Posted in Inspiration, Nature Notes, tagged blank notebooks, colors, Inspiration, landscape, nature, New England landscape, Photography, writing journals on May 4, 2016| Leave a Comment »
You can now find a series of inexpensive blank notebooks in my online bookstore. Simple little books with nature-themed covers that hopefully spark some creativity or inspiration. A bit more elegant than an index card for capturing quick thoughts or a sketch. 🙂 You can actually write in them or collect them for their covers of the New England landscape. Check these and other books out at Books by CStaples.
Posted in Inspiration, tagged adult coloring books, art, beauty, Edgar Allan Poe, flowers, Harry Clarke, illustration, imagination, Inspiration, nature on April 28, 2016| 3 Comments »
It must be a sign of the times that as I flipped through Edgar Allan Poe’s Tales of Mystery and Imagination as illustrated by Harry Clarke, I could not help but think what a great adult coloring book these illustrations would make. Perhaps not all of the illustrations … unless you’re into zombies and the Walking Dead. But these scenes from Poe’s short story Morella …
and these from The Colloquy of Monos and Una called to me with their flower and nature imagery. Harry Clarke (1889-1931) is perhaps more widely known for his stained glass work. Whether working with glass or with paper for his book illustrations, I wonder at the sources of his creative vision. I’m not always sure why I am inspired to do something but it sure is fun to take time to explore the possibilities. And to talk with other artists about their influences.
I can’t talk with Mr. Clarke but I am lucky enough to have access to a number of artists in my local community. Stay tuned for future updates about artists and their inspirations.
Posted in Branches, Nature Notes, tagged Belle Isle Marsh, birds, birdwatching, Inspiration, nature, nature photography, Photography on April 26, 2016| 2 Comments »
There were nearly as many birdwatchers as baby birds at the Belle Isle Marsh this weekend. And I’m not sure the birds were pleased.
Posted in Branches, Inspiration, Nature Notes, tagged blossoms, colors, flowers, gardening, Inspiration, nature, Photography, pink, urban landscape on April 24, 2016| 1 Comment »
Posted in Branches, Inspiration, Nature Notes, tagged birds, color, Inspiration, nature, Photography, urban landscape, water on April 21, 2016| 3 Comments »
Posted in Branches, Inspiration, Nature Notes, tagged beauty, colors, Inspiration, nature, Photography, Somerville, sunlight, urban landscape on April 20, 2016| 1 Comment »
Posted in Inspiration, Nature Notes, tagged birds, colors, ducks, humor, Inspiration, mallard, nature, nature photography, Photography, poetry, storytelling, waterfowl on April 19, 2016| 11 Comments »
One day a mallard stepped out of the water onto a rock and began to preen.
So tame was it, or so quiet I, that it did not seem to mind that I watched the scene.
I braced myself in the bright, hot sun and took photo after photo with the goal,
I think, to be surprised, to see what might be revealed by this creature in the shoal.
Later I’d discover that most of the pictures were not good but in the moment I did not mind.
I’d had my time with mallard who, I like to think, bowed his head deep at our parting in the ways of his kind.
Posted in Branches, Inspiration, Nature Notes, On the Road, tagged beauty, colors, flowers, Inspiration, nature, Photography, urban landscape, walking on April 17, 2016| Leave a Comment »
Posted in Branches, Inspiration, Nature Notes, tagged beauty, colors, glass, Inspiration, nature, rippled glass, trees, urban landscape, windows on April 13, 2016| 1 Comment »
Posted in Inspiration, Nature Notes, tagged beauty, colors, flowers, Inspiration, nature, Photography, red, urban landscape, water on April 12, 2016| 7 Comments »
Words + Images 