Artistry

The Portland Rose Gardens are a wild explosion of color in the summer.  If you love roses, add it to your list of must see places.  This hybrid tea rose, "Artistry", is a gorgeous color.  A deep, rich coral, it screams for attention.

"Artistry"      © Kathy Dunham 2011

Cogulot Roses

Nestled in a small cemetery in the French countryside were these delicate roses peaking over the fence.  An old style rose with tinges of deep pink reminds me of crushed peppermint.  It's definitely a refreshing sight amongst the tombstones.

"Cogulot Roses"    © Kathy Dunham 2011

Another Backlit Flower

More of my favorite lighting techniques. 

"Another Backlit Flower"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

Polo Rose

The polo season is over, the weather's getting warmer and the ponies have moved to cooler pastures.  But the bar and restaurant at the Empire Polo Grounds is still open.  After lunch today we discovered the acres of beautifully tended roses.  In a nicely manicured garden with statues and fountains,  these roses were a breath of fresh air in an otherwise very warm desert. 

"Polo Rose"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

In the Middle of Things

This old fashioned rose had unusual, two-toned stamens that caugth my eye.  With a single row of petals, the interesting part of this variety is the center.  As they say, "Take time to smell the roses".  And while your nose is down there, take a look at what's going on in the middle.

"In the Middle of Things"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

Italian Rose

A rose is a rose is a rose. Everywhere in the world. And this pretty one was in Chiancano Terme, the "spa" town in Tuscany. People from all over go there to partake of the wonderful mineral waters. We were always on the go and didn't have time to checkout the local spas. Maybe next time.

"Italian Rose"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

Look at My Stamens

You've heard the saying "Stop and Smell the Roses".  It means many things but one of the advantages to stopping and enjoying the beauties of nature is getting to see the more unique entities that make up our world.  If asked to describe a stamen, most of you would say it's a long filament with a bump on its tip covered with pollen.   That's a good general description but look at these stamens and how they bend and curl.  They add interest to an otherwise generic flower.


"Look at My Stamens"    © Kathy Dunham 2009

Roses and Lace

French windowsills in the countryside are alive with flowers. Geraniums and amaryllis were quite popular but I found these dainty roses in the bastide town of Monpazier in the Dordogne region.

"Roses and Lace" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Summer Glow

The garden at the Getty Center museum is aglow with color. Angels trumpets, dahlias and roses are blooming like crazy. Sunday was a spectacular in L.A. (days like this with clear skies are a real treat). I taught a class in Nature Journaling at the museum in the afternoon and all my students were awesome. I'm always thrilled when I see the joy sketching brings. If you're in L.A. July 19th or August 2nd, I'll be teaching there again. Classes and the museum are free. Register at the information desk by 3 p.m. for a 3:30 - 5:30 class.

"Summer Glow" © Kathy Dunham 2009

The Blush is on the Rose

Stanley Park in Vancouver, B.C. has fantastic roses. Yellow ones, red ones; white ones, pink ones. But as the sun sets in the west they take on a special glow in the dwindling light of day.

"The Blush is on the Rose" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Happy Valentine's Day

What more is there to say? Just remember to say it.

"Happy Valentine's Day" © Kathy Dunham 2009