11 September 2017
Lens:
Taken in Camera+ and edited in Snapseed and Pixlr.
Autumn Forecast Photomontage; 2017 Sally W. Donatello All Rights Reserved
Click onto image to enlarge. Let me know your response to this photomontage. Prints are available upon request.
Pens:
“Capturing the wilderness connects the present with a past beyond my own. It connects us all to the earth, and our collective past.” ~~ Christopher Miller, photographer and writer
Each season is a study in time. And the next season that is illustrative is about to make its appearance.
Lately as I ease into the day, thoughts about autumn’s approach surface. Signs can be tallied in my gardens and across landscapes. The chill is in the air and temps are unseasonably low. In small doses leaves have begun their descent, scattered but evident of summer’s finale. And, of course we are in hurricane territory.
Autumn spans breezy to boisterous behavior, demanding a more in-depth understanding of what we see and know. It exudes content and context. Its palette is a range of emotional colors. It begs admiration. It secures scores of watchful minds.
In the Lens section are a few symbols of the movement into this new season (officially beginning 22 September). My goal was to create an arrangement that felt as though the flowers were floating in summer’s shadow. They soar with their need for attention and grace in the eyes of their life cycle.
The anemone is not purely white but still boasts of purity, allowing its eloquence to frolic in the winds. The obedient plant (top of the two smaller flowers) is a prolific native that blooms in August and seems to never give up its purple gaze. Its flower is truly eye-catching and an insect gatherer. The charm of the water lily’s flower (from Longwood Gardens) is its timely appearance, giving a breath of sweet color as it floats during its peak performance this month.
These examples of nature’s charm are part of the transition into a season that can provide such startling memories that one’s senses are now at the ready. Autumn grabs you in pre-season and it steers your course for weeks. Definitely, a study in time.
Nature is quite amazing to lead us into winter with this hurrah. And, fortunately, memories last through the somber months of cold and grey. These memories take one through a time of hibernation and planning anew. Sigh…
Each season aligns with our inner stars, moon and sun, reminding us of the layers of time that we are experiencing, reminding us of nature’s abundant jewels.
Note: I’ve always been enamored by floral design, especially minimalistic. But I learn from various approaches, even fuller-bodied arrangements. The compositions of Ariel Dearie are worth examining for their sculptural appeal and influence by Dutch painting. I am especially drawn to her designs that use a single color palette. View her work here.
Lens and Pens by Sally 
I like this a lot. It’s remarkably dramatic and inviting at the same time.
Janet, thanks so much. Enjoy your week.
I see what you mean about the influence of Dutch painting on the still lifes of Ariel Dearie.
Yes, her work is quite mixture of classic and contemporary.
Beautiful art. May you find just as much inspiration in the colours of Autumn.
Your sentiments touched my heartstrings. Thanks so much.
These pictures are absolutely beautiful Sally. I love taking pictures but i am not nearly as talented as you.
Thank you for your comment and visit.
I really like these images with black backgrounds. How did you get yours? did you photograph the flower against one or did you add it afterwards? I’m a great fan of Snapseed too.
The image is a photomontage: a blend of three different images. Much like a collage but done on the computer. Thank you for your comment.
So beautiful Sally! Hard to believe this is shot with an iPhone. Was just drooling over the launch of iPhone X with face id! 🙂
Madhu, I appreciate your response. Hard to believe the price of the newer models. The iPhone and other Smartphones prove that it’s not the equipment. I adore my DSLR, but the iPhone is so easy, and convenient, and oh so weightless compared to my other gear.
Beautiful Sally! We have had an amazing span of summer like days here. I’ve really enjoyed it. The leaves are starting and the monarchs are out. I even saw a pair of loons today on my walk.
Yes, we’ve seen more monarchs this summer, but still that’s not enough.
The anemone is beautifully captured with with light slight above to the left. But I also like the spacial way you have added the other floral elements.
otto, I appreciate your response.
Lovely photomontage, Sally. Delicate is what popped into my mind. Have a wonderful week!
Linda, I’m not sure where you relocated, but I hope that you missed the storm. Thanks so much for your response.
Thanks, Sally! We’re in North Georgia. We thought we’d get high winds but it turned west of us. We just ended up with rains and some wind.
Linda, I’m sure that was a relief. Enjoy the signs of autumn and the lovely temps.
Beautiful, as are the compositions of Ariel Dearie.
I appreciate your comment. Enjoy your week ahead.
I enjoyed your photomontage as usual, Sally, but I wish it were just a bit brighter; not necessarily the background, but the flowers themselves. To me, both summer and autumn are filled with light, so I like to see that. Happy Monday!
janet
Janet, yes, the anemone is an off-white flower and it does give a more somber appearance.
Truly beautiful, Sally! The beauty of nature is beautifully expressed via your pens and lens.
Amy, I’m humbled and grateful for your response.
Looks like something from an antique hand illustrated botanical tome, but wait it’s modern. Captures the turning of the season and changing of the way we see.
Carol, your response really touched my heartstrings.
Good morning, Sally. My favorite is #1… ha ha ha… I am so use to look two photos here instead of one. 😉
Anemone — I love that flower. So lovely. I think I am going to see if we can plant it here. I have a feeling that I will find out that it looks better on your photo. 😉
Have a wonderful day.
Helen, it is a sweet surprise at the end of summer. It delights and inspires. Hope that you do plant it. Thanks.
Perfectly beautiful against the black background.
Angeline, thanks for the smile across my afternoon.
A nice segue into Fall, Sally.
Ω
Allan, thanks, autumn is in the air here.
It’s interesting, and I appreciate your notation of where you edited this montage. I’ve never used Snapseed, so I’m headed there now!
Let me know your reaction to Snapseed. I use it constantly.