Coquille Cactus on Strathmore

Coquille Cactus on Strathmore, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

Disking

Disking, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

Painting With a Full Palette

Painting With a Full Palette, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

Strolling Through the Garden

Strolling Through the Garden, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

Walking the Dog

Walking the Dog, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

Off the Ijams Trail

Off the Ijams Trail, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

Outside the Window

Outside the Window, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

Inside the Window

Inside the Window, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

Intense Concentration

Intense Concentration, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

In Bloom

In Bloom, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

Tree Fulla Galahs

Tree Fulla Galahs, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

Coquille Floral Garden

Coquille Floral Garden, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

In the Bush

In the Bush, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

Tree Mushrooms 2

Tree Mushrooms 2, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

Death by Tumblr

Even though I post many things on Tumblr, I have to be honest and recognize that Tumblr is a haven for flawed thinking; alternative opinionated rantings; and minds which have joyfully followed Darth Vader to the darkside.

When I describe Tumblr to those who are not familiar with it I sadly joke that it's an alternative to Facebook... where kids (and adults too) can go and post all kinds of things they don't want their folks to see, and if those parents were to see it, they might keel over dead on the spot!

(If you're one of the few who aren't posting crap, give yourself a pat on the back!)

I believe the news is about the only media outlet that presents true, authentic reality, and even it is only selective (and sometimes biased) reality. The remainder of film and television dish-out a dose of reality that even at it's best and most pure is filled with such a mixture of fantasy and fiction that we must continually filter what they present to us... and always take it with a grain of salt. Up on that large silver screen when we see bullets and explosions; the wickedness of criminals; and hurricanes or tornados, it is in no way the same thing as when those things happen within the theater in which we sit... and they don't even come close to affecting us in the same way either!
(Art from 'Sea of Despair' video)

Clive

Clive, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

Uncommonly resourceful in an unconventional sense.

Windy Day at the Shore

Windy Day at the Shore, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

Carpeted in Mushrooms

Carpeted in Mushrooms, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

Tree Mushrooms

Tree Mushrooms, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

Coquille Parrots

Coquille Parrots, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

Lobster

Lobster, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

Pansies

Pansies, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

Joy in the Morning

Joy in the Morning, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

Writing Letters to Home on Mother's Day

Writing Letters to Home on Mother's Day, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

Scenic New Zealand

Scenic New Zealand, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

When touring both islands of New Zealand by motorhome, great scenery can be viewed at practically every minute.

Palm Tree

Palm Tree, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

Rocky Mountain Cruisin'

Rocky Mountain Cruisin', a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

We had just driven through hundreds of miles of flat plains, so the majestic vistas of the Rocky Mountains were a welcome sight. The drive was no longer a simple and thought-free 'cruise control', but now we had one sight after another to keep our attention. Also, the warmth of the lower elevation gave-way to cold air and snow, which blanketed the higher peeks and their surroundings.

We switched drivers so I could take pictures from the window. As scenery moved past us (or we past them), the sky quickly darkened as a June storm approached.

Irises

Irises, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

While walking the cobblestone path around the historic bicentennial home, one's attention is naturally drawn to the buildings and immaculate grounds. In our group of tourist/visitors, most of the cameras were pointed at the fixtures which were highlighted in the tour guide's fascinating stories. I too paid close attention to those important buildings, but it was the immaculately planted Irises which ended-up in my picture. It was the way the sun-rays penetrated through the sheer white/purple petals, causing them to 'glow' in the daylight, that demanded my focus... at least for a moment.

I really can't remember what the guide talked about that day, but I had a lot of fun playing with the purple, white and green pigments that are the Irises.

Adelaide Wind Surfing

Adelaide Wind Surfing, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

Take Me Home Dirt Road

Take Me Home Dirt Road, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

You travel on one dirt road, you feel like you've been on them all. Just seems like time moves slow when you've got the sun beating down while the dust fills all your pores and nostrils. But if the artist stops and looks long enough, even on the dusty road a painting can be found.

A little later in the day, and down the road a bit, we met-up with some kangaroos.

Can't Get Enough of Them Fall Colors

Can't Get Enough of Them Fall Colors, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

When one moves to a climate which doesn't abundantly experience all four seasons, the one time of year typically missed the most is autumn. The freshness in the air, the moon, the changes... and especially those colors! We just can't get enough of those vibrant ever-changing signs of foliage as they announce that winter is soon to arrive. Once again I take delight in trying to copy what God has so richly provided with His palette of splendor.

Junglebrook Trail

Junglebrook Trail, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

You can do much with a limited palette. When painting the old Junglebrook Trail (you know, the one that starts at the Ogle cabin, winds through the woods past the gristmill, and ends-up at the barn), the only paint I use is Burnt Umber, Raw Sienna, Forest Green and Payne's Blue. That's it! There's really no excuse when you whine, "I wish I had brought all my materials so I could paint this." I've found that it can be a detriment to utilize too many colors into your painting... sorry, most of life is NOT a rainbow!

Dan Lawson Place

Dan Lawson Place, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

Located in the Great Smoky Mountains at Cades Cove.

Behold, the Lamb of God #39

Behold, the Lamb of God #39, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

Behold, the Lamb of God #40

Behold, the Lamb of God #40, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

Andy Ant in the Storm Drain
An illustration from the unfinished 'Andy Ant' project from about thirty years ago. If I remember right, this might have been the only color piece, the rest were black ink art.

The Bush Outside this Window 2

The Bush Outside this Window 2, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

They become so white, you almost need sunglasses just to look at them.

The Bush Outside this Window

The Bush Outside this Window, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

My house is engulfed with vibrant spring colors. I barely had to get out of the chair to enjoy this view.

Coquille Coffee

Coquille Coffee, a photo by pdw's atelier on Flickr.

I don't consider myself a coffee snob, but I do know what I like and I am quite picky when it comes to getting my caffeine fix for the day. But that said, I have no trouble stooping to enjoying lesser brewed blends when they're the only option available.

To Starbuck's credit, I do hold their extremely dark French Roast to be my brew of choice. The only problem I have with Starbucks is I feel they've single-handedly inflated coffee drinking costs beyond what they ever should have reached. To my delight, Starbuck's child company 'Seattle's Best' offers the same coffee I like, only calling it their #5, at drastically lower prices. 30 to 40% cheaper is nothing to sneeze at!

Blah, blah, blah, pass me a cup and be ready to refill it again and again.