as much or as effectively.

Example of Summary Mind Map Created Using NovaMind

I’ve even created mind maps of mind maps, linking the branches of the summary mind map directly to the more detailed mind map file. This allows me to keep track of what subtopics I have on a given topic, otherwise I wouldn’t even remember what information I have in the computer. Organization isn’t my strong point, even in the computer, and if it were all done on pieces of paper, or in a book, I’d be totally buried. To my surprise and relief, having the software has enabled me to tackle all sorts of projects efficiently and effectively.

Mind mapping is a tool that seems so basic as to be, well, for the simple-minded. It’s a deceptively simple concept and, at first, might seem like overkill, but any help we can get with problem-solving, organization, and having a great place for just thinking up creative ideas, is a boost up.

If you haven’t toyed with mind mapping, you might just want to give it a try and see if you like it. If you have, do you use it regularly? what about it do you find it useful? what’s your favorite way to mind map? do you use mind mapping software? do you have any special tips you could share? I’d love to hear from you, if you’d like to leave comments about mind mapping or whatever means that you’ve found beneficial for making sense of ideas and facts.

A ‘Cow-bus’ in Gex, France: a Digital Painting

DweezelJazz — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:33:23 +0000

Jasmine (our African Grey parrot) and I used to go for long walks in the Gex countryside. We saw all sorts of things and took loads of photos, which have since become a source of reference shots for paintings for the Gex book. Well, I took the photos and did the walking, and Jazzy sat and climbed around in her backpack cage on my back, eating and looking around.

During one of our jaunts we came across some cows being transported to the fields for grazing. During the winter the cows around Gex are kept in or near the barn, and during the late spring and summer they’re brought out to the pastures. ‘Cow-Bus’, (13″ x 10″) seems a good name for this painting.

It was fun painting this. Jazzy and I had a great time out that day. It was so pretty everywhere, spring was vibrant with bright new flowers, butterflies, bees, insects buzzing everywhere, fresh air, and sunshine.

Jazzy was chatting away as usual, making impressive hawk sounds and generally commenting on things. She liked to chat, sometimes she chatted in a continuous flow of non-stop, almost unintelligible words. One time we were sitting at a bench and she was doing this. Someone got out of a parked car and crossed the street to ask if I had a radio on, and then discovered Jasmine. Of course, Jazzy was delighted because then she was admired and soon someone else came and she had a crowd talking to her. From then on, whenever she chatted like that (which was much of the time) we called her chatter: ‘radio Jasmine’.

Here you can see a more close-up view of the tractor window. There’s quite a bit of detail in this painting.

I’ve decided that I like detail, and perhaps more of a graphic-type look, rather than an overt so-called ‘painterly’ look, which often seems to translate to a more sophisticated look. I’ve had quite some difficulty trying to understand what style paintings I want to create, because I admire many different styles. But I think I do best with a simpler expression, and it has been such a good feeling, almost a relief, to discover this.

This painting was painted using Corel Painter 11.

“Sunken Boat” Egg Tempera Painting

DweezelJazz — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:40:04 +0000

Here’s the egg tempera painting I finished recently:

Sunken Boat (18" x 7")

This is a boat in Greece that came upon hard times. As is true for all the egg tempera paintings on my site, the colors are richer and the textures are more subtle on the originals, changing more gradually and fluidly than they appear here in jpeg form.

This was probably the most challenging painting for me of all that I’ve done so far. I’ve been looking forward to tackling this one for a few years now. It’s very nice to see a painting take shape that has been formulating in my head for so long and to see finally how it actually turned out.

I love the faded, yet still vibrant, colors on the boat and the glossy surface of the water. Hopefully someone came to rescue this cute little boat so it could go places again.

Story Snippet: “Lost Future”

DweezelJazz — Mon, 31 May 2010 15:17:14 +0000

The thick braided muscles on his forearm tensed as he lifted the axe above his head. There was a sharp crack as the wood split clean down the middle. He leaned down to hoist the next log onto the thick tree stump. Again he raised the axe. Someone could have marked time by the rhythmic motions of his body and the distinct sounds of the woodcutting.

Tom had wielded an axe since his grandfather taught him when he was eight years old. Now, at twenty-eight, he could keep a steady, constant pace for two hours. After a ten minute rest he’d resume his work with the same vigor he’d had at the beginning of the day.

The August noonday sun was fierce, hardly casting a shadow. Tom paused to wipe his brow across the short sleeve of his white cotton t-shirt. A few yards to his left, tiny waves lapped against the rocks. He was so used to the gurgling and sloshing of the river that silence in this place would have startled him. A strong pine scent wafted from the short, knotted trees in the woods that hugged the contour of the shoreline. Tom knew this land better than he did the inside of his house. He spent most of his time outdoors.

He resumed the flow of the work, his mind clear. Just as the axe reached its peak, held in momentary suspension before descent, there was a loud crack and the blade shivered as something metallic ricocheted from it. “What the,” Tom swung the axe one-handed down to his side and swiveled round to cover his back, bringing the axe up to his chest, now holding its broad wooden handle with both hands, ready to swing in defense.

Another bullet whizzed past his right ear. A man stepped out from behind a tree at the edge of the wood. “Hi Tom,” he held a rifle, casually and confidently, aimed at Tom’s head. He was thickset, bronze-red hair hanging loose around his shoulders.

Tom lowered the axe, gripping it with his right hand, “Hi Marty.”

“Told you I’d come find you when you came back.”

“I’ve been waiting. Where you been? I’ve been here for over a year.”

Marty held the gun steady, “I ought to shoot you and be done with it.”

“How many times do I have to tell you it was an accident?”

“That might be, but you were drunk.”

“And you’re telling me you weren’t?”

“I wasn’t in the raft. At least I had the common sense to know I couldn’t manoeuvre those rapids.”

“You mean you had to throw up and that’s why you got out and jumped on land while we were still moving down river.”

“You didn’t lose your sister and your fiance.”

“You don’t think I’ve been tortured these last five years? Sally was my girl, you know I was gonna ask her to marry me. And I’d known Emily since before I quit wearing diapers,” Tom slammed the axe blade into the wood stump and stood up straight to face Marty square on. “Go ahead, do it,” he crossed his arms, “I’m waiting.”

Marty stood there, frozen, lips pressed thin. His bright blue eyes were hardly visible his face was so distorted with bitterness. The two men stood, one longing to pull the trigger, the other calmly awaiting his fate.

Marty threw the gun down. It fired, exploding randomly into the air, echoing off the trees and rocky terrain. “Damn you, I wish I could,” he turned and strode back into the woods. He vanished, the gun on the ground the only evidence he had ever been there. Tom noticed the sound of the river, wiped the sweat from his face again and picked up his axe to continue his rhythmical chopping.

Story Snippets

DweezelJazz — Thu, 13 May 2010 17:32:44 +0000

These last couple of months I’ve been learning quite a bit about what it takes to write a good story. I’d love to write swashbuckling, fun, suspenseful adventure stories. For a long time I’ve dreamed about writing, but haven’t had the courage to pursue it wholeheartedly. I’ve decided to give it a go.

Previously I thought writing a book must be a fairly straightforward endeavor. It isn’t. So I find myself in the midst of what has turned out to be a rather lengthy study of writing, dialogue, characters, what makes for a captivating story, and all sorts of stuff that I hadn’t even thought of before I started looking at this in more depth.

One thing that happens consistently once I’m a few chapters into a story, I notice that some of the characters know a whole lot of things that I don’t know much about. And if I want to continue writing, letting these guys do what they have in mind, I have to do some research. Consequently, I’m currently reading about loads of really interesting stuff. One of the things I’m learning about is Sumerian civilization. They developed over three to four thousand years ago many of the constructs and even inventions we have in our society today. It’s really amazing.

Between research for the story I’m writing and learning about how to write and develop stories, I’m also trying to practice writing on a regular basis so that I can improve and get some experience with different kinds of writing. I haven’t disciplined myself into a set routine or even given myself concrete goals yet. It’s kind of difficult to do that when you don’t have a clue what you’re getting yourself into. But I regularly write a spontaneous short piece in response to a ‘writing prompt’ (a suggestion given to start a writing topic) or a photo or just something out of thin air. I thought that occasionally it might be fun to share these on the blog. So every once in a while if you see this illustration shown at the top of the page, you’ll know that the post includes one of my little writing ditties.

I also plan to include one or two little illustrations to go along with the piece. I’d love to hear your thoughts about these posts and their content as they come along. Of course I love praise and you’re welcome to tell me if you like them, but also if you’d like to give me pointers for improvement that’d be super too.

I’m also in the middle of painting the next Gex Book painting. This time I started with a quick watercolor under-painting, to get the watercolor texture, and have scanned it into the computer so that I can work with it in Corel Painter. Creating digital paintings that look like watercolor is very demanding on computing power, and my computer doesn’t have enough RAM memory or processing speed, making watercolor digital painting painfully slow. So I’m experimenting with creating most of the painting in watercolor and adding a few touches in Corel afterwards to get the best of both worlds. I also have three more drawings ready for painting in egg tempera.

So that’s the news from DweezelJazz Art. Thank you for coming to read this blog, it means a great deal to me.

Cheers

‘Daisy Rock’ Egg Tempera Painting: Le Brevant, Chamonix France

DweezelJazz — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 14:35:23 +0000

Le Brevant is a place on the peaks across the valley from the l’Aiguille du Midi and Mont Blanc. Le Brevant is accessible by hiking up the mountain and doesn’t require any special equipment to manage it, but we prefer to hop on the cable cars to get up there!

The weather on the peaks can change quickly with clouds appearing rapidly, seemingly out of nowhere. This is a view from Le Brevant looking across the valley in the direction of Mont Blanc, but the clouds have moved in.

It’s among these craggy landscapes that I discovered some daisies growing. And that’s what inspired this 12″ x 15″ egg tempera painting ‘Daisy Rock’:

It’s amazing how plants and even trees can grow amongst the rocks in what seems like a fairly inhospitable environment.

It turns out that this area has lots of wildlife and plants and is part of a nature reserve ‘Aiguilles Rouges’. In the billboard below, the white area shows the nature reserve starting at Le Brevant which is down at the lowest point of the white area. To see this closer up click on the image to see the text more clearly.

(As usual, click on any of the images to see a larger version.)

The lake contrasts with the rocky arid area up at Le Brevant and shines like a jewel.

There are some very nice hiking paths along there too.

Looking round a little to the right of the lake you can see the rock shift gradually into greener slopes where it’s just that bit warmer lower down.

Looking even further, to the far right, there are spectacular jagged peaks, and this time the fog is rolling in and out giving the place an eerie feeling.

Closer inspection of the rocks shows them to be very interesting and the colors are beautiful.

All sorts of things live among them. I took a photo of a medium-sized black spider hiding in between the rocks, but I thought these daisies peaking out were a lot less creepy.

The fog started to dissipate and the mountains on the Mont Blanc side of the valley popped into view.

When it’s clear the view is fantastic. You can see more of these views in the previous DweezelJazz Art blog post Egg Tempera Painting of l’Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix Mountains.

There’s a pleasant, though somewhat steep, walk down the mountain from Le Brevant – the ski route in winter. Trees and grass replace bare rocks and the scenes are more gentle than those in the rugged beauty of Le Brevant peak, but even here flowers nestle among the rocks. Beauty and life thrive even in the most awkward of places, perhaps making it all the more precious.