Another Desert Sunset

I was visiting my friend Joanne tonight and caught this colorful sunset. It may be hot here in the summer but we do have some spectacular scenery.

"Another Desert Sunset" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Wheel Hub - Pioneer Town

Not too far from my place is a western set created by Roy Rogers for filming his TV shows and movies. It's open to the public; they have shoot-outs on the weekends (when the season is cooler) and have a "Saloon" called Pappy and Harriet's that serves good grub and music. Plan on visiting the next time you're in the Coachella Valley area.

"Wheel Hub - Pioneer Town" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Cool Waters

It was hot today, with temperatures pushing 110, I thought the image of a cool Alaskan glacier feeding into Glacier Bay would make me feel better.

"Cool Waters" © Kathy Dunham 2009

The Blush is on the Rose

Stanley Park in Vancouver, B.C. has fantastic roses. Yellow ones, red ones; white ones, pink ones. But as the sun sets in the west they take on a special glow in the dwindling light of day.

"The Blush is on the Rose" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Hot Pink & Sunny

Canna lilies come in a wide array of colors including some that have freckles. But these bright pink lovelies were just screaming to be photographed.

"Hot Pink & Sunny" © Kathy Dunham 2009

White Knight

I spotted this beauty in Butchart Gardens in Victoria, B.C. This is a must see treasure of flowers and all things growing if you get to that part of Canada.

"White Knight" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Ketchikan Mutt

He was waiting patiently outside the bookstore on Creek Street for his master.

"Ketchikan Mutt" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Mystery Flower

It's a flower most of us see daily. Many times it's spotted on freeways, or in landscapes as a background plant or filler plant. We know not to eat it as it's poisonous. What is it? The common oleander. We rarely observe the flowers up close yet they are interesting and come in a wide variety of colors and petal configurations.

"Mystery Flower" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Watch Out for Pirates

This sentry tower at the fort called "El Morro" in San Juan Puerto Rico, has been standing since the fort was built in 1493. That's right. They started building it the year after Columbus made his big discovery.

"Watch Out for Pirates" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Light Patterns

As an artist, I'm constantly looking for subjects, especially if the light is unique or creative. I spotted this one morning as the sun was moving across my living room wall.

"Light Patterns" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Hot Colors of Summer

It's starting to warm up here in the desert and this Mexican Bird of Paradise is showing off in all it's glory. A hardy, heat loving plant, it blooms prolifically in the summer adding vibrant color to the landscape.

"Hot Colors of Summer" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Duck Crossing

I was on my way for dinner at a friend's tonight when I had to wait for the "march of the ducks" crossing the road. They should be up north by now. There must be residents feeding them. What a life!

"Duck Crossing" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Morning Glow

Normally a night blooming cactus, I caught this Cereus early enough in the morning before it closed.

"Morning Glow" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Belated Flag Day

I was remiss in posting something in honor of Flag Day. Most people today don't even know when it is. Do you? I took this shot at the Palm Springs Air Museum. It's a wonderful display of planes from WWII. Visit it next time you come to our beautiful valley. btw... Flag Day is June 14th.

"Belated Flag Day" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Sunset on the Rice Paddies

An artist friend and I were driving around the southern end of the Coachella Valley this evening looking for subjects to draw when I spotted this sunset on flooded rice fields. Too good to pass up.

"Sunset on the Rice Paddies" © Kathy Dunham 2009

The Louvre at Night

Paris at night is spectacular, especially the Louvre. I've been to Paris twice and still haven't seen the treasures inside. Guess I'll have to make another trip.

"The Louvre at Night" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Here Kitty, Kitty

My niece visited me this weekend and we spent the early afternoon yesterday at The Living Desert, our local zoo which focuses on plants and animals in desert environments. It was a beautiful day and this adult bobcat was very accommodating and posed for me.

"Here Kitty, Kitty" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Yes, Elvis is Alive!!!

I've heard that Elvis was still alive but didn't believe it until I saw it with my own eyes. And here he is! Notice the guitar shaped sun visors. And the embroidered names on them. No, this is not Las Vegas, but downtown Palm Springs on a June afternoon.

"Yes, Elvis is Alive!!!" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers

Commissioned by Pope Innocent X and completed in 1651, this spectacular travertine and marble fountain that graces the Piazza Navona in Rome is a symbol of the four major rivers of the continents as was known at that time. The Danube, representing Europe; The Ganges, for Asia; The Nile for Africa; and The Rio della Plata for the Americas. The head on the figure of the Nile is shrouded as the source of the river wasn't known to Europe at that time.

"Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Sacred Datura

Known by many names, all parts of this beautiful plant are poisonous and narcotic. One of artist Georgia O'Keefe's favorite subjects, the Datura stramonium blooms in the morning and on hot days starts to wilt by noon. Also called Jimson Weed, Jamestown Weed and Common Thorn Apple this American annual is a common weed in many countries.

"Sacred Datura" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Spring in the Vineyard

Early morning light as it passes through newly developed grape leaves presents a dramatic image. As the leaves mature they get thicker and aren't as translucent so the delicate glow of the sun shining through these young leaves makes it a special sight first thing in the day.

"Spring in the Vineyard" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Onions with Garlic

I was trying to decide what to use for a class exercise one morning when I spotted these sprouting onions on the counter. Turned out the students loved it. The green tops added to the composition and was the spark of color needed to round out the design.

"Onions with Garlic" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Lone Rose in Eymet

I took a walk along the back streets and alleys of Eymet when I was in France and came upon this lone rose, doing it's best to put on a good show. Someone has lovingly tied it up, hoping to make it a climber.

"Lone Rose in Eymet" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Fireworks

I was just getting ready to post my blog tonight when I heard a popping noise that I have learned to recognize as fireworks. It's a frequent happening here in the desert at various country clubs so I grabbed my camera and hoped for the best. I have a new setting for fireworks and I was surprised at the results. Can't wait for the 4th of July!

"Fireworks" © Kathy Dunham 2009

It's June

It's June and the smoke trees are in full bloom. And this honey bee was really busy collecting pollen. Smoke trees are indigenous to the Colorado Desert and you'll find this member of the pea family in washes where it soaks up moisture.

"It's June" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Golden Gazania

The gazania is a common ground cover that goes unnoticed most of the time. But up close and personal it's a very dramatic flower.

"Golden Gazania" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Orange Rhodies

Monet's Garden was awash with blooms, irises, tulips, wisteria, azaleas and rhododendrons. But when I spotted these orange ones I was taken aback. I'm used to seeing them in whites and shades of reds and pinks. They were so vibrant they almost looked phony.

"Orange Rhodies" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Colorful Beads

Rural French street markets are fascinating. Similar to ours, they offer all types of merchandise including the sausage man, the vanilla man and for the ladies - jewelry. Who wouldn't enjoy these bright, colorful beads?

"Colorful Beads" © Kathy Dunham 2009

A French Breakfast

Taking a simple approach to the morning meal the French titillate the senses with a combination of sweet and savory. Cheese, ham, fresh fruit, croissants and jams with your morning coffee or tea is a great way to start the day.

"A French Breakfast" © Kathy Dunham 2009