The Lone Wolf Print
The Lone Wolf Print I talked about this a few post back, about how you can refurbish some of your photos that may not turn out that well, into digital paintings if you want to save them.
This is the original photo below and it is a photo of a wolf in a nature park that I took. Oh, I only make paintings from photos that I have taken, it means a lot more to me as I create a piece of art work.
But this photo is not that good, the lighting was bad, but he is in his natural environment of lots of trees and thick brush. But I did like his expression, how he is looking at something in the grass. Then it comes down to changing the background and adding textures with the help of photoshop.
Now art work is an acquired taste of what each individual likes. For example, I have been to a few art galleries of famous painters with art exhibits of paintings I just don’t get. Like this photo I copied off of the internet of a painting by Vincent Van Gogh. It is wonderful art, with colors and movement. I can appreciate it for sure and it is done by hand not on a computer. Much more work involved at a level that I cannot create at all.
Oh, and it is worth $4,000 dollars. 🙂
You can visit my Art Collection here on my Web Page, Sandra J’s Photography of Fine Art
The Lone Wolves Print
After the Rain
Natures Touch of Red
Young Turkey Vulture
Young Turkey Vulture, we are at a campground this weekend that has plenty of turkey vultures hanging about. Mainly because people feed the stray cats here and then these hungry birds come down from the trees and eat the left over cat food.
Nothing goes unnoticed by these birds, I even saw 3 young ones grab a empty bag of cat food off the top of a garbage can to see if there was anything left for them. Pretty smart 🙂
Update on this post, thank you to Andrew who left a comment on this post mentioning that this first photo of a turkey vulture could be a black turkey vulture and after looking it up, I agree. So I added this bird to my over all bird list bringing it up to 153 birds photographed. Thank you Andrew,
Adult Turkey Vulture
Delicate is the Road We Travel
Delicate is the Road We Travel
Not I nor anyone else can travel that road you are on. You must travel it by yourself to find where your heart is telling you to go.
It is not far, it is in reach. Perhaps you have been on it since the day you were born and did not know it, for the path that leads us to Him, has always been there.
We just need to follow our heart and the rest will fall into place.
Delicate is the Road We Travel
On Top of Highland Peak
On Top of Highland Peak, this was a long drive to the top of this mountain here in Nevada, narrow roads and luckily we never met another car coming from the other direction. There were a few places with snow up here, extremely windy at the top.
There is a short video below showing where I got out of the jeep and walked towards the towers there. Until I saw the signs stating warning, the warning was for high radiation. So I immediately said lets go.
This was the highest mountain we traveled on during the adventure out west. So if you want to travel to the top of Highland peak, well now you can see what is up there just incase you change your mind. The view was spectacular though.
On Top of Highland Peak
Nevada Landscapes
Nevada Landscapes, I will be going back and forth with some photos that I took out west that I have not gotten to yet along with where we are traveling now. Adds a little more variety to this blog here.
This is our first time visiting the state of Nevada and I have to say I was quite impressed with the change of scenery and the diverse landscape out west has to offer.
We stopped in a little town called Pioche, a quaint old western town with lots of history in the mining field. Here is the link to the video that describes more of the town and the museums it has; Pioche Nevada Video by Sandra J
To the north is a state park called Cathedral Gorge, with an unusual landscape formed from volcanic ash that has eroded into what they call Bentonite clay spires.
This is a close up of the Bentonite clay itself, it is like hardened mud and if you tap on it, it sounds hollow inside.
Then travel to the west of Pioche and you have Highland Peak Mountain range, that we drove up to the top of one day, nearly 10,000 ft elevation. I will have a video of that coming out next week. At the top the views are fantastic but it also had radio towers all over the top with high voltage signs everywhere. We did not stay long as there was cables and wires everywhere.
I guess not to many people go all the way to the top, the road was only a service maintenance road and I probably would not go up there twice. But I am glad I took a couple of photos to remember the view.
Nevada Landscapes
Sunrise on Ohio River
Sunrise on Ohio River, I arrived early enough to view the blue hour today during sunrise on the river as the lights shined across the calm water from a dredger doing its work.
In a more general sense, a ship equipped with an excavation tool that is capable of weeding off depositions such as sand, gravel, sediments, etc. from the seabed is referred to as a dredger ship or more commonly just a dredger.
Dredgers are of great importance, as they serve the purpose of ensuring the necessary safe bottom clearance for safer voyages and it added a little extra to this sunrise photo today.
Sunrise on Ohio River
Earth Speaks to Us
Longest Simple Truss Bridge
Longest Simple Truss Bridge, This is the Brookport Bridge over the Ohio River, one of the longest simple truss spans in existence. It may be one of the longest simple truss spans ever built, at least in the first half of the 20th Century. Video Below
I was taking photos down by the river at sunrise and a car pulled up next to me. A woman got out and introduced herself, she was a local in the area and was excited that someone was taking pictures in her little town. This spot is one of her favorite spots to sit and enjoy a sunrise before she heads off to work.
Well, she continued to tell me about the area and mentioned this bridge here, that it is a historic bridge that you can still drive across and that most people don’t because it is very narrow and old. But thanks to her telling me about it, we had to go investigate.
It is by far the coolest bridge I have yet to cross and take photos of. There is a short video below and yes it was a little unnerving to go across it. Mainly because it is so long, one would hate to get a flat tire in the middle of this bridge.
One of the unusual details of this bridge, is that the largest span is at the southern end of the bridge, not in the middle. The navigation channel was located at the south side of the river. However, there was an additional navigation channel in the more traditional middle of the river, and to accommodate this second navigation channel there is a truss span which at 514 feet long is larger than adjacent spans (measuring 396 feet), but not as large as the 716 foot span.
Video Crossing the Bridge;
The 716 foot span has some additional unusual details. While the roadway maintains the same narrow 19.7 foot width, the 716 foot span is notably wider (distance between trusses) so on this span there is a gap between the edge of the roadway and the truss lines. The reason for this is presumably for stability reasons. The trusses of the bridge are incredibly deep (tall) due to the span length, and the extra width probably helps keep the bridge from becoming top heavy and tipping over in high winds.
Visually this is a spectacular bridge. A must see if you are ever in the area of Metropolis Illinois.
Longest Simple Truss Bridge
In the Mist
In the Mist
Perhaps it’s hidden from us
The truth that’s hard to see
Maybe we aren’t ready
To learn what we can be
So many possibilities
And wonders to behold
Takes us beyond the limits
Of things that we’ve been told
In the midst of creation, is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.
In the Mist
Artistic Bridges
Artistic Bridges, during our visit to my sisters home town, we did a photo shoot of all the children and grandchildren while we were there. We took a day to scope out a location for the shoot and came across this beautiful walking bridge.
I do love the design of bridges, this one with the nice straight lines and white rails and post. I have been to this town many times but this is my first time seeing this bridge.
Artistic Bridges
Horses on the Farm
Horses on the Farm, I grew up with horses so I have a special place in my heart for these beautiful animals. It has been years since I have had horses, but I do get to enjoy them at my nieces farm now as she has 4 of them.
This first photo is her horse and she has some smaller ponies for her daughters to work with, that allows them to learn the responsibilities of caring for animals. Horses are a lot of work, but very rewarding I think to be able to take care of them and see how such a large beautiful animal can be so calming to ones spirit.
This one is her newest yearling filly. I just love her one blue eye.
The youngest child is already taking riding lessons and learning how to be safe around horses and have fun going out on rides. She has a trainer that works with her, which is a great idea f
Horses on the Farm
A Dogs Life
Intelligent and Adaptable
Intelligent and Adaptable At first glance, the coyote resembles a small German shepherd dog, yet its color can vary from animal to animal. Shades include black, brown, gray, yellow, rust, and tan.
We were walking in a bird sanctuary out west and this little guy was just minding his own business walking along in the tall grass next to us, appeared to be just looking for something to eat. Just living life.
Always take some time to stop and smell the flowers
Don’t hurry past the things that make life beautiful
Before your life runs down to a few precious hours
Remember to share life with the people you love
There’s always someone special, watching how you live
So with those around you, be sure to share your time
There’s always someone needing what you have to give
You’re sure to be remembered by the love you leave behind. By Chris Embrick
Have a wonderful weekend.
Intelligent and Adaptable
Red Bellied Sap Sucker
Red Bellied Sap Sucker, this colorful bird I photographed when I was out west. I have not taken many bird photos this past summer after we got home. We were to busy preparing for winter and just enjoying being home and not moving.
I can’t wait to start photographing wildlife again, I just haven’t seen much the last few weeks. A lot of beautiful landscapes for now.
Red Bellied Sap Sucker
Harvest Time
Pet Photography
Pet Photography, autumn is the best time to take photos of your pets I think. With all the warm colors and crunchy leaves all around. So my Chloee is the subject of today’s post because she poses so well for photos.
I have two dogs and I got them both at a shelter, Chloee is 11 years old now.
This little one below is Deohgee, she doesn’t pose as well because she is a bit on the twitchy side. She can’t sit still, always on the go and she is 15 years old.
I have been learning a new technique in the digital painting world and love how it allows my imagination to come to life when it comes to my photography. I am always wanting to learn new things and enjoy letting my creativity expand beyond just taking a photo.
Pet Photography
Hello Again
Hello Again, well I am back to taking photos again. We have had the best time the last few weeks visiting with family and seeing how much all the children have grown in my sisters family. It reminds me of a saying I heard just the other day.
Days are long but weeks are short. One should live in the moment as time goes by so fast. Which I can attest to after seeing how much all the little ones have grown this past year.
My sister and I were talking one day and she said; ” I can’t believe how the generations are changing in our family”, She said her grandchildren asked the other day, ” What is a mall?”. They have never been to a shopping mall, which isn’t a bad thing, but makes her and I realize the changing of the times.
Autumn is being prolonged as we travel south again. My Chloee sits so well for photos, with a little help from husband to keep her attention as I take the photographs.
Winter will be here soon enough so I am enjoying the last of the fall colors here.
Hello Again
Snow Birds
Snow Birds – Not actual birds
We are snow birds along with millions of other baby boomers (those born between the years of 1946 and 1964) who head south each year to reap the benefits of a seasonal migration.
The RV is packed and we are heading south, we have lots of family to visit and spend time with, so I will be taking a few weeks off from writing post to visit and be with all of them.
Not only are we visiting family, but we have a wonderful thing happening next month, my husbands son is coming home from being stationed in Italy for the past 4 years in the Air Force. I have not seen him in so long, I am so blessed to be able to call him my son as well, as some of you may know I never had children of my own. But I am proud to call him my son.
Thank you to all of you for your wonderful comments, I do appreciate it and enjoy visiting with all of you through this thing called blogging. I wish everyone a wonderful season of thanks giving and peace. May our Father shower us with love and may we pass this love on to all others.
I will be back next month around Nov 7th, see you all again soon. Blessings to you and yours.
Snow Birds
Rustic Warm Colors
Fourth Largest Lake
Fourth Largest Lake – Lake Superior is the fourth largest lake in the world by water volume.
The average underwater visibility of Lake Superior is 27 feet, making it easily the cleanest and clearest of the Great Lakes. Underwater visibility in places reaches 100 feet. Lake Superior has been described as “the most oligotrophic lake in the world.”
Lake Superior freezes at least in part every year and less frequently in its entirety. The last year that it froze completely was in February 1994. It almost froze completely in March 2003
We took this photo in January of 2022. That was a cold year and snow will be coming soon again.
Fourth Largest Lake
A Touch of Color
Autumn Colors
Being Immersed in Nature
Being Immersed in Nature – Whether it is a walk in the forest or hearing birds chirping in a luscious forest, there is something so remarkable and beautiful about being immersed in nature. It’s easy to be swept away with today’s technology and fast-paced living, but no matter where you are, nature always has a way of bringing peace of mind and grounding a person.
So, as you venture out to see the fall foliage, it’s important to be mindful of how we take care of nature as we enjoy the great outdoors and how we take care of our selves, physically and spiritually.
The noise around us can be upsetting, the news seems to get worse everyday of war and rumors of war.
See how nature, trees, flowers, grass-grows in silence;
See the stars, moon and sun how they move in silence;
We need silence to be able to touch our hearts and souls.
Being Immersed in Nature
Before and After Art Work
Before and After Art Work – I talked a bit last week about imagination and photography. How I look at a photo and decide weather it is a keeper or not. Because I take a lot of photos and not always is the lighting right or the scene itself may be to busy with background noise like telephone poles and buildings.
It is always up to the artist on what makes a photo to them. For example, this first photo below, I had the exposure correct for the train itself but the background is completely blown out. Now one can take multiple photos and then stack them to put the entire scene together.
Or work a little magic in post processing, what ever is most suitable for the situation.
What I noticed first when I look at this photo is the reflection of blue along the side of the engine and that is when my mind starts seeing a different photo. There is a process to changing a photo to art work in photoshop, I won’t go into it because I just start working and every photo is different.
The main part is to get rid of the wires and telephone pole and the gentleman working on switching the track next to the train. Adding a blue sky from a different photo of mine and then let my imagination begin to fill in the area to what I see.
And this is the result below. Now I still create art the old fashion way with photoshop and lots of cutting, pasting, coloring, paint brushes, the whole thing.
Technology is changing even more now with something called AI, artificial intelligent with photography. Where you don’t have to do all the little steps like I do, there are programs where you just type in what you want and the computer will create it. I am not a fan of that, even though it is still art work in the end.
What ever your style, art work is an individual decision. Sometimes if you think your photo doesn’t look so good at first glance. Don’t just throw it away, look closer at it and let your imagination go.
Don’t just go by first impressions, because hidden behind every thing we see is something more beautiful and precious then one might expect.
Animated video below; it only works if you visit the website. They don’t show up in reader format.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Before and After Art Work
Spring Valley Nevada
Spring Valley Nevada – If you drive east of Pioche Nevada you will find a very interesting place with a history that one might not think about these days.
This area is still considered desert, but here in spring valley the water flows continuously from natural springs. It is said to have at least 150 springs through out the valley.
But the interesting thing about this area is how folks made a living here. They tried growing crops like wheat, barley and oats. But the freezing temperatures, grasshoppers and animals would ruin their harvest. But a few people realized a new crop could be had in the form of ICE.
This valley would flood every summer during the monsoon rains and then freeze. So the settlers made special tools to cut the ice into blocks. They built ice houses under ground and sold the ice blocks the next summer to the town folks and kept a lot for themselves to keep their food cold all summer.
People have always found a way to survive and provide for their families. Good hard working folks learning to live off of the land that is provided to them.
Spring Valley Nevada
The Journey Continues
The Journey Continues – As you may know from my blog post, we travelled the SW last winter. We spent 4 months of that winter in the south from Texas to Arizona and headed north from there. But during those 4 months it was all desert. Dry dry desert and not green anywhere.
By April we had finally reached Nevada where our first sight of green grass and dandelions was a very special treat for me. Some people don’t care for dandelions, but after 4 months of seeing only dirt, the beautiful color of yellow amongst the green grass was a sight for sore eyes.
We stopped at a little town called Pioche NV, a quaint little town nestled at the base of the Highland Peak Mountains. A mining town from back in the day that has a wonderful community of folks who are very nice and a small RV park right in town that was free to park at.
We stayed here for a week and enjoyed visiting their museum and driving up into the mountain.
Highland peak sits at an elevation of 9,337 feet. To say the least it was a narrow dirt road all the way to the top, but the view was worth the journey.
The Journey Continues
Miles and Miles
Miles and Miles – This is the time of year I like to get a new calendar and add items from this year to the new year coming up. For example I came across the month and year we bought this jeep and it made me think of all the places we have been with it.
We got it 8 years ago, there are no fancy bells or whistles on it, it has crank down windows, not electric. I do like the older vehicles, where one can still fix things them self without having to take it to a shop if needed.
Miles and Miles
