A California winter and early spring spring sight, the striking dark black limbs of the valley oaks always make for interesting photographic subject matter. Their twisted framework of branches provide a stark contrast to the sky behind them. Then with the first warm sunny days they miraculously transform into opulent trees with lush bright green foliage completely hiding the framework of the branches. Shade for summer picnics under their huge canopies follows.
I have alway been fond of photographing these flowers. Their subtle gradations of color are simply lovely. One is reminded of pastels or impressionist painting.
Below are two links to some of my botanical watercolors.
This is one of my favorite blooms of spring (even though it is summer now – I know, I know). The purple wisterias are so delicate and beautiful in color, sometimes they look like fat caterpillars to me. Such a sign of renewal as they emerge from the the stark bare branches hugging a trellis.
Now a full green canopy of leaves provides for summer shade.
The dramatic beauty of the sea, the pure joy of watching koi just meandering about, a crane’s elegant walk, a splash of color in the form of a plant, the rich texture of bamboo, the stark limbs of California oaks, or the expanse of a wheat field. What a beautiful world.
https://mleue-photo.com//mleue-photo.com/2022.html
This is one of my favorite “decisive moments” photos – as Cartier Bresson liked to put it. I was focusing on the beautiful old trees, the symmetry and color of the traffic signs, and the funny white street markings, when she decided to walk across the street, making the image complete!
I think the title says it all. This was a photo I took perhaps 20 some years ago around the Normandy region of France. It tends to make me chuckle.
Matthias Leue Photography 