Orange Lilies in June

Orange Lilies in June #3326

Beautiful orange lilies that grow in a south Minneapolis MN garden. 
Freshly clipped and immediately transferred to this elegant green ceramic vase. 
Simple Elegance.

Thank you to two of my neighbors who grow these wild lilies and share with us all.  

I had just finished a 250 mile drive, spending the better part of my day in the car.  As soon as I got home I caught sight of these lilies and knew I had to quickly walk down the street to clip them, put them in vase and photograph them.

The afternoon light was extremely harsh so I used my two light diffusing fabrics, my wedding veil and my patterned scarf.  I can see both of them when I know what I'm looking for.  

Image is available for purchase at

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/orange-lilies-in-june-wendy-blomseth.html

White Wildflowers in June

White Wildflowers #3307

Sweet white wildflowers that grow in south Minneapolis MN gardens are best when picked and immediately photographed before the petals start to fall. 

Available for purchase at

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/white-wildflowers-in-june-wendy-blomseth.html

Urban Wildflowers

Urban Wildflowers  #3303 

June wildflowers that grow in south Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Freshly picked from the garden and photographed within minutes. 

Simple Elegance.

Available for purchase at

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/urban-wildflowers-wendy-blomseth.html?newartwork=true

Roses in Light and Shadow

Roses in Light and Shadow 

Vases, Light & Shadow

Vases: October  2013  (available for purchase)

As I go through my photo archives of last year's initial experiments with still life compositions this image keeps calling me.  I cannot tell you how beautiful the lines and colors are in that center rear vase that is made from wood. 

I love it!  The other pieces are lovely on their own but the vase is so singularly striking and precious.

When I started to collect items for this still life I wasn't 100% sure what I was going to photograph.  I went through Karl's collectibles upstairs in his man cave and pulled these items from a variety of different corners and shelves.  On their own they were nice but together they really complimented each other.

It feels important to document these collectibles that he has accumulated over the years so they are remembered in an image so that  they have a second life beyond their short life on our shelf.

Ceramics on Blue, Light & Shadow

Ceramics on Blue, #8649, September 2014  (available for purchase)

Blue, blue, blue.
I don't know exactly why I wanted this image to be so blue but typical black and white seemed so, typical.

The surrounding area was actually very green and I guess that made me go so far on the other side of the color spectrum. It was the brightest time of the morning when the sunrise light is the harshest but if I was shooting film, the film would have soaked up the light like a sponge.  Digital image capture isn't quite as loving but I've learned to love the harsh contrast and what photographers call "blown out highlights."  If we were shooting film, they wouldn't be blown out or, if I was bringing a suitcase of special filters I could tone it down. But I don't want to for this effect.  Got sun?  Love it!

All these ceramics  have been used for floral arrangements up at our cabin at one time or another, except maybe the one that is my husband Karl's ceramic wine glass.  Rarely used for drinking if I remember correctly.

Ahh, the painting with light and color in the glorious moments of sunrise.

It doesn't get much better than this (unless it was sunset.)

Still Life with Fruit

Still Life with Fruit, #8740: September 2014

What an awesome experience to transition to a new photography series that excites me just as much as some of my past work.  I guess an artist CAN change.

After two decades of focusing on the beauty of the human figure in various locations and lighting patterns I've discovered the quiet beauty of  the still life as a serious body of work, not just an occasional random portrait.

No surprise really, if one looks at the countless number of floral studies I've done.  Again, simple beauty and about as minimalistic as one can get.

But now, let's add quantity, quality, light, shadows, reflectors and a life time of experience and see what comes up.

Let the journey begin.

Figurine in Shadow and Light 2013

Light, Shadow and Bowl

Light, Shadow and Bowl, 2013

Glasses in the Afternoon Light, 2013

Light and Shadow series begins, 10/2013

Light and Shadow 2013

Tulips for Valentine's Day

Tulips for Valentine's Day