Tag Archives: floral photography

Happy World Art Day 2021!

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Since it’s World 🌍 Art Day here’s a look into how I created my artwork called “Thankful”.

The title of this image was inspired by a quote by an unknown author that I read on the day I took the original image “I fall, I rise, I make mistakes, I live, I learn, I’ve been hurt but I’m alive. I’m human, I’m not perfect but I’m thankful.”

This image won 1st Place in the Alameda County Fair Fine Art Competition for Alternative Process/ Mixed Media Category in 2021. It was also a featured image in the “Images that Excite” Group and the “A Woman’s Touch” Group on Fine Art America.

Step 1 Original Daffodil Bouquet Photo in Natural light 📸

Daffodil Bouquet by Vanessa Thomas

Step 2 Composite of two photos 🌼 Second photo is of dewdrops on a cobweb

Daffodils and Cobwebs Composite by Vanessa Thomas

Step 3 Digital Watercolor Paint effect in Photoshop 🖼

“Thankful” Digital Watercolor by Vanessa Thomas

Post update August 2022- Delighted to announce that this original image has been SOLD to Scott at my “Colors Inside” show! Congrats and I hope it brings you much joy!

Steps in creating “Thankful”

There is always something to be Thankful for!

A Gift of Poetry inspired by Flowers and Floral photography

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Photographing flowers is how I like to share moments of beauty in nature. When these photographs inspire others to create it brings deep joy to my being!

Spring to Life by Vanessa Thomas

As Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman said in her recent interview with Trevor Noah – “some cleanse with water but I cleanse with words.”

These words from my yoga-loving friend Danai Christelis speak to the joy that the wonder and beauty of flowers bring to our lives and I am grateful for her gift.

This is the message I received from her…

Your beautiful photography inspired me to write this poem..enjoy!

Those Seeds We Need to Sow.

By Danai Christelis

“Like petals of a flower
What is the intent?
To brighten someone’s sorrow
Apologies not said?
Carnivals and canopies
Fading in the snow
Those petals of the flower
Are they just for show?

Like petals of a flower
What is it all meant?
Words not written by a loved one
Memories of time spent?
Wedding bells and baby showers
Celebrations far and near
Those petals of the flower
Serene and oh so dear

Scattered in a milk bath
Pressed inside a book
Sketched onto a canvas
Left wild to create that look
A pocket full of fantasies
Nature at its best
Ladybirds and dragon flies
Looking for a nest
Like petals of a flower
Where does it all go?
When all things said are forgotten
Those seeds we need to sow!”

Poppy Spring Magic by Vanessa Thomas

Five Quotes To Help You Stay Creative In Times Of Stress.

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It’s been great to connect to fellow artists during shelter-in-place and some of us shared our thoughts with the Pleasanton Art League.

Our vulnerability has been highlighted in no uncertain terms in the current pandemic and rapid and complex changes have placed us in extraordinarily stressful times. Yet in the midst of it I am recalling quotes that have inspired and motivated me and I hope that by sharing them they can lighten your load a bit as well.

Blossoms Pink Spring

Pink Spring Blossoms in our neighborhood

Quote 1: The first was shared by my artist friend, Sawsan, who was making some jewelry and found an inscription on a piece of metal which read: “Every problem has a gift for you in its hands.” (Richard Bach) When I set aside my anxiety and looked for a gift in this unprecedented situation I came to realize that there were indeed gifts – closeness of family that I don’t usually get to enjoy, stepping off the hamster- wheel of meetings and events and finding quiet spaces to connect with my passions of writing and floral photography.

To read further please visit the Pleasanton Art League website and click here.

Facebook Fans and Florals

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My Facebook Page has just gone over the 5400 Likes mark – and I am delighted! I also however recall the days when I posted a floral photo and got more than 1 like and was thrilled!

Asters blue

The “liking’ culture is complex – but I think of it like grading exam papers. There are always those who instinctively are critical and judgmental and would never give anyone an “A” as they feel it is unattainable and then there are those with rose-tinted glasses who think everyone deserves some sort of acknowledgement just for putting in the effort. So it’s no surprise that the number of followers outrank the number of likes but that’s ok.

Granted when  photos are amazing I am more likely to ‘like’ them but sometimes just getting someone to share a pic of a bloom they noticed while out walking or gardening is even more beautiful. They were captivated and for a brief moment they could rest and breathe in the beauty.

Dahlias pink on lobelia.jpg

If you’re new to blogging and sharing what you care about it takes time to find your tribe – it’s taken me 5 years to get this far – so don’t be discouraged – just keep shipping.

In a world where kindness, compassion and encouragement are rarely seen how hard is it for you to like the photo your friend or family member just posted about something creative they made? We can fuel each other’s endeavors to bring more beauty into the world.

I love flowers – always have and always will – they give me a chance to pause and appreciate simple moments of nature’s beauty. It’s why I share photos of them – I think my photography skills have loads of room for improvement – but I still love to share blooms that make me stop, pay attention and show appreciation.

Have a fabulously floral day!

Camelia red in bloom

Nature: Care a whole awful lot

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"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." Dr. Seuss

My thought for today – we are fueled by the things we care about and we benefit from things that others care about.

Nature nurtures us all and we will all be better if we care about and for her a whole awful lot.

Photo 1: Better is Beautiful

Daisy profusion

Photo 2: Daisy Profusion

Daisy profusion bw

 

Featured Floral Photographs

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This year has gotten off to a great start as I take my floral photography to the next level. I have entered several competitions and submitted my work to a number of groups on Fine Art America.

I am thrilled to have been featured several times including two featured on the same day! Here they are:

Photo 1: ‘Floating Water Lily’ featured on ‘Images that excite you’ group

water-lily

Photo 2: ‘Orchid Spray’ featured on ‘Flowers on Black’ Group

orchid-white-pink-spray

Photo 3: ‘Gerbera on Black’ featured on ‘Your very best photography’

Gerbera Orange on Black low res

Photo 4: ‘Seeds of Wonder’ featured on ‘Nuts, seeds and berries’ group

Dandelion head open

Thanks for supporting this blog, your comments, likes and follows have kept me motivated!

Look closer

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The closer you look, the more you see.

I often marvel at the intricate details of nature. You don’t have to go far to see beauty close-up. Since it has been raining heavily this week I have been going through my archives of floral photos and found these.

Photo 1: Poppy Central

poppy-orange-centre

Photo 2: Black-eyed Susan

black-eyed-susan

Photo 3: Dahlia details

dahlia-437

Photo 4: Fern frond

fern-frond

 

Dancing in the rain

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It’s the first day of winter and although we are not expecting snow here we have had some very welcome rain showers. Was a great opportunity to capture some raindrops on petals. They remind me of one of my favorite quotes.

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”

Photo 1: Raindrops on Geraniums

rain-on-geranium-2

Photo 2 Society Garlic in the rain

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Photo 3: Rain kissed Geraniums

geranium-in-the-rain

What Sunflowers do…

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“Keep your face to the sunshine, and you cannot see the shadow. It’s what sunflowers do.” Helen Keller

There are certain times when finding the silver lining is tough but it does the soul good to find them even on our most challenging days. Being thankful on those days and expressing gratitude to those who bring sunshine into our lives is a way to keep the shadows at bay.

These images are from my Sunflower bouquet at Thanksgiving. Wishing you well this Thanksgiving weekend!

Photo 1: Sunflowers

sunflowers-and-chrysanthemums-2

Photo 2: Sunflowers and Chrysanthemums

sunflowers-and-chrysanthemums

Photo 3: Face to the Sunshine

sunflower-bouquet

Photo 4: Gratitude

sunflower-single

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