Bridge Art

Have you ever crossed a bridge and thought about how it got there? There are many bridges  of all sizes, materials and intentions.
Some of us cross them almost daily and probably never stop to question why its here. Its a great convenience, that's for sure.
I think about the many foot bridges I have used while photo hiking in the wilderness and was thankful that I didn't have to cross over a creek on slippery rocks. These foot bridges are usually made from wood and many volunteers work annually maintaining them. Others I used were converted railroad crossing that were only designated for pedestrians use and still others were made from wire,rope and boards. These swinging bridges were fun and also frightening.I have more bridge images at my shop
SLSiemsenStudio

Favorite Places Spared from the Tornadoes

One of my favorite states to visit is Tennessee. the scenery is so beautiful with the falls, mountains,caves and parks.

Recently the middle of the state was hit by a number of devastating tornadoes. From  the city of Nashville to a smaller town of Cookeville running along I 40 in an easterly direction.

I have fond memories of photo trips all around these locations and I'm glad none of them were destroyed.

I am however sad to hear about families losing everything ,including loved ones. It will take time to recover and hopefully this event will not repeat itself in the near future.

With that being said I'd like to shares some of my images from Tennessee from past trips.

 A natural rock bridge or arch over the river in Picket State Park. This is very cool to paddle a boat under.

Fort Defiance in Clarksville,TN, west of Nashville.

 A restored grist mill in Pall Mall in a riverside park.You can go inside and see the original grist gears.

Cummings Falls near Cookeville. This is a favorite among the locals in the summer!

Sergeant York home in Pall Mall

A suspension bridge

Looking out of a Rockhouse from one of the parks

Looking down a very steep stairway in Twin Arches State Park

A springtime image of bright green foliage reflection on a dark lake.
We took this from a rowboat.

My Photo Visit to North Carolina

My brother and I flew into Asheville Airport, North Carolina this past September to visit his new home and see the sights.

I had always been curious about Asheville and read about the most iconic image of the area-The Biltmore Mansion. 

The mountains and open countryside were a welcome sight after  4 years since moving to a congested New York City suburb.

And as a photographer and artist I brought my Nikon and a few lens of course.

My new Samsung 10 E is so convenient but it just doesn't take the place of a real camera!

The Blue Ridge Parkway is an exit away from my brother's home and is just beautiful! The blue haze that rises from the mountain tops is so mystical. 

This was a curiosity for me. The old pine tree had been here for who knows how long! Many people stopped along the overlooks to shoot this one and so did I. It is posted this on some of my sites and is called  "The Survivor. "

The next scene reminded me of old travel brochures before the internet and GPS were invented.

The curvy roads were easily maneuvered by my brother who had traveled to this area for many years. As far as the eye could see were mountains,trees,and sky; I was so happy to be there!

 

I shot the sun dropping over the mountains on the first evening.   The sun behind the clouds and the emerging mist made a wonderful contrast. There are many overlooks to stop at and just take in the scenery. The best part for me was the lack of crowds. Actually October has the leaf peepers so we were lucky to get there ahead of them. 

The twin mountain tops in the above scene were taken from an observation spot off the parkway.
It was about a mile long walk up a steep hill and proved a bit of a winded challenge for this flat land dweller.

This was the last shot from my visit. I had never been to an elevation as high as this one. The sign says it all. I will be back to shoot more wonderful scenery.
BTW, I never got to see the Biltmore; maybe next time.

Think Spring for Wall Decor

I know most people in the northern hemisphere are eagerly awaiting spring since this has been a very snowy winter .
I have been lucky for a change and had very little snow this winter Yeah!

Spring images can lift the mood and energize a person's soul. Winter's bleakness is depressing and I haven't wanted to go out with my camera to shoot anything.
Its not colorful at all!

As the spring seed and plant catalogs arrive with their bright and cheery flowers, I am motivated to share some of my colorful images of spring.

This first one is a fuchsia Azalea bush in full bloom a few summers ago. Its very cheery, don't you think?

The statue of  a little boy watering in the garden has been in the backyard many years and it always is a welcome sight. The squirrels always come up to it and sniff the face or maybe kiss it; who knows? 

These are tilted Harbingers of Spring and I found them in a wooded preserve in early spring .

Phlox is not a common flower where I now live but grows wild in wooded areas in Kentucky and Tennessee where I used to hike.  They are delicate little beauties .

The Northrup Falls in Tennessee was a beautiful area that we traveled to one afternoon. The path to the falls was about a mile down a steep hill but the sight was wonderful to photograph. The bottom of the falls created a great swimming pool. Swimmers love this location in the summer.

I hope you enjoyed some of my favorite Spring images. You can find more of my work at
Stacie Siemsen Fine Photography

Exciting New Printed Products

I am working with several other POD sites where my images can be imprinted on interesting items. Of course, the canvas, metal,and framed wall art decor is still available, but images on apparel,laptop covers and clocks are new examples .

The patriotic a dress features my stars and tall ships image.
I think it works well on this loose flowing summer dress.

Another version of the summer mansion in sepia tone is printed on a large canvas tote bag . You can use this everyday, at the beach or on vacation. It will  be a conversation starter.

The golden sunset is very popular on canvas or framed and works well on this ladies chiffon blouse.

A large orange hibiscus flower on a kitchen, office or business is bright and cheery. It makes time more fun.

The red Hibiscus patterned MAC laptop cover is wonderful for a flower or garden lover.

The last example is the abstract pattern

mini shirt.

Girls and young adults will love this fashionable item 

for everyday or special occasion.

These items and many more can be found in my shop at

https://www.redbubble.com/people/Bizilady63

Beauty IS in the Eye of the Beholder

 The old saying "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" rings so true when it comes to art and mood. I usually am drawn to subject and then color, but the darker , more vibrant colors are getting my attention first.
I have experimented this year with trying out different versions of the same subject.
With so many software editing tools to choose from, it can be habit forming.
Most artists are never  happy with their work and so it can be difficult to know when to stop.


Here are a few of  the images I have edited.See which ones you prefer.
The top painting was finished a few months ago. It is very soft but I thought it needed a little punch

so I added a dark background. I still have the original but the choice of styles seemed like a good idea.

The photograph of the Art Deco Dancer figure was interesting with the coloring and  shading 

The edited version was a little more dramatic with the darker background and neon colors.

The top image is the edited version of the one below it. I like it more than the original one..

 

 

My cat Buddy loves to sleep so many photos are of this subject matter. 
 he just refuses to look at me when I trying to snap his face. I can't decide which version I like more.

The last two versions are sepia tone and a little selected color styles. I like these as well. I guess it always depends on the mood of the subject and where it will be seen.
Beauty IS always in the eye of the beholder.

Please look at my art at https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/1-stacie-siemsen/shop

Newest Watercolor Stargazer Lily

I'm happy with the results of the newest watercolor. I used watercolor pencils and some paint to create this effect. I realized that I will probably never paint realistically, but more of an abstract or impressionistic style. I think that is good and most artists must realize what their strengths are.

My latest watercolor is now available online printed on canvas, framed or on a product such as this throw pillow

The framed image is an example of what can be displayed in a kitchen or maybe the bedroom, office or give as a gift.

The vibrant colors with some shading behind it makes it look a little more 2 dimensional.
I will continue to paint more and maybe try animals next.