It doesn't matter how much distance there was between me and this tiger.  I was completely devoured.  Superlative in his prideful profession of dominance.  I was entranced by his splendour. 

I just wanted to show you that I have been working.  Sometimes the creative process is quite challenging.. So far this painting isn't turning out like I had hoped. This is all you get to see for now... I will keep you posted.  Just a little more despair and desperation to muddle through! 

So, I have been working even though I have had a lot going on in my life right now.  I think that I am at the point of saying that this painting is done.  I keep staring at it hopeing that I will see one more thing that it needs, but, I see nothing. So,time to sign! Oh, Happiness!

Here it is! Finished. 

Progress.  It's been a couple of days of work on this.  Finally, this shark ( I believe ) is starting to take some form.  Still, a lot of work to do.  It's very dull to look at right now.  So much more needs to be going on. 

I love Autumn, but, now all the bursts of color and changing leaves are falling to the ground.  The air is carrying with it a potent chill.  A transformation is beginning. Winter is on it's way. 

I have been commissioned to do a painting.  Even though, this is what I want to do.  It is difficult to paint for someone else because not only do I have myself to please, but, I am also worried that the recipient will enjoy my work.  Also, the subject may not be one that I personally would have chosen . Such as a shark.  I do not like sharks myself.  So, I did a really quick sketch of what I think this is going to look like.  This will be going onto a 16 x 20 canvas. 

Elephants in the Water

So, I have never posted any of my paintings or drawings up on my site before.  Up to now, I've done nothing but post my photography.  I enjoy many forms of art!  I think that it is kind of odd that I have chosen to put up a photo of this abstract painting that I am still working on, because of the fact, that this is the very first abstract that I have ever painted.  The reason that I have decided to paint an abstract is that I really need to step out of my box. All previous works of mine have been more realism. This is not at the point of being finished yet! 

 I think it is good to document the progress of a painting.  So, here it is.  5 x 7 Canvas. Acrylic.

Hippopotamus.  They are fascinating creatures.  I had to linger at the Hippo pool for quite some time in order to actually shoot a photo.  Just when I was about to give up all hope of ever seeing this animal swim to the surface, he came bounding up and out of the water. 

I just shot this photo a little bit ago as my little kitty and I were settling down for the evening!  I couldn't resist, I had to put this one on my blog!  I think it impossible for him to be any more content. 

~ Cats are connoisseurs of comfort ~  James Harriot

A Middle Eastern Dance Artist from Moscow.  She gave an amazing performance and truely captivated her audience.   

A different view!  How often do we enjoy the scenery from this level?

Dancing Elephants

To me, these elephants seemed to be dancing!  To bad I couldn't hear what music they were listening to. 

I so love the big Cats!  So magnificent.  Such beauty which you are and forever will be completely unprepared for.  I could never tire of these gorgeous animals. 

I could walk for miles along the beach.  If only grains of sand could speak.  The stories they would tell. 

This photograph makes me think of one word.  Idle.

The sound of a waterfall is not a noiseless sound.  It's the sound of contemplation. 

A scene that causes you to take ease. 

Even the wind loves art!  Creating ripples in the sand as it blows across it.

What makes us so intrigued in these abandoned buildings?  To have such an extreme attraction that we hunt them down and off we go to the most remote places that we can find!  Walking past forsaken walls, enjoying every moment feeling like an explorer.

An early 1900's shipwreck slowly being buried at sea.  Very little now remains, except for the bow and a few ribs.  Without words, stories are still being spoken.  It makes you wonder, what else is silently being carried to the grave?

So I've just come back from a trip and I have collected some new Photos!  This photo is one of my favorites.  In photography, there definitely is an art in the way you observe things.  Taking the ordinary and finding something intriguing about it. 

The same sail boat that came to our beach last month came back today.  This time, I tried doing Dutch Angle. 

I found myself a nice secluded little spot to sit and watch the tide go out.  Shedding my shoes and scavenging among the seaweed and rocky sand.  Looking out and imagining all that is yet to be discovered. 

Enjoy the scenery while on a detour!  This was definately a detour!

Abstract

I really enjoy the texture and the color palette in this shot.  For me, it has such a calming effect. There is nothing like looking through a camera lense!  It really heightens your perception of all that is around.  The otherwise insignificant becomes noteworthy and comely. 

Back to the Lavender Fields

Again, wandering through purple rows of blooming Lavender.  Not only was I enjoying this sweet smelling herb. So were the bees.  Have you ever tried Lavender as a culinary spice?  It really adds a unique flavor! 

Baby Seal

I really enjoy our beach.  My husband and I were walking and came upon this baby seal.  We were so surprised to find that as we crawled closer to him.  He would do the same and continued ruddering himself closer to us.   

Vinography!

Pull that cork!  Then in the glass it goes.  One of the many, many things that I would love to learn how to do. Make wine. 

Something Comletely Different!

So I am beginning to broaden my horizons!  This is something completely different. I have not posted any Artistic Photography on here before.  There is definitely a passion inside of me to create my own artistic interpretations. For this photograph, I am in front of the camera. With the help of another Photographer I was able to create my own vision.  I created the makeup for this shot. Being able to find the right colors and contrasts that would narrate the story that I was looking to be told and to be able to  recreate the perception of my own imagination is something that I thoroughly take delight in!

I wanted to create a woman who is so drawn to the beauty and the truthfulness of nature, that she becomes one with her surroundings.  She connects to the beauty all around her. 

Sunset on the Dock

Isn't it impressive how the coming of the night or the coming of a new day is so wonderfully announced?  Completely surrounding you and at the same time, so incredibly silent.

I took this shot early this morning.  It's so intriguing how each flower seems to tell you something different.  Some seem sad or reflective, while most are happy and euphoric!  At times, maybe even a little bit arrogant.  To me a daisy relays honesty and simplicity.

In Fields of Lavender

Today, I was able to explore a Lavender field.  A natural pleasure, with a thousand words etched on each Lavender petal. 

Spider's Web

I really have a fear of spiders.  Somehow when I have a camera in my hand I am compelled to get closer then I ever would without one.  

A spider's web really is awe-inspiring.  It's hard to imagine that spiderweb silk is stronger then steel!  Even the best human technology can not compete with this little creature!  We sure have a lot to learn from nature!

This was an impressive encounter!  Not to mention, this made for a wonderful photo.  This boat came sailing in on our beach. 

Watching this sail boat almost brought me some ancient urge.  An urge to lose myself and find the sea!  Wondering where this little boat has sailed and how far?  Where will she sail next?  Sitting on the shore, this was a very potent scene to enjoy. 

Good Morning! A picture does speak a thousand words.  So far,  it is going to be a beautiful day! 

 I woke up this morning and took a little walk and climbed down under the bridge down by our house.  There is no better way to start the day, then to take a little walk and enjoy all that is around.  Of course, you don't have to climb under a bridge like I did. 

Puget Sound is beautiful! This photograph is over looking Case Inlet.

Come on little bees! They are everywhere right now! Helping to usher in some new life. After a very long winter, which is very common for Washington. It is very nice to see the ground come alive! The temperature has warmed up and the sun is out!

One of my favorite flowers! The Lilies are in bloom! Such a happy flower!  A lovely perennial.  I do need to plant some more perennials.  Annuals are fun, the excitement of choosing something new each year, but, that does require a lot of time! 

Fires in California are quite common.  Everytime my husband and I go back to California we seem to run into a scene like this. 

I love the Zoo!  I never turn down an opportunity to go!  I am glad I live close to three different zoos. For now, I can absorb the beauty of these creatures. Able to take home nothing but memories and the photos from my camera. Looking forward to the day when this is no longer the case!

Maybe a little camera shy

This deer comes around all the time.  Its surprising how close she actually lets us get to her.  I love to see her!  At the same time, she gets into the garden.  Such a folly of mixed emotions!

Railroad

Walking across the train tracks. You can almost step back in time. I can see the women in their bustled dresses. Men in their high collared shirts. With much excitement, they await the Iron horse that charges down the steel tracks. In my mind, I am constantly traveling between then and now and what will be.

Such a happy couple!  They look so serene and free. Such a good reminder for us.  Live happy. Breathe and relax.  Take each and everyday one day at a time. 

So, I decided to be a little creative with my photography today.  For this photo I slowed my shutter speed.  The entire photo came out blurry,but, I really like the effect that came out!  At first, I really was not sure if I liked the way this came out.  So, the last few hours I have been debating with myself about posting this.  Obviously, I have decided to.  The more I looked at it, the more I began to like it.  It almost looks like a painting.  I wonder what our cat is so intensely thinking about? 

Under the Sea - Texture Tuesday

So, here is my texture Tuesday!  I thought this would be an amazing scene to show off a little texture!

Roseate Spoonbill

 This bird was so fascinated with my husband and I.  She would not take her eyes off of us.
 If this bird is female or male I actually have no idea, but, my imagination tells me that she is  a female. For even while preening herself, she was Posing for the Camera!

Reflections

I took this in my own backyard! In Washington state you have to make the most out of every opportunity you get that the sun comes out!  Sometimes, the Blue Heron will come and wade in the water.  Maybe someday I will get a nice shot of one. 

Weeds and more weeds

I have actually been really enjoying working out in the yard lately.  I don't really know why I like this shot.  Maybe it makes me feel productive!  I sure did a lot of weed pulling yesterday afternoon.  Soon I will be able to plant some more flowers!

Old Well House

I took this today.  Everytime, I drive past this old well house I am just facinated with it.  I love the old broken window and how the moss covers the glass.

Who doesn't love a road trip?  I think we all have a bit of a friendship with the road.  Wondering where will it take us next and what are we about to discover? 

Look who surprised us with a little visit today!  This was taken in a little clearing behind our house.  The deer love to come and nibble on the apple trees.