The Tao In Nature

Nature is not perfect however there is beauty in its imperfectness.

Suggestion: When shooting, look for movement and curved lines in nature. A curved line will bring the viewer's eye into the image.

Pennsylvania Trip -- Illuminating

Our trip to Pennsylvania was somewhat sad. Dad is failing. His short-term memory is disappearing.

Shooting with Bob was challenging. I am used to working alone. Then, I had an epiphany.

1. I don't like shooting landscapes and nature as much as I did years ago and

2. any similar landscapes can be enhanced (just like the good old days in the darkroom).

Once I realized these things, shooting with another person got easier. I began to look for different things to shoot--the unusual. An important lesson--a wakeup call--a refresher course making me identify favorite subject matter. Along the photographic journey, it helps to know what you enjoy shooting so you can continue to grow and improve your techniques.

Suggestion: Define what you like to shoot. Make a list, i.e. I like shooting singular, isolated objects.

Home

WAVING GRASSES

Finally found time this morning to edit some images taken in Pennsylvania. Also, was greeted by "happy" blooms. This poppy is blooming in the circle garden. I love poppies and have waited eagerly for pods and fleurs.

POPPY

Quick Snapshots of Old Artwork

LANCASTER COUNTY, PA -- by Elisabeth Bacon -- All Rights Reserved

PENNSYLVANIA STONEHOUSE -- by Elisabeth Bacon -- All Rights Reserved

Top image is a photograph adapted to card format. The next image is a pencil sketch (also in a card series).

Today I feel the need to express my gratitude and appreciation in memory of an artist who died yesterday in Chadd's Ford, Pennsylvania.

My next door neighbor in Illinois introduced me to the work of Andrew Wyeth after he painted "Christina's World." The starkness and depth of his watercolors and egg temperas jolted me into the deep dimensions of watercolor, painting and drawing. His dry brush technique was astounding. I purchased every book on Wyeth I could get my hands on and studied his paintings endlessly. I wanted to draw and paint like that. His paintings began to change my life.

Years later I moved to Pennsylvania where my ancestors had lived, worked, loved and died; where life can be harsh and the stark terrain is speckled with farms, old stone buildings and meeting houses. Winter was white, with sepia and umber tones. Spring created landscape quilts in many colors. Who would not be moved to capture such sights? There I painted and honed photography skills. In Pennsylvania, I was at home--in the land of ancestors, family and friends.

While living in Chester County, Pennsylvania, I visited the Brandywine Museum often and had breakfast at Hank's Place. Andrew Wyeth would occasionally show up.

Now I look back and am most grateful. Pennsylvania will always be considered home and Andrew Wyeth's works will forever inspire.

Thank you Andrew Wyeth.