Showing posts with label photography by rosa phoenix. Show all posts
Showing posts with label photography by rosa phoenix. Show all posts

Monday, September 8, 2014

Tiny Desert Treasures


a tiny creature, hidden in plain sight!



"Nobody sees a flower really; it is so small.
We haven't time, and to see takes time -- like to have a friend takes time."
- Georgia O'Keefe





We all notice the big, bold, showy displays of nature, like the Grand Canyon or the Milky Way galaxy or Niagara Falls.

But the smallest things are just as miraculous and awe-inspiring. 

Most of the time we don't notice the daisy growing out of the sidewalk crack, the ladybug underneath the leaf, or the little spider spinning her web in a dark and forgotten corner of the house.

But if we took the time to see, we'd realize our world is teeming with treasures, just waiting for us to notice them.

Do you see the tiny frog in the photo above? (I apologize for the poor photos, they were taken with my camera phone.) Maybe you'll see it in the photo below.







He is perfectly camouflaged among the dirt and rocks, and he was sitting perfectly still! Look just above my thumb.

This is a little desert frog! One of the frogs who lives in the desert pond, who was jumping about after the monsoon rainstorm.








Here's a tiny clump of blue wildflowers on the hiking trail.







I have always loved tiny things! When you see them, it's like you found a hidden treasure!







And here's a really tiny little flower (sorry it's blurry! I need to remember to bring my real camera next time!)


After I saw these wildflowers at North Mountain Park this spring, I went to the Visitor's Center. The volunteer there was complaining loudly that "nothing is blooming this year!" 

But when I showed her my photos of tiny wildflowers she didn't say anything else. 

The most lovely and exquisite treasures are sometimes hidden in plain sight. 

The observant person will find them.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Copy of Venus, Satyr and Cupid by Correggio


pen and ink drawing by Rosa Phoenix
on letterpress paper


I was looking through an art book of masterpieces of the Louvre Museum. 

I found some letterpress stationary paper and made the drawing on it. 

I took a photo of the drawing with my iPhone, and then I edited and filtered the image in the Camera+ app.

Friday, October 26, 2012

Autumn Colors: Watercolor Painting Lesson





It's Autumn in Arizona! 







What better way to enjoy the changing season, than by walking in Nature, and seeing the autumn colors?

I took these photos on a hike to Horton Springs, near Payson, Arizona. 

Up in the mountains, the trees grow tall, and their leaves put on a spectacular display of color, illuminated in the sunlight!



the creek from Horton Spring


The change of seasons gives us a chance to reflect on the changes in our lives. 

It's a time to celebrate our growth and progress! 

Autumn is a colorful reminder that we can make a brilliant impact here on Earth.





I'm very excited about a new change for me this season: I'm teaching art classes!

I love it, because I am sharing the joy of creativity with others.  


*****


Here's a beginner's lesson in watercolor painting and color mixing, inspired by autumn colors:





First we learn about the color wheel. 

By mixing the three primary colors (red, yellow and blue) we can mix all the colors we need. Do you see the beautiful colors of autumn?





It takes just 3 steps to make our painting of autumn foliage:

Step 1





First we wet the paper, then start dabbing primary colors onto the paper. 

The colors mix together right on the paper. (This is called wet-on-wet technique in watercolor.) 

Then we let it dry.



Step 2

We use a cut piece of sponge, dip it in more paint, and dab the paint on the paper with the sponge.












Here is what it looks like, after we have added color with the sponge. Do you see how it creates texture?


Step 3




To finish the painting, just use a small paintbrush to make the tree limbs and branches. The brown color was mixed using all three primary colors: red, yellow and blue.

And we are done, in 3 easy steps!

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Sketchbook: Papago Park, Phoenix

Papago Park "Hole in the Rock"
sketch by Rosa Phoenix

Here is a sketch I made in Papago Park, Phoenix, Arizona.  Papago Park is known for its unusual sandstone rock formations. This one is called "Hole in the Rock". It's said that the Hohokam ancient people used the hole as an observatory to view celestial events. It's one of my favorite places for watching a sunset. 


 Papago Park
 photo by Rosa Phoenix


My first on-location sketch since San Francisco. Luckily, there are a lot of beautiful sights to sketch right around Phoenix. I've found some other artists to sketch with, so that makes it more fun.


Sunday, October 16, 2011

Food for Thought: Blog Action Day 2011

Carlos Candelario was born without arms and legs. 
His mother had been exposed to a cocktail of toxic pesticides 
whilst harvesting tomatoes (photographer unknown)



Today is World Food Day, and it is also Blog Action Day. This year's topic is food. 

We all have different experiences with food and we all need food for life.

As I've been working on being a more conscious consumer, I have questions about food, and what it means to all of us.

Please feel free to respond in the comments!




Questions for you!

 
Where does your food come from?

Is your food a world traveller? Did it come from an exotic locale? Did it fly on a plane, sail on a boat, ride on a truck?

Or is your food a native, or a local? Did it come from a nearby farm? Or your garden?

Nopales cactus
at Mexican market in Phoenix, AZ
How long is its life cycle?

Who grew or raised your food?

What is it? Animal? Vegetable? Fruit? Fungus? Spice?

What's in your food? Is it GMO (genetically modified organism)? Was it raised with pesticides or chemical fertilizers?


Right 2 Know March
to Washington, D.C.
is a group of concerned people
who want GMO foods to be labeled



How does the food you eat affect your body?

Does your food cause disease? Does it lead to sickness and early death? Do you eat the "Standard American Diet (SAD)"?



 
Does food give you life energy? Does food heal you?





Do you have a favorite market?




Do you like to try new things?

Or do you like to stick to what you know?

What's your favorite food?

What attracts you to food? Color? Smell? Presentation? Package? Price?




This is my 100th blog post!

I'd like to celebrate with you, by sharing some recipes I like.

Enjoy in good health!


Hummus
1 small can chickpeas, with 1/2 of the liquid 
2 tablespoons tahini (sesame paste)
2 cloves of garlic, crushed and minced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
salt and pepper if desired

Blend ingredients in a blender. Serve with warm pita bread and raw vegetables like carrot, celery, tomato and spinach


Massaged Kale Salad

Wash kale and remove the stems. Tear it into small pieces and put into a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and squeeze lemon juice on top. With clean hands, "massage" the kale by squeezing and pressing it. Do this for a couple of minutes and the kale leaves will start to wilt and turn dark green in color. It will release a beautiful floral fragrance!

Enjoy the kale like that, or you can add raw, cut-up vegetables and salad dressing, to make it into a mixed salad.


Green Zinger Smoothie

1 apple, cut and peeled
1 banana
1 celery stalk
1 slice of melon
1/2 cucumber, peeled and cut
handful of baby spinach leaves
small piece of ginger root, peeled and cut
coconut water or filtered water

(these ingredients are suggestions, use whatever you have available)
Blend all ingredients together in a blender. If the mixture is too thick, add water or coconut water. Drink immediately.




LINKS




Friday, April 22, 2011

Earth Connection

a hopeful sprout!
photo by Rosa Phoenix


This little sprouting plant just emerged 
from the dark depths of the earth, 
and got its first rays of sunshine! 

Doesn't it look like a bird with wings outstretched, ready to fly?


Happy Earth Day!

This year, Earth Day has a special meaning for me. I'm enjoying new ways of connecting with the Earth. 

I've planted a small vegetable garden.

I spent many years in cities, living in apartments where I didn't have access to a backyard or garden. This is the first time I've planted anything in the ground.

The little sprout in the photo above is from a winter squash seed. I'm not sure what type of squash it is, I will just have to wait to find out.

I've considered myself a true city girl for a long time.

This year I felt a strong desire to re-connect with the Earth and plant a garden. I don't know why. Now I wake up early each morning and work in the garden. 

I really have no idea what I am doing.

I planted some things without understanding that I needed to first clear a patch of earth, dig up the soil, take out all the grass and enrich the soil. So, I did some things backwards.

I'm learning as I go along. It's an experiment, and I'm just watching to see what happens.


new life


I truly did not expect to see anything come from the seeds I planted.

Seeing the first sprouts emerge was very surprising!

I am awe-struck by the power of a seed.

How much potential is packed within! Roots and branches and leaves and flowers and fruits containing many more seeds. 
My reasons for planting the garden were to connect with the Earth, to learn how to grow my own food, and to have fresh, organic vegetables and herbs to eat. 

As I cultivate my garden, I am discovering so many small joys and satisfactions along the way.

Digging in the ground to clear my garden patch, I felt my body and muscles becoming stronger.

I felt gratitude for having the power to do this physical work. Visiting the garden center and choosing tools, soils, seeds and plants made me aware of the abundance and diversity that is available to us. I feel so fortunate to have so many choices.  

I choose to celebrate and cultivate life! 

I like to observe the creatures who visit my garden.  

There is a black and white cat (does she know about the catnip seeds I planted?) Bees constantly buzz around the lavender plant. The butterflies drink from the soil just after it has been watered. I saw the most beautiful beetle that looked like a flashing jewel. And a couple days ago, a hummingbird hovered in the mist from my garden hose to drink and take a quick shower.


 Early Girl tomatoes




I am beginning to feel more attuned to the cycles of the earth and the seasons.

By planting seeds, watering them and watching them grow, I'm developing patience, hope and faith.

By composting my kitchen and yard waste, I'm learning how the process of decay enriches new life.

When I'm in the garden I feel relaxed and at peace. 
I feel so blessed to be part of this continuing cycle of Life on Earth,
and to observe the magical transformations that are constantly taking place.

I began this blog two years ago, on Earth Day 2009. I'm happy to share this time on Earth with you! Blessings to you on this Earth Day!

How will you celebrate Earth Day?

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Palo Verde in Bloom

palo verde tree in springtime
all photos by Rosa Phoenix

Spring has come to the Sonoran Desert. The palo verde is Arizona's state tree.

The palo verde is a native tree of our desert, with a delicate and feathery appearance. It is completely green, with green trunk and branches and tiny leaves.

In springtime, it covers itself with tiny, golden yellow blossoms.

I spent almost my entire childhood in Arizona. I've seen many palo verde trees. Yet I feel that I am seeing them in bloom for the very first time.



Why have I never noticed this before?






To see the street lined with many of these delicate desert trees, 
adorned with golden flowers, is a special vision.



I was sad to miss the cherry and plum blossoms of San Francisco this year. 

Imagine my delight to see the palo verde trees of a desert spring.

Sometimes, you have to go away for awhile, and return again, 

to see with new eyes, what you weren't able to see before.


Thursday, March 10, 2011

South Mountain Petroglyphs

Dobbins Lookout view from South Mountain
all photos by Rosa Phoenix


Here are some views from South Mountain Park in Phoenix, Arizona.  

South Mountain is a nice place to hike, bike, drive, or ride a horse.

Here you can see the desert landscape and views of the city of Phoenix.

Recently I hiked the Holbert Trail, which features many ancient petroglyphs, made by the Hohokam people.



 rock art


The Hohokam people settled and farmed this area in ancient times.

According to local oral tradition, the Hohokam may be the ancestors of the historic Akimel O'odham and Tohono O'odham peoples in Southern Arizona. (Wikipedia)
The city of Phoenix was named to acknowledge these original settlers, because a new civilization rises from the ruins of the ancient civilization.


rock art


Is that a whale or fish on the rock below the spiraling snake?

To me it looks like a whale.

Where would these desert dwelling people have seen such a creature?

Maybe someone had traveled from the California coast.

This desert was once an ancient sea . . . how things change!




 another human figure
or maybe a bird?



 the four directions
the cross



the Saguaro cactus,
native to the Sonoran desert


All photos were taken on my iPhone using the Camera+ app.



LINKS




Monday, August 9, 2010

Rathyatra Festival 2010


Rathyatra Festival, Hindu Festival of Chariots, in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco 2010. 

all photos by Rosa Phoenix


Altar of deities, Jagannath, Balarama and Subhadra



 decorated with garlands of flowers



worshippers pull the cart containing the deities


beautiful chariot colorful with flowers






likeness of Prabhupada, teacher of the Hare Krishnas



All photos were taken with my iPhone using Camera+ app. Camera+ is great. It has a zoom feature, guidelines so you can get straight shots, lots of neat editing features and effects. Before editing, the photos didn't look great. With some experimentation, I was able to improve them a lot.



LINKS

Rathayatra Festival

Camera + app for iPhone