The Tendency Towards Texture Part 2

Before I show some examples of my own explorations of texture, I have a few more inspiring textural images to share.  The first one is some kind of lichen (I think...?), that I found growing on a tree.  The tendrils remind me of some of the fuzzier yarns I have seen.

This next photo shows a decaying tree stump, with cracks and smooth, patterned depressions (carved out by some sort of bug...?).  It fascinated me.

I see texture in clusters of flowers, too.  Here is an example:

I enjoy the pebbles on the beach, or even just in a neighbor's yard.  I'm not sure if I'm more drawn to the texture or the color here!

Speaking of the beach, I found these shiny bubbles contrasted against the coarse, dark sand:

 And here is foam on the water, reminding me of a damask tablecloth:

Here is more texture on water--isn't it beautiful?

And of course, I must include some pictures of the ubiquitious glowing leaves--see the different sizes and shapes?

Of course, leaves don't have to glow to get my attention:

Even in the winter, they can distract me from my walk:

By now, I'm sure you thoroughly pity anyone who has ever had the unpleasant and tedious duty of taking me for a walk.  Kudos to my youngest, who has borne the brunt of the burden for a number of years, now, with patience and grace!

The Tendency Towards Texture, Part 1

I am inspired by many things around me. I have a great appreciation for the beauty of creation, and I often am distracted from my immediate task to behold some new wonder: the colors of a sunset, the pattern of the petals in a flower, the interplay of light and shadow on a dappled lawn, or the subtle and intricate texture of leaves on a plant. These beauties, while I may not directly represent them in my creations, become a part of me, and they do affect the things that I make. I like to record them in a photograph as often as possible, so that I can review them and continue to be inspired by the images.

I am very drawn to texture, and am always noticing textures in the world around me.  Here are some images that have inspired me:

I am always enchanted by the morning light on the huge hemlock tree in our yard.  The texture of the sun-bathed needles against the darker background never ceases to fascinate me.

For some reason, after living in our house for a couple of years now, I only just noticed this bush blooming for the first time this spring.  I love the way the flower clusters droop so gracefully.  For some reason, this bush in full bloom reminds me of a fireworks display (see the next picture).  Do you see it?

I love the texture of horsetail against the smoother leaves behind it:

Anyone who has ever gone on a walk with me on a sunny day can attest to the fact that I love the way the leaves of the trees glow when the sunlight hits them.  Consequently (much to my family's chagrin), I often stop to take pictures of the textured, glowing leaves.  Perhaps I should consider this color, more than texture, but the differing shades of the same color speak to me of texture.  Here are a couple of examples:

I guess this second one could also be considered pattern, as I am drawn to the curved branches and the leaves surrounding them.  These branches turning upwards towards the sun gladden my heart--they seem joyful, and hopeful.

More fireworks:  Can you see the little buds about to burst into bloom?  Check out the contrast of the buds, the flowers, the stems and the leaves.

 

 These shiny leaves, with their interesting shape, also fascinated me:

All of these images inspire my explorations in texture.  In a future post, I hope to share some of the textured items I have made.  In the meantime,  I hope you will notice the many intricate textures around you!