The Canary Street Light

I have been taking pictures of the sun lately, and in the post-processing process, I have discovered that it is possible to give the illusion of the moon on a bright night. This is such a shot, taken at my mother's house around 6:30pm. The sun is setting, but still bright. There is a haze, which gives the sky some texture and interest. After seeing what can be done with sun shots, I think I will experiment some and see what else I can come up with.

The Farmer's Windmill

It is hard to find picturesque derelict buildings and windmills to photograph which do not have problems with their settings, such as power lines, ugly fences, housing developments in the background, the list goes on and on. So, when I spotted this old building, which is situated on Highway 46, between Seguin and New Braunfels, I made plans to get there one morning before sunrise, to try and get a good photo. I laid out in the field, and took many shots before the owner of the field walked over to see what I was doing. (Apparently, he lives in the modern house at the edge of the field.) With my camera slung around my neck, I stood up and complimented him on his old windmill and explained that I was a photographer, and said to him that I hoped he did not mind that I was taking picutres of it.
     Now, anyone who knows me, knows that I have no problem asking strangers to pose for me, or let me photograph their old cars or whatever. Out of every 100 or so that I approach, maybe one will tell me no. Folks just usually smile and tell me to help myself. This farmer was one of the few who has ever been unpleasant. Not yelling rude, you understand, just not appreciative or helpful. I remember his reply to this day. He said, "Well, it wouldn't matter if I minded or not, since you have already taken your pictures." Of course, he was right, I am pushy sometimes, but usually, I get away with it.
     Here is the shot I ended up with.

Rusty Old Cars and Bright New Flowers

Some people feel a very bittersweet nostalgia when spotting rusted old cars sitting in fields and pastures, hidden in small garages, or partially covered by a faded canvas tarp on the side of someone's house. However, for a brief time in the spring, when wild flowers abound, these abandoned and forgotten cars become works of beauty once again, surrounded by yellow, pink and blue blossoms. I look forward to searching out some of these treasures now that the wildflowers are once again blooming.

People Watching at Art Fest 2011

    I have found that I have way too much time on my hands at some of the shows I have participated in. So, I keep my camera handy and watch the folks that pass by. Here are a few of the folks that caught my eye...a little boy intent on riding his red tricycle as fast as possible...a young woman making sure her dog got enough to drink...a couple slurping a crushed ice treat....a silver-haired gentleman sporting a sixties-style ponytail...a young man listening intently to the mariachi music...a smiling man wearing a outrageous Joker t-shirt...a couple of dear friends gossiping while they watched the world pass by...and a macho guy wearing a biker shirt who has such a strong profile.
     Of course there were so many more interesting folks, this is just a sampling of the people who came to Art Fest 2011. Aren't they wonderful?

Art Fest 2011 for the Kids

This year's Art Fest included a giant mural set up for the children. Any child who passed by was invited to paint a portion of the mural. Tammy and I were fortunate to be situated right next to the mural, and I kept my camera handy to snap some photos of the young artists at work.

One More Day to Go

Hyacinth Against Blue  11x16 Print

I have had such a fun time picking some of my favorite photos to display at the Art Fest tomorrow! You know, I don't take all these photos just for my own pleasure, I love to share with others, so I am excited about giving away one of my prints for someone else to enjoy. All you have to do to have a chance at winning one of my prints is to visit the booth Tammy Johnson and I will have set up near the fountain at Central Park and drop your name into our little glass bow, tomorrow before 3pm. We look forward to seeing everyone!

Sunrise, Texas Style

Are you a fan of all things Texas? Do you love the Lone Star State and decorate in red, white and blue? Well, here is your chance to own a fabulous print of a unique Texas windmill framed by the pink and rose light of the morning sun highlighting the clouds.

Come see more of my work at the Seguin Art Fest this Saturday. Tammy Johnson and I will share a booth near the fountain in Central Park from 9-4, and I will be giving away one print of the winner's choice in any size up 12x18 from my show stock. Tammy is also giving away one of her custom pendants so stop by and sign up for our drawing,which will be held at 3 pm!

See ya' there!

How to Enjoy the Spring Sunshine and Spring Breezes

     I suspect you can tell a lot about person just by seeing whether they are a dog lover or cat lover. (Some folks are  both, you know, but most have a distinct preference.) I am a cat lover. I do not need the constant love and adoration of a faithful hound, and I am too self-centered to lavish the attention and love that such creatures deserve for their deep and unbounded love.

     Cats don't care a whole lot if you actually love them as long as you feed them regularly and provide them with a warm place to sleep. Missy, who has been a part of our household for almost seven years, has finally started to treat me like a favored member of her family, and for that, I am thankful. She sits on my lap sometimes, she follows me around the yard when I am taking photographs, she will follow me on my walks if I let her, but mostly, she likes to find a sunny spot with a view. There she will sit until she gets hungry or bored. It works for me.

Wild About Texas Photography's New Logo

Thanks to my friend, Tammy, for asking for a logo....I had not actually created one yet, so it gave me an excuse to be creative. Tammy has kindly offered to make some banners for the Seguin Art Fest show on Saturday for the three of us that will be sharing a spot in the shade. I hope you take some time to stop by and see us!

The Lone Tree at Sunset

Texas Bluebonnets at Sunset

The Kiss...Sixty Years of Love

I met a couple who were having a picnic at sunset, and asked them if I could take a picture of them silhouetted against the blazing backdrop of the orange sky. They graciously agreed, and after several shots, I asked him if he would give her a kiss. This is the result, one of my favorite portraits. 

Come see me and my friend Tammy at the SEGUIN ART FEST on Saturday from 9 until 4, where we will display some of our favorite work. We will be set up by the fountain across from Chiro Java. 

Seguin's Art Fest 2011

This weekend, you have the opportunity to browse downtown Seguin and enjoy the art of many local residents. There will be paintings, photography, sculpture and much more, so if you enjoy art, this is for you. I will be displaying some of my photography on Saturday, sharing a spot with a good friend of mine, Tammy Johnson. She is an incredibly talented artist who  has recently branched out into jewelry that showcases some of her favorite photos and painting. Come see us!

South Texas "Sun Dog" What the heck????

McQueeney Railroad Tracks at Sunset

Even the Bugs Are Beautiful in Texas

The Texas Theater...Ready in March!

Peach Blossoms are Blooming

Whoo-hoo! Winter is past and spring blossoms are here!