Time to be an exhibitionist...

Over the past few months, I have been fortunate to have some of my pieces displayed in an online gallery called "Light Space & Time".

I used to watch all the Hollywood award shows and snicker when the nominees would say it was an an honor to just be nominated in the company of the other great actors. After having my art selected and seeing it included in an exhibition, I have a better understanding of what that answer really means. It is an honor to see my work displayed next to the creations of such talented artists from around the world. To know that someone has seen my work and deemed it accomplished enough to acknowledge as a finalist in a competition is truly gratifying.

This photo entitled "Dark Star" was highest finisher to date in an exhibition. It received an Honorable Mention in the "Animals" exhibit in August.

 See the photo featured in the exhibition here: 

http://www.lightspacetime.com/animals-photography-digital-category/

"Stratum Sunrise" is featured in the October "Countryside" exhibition after receiving a Special Recognition.

 See the photo featured in the exhibition here: 
http://www.lightspacetime.com/countryside-2012-photography-digital-category/ 

"Or Not To Bee" also received a Special Recognition in September's "Botanical" exhibition.

See the photo featured in the exhibition here:  
http://www.lightspacetime.com/botanicals-photography-digital-category/ 

This photo, done in a style to pay homage to the incredible flowers that Georgia O'Keefe made famous and simply called "Georgia", was the first piece I entered in an SLT competition and I was lucky enough to have it chosen as a Special Recognition winner in the May "Nature" exhibit. 

 See the photo featured in the exhibition here: 
http://www.lightspacetime.com/nature-photography-category/ 

Election Morning

Election day arrives in Arizona.

Happy Halloween

New ETSY feature

Etsy Marketplace has created a new page for all the artist to showcase their stores and give shoppers a little insight into creative force behind the products. It is a nice way to drive home the personal touch that makes buying handmade items directly from the artist more rewarding than big box shopping. Of course, mass production has a place & time, but when you are looking to give a gift or decorate your private sanctuary, it is always more fun when items have a story behind them.
There are countless great artisans on Etsy! If you have never checked it out, I highly suggest you go online for a visit. (My favorite...the oh-so-fun & completely unique vintage clothing & jewelry pieces at awesome prices!!! It must be the artist in me, I have always had the need to wear something that I will not see on another person.)

Here is my page if you would like to stop by. I would love to hear what you think, so please leave any comments if you would care to...

http://www.etsy.com/shop/DesignsByDonnElle/about/

This was the first photo I ever had published. It was only in the local paper, but it was enough to give me the encouragement I needed to continue to pursue my passion in photography.

This was a fun self-portrait on location with one of my favorite models!

Haze

Why are there days that insinuate from the very onset that the horizon may hold many challenges. The sun is shining brightly, the birds are singing, it is simply a beautiful day. Yet the air rests heavy upon my shoulders, like an oppressive cloak shielding my eyes from the warm summer glow. I know better than to give in to the cloud. In terms of problems that plague the world, I have nothing about which I can complain. So I forge ahead, tapping into my well of creative whims and make a decision to harness  the emotions. Instead of allowing the haze to envelop me, I channel the nebulous energy into a tangible emotional snapshot in the form of a moody photograph.  

Lonely Arizona

Regalia

This male swan glided past me with such a resplendent air that I simply had no choice other than to watch in awe of his handsomeness.

New Arrivals Brighten The Season

These fuzzy swans herald the arrival of spring!

Spring is definitely my favorite time of year. While it may be cooler than I prefer, (I am a true desert dweller, I really do love it when the temps reach the 110's! Yes, really!) it is the optimistic time of year. It is a brief moment when all things are possible.

I know it is very cliched to say, but with the arrival of spring, it truly is as if a new beginning is laid out before us. The temperatures begin to climb so we all start to head outside. We trade the stale air of our closed up dwellings in search of the sweet aromas that have alighted on the soft breeze. We watch in wonder as the birds dance on air while trying to impress their potential mate. We discover the tiny blades of grass that have pushed their way to the surface. We gaze upon the emerging blooms as they unfurl atop the proud stalks that wave them like a banner. We explore the gardens filled with a kaleidoscope of colors with a mild trepidation, making sure to stay out of the way of the buzzing creatures who are staking their claim on each pollen-filled blossom. Yes, spring is truly magical.

A young sprout greets the day with open arms.

It's true. There are flowers in the desert.

A major part of the allure is the joy I get in witnessing all the quiet moments of new life that are developing before my eyes. I sit transfixed when the diminutive babies of the backyard begin making their first appearances. I'm not picky, I love all of them...furry, feathered, or covered in scales.

This little guy was too young to have any fear. He ran up to greet me as I entered his home.

It is difficult to see, but this mama was protecting her chick by shielding it behind an outstretched wing.

Mom stashed this juvenile mockingbird in the protective camouflage of the tree.

When it was time for breakfast, mom came back to make sure her baby would have plenty to eat.

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