maureenthomasdesigns.com blog

Hot, hot, hot! We apparently are paying the price for enjoying a beautiful and “cool” summer. Record-breaking temperatures over the past week have left the garden pretty tired-looking. I can’t wait for things to cool down…let the autumn colors begin please! This week’s garden photos felt a bit unexciting so I decided to try a little Photoshop magic on them.

Getting the studio ready for the Placer county studio tour (AAST) in November and beginning to panic as I realize that I need to have something ready for the tour preview show by the end of next week! More creating and less computering would help…..bye!

Maureen

Recent challenges with my local polymer clay guild (Clayville California), my local arts guild (PlacerArts), and various Flickr photo groups have taken me in art directions I hadn’t been before. Art challenges can get you out of a rut or pull you out of an “art block” and encourage you to try colors or techniques you’ve never used before.

I’ve really been enjoying my weekly mini photo safaris. My photography skills have definitely been improving and an extra bonus is viewing the pictures on the computer. A snapshot will often provide a better appreciation of an interesting color combination or an intriguing texture. Great for art inspiration!

The IPCA introduced a new photo challenge. I am thrilled that they chose my closed sunflower picture as the first “inspiration photo”. Please check it out and see where the clay takes you. I’m looking forward to seeing the entries!

You would think that lots of bright sunshine would make for beautiful garden photographs, but that’s just not the case. Morning seems to be the best time for me to take great pictures, while it’s light but before the sun really starts shining. I typically go out about 6am to take my weekly garden shots, but I got a late start today. So, I went on the hunt for some interesting shadows about 9am. I think these are the most interesting shots from today.

Maureen

Short post today, but I did get out for my weekly garden photo shoot. The weather is heating back up in Northern California and the only thing I like about that is that my tomatoes are finally going crazy! This week’s garden pix focus on bugs…

Maureen

I’ve been faithful about getting out into the garden every Monday and posting a few pictures on Facebook. I’ve also gotten hooked on a few Flickr photography groups. Color groups, artistic inspiration groups, etc. Meanwhile, I’ve been neglecting this blog.

The Sacramento summer heat has arrived, making the garden look a bit tired. So, some closeup and macro views to focus on the things that still have some life left in them.

Maureen