Golden

Have you seen the new painting that was discovered to be a Van Gogh original? The title is "Sunset at Montmajour" and it was painted in July of 1888. Long thought to be a fake it was stored in an attic (doesn't that seem to always be the case?) and then recently was brought to light and deemed to be an original after all. He (Van Gogh) actually mentioned the painting in a letter (to his brother I believe) and made a point of describing the romantic golden tones the sun had cast on the landscape. I personally love the hues in the painting and think it is a brilliant discovery. Here it is:

                                          photo: Peter Dejong/associated press

About a week ago I decided to go back to one of my regular haunts that I tend to go to when I need a break from the sirens and concrete, and school kids screaming in the school yard. (I am happy, they are outside and not on a computer 24/7, so I do forgive the screaming that comes along with chasing each other in a game of tag.) So armed with my camera, an apple, a notebook and a pen I set off on streetcar 506 to High Park.

It was the last full week of summer, and as I strolled along the tell tale signs of the approaching fall were everywhere. Still a ways away from the scarlet reds, and fiery oranges, there was however a golden hue to everything along with muddy, mossy, olive greens. Grasses were starting to dry up, the lily pads were getting a little mottled, and the acorns were falling. I took quite a few photos, not really with a 'purpose' but since photography is peaceful and enjoyable to me, it comes as a natural part of relaxing and stopping to admire and soak in my surroundings.

I spent about 5 hours in High Park, and at one point sat on a fallen log, ate my apple and pulled out my notebook and pen and started writing down what I was observing through sight, sounds, and smells. I then compiled the observations, and found that I had written something I wanted to share.

Once back home, I started editing the photos and as I did so I found I was highlighting the soft golden and earthy green hues that had pretty much been the palette of the park on that given day. I also fine tuned the notes I had made, and decided to actually put the words on one of the images I had taken that day.

Yesterday I was commenting on Mr. Van Gogh's painting and I suddenly realized that it was the same hues in High Park that I had been drawn too as Van Gogh seemed to be appreciate to

in 1888 when he painted "Sunset at Montmajour".

Hence the reason for this post. So I would like to share with you the words I wrote, and some of the photos I took that day. I'm no poet, and I can't paint, and I'm not a world renowned photographer. But I do share a passion for nature, colour, seasons and wildlife. Enjoy!

charcoal..

Just sharing a photo I happen to enjoy that reminds me of a charcoal sketch. I'm drawn to the pattern and smudging of the lines which of course are branches reflected off of a creeks surface in High Park.

Many thanks to those of you who visited my last entry, and then gave me comments. critiques, and your pick to help me determine which image to submit for the exhibition I am attempting to enter. I couldn't make this work without your help and support, so I sincerely give you all my thanks. 

Landscapes..

I am not sure if I have ever posted two days in a row before, but meh, it is a New Year, fresh beginnings, and I'm feeling like sharing....  :)

This is a series of shots I've recently taken again using different exposures and zoom techniques to create blurred or dream like qualities. Instead of surface reflections on water, these ones are landscapes. High Park tends to be my usual setting as it has all different types of terrain to utilize, but I am hoping to venture to other wooded areas, or natural settings. 

Enjoy..

(After some thought, I think one or two might be re-posts. Guess I am drawn to those ones.)

November walk..

Once again I found myself needing to get outside for some fresh air despite the chill, and constant grey skies. I headed outside not knowing where I was going to go and found myself on the streetcar heading back to High Park. It was already 2 o'clock by the time I got there, and it was almost dark by the time I left. I think I counted maybe 5 people in the entire park the whole time. It felt a little eerie, but then as most people who know me, I relish this type of atmosphere, and love trying to capture the solemn mood. I have broken trend here, and decided to post a couple of images from that walk...

Dream like..

This is another shot from my new series Surface Deep which was taken on my last hike through High Park. I was intrigued by the patterns the bare trees and branches made on the creeks surface, and then pushed the pattern a little further by taking the shot with a long exposure. To me, the result almost feels dream like. I also enjoy the moodiness of the browns, charcoal blacks, and greys. I would love to see these shots printed in large scale, say 4 feet by 6, in a simple black frame and hung on stark white wall in a spacious room. Now who is dreaming??

Hanging on..

I managed to get one last walk in at High Park before the remainder of the leaves fell for the season. I was focusing mostly on reflection shots for my new series, but I couldn't help taking a few scenery shots. This is one of them. I believe it is a Japanese Maple. I was drawn to the deep crimson red leaves against the overcast sky. I crawled inside the tree and took this shot looking up towards the top.

I'm always amazed at how these walks invigorate me, and totally relax me after a day or week working in Retail. I've said it before, but I think this park is magnificent, and a true gem for this city. I'm sure as I head into the holiday season I will wish I could escape to the park more and more. At least I have the photos to remind me of days less hectic...