Happy New Year!!!!!

Best wishes to all for a successful and Happy New Year!!

"Happy New Year!!!"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

Should I Paint or Read?

Painting workshops in beautiful locations always present challenges.  While it's relaxing to sit in the sun and read a good book, it's also stimulating to paint the enticing scene.  Decisions, decisions!

"Should I Paint or Read?        Kathy Dunham 2010

Italian Hibiscus

I'm always fascinated when I find plants native to one part of the world growing profusely in another part.  Like this hibiscus.  It was growing in a small hilltop park above the harbor in Sorrento, Italy. Noted for growing in the tropics, hibiscus can be found in native habitats ranging from Africa, to Argentina, to Jamaica.  Some are even hot-climate varieties. 

"Italian Hibiscus"      © Kathy Dunham 2010

Looking Through the Glass

My sister-in-law collects glass balls and I was fascinated with the light as it bounced off and reflected on her collection.  I just love the way she displays them.  Very creative.

"Looking Through the Glass"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

Tropical Flowers

Cool weather seems to bring on thoughts of balmy warm places.  For most of us in the U.S., Christmas is always on the cool side. But that doesn't mean we can't dream of a nice tropical climate where we could be wearing shorts and sandals.  These Plumeria have a great home, Bermuda, with a mild tropical climate most of the year.

"Tropical Flowers"      © Kathy Dunham 2010

Only in Florida

Where else would you find pink flamingos at Christmas but in Florida.

Merry Christmas to all!!!

"Only in Florida"      © Kathy Dunham 2010

Christmas in Gibraltar

I think this was the scraggliest Santa I've ever seen.  Yes, the hair and beard are real but I think a wig would have looked better.  Being a melting pot of cultures, we saw a little of everything in this tiny British commonwealth.

"Christmas in Gibraltar"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

White Peony, Red Heart

I saw my first peony when I was in France several years ago and fell in love.  What an exquisite flower. And the beautiful colors.  Too bad they don't grow here in the desert.  But then maybe it's a good thing as I appreciate them even more when I see them.

"White Peony, Red Heart"      © Kathy Dunham 2010

A Wet Christmas

We get very little rain in the desert so having several days of  liquid sunshine actually feels good.  It certainly puts me in the mood for Christmas.  And I have a legitimate reason to light a fire in the fireplace.  Ho, ho, ho.

"A Wet Christmas"       Kathy Dunham 2010

Christmas - New Orleans Style

They have a way of decorating for the holidays in the French Quarter.  Bright, bold and with spirit.

"Christmas - New Orleans Style"       © Kathy Dunham 2010

Shopping for the Holidays

I had some extra time yesterday and stopped at Home Goods when I came upon this gal.  She was color coordinated from head to toe.  Including the shoes.  It certainly makes a fashion statement but I'm not sure what kind of a statement she was trying to make.

"Shopping for the Holidays"      © Kathy Dunham 2010

Orchid Tree

The orchid tree is so named because the large, fragrant flowers bear a likeness to orchids.  The Bauhinia variegata is native to India but grows in many climates in the world, even here in the desert.  They are stunninly beautiful when in full bloom as the tree is usually covered with the blossoms.  I was lucky and caught a bee in the act of gettin up close and personal.

"Orchid Tree"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

Cactus Blossom

Christmas cactus are about the only cactus in bloom this time of year and this isn't one of them.  It's just a tiny blossom, about 1 1/2" in diameter that pops out in late spring on my patio.  

"Cactus Blossom"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

Desert Lightening

We're due to get some rain later this week and I don't think we'll get a light show like this but I'm hoping.  I love good thunder and lightening displays.  We just don't get enough of them.

"Desert Lightening"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

New Growth

The greens of nature take on many different shades but the greens of new growth are always fresh and clean.  They almost speak a different language in the world of plants.  Older growth greens just don't seep to carry the excitement of the new stuff.

"New Growth"      © Kathy Dunham 2010

So Serious

This little guy was all over the waterfront in Vernazza, Italy.  It was hard getting a shot of him as he never stopped moving.  His dad ran the Pensione we stayed at and was a great host.

"So Serious"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

Slot Canyon

Created by erosion, the slot canyons outside Page, Arizona are an amazing site.  And easy walk into a maze of narrow canyons, you'll be fascinated at the colors and shapes that have been carved over the years. 

"Slot Canyons"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

Day Lily

Living in the desert has some disadvantages.  There are a lot of cool weather plants that just won't grow here.  But that does give me an excuse to search out places where I can find beauties like these.  The botanical garden in Spokane, Washington has a huge collection of day lilies.  Too bad this exotic flower only lasts a day, hence the name, Day Lily.

"Day Lily"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

Venetian Reflections

Late afternoon light and colorful buildings along the Grand Canal in Venice provide interesting reflections on the water. 

"Venetian Reflections"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

Red Poppies

Tis the season for red and green.  Although these aren't Christmas flowers the certainly convey the colors of the holiday.

"Red Poppies"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

Another Backlit Flower

More of my favorite lighting techniques. 

"Another Backlit Flower"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

Afternoon Sunflower

Afternoon light intensifies the colors in your photographs.  So naturally, I like taking pictures that time of day.  I also like the light behind the petals causing a "glow" to them.

"Afternoon Sunflower"      © Kathy Dunham 2010

Curly Banana

Nature always fascinates me and I keep my eyes open for unique scenarios.  It could be how the light hits a petal, dew drops on leaves or a twist in the growing cycle that makes something stand out.  These curls on a banana leaf fall into two of those categories.  I never know when the right moment will hit me but when it does, the camera is always at hand.

"Curly Banana"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

Blue Christmas

Blue seems to be the color of choice this season.  This display is in front of City Hall in the city of Indian Wells here in the desert.  It's certainly a different look although I find it's not as festive as white lights.

"Blue Christmas"     © Kathy Dunham 2010