I’m not sure how it is that I get all caught up in my Be Still class homework, then turn around a moment later and find I’m six weeks or so behind again. So here we go — again.
Vignettes
Assignment: A vignette with something substantial and tallish, using pieces I love. I do love these particular treasures. The old tin pitcher came from the barn of the house I lived in last winter. It was headed for the dump when I rescued it. The heart rocks I found on the beach, the cardinal’s nest came from a shrub in my daughter’s front yard, and the book (which I’ve wanted forever) was a surprise gift last summer from my lovely friend Becs of Catching Sundust.
Three Things, Part 1
Assignment: A chair, a window, and backlight (with or without any additional props). These hydrangeas were a pale cream-to-pink when they were freshly cut. I was amazed when they dried to this gorgeous purple.
Most of my favorite images from the shoot didn’t actually include the window.
I tried several setups using different objects and even different chairs. The day was overcast, and in this shot the light seems much less directional, even though the window was directly behind the chair.
Same chair as the first, different props, different mood.
Three Things, Part 2
Same assignment as before, but with sidelight instead of backlight. I had some trouble with this one. Low chair + high window = NO light. Finally I tried raising the chair up by sitting it on a large plastic storage bin.
That worked, and I was really happy with the pretty light shining through the leaves. This little bird was a birthday gift from a dear friend, and is all the more precious to me because it was her grandmother’s. I feel honored to have it entrusted to my care and keeping.
This is the plant that grew from the lavender seeds I was given for Christmas a year ago. They were slow to germinate, slow to grow, have never bloomed, and look like no lavender plants I’ve ever seen before. But the leaves themselves have that wonderful lavender scent and I touch them to release the fragrance whenever I walk by.
One of the things I am really enjoying about this still life class is the way each “prop” brings its story back into my mind: memories of where and when I got it, who was with me, what was happening in my life at that time, what has happened since that concerned that object. It’s fun to look at things anew and put them together in ways I hadn’t thought of before.
More to come . . . .
January 12, 2015 at 6:37 pm
A beautiful evolution of your process! Love, love, love Where the Heart Is. Love the delicacy of Petals, Bowl of Apples is reminiscent of a Cezanne and Nana’s wren has an exquisite lighting and simplicity! Beautiful work Leon!
January 12, 2015 at 7:24 pm
Thank you for sharing these wonderful images. Your chair pix are terrific….my fave is Nana’s wren, with such beautiful light and composition. Of course, the love nest really appeals to me too, love its simplicity. I’m so behind too — I haven’t taken any still lifes for weeks. Where does the time go?
January 12, 2015 at 7:37 pm
Lee, these are just wonderful!
I really love the compositions you created.
Beautifully done!
January 12, 2015 at 8:04 pm
I love everything about these, your composition, your chairs, your props, and the beautiful light! Your still life images have such a warm and delicate feeling to them!
January 13, 2015 at 6:23 am
Great work. I love those little hydrangea petals on the cloth, precious. So proud of you that you keep working away on this. I wish I could say the same.
January 13, 2015 at 10:21 am
My goodness can I relate. I think I am further behind than you in Kim’s class. I sit here wondering what I am missing out on? So glad your post comes to my mailbox, otherwise I most likely would not see it. Love Love Love your opening shot. That pulled me right into wanting to see more! Your photos are wonderfully staged and photographed. I hope that this year, 2015, you are able to find all the time you need to follow those things you love to do. smiles: sharon
January 13, 2015 at 10:25 am
Great work I love your still life. i have finally caught up I’m quite proud of myself..
January 13, 2015 at 12:25 pm
Oh my, I love those little heart rocks. Messages from nature are the best 🙂
January 13, 2015 at 3:33 pm
you’ve done very well! I am about to start this course. I love your shots for your homework
January 14, 2015 at 7:28 pm
Ya know….all these little venues would work very well in my new home! I like your style.
January 15, 2015 at 12:43 pm
Ah, such lovely work! I am in awe of what you are doing in this class (whether you are playing catch up or not). Each still life has pieces of you in it which you so willingly share with us the viewer. Not just in the objects themselves but in the stories, memories and emotions that the objects evoke. I love the imagination and creativity that it takes to put together an interesting combination.
January 18, 2015 at 9:13 am
I am playing catch up on your blog, man what a wonderful selection here, so love the bird nest in each of your images and the light on your chair series is beautiful