Trees

Lens-Artists Challenge #296 – Abstract

/ Leya / 50 kommentarer

Ritva challenges us this week to think abstract. Abstract photography breaks the normal rules of realism. She explains that it focuses on the shapes, colors, textures, and patterns of the subject rather than its literal representation. Please visit her extraordianry site for more inspiration and examples!

Abstract, sometimes reality is just as abstract – this tree in Bhutan surely has an abstract quality.

Art has a voice – let it speak”
― Rochelle Carr

A gallery from the archives tells me I do like abstract…or non figurative. I think we all do, but maybe we just don’t think of our photos as abstract. We fall in love with certain qualities of the place or thing or anything that makes us create a photograph, be it abstract or not.

Techniques – and luck – used in the gallery are close-up, double exposure, collage, reflections, steam and light play.

There is no abstract art. You must always start with something. Afterward you can remove all traces of reality.

– Pablo Picasso

The gallery above was made with ICM on a walk in the surroundings of my old school last week.

To participate in this challenge, link to or leave a comment on the host’s original challenge post and please use the #Lens-Artists tag so we can easily find you in the Reader.

And if you want even more information on the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.

Last week Donna’s wonderful post invited us to rock, and what beautiful rocks and places we got to visit! Next week Egídio is hosting, I am sure his theme and beautiful photography will once again give us wonderful inspiration.

Until then, stay calm and wait for the next bus. I will be on the road for the next three weeks, but trying to stay in touch!

Thursday Thoughts – A Peaceful Olive Grove

/ Leya / 33 kommentarer

In Nice we also found the most beautiful olive grove, with the old old trees standing silent and impressive.

The Olive tree is one of the most beloved, sacred trees and its place is firmly rooted in Ancient Greek tradition and mythology.

Traditionally, the Olive tree is a symbol of peace and friendship, this association began in ancient Greece, as early as the fifth century.

We constantly hope for peace in this world. During this silent walk, some rays of sun hit a friend (a palm tree?) in one of the trunks in quite a spectacular way – and it felt almost like a sign. May peace come to us all – soon.

Thursday Thoughts – Winter Colours

/ Leya / 37 kommentarer

Tree of Life. It is wonderful to notice the many wildlife footprints – the snow reveals that we still have a strong population of both deer, foxes, hares and rabbits.

Winter light comes in many hues depending on time of the day and temperatures.

But it is always enjoyable!

Thursday Thoughts – A short visit to Alnarp Castle and grounds

/ Leya / 17 kommentarer

Who can resist waterlilies? I can’t. If I had a pond in my garden, I would try growing them. Their beauty is irresistible. Alnarp had a very tiny pond but it was well kept.

Gunnera is a fascinating species, and I can never resist taking photos of this gigantic plant. Natural umbrellas a rainy day?

There were several Himalayan birchtrees, very white and stately. Betula utilis, the Himalayan birch is native to the Western Himalayas, growing at elevations up to 4,500 m (14,800 ft). Utilis means ”useful”, and refers to the many uses of the different parts of the tree.

The white, paper-like bark was used in ancient times for writing Sanskrit scriptures and texts. In fact it is still used as paper for the writing of sacred mantras, with the bark placed in an amulet and worn for protection. Some areas of its native habitat are being lost due to overuse of the tree for firewood.

(European) Smoke trees are interesting things…I first saw one in New Zealand many years ago. It looked something out of this world, I thought – and I still think so!

I guess this stump once was an oak tree. Still impressive though, and left as a monument at the back of the castle.

After our stroll in the arboretum, we sat down to admire the castle and its grand wisteria on the front facade (in the opener). That will be something to return to next spring!

Lens-Artists Challenge # 244 – Glowing Moments

/ Leya / 65 kommentarer

This week we are honoured to have Siobhan from Bend Branches as our host, and she invites us to share those special, glowing moments in our lives.

Yet, taught by time, my heart has learned to glow for other’s good, and melt at other’s woe.

– Homer

Now I will share some of my glowing moments with you. Some are literally glowing…some of them yearly glowing, and some are for once in a lifetime.

The glowing reeds on a warm summer’s night – a treat every year at our summer house. The warm wind and the soft sound of the waves, the mosquito bites and Milo taking the last swim of the day.

Another way of glowing is the wine in my garden – a treat to the eye.

Spring! A glowing moment every year, and without it, life would be rather miserable.

When you have light in your mind, you shine.
When you have light in your heart, you glow.
When you have light in your soul, you rise.

― Matshona Dhliwayo

Some people stay with you forever…especially old people who have been through the ups and downs of life, and then share their wisdom with us. They make their golden years a gift to others as well. This is Stig, the father of my childhood friend. He was always funny and clever, wise and sweet…and I bet you can see it in his eyes as he is smiling over the reading table.

Another golden moment was when Milo moved in with us – who could resist those eyes? I still can’t…

Te Matua Ngahere

New Zealand was full of glowing moments, but maybe the most spectacular one was the first time we met one of the endemic Kauri trees in their North Island forest. We could not even see the top of the tree in the dense forest – only the gigantic trunk. Majestic, and holy to the Maori.

When we recall the past, we usually find that it is the simplest things – not the great occasions – that in retrospect give off the greatest glow of happiness.

– Bob Hope

Late evening in the orchid meadow. I visit every Spring, and lying down on the sun warmed boardwalk, looking up at the sky – are moments to treasure.

The most wonderful of all things in life, I believe, is the discovery of another human being with whom one’s relationship has a glowing depth, beauty, and joy as the years increase.

– Hugh Walpole

There was a special glow that day, when this little lady made her entrance into this world – and the contact between her and her father was instant and loving. Every moment with her is golden. But I guess it is the same for every grandmother!

So, now we are looking forward to seeing your own glowing moments! Be sure to link your contributions to this post and include the Lens-Artists tag.

Special thanks also to Donna of Wind Kisses for her “It’s Tricky” prompt last week. So many fun and “tricky” photos, including reflections, artistic effects, and different perspectives. It’s great to practice thinking outside the box!

Next week, Tina of Travels and Trifles will be our host, so be sure to visit her site and enjoy her amazing photography.

Until then, stay calm and be kind.