Yesterday’s transparency brought a quick response. I doubted that anyone was reading about process anymore. You, my dear readers, from far away Australia and nearby Everett, surprised me! Thank you.
Today, I will show more than tell. The calla lilies in my garden are more beautiful now than ever in the fifteen years or so since my neighbor, now departed–may he rest in peace, walked them across the street. After the rain dissipated, my camera and I made a few trips to the garden this afternoon strongly influenced by Georgia O’Keefe, may she rest in peace.
Last Saturday, we visited the Tacoma Art Museum which is currently showing O’Keefe. I could have sat for hours and studied just one section of her painting, Jimson Weed, 1936. Her most ambitious and largest work, it was commissioned by Elizabeth Arden for her spa. Oh my! Imagine getting a mani-pedi and gazing on these glories? This painting alone would sell you on a full day of services.
Well, I can’t sit all day in the spa or the museum for that matter, but I did find a moment to dash out into my garden with my camera slung around my neck. I pretended to be a Fine Art Artist looking for the organic shape that would beg a big commission from the ladies at the spa. I wonder if my neighbors noticed.
That, today, is my process. I’ll show you what was forthcoming.
Apologies, but I will not be showing you the whole delicious clump. You will have to settle for this photo as the most realistic as to the calla’s curve and stem with a hint of centauria added for color.
Moving in a little closer, I may like this one better.
Calla leaves are stunning and if you can get your composition just right, your eye will follow both leaf and blossom.
Something about the curves on this lily just bespeak luxury. Don’t tell, but they are really easy to grow and no trouble to bring to bloom.
Personally, I love all this negative space.
I did find a bird on my final tour through the callas. I’d prefer its call over that of the big-mouthed owl.
Playing around with negative space is just fun.
Even giving the same photo a bit of a tilt and cropping it askew adds drama.
Really stepping it up with a surreal dash so the lily almost disappears behind the negative space. This is even better.
Well, now you’ve seen a bit of my process today. What do you think? Do any of them have potential? It’s challenging being the photographer and loving them all like children. Sometimes in our process, we just need another set of eyes to help parcel out a few along the way. Sadly for me, our younger daughter has moved on and it is not quite so convenient for her to plop down on my office couch and edit out the ones that do not fill her heart with joy.
It’s all part of the process. I wouldn’t mind if a few of you left a comment or two about which one you like or if I should pitch the whole batch in the compost. Process always benefits from another set of eyes. Oh–and an order for a wall-sized mural for your spa–that would be lovely too. I’ll be right over for that mani-pedi.
Marlee Huber ~ For Your Flourishing Life!
Marlee – all the images you captured are lovely. Any “spa spot” would be enhanced by them.
The one I’d choose ( since you asked ) is the second one where you moved a little closer to the bloom and added in some color. I like the anticipation I feel in looking at the golden gift rising up from its “roots” waiting to spill out into my hands/life. It reminds me of the treasures that can rise out of the darkness when God is ready to bestow them from the cup of his love ( the purity of the white opening).
I think I like number 4, though they are all worth gazing, especially owning a florist business. Our calla Lillie’s have been tiny due to severe weather, so a delight to gaze at some lovely lady Lillie’s thanks again Marlee, Maree x
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