52 Photos Abstract

Our assignment this week is to take an abstract photo by focusing on the visual language of form, color and lines.  I had a bit of a difficult time trying to figure this out...should it look like the real thing only changed in some way? Or should it be something real but transformed so as to be unrecognizable unless it was explained to the viewer?

According to one photography site, abstract does not represent the subject in a literal way, rather it communicates primarily through form, color and curves rather than detail, and evokes a strong reaction in the viewer. 

 Clear as mud?

My first stab at abstract photography using Picasa editing tools. A pretty photo with wonderful form, color and lines, but not quite what I'm looking for.

Again, edited with Picasa, and I do like the photo, but still not there.

This is  more what I was looking for. A close up of a glass votive with sweet little bubbles in the glass and a bonus reflection of a window. It makes me think of  the lovely bubbling brooks we sometimes see on our travels (well without the window).

The original photo.

Thank you for sticking with me through my trial and error.  I even tried Photoshop Elements for the first time but that takes a lot of practice and muddling around, which I did not have time for.  I'm still not sure I got right but it sure was fun trying.

When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence. – Ansel Adams

Please visit Sally's blog to see more Abstract photos.

As always, I enjoy your comments. 

AJE Component of the Month Reveal

My name was drawn for the Art Jewelry Elements Component of the Month.  Jennifer Cameron generously gave us some lovely glass headpins.  When mine arrived I was so excited that I forgot to snap a photo of them, so I snatched the photo from the AJE post, though mine is a bit darker blue

.

I've got a habit of making long earrings...can't help myself because I just want to jam all the wonderful beads in the that I can.  But this time I forced myself to make shorter ones.

'The Ocean's Daughter' made with Jennifer's beautiful glass headpins, vintage rhinestone spacers, tiny lampwork beads and Vintaj earwires.

Thank you for stopping by.  Please visit the AJE Blog to see what the others made with their headpins. 

A big thanks to Jennifer for hosting and providing the headpins!

Art Jewely Elements Earring Challenge

  It's weeks 15 and 16 of the year-long earring challenge at the Art Jewelry Elements Blog.    

'Edge of the Woods' made with sweet polymer beads from Heather Powers and Vintaj components.

'Dream Catcher' made with polymer beads from Heather Powers and gold-filled chain and earwires.   Check out all the other wonderful earrings at the AJE Blog.   Thank you for stopping by!! I hope you enjoy your Sunday.  

52 Weeks Color

Our assignment this week is to focus on color and how it affects our mood, feelings and perception of our surroundings. 

It seems Spring has finally arrived here after some sleet and cold temps earlier this week.  Across the road from our house is a field which the farmer planted with winter wheat.  Just seeing that sea of green makes me smile.  Our computer room faces the front of the house and I can see the tender shoots of green.  At the end of June the wheat will be golden and swaying in the warm breeze.  What a lovely sight to see. So as you might have guessed, the color I chose is green!

Rows of wheat

The tillering stage where 'leaves' are added and lengthen over time.

A sea of green!

There are 11 stages of growth from the first tender shoot to the ripened stage.

Sometimes, if I'm lucky, the farmer misses some of the wheat along the edge of the field at harvest time, and I will gather it for myself.

Thank you for stopping by.  Please check out Sally's blog to see more color!!!

52 Photos-Out and About

Our assignment this week was to get outside and take our camera with us. Of course the only day I could do this was a rainy day, so I drove rather than walked.

This church has been in our community for a long time.  Unfortunately it was not cared for properly and became unsafe.

They don't build churches like this anymore, and that saddens me.  The congregation built another church right behind this one.  It is a metal building. Now there are trees  and vines growing and choking this old building. 

Matthew 18:20 - For where two or three are gathered in my name, there will I be also.

Thanks for stopping by.  Please visit Sally's Blog to see more.

Art Jewelry Earring Challenge

  It's weeks 13 & 14 for the Art Jewelry Elements Earring Challenge.  I missed several weeks due to illness and I'm so glad the team let us keep playing along even after our 13 weeks were up.  

'Cinnamon Girl' made with wood beads, lampwork discs from PD Lampwork, Swarovski Crystals and Vintaj components

'Coming Up Green', made with gorgeous green lampwork beads from Something New 4 You, Czech deep cut nuggets, tiny Czech 'meander' beads from arte bella surplus and Vintaj components.

Unfortunately I can't locate either of the lampwork artists. 

Thanks for stopping by. Please check the AJE blog to see what everyone else made this week. Also, check out their pinterest board for earring inspiration.

And if you're looking for my post on Sally's 52 Weeks Focusing On Life Photo just scroll down.

 

52 Photos Aged Beauty

Our assignment is to photograph things with aged beauty. I think Sally's original intention was to share one photo each week, but I'm finding that I can't seem to share just one.  I hope you don't mind.

Sally quotes: 

"Aged pieces have a beauty all their own, a beauty that draws us in to look a little deeper into a past time."  

These are some old books I use for props on my jewelry table at shows. My dad has dozens of them. Some are Swedish, others are hymn books. There is a variety.  I just love these old books and wonder about the people who used them in their daily life.

This book is very fragile but so beautiful. 

Old Things are More Beautiful

(Clay Harrison)

Old things are more beautiful
than many things brand new
Because they bring fond memories
of things we used to do.

Old photographs in albums,
love letters tied with lace
Recapture those old feelings
that new ones can't replace.

Baby shoes, a Teddy bear,
a ring that grandma wore,
Are treasures waiting there behind
a door marked "Nevermore".

Old things are more beautiful,
more precious day-by-day.
Because they are the flowers
we planted yesterday.

Many thanks for stopping by.  Please check Sally's blog to see the other participants.