Tag: detail

A Real Beauty!

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Stories From Life

Almost a year ago, a fellow Cacti & Succulent lover gave me a cutting of the plant below and it has just flowered for the first time.

Like some of my other Cacti flowers, it is a nocturnal-opening flower and it was such a joy to be greeted by this flower when I walked around the corner of the house a few days ago.

When I saw it initially, I thought it had opened fully however, much to my surprise and enjoyment, it opened up even further during the day.

To identify it, I posted a some photos and a question in the Members Only Facebook Group of the Cacti & Succulent Association of Australia. It has been identified as a ‘Peniocereus serpentinus.’

I am so looking forward to seeing the plant’s next flower bloom.

Till next time!

Written by David Johnson

30 November 2023

Exploring A Subject – You Never Know What You Might Find…

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Photography

One of the things I’ve always enjoyed doing is to ‘exploring a subject.’

Often, I see people walk up to a subject, take a couple of photos and then walk off. Yes, take the overall subject, but move closer and explore the detail and I believe often, you will be pleasantly surprised with what you find. You will also come away with a picture-story which will help you convey much more meaning than with a couple of images.

One such example of this was when I was on Norfolk Island last year. Cascade Pier (pictured below) is the Island’s second or alternate pier. Used by fishing boats, and also schoolchildren to jump off of, after school, it is also used as an alternate pier if the main pier, at Kingston cannot be used for some reason.

It’s a great subject, and it’s even more impressive in regards to the detail when you move in closer. This pier could (as does) tell so many stories, from the rusted steel, the smell of the salty air. I found it such an inspiring place to be, photograph, write and sketch.

So, the next time you see an interesting subject, delve a bit deeper as you never know what interesting subjects you may find.

Written & Photographed by David Johnson

28 February 2023

Snow Gum Love!

by communicatingcreatively, posted in Painting

Earlier in the year, I started having fun painting my interpretation of ‘Snow Gums’ in Oils. The Snow Gum is a delightful tree that is native to sub-alpine and lowland habitats in Eastern Australia.

Why did I pick Snow Gums? I was looking for a theme, something that I could have fun with, something simplistic (or so I thought)! They are indeed a challenge.

The colours in real life are vivid and a delight to the eye, particularly in the late afternoon/early morning. My paintings only ‘scratch the surface’ in terms of the colour range that the actual trees have, in real life.

My interest, at present, lays more in painting the detail of the trees than the overall image.

On average, I only get to paint about 2-3 hours a week, though I am looking for ways to increase this. I only ever thought that I would love Photography this much. My love of Painting has now reached that same level.

I can see this series continuing, over time as there is much to explore.

Written by David Johnson
12 September 2018

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