Stunningly Beautiful

Recently I felt like I won millions in the lottery as I was driving on a county road and saw this amazing blaze just above the horizon.  Knowing that I could not enjoy the scenery while moving at 55 mph, I pulled onto the shoulder and sat quietly as I was mesmerized by the colors, the expansiveness of the landscape and the beauty surrounding me.  After a few minutes I realized this might be a great photo opportunity; however, I felt reluctant to do anything but just enjoy the view.  The thought of trying to capture the perfect photo really was not appealing as I sat quietly in the stillness.  So, I sat for a while longer and then made a deal between my head and my heart:  just take a few pictures, do not look at the images until later and let go of the desire to take an award-winning photo.  And, that proved to be perfect as I love this image with the stunning sunset along with so many amazing lines in the concrete, paint, gravel, rolling hills and the sky as they move the eye and create interest and balance....ahhhh...something beautiful without trying so hard.

Turkey Trot

It's that time of the year when turkeys are a topic of conversation, at least in these parts as some folks prepare traditional Thanksgiving feasts.  What a perfect time to feature one of my favorite subjects!  Regardless of one's reaction to this big bird, the textures, shapes, lines and colors give our brains lots of great places to explore.  And, with the upcoming holiday in mind, I pause to express my gratitude for capturing this unexpected image as through the years it has generated much excitement about and interest in my art.   

 

EAC Winter Expo

This Saturday, November 20, the Evanston Art Center opens its doors to the annual arts and crafts expo that features beautiful handmade art of all shapes and sizes.  These items may be home décor as well as so much more, including things to wear, holiday gifts or simply something beautiful that inspires and warms your heart. 

Fortunately, my art is in this collection, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my work with so many others.  If you are in the Evanston, Illinois area, a visit to the art center is a unique venue to explore with lots of great work to view and awesome holiday shopping options.  

Inspired

 

If you regularly follow my blog, the above image may surprise you as it seems atypical since most posts feature anything related to nature, our surroundings and my artistic creations.  Occasionally I share photos of landmarks, art exhibits and other beautiful places that I love and think would interest readers; however, this creation is rare.  So, how did this come to be?  The short answer is that recently I participated in a virtual Zentangle art seminar with co-founders Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas.  During that time we studied some of the art created by a few world-reknown artists and took inspiration from their amazing work.  This particular piece was inspired by Salvador Dali as well as my own desire to break ever so slightly yet boldly with the pattern.  Despite the blur, the latter is obvious in the bottom right quadrant.

"To live is the rarest thing in the world.  

Most people exist, that is all."

                                                                          --Oscar Wilde

Frosty Morn

Extra crunchy.  

Slippery when wet.  

Intricate.  

A masterpiece.  

Stunning.  

Unexpected.  

Often overlooked.

Frosted flakes.

Those statements describe my thoughts when I see these leaves from a spectacular and  frosty morning along the river where Jack Frost's amazing artistry was on display.  Upon first glance I could not believe my eyes -- leaves and frost -- a feast for the senses and especially for me, the artist, known tree lover and avid leaf looker....ahhhhh

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."

                                                                                     -- Albert Camus

 

Pumpkin Hangover

 

More pumpkins!  These images from the recent Reiman Gardens event provide another glimpse of what it was like to wander through the multi-acre site while it was lined with  jack o' lanterns.  Since it felt magical, I want to share and share and share the pumpkin party pictures.  

Anyway, the first two images feature another favorite installation with the top globe posing as a blossom while those descending are the leaves and stalk.  Ahhhh...very clever.  What creativity and inspiration.  Kuddos to all the volunteers who carved such amazing designs along with the dedicated staff and others who donated their weekends to help host this event.   Truly, this was something beautiful, and I am grateful for the opportunity to attend. 

"I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself than be crowded on a velvet cushion."

                                                                 --Henry David Thoreau

More Orange Globes

 

Although Halloween 2021 is now in the rearview mirror, I am still celebrating all the delightful orange globes that annually adorn our autumn landscape.  What about your place?  Are you a pumpkin aficionado?  

Anyway, in this post the first two images feature more illuminated jack o' lanterns that were skillfully carved and then placed throughout Reiman Gardens for their annual "Spirits in the Gardens" celebration.   For more information regarding that awesome event, see a couple of my recent blog posts as well as visit their website.

The third and fourth photos feature a faux pumpkin that got a lot of attention from me as I used it as a canvas and spent hours tangling.  If you are interested in doing something similar, simply grab any pumpkin, real or artificial, and a Sharpie. 

• “I'd say the first thing you need is … a pumpkin.” 
• —Cinderella