Happy Holidays to All

Wishing each of you the very best over the holidays and throughout the year.  May you find the perfect way to fulfilling all of your dreams. Sometimes you only need to open a door.

Happy Holidays!

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Winter King

This picture of an elk was photographed in Rocky Mountain National Park in a brilliant green summer alpine meadow. I did not like the bright green background and decided to make the photo into something a little bit different using digital art techniques. I thought he would look so handsome on an  antique tapestry hanging in a medieval castle and was inspired by that thought. There is even an old English legend that fits about a "Winter King" haunting Windsor Forest during the cold winter months. He is a ghost called Herne the Hunter and was reportedly seen at midnight with antlers on his head. The earliest written account of this legend was in 1597 by none other than William Shakespeare.

Sometime a keeper here in Windsor Forest,
Doth all the winter-time, at still midnight,
Walk round about an oak, with great ragg'd horns;
And there he blasts the tree, and takes the cattle,
And makes milch-kine yield blood, and shakes a chain
In a most hideous and dreadful manner.
You have heard of such a spirit, and well you know
The superstitious idle-headed eld
Receiv'd, and did deliver to our age,
This tale of Herne the Hunter for a truth.
— William Shakespeare, The Merry Wives of Windsor

Winter King

Winter king photo, is a digitally created image of an elk leaning over festive red berry branches in an antique vintage style print. The perfect way to add an "old world" woodland style to your home, office, or bedroom decor. 

Rocky Mountain National Park Elk, Colorado, USA

Texture courtesy of Pixel Dust Photo Art

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

2013 Colorado Desk Calendars

Now $5.00 off!

Can you believe that in one more month we will be in the year 2013. I am not sure how 2012 went by so fast. And unless you believe the world ends this December you may need a calendar. These desk calendars measure 5.5" x 4.25" (139 mm x 107 mm) and fit very easily next to your computer with the little wooden easel. And if you do not want an easel you can hang them with binder clips just about anywhere. You can even stick one on your refrigerator with a magnet. I find the size just large enough to enjoy a new picture every month without taking a lot of space.  They make great gifts for teachers, your favorite hostess, or your boss.  I hope you enjoy them too!

$22.95 with easel or only $18.95 without easel

FREE SHIPPING USA

Denizens of the West 2013 Desk Calendar 

Colorado animal calendar for 2013, is a desk calendar featuring my wildlife photography of animals of the west; Rocky Mountain goat, magpie, coyote, raven, elk, marmot, Bighorn sheep, just to name some. 

FREE SHIPPING USA

 Calendar with Easel | Calendar Only

 

 

A Year of Flowers 2013 Desk Calendar 

Colorado flower calendar for 2013 is a desk calendar featuring my flower photography in colorful brilliant hues. 

FREE SHIPPING USA 

 Calendar with Easel | Calendar Only

The Colorado Naturalist 2013 Desk Calendar

Colorado naturalist calendar for 2013, is a desk calendar featuring my nature photography of the beautiful Rocky Mountains. 

FREE SHIPPING USA

Calendar with Easel | Calendar Only

 

 

This easel can be included!

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

More Holiday Christmas Greeting Cards

I'm having too much fun! I hope you enjoy these holiday Christmas greeting cards as much as I enjoy making them!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

 Silver Present Holiday Christmas Card 

A beautiful sparkling silver present resting on a blanket of fresh Colorado snow. 

 The inside reads, "Wishing you the gift of joy and wonder this Christmas." 

4 Card Set | 8 Card Set | 12 Card Set

  Roses in Snow Holiday Christmas Card 

The winter rose garden's berry red rose hips are blanketed in a fresh winter white snow. 

 The inside reads, "Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year." 

4 Card Set | 8 Card Set | 12 Card Set

  Morning Snow Holiday Card 

The natural beauty of a Rocky Mountain pine forest in the cold blue morning light after a fresh snow. 

The inside reads, "May the spirit of nature bring you peace this holiday season." 

4 Card Set | 8 Card Set | 12 Card Set

  Golden in Snow Holiday Card 

A golden retriever dog waits patiently for his morning walk in the golden light of sunrise on a snowy day in the Rocky Mountains. 

 The inside reads, "Wishing you a bright and delightful holiday season." 

4 Card Set | 8 Card Set | 12 Card Set

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Holiday Christmas Greeting Cards

Well my friends, it has been awhile since we last chatted. Since then I have replaced my old computer that was having some old age difficulties handling my large volume of photography. It did not take long to buy a new computer, but the file transfers were a bit trickier. After some careful planning, one failed attempt, and much reading I succeeded in migrating and restoring almost 80 GB of photography files.  Whew!  It feels great to be done! 

I have also been squeezing in time to work on some new holiday designs for this years Christmas cards. Here are my first three that are ready to go for the 2012 season. I hope you like them. And as always, I appreciate your comments and feedback. Cheers!

Mountain Valley View Holiday Card 

The classic natural beauty of a Colorado Rocky Mountain winter with a distant view of blue mountains seen through a picture frame of a snowy pine forest.  Northern Colorado Rockies

The inside reads, "Wishing you a beautiful holiday season." 

 4 Card Set | 8 Card Set | 12 Card Set

Peek a Boo Elk Holiday Card 

A cute baby elk peeks out from between pine boughs.  Rocky Mountain National Park

The inside reads, "May your holiday be filled with joy and wonder." 

4 Card Set | 8 Card Set | 12 Card Set

Nuthatch Christmas Holiday Card 

A tiny white-breasted nuthatch perches at the top of a snow covered pine in a northern Colorado pine forest.  Northern Colorado Rockies

The inside reads, "Wishing you that Christmas feeling all year long." 

4 Card Set | 8 Card Set | 12 Card Set

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Rocky Mountain Elk at Sundown

Nothing says autumn to me like bugling elk in Rocky Mountain National Park.  These two bachelors were taking the night off as the sun started to set.  They were with a group of about six other mature bull elk who were all bedding down for the night.  The alpine meadow was so serene and quiet, I could have watched them for hours.  

Visiting the park reminds me instantly of my place in the natural world; no more important or less important than any of the majestic creatures that share this beautiful world with me.  I would like to take each of you with me to witness this miracle of a planet, but I will settle for sharing a photo.  I hope you enjoy it!

Elk Sundown 

Two mature bull elks bed down for the evening in an alpine meadow as the sun goes down. 

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

 

more

  rocky mountain elk art

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Sky God

Waiting.  Watching.  Floating.  Listening.

The mountain sits.
The watcher waits.
The clouds slowly slowly slowly drift.

The watcher waits.
The mountain looks back unmoved.

 
Sky God 

A rugged peak punches a hole through the drifting clouds at Maroon Bells, Colorado.

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

First Snow on Maroon Bells, Colorado

The first snow of the season always holds that childhood magic for me. The quiet falling flakes drift down in spirals to land gently on my nose melting, but leaving me to feel wonder at the uniqueness of each one. We have not had that first snow in town yet, but on mountain tops across Colorado it has come. I see it up there. I long to go there. But not even the eagles, bears, or mountain goats dare to stay in that harsh environment after the snow starts. I settle for gazing out my window.

First Snow 

The first snow of the season on Maroon Bells, Colorado.

 

 more 

maroon bells art

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Colorado's Crown Jewel, Maroon Bells in Autumn

The morning we drove out to Maroon Bells near Aspen it was threatening rain or snow depending on your elevation. I wanted to see the 'Bells' again even if the weather was not conducive for photography. The air was that special flavor of high altitude crisp and the temperature was definitely on the chilly side. But the moment we arrived I knew I would be granted a beautiful opportunity.  There were a few other photographers there as well. There always are and we shared our tips and gadgets as we watched the clouds alternately close in and slowly part for a brief glimpse of the Bell's first snow. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did being there.  Autumn Bells   Famous Maroon Bells gives a brilliant fall display of Colorado aspens peaking in golden color. The cloud shrouded mountain top has just received the seasons first snow, while the lake mirrors the lovely scenic vista. Maroon Bells, Colorado   jfids7590fjg936bjp0459uu89U7NJ9747hjmdfur894hgiophPY3756J8548567UHUY6Ii8v&$$#kngi84ygfrthihg746gniorthj9rtuh As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Autumn Tree

Autumn inspires poetry.  It is the last bloom of a spent summer before the quiet rest of winter. The economy of words in poetry only makes them sweeter.  Enjoy a classic ode to autumn by Walt Whitman.

Lo, ’tis autumn,
Lo, where the trees, deeper green, yellower and redder,
Cool and sweeten Ohio’s villages with leaves fluttering in the moderate wind,
Where apples ripe in the orchards hang and grapes on the trellis’d vines,
(Smell you the smell of the grapes on the vines? Smell you the buckwheat where the bees were lately buzzing?)

-- Walt Whitman 

To read "Come Up from the Fields Father" in entirety click this link.

Autumn Tree 

Autumn tree photo, of a majestic tree dressed in pumpkin orange fall leaves. Fort Collins, Colorado

 

 

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Blue Moon 2012

The expression "once in a blue moon" means a rare event. And indeed a blue moon is a rare event. The definition of a blue moon according to Merriam-Webster is "a second full moon in a calendar month," and that only happens seven times in a 19 year cycle. 

As a child I'd heard this expression many times and always wanted to see a blue moon. Blue being my favorite color and the full moon a beautiful celestial event, I could not imagine a prettier site. So the first time a blue moon happened when I was old enough to know, I waited outside expectantly for the moon to rise. Imagine my confusion when the moon was still a luminous pearly white! 

We will be experiencing a "blue moon" this Friday, August 31, 2012. I will have to go check again, just to make sure it is not a cornflower blue. Maybe just in my imagination. 

 

Moon Fog 

A full moon rises in the night sky over an ancient cottonwood tree twisting in the blue gray fog.

 

 

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Giraffe Crisscross

Giraffes are one of those African animals that belong to the rich world of a child's imagination. The ridiculously long neck and patchwork hide of russet color make the perfect animal companion on a whimsical adventure in the Land of the Lion King. When this tall fellow crossed in front of the brick wall at the Denver Zoo I was delighted with the repetitive patterns crisscrossing before my eyes. I hope you enjoy it too! 

 

Giraffe Crisscross

Giraffe, a zoo animal from Africa with a very long neck, crosses in front of a brick wall creating a checker patchwork of patterns in russet orange.  

Denver Zoo, Colorado

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Polar Bear Paws

It had been years since my last visit to the zoo. This time was no different from my past visits with the exception of some new exhibits. My reaction was the same too. I was happy and sad at the same time. Happy that the animals were safe and protected. Happy to see them. But sad that they were not free to live wild. 

 I would love for this to be a perfect world where the wild ones can live safely in their natural environments, but that is not the case today. In the meantime, I like to think of zoos as modern day arks. A place of safe haven for endangered animals. 

The polar bear is one such endangered animal. They are disappearing at an alarming rate due to melting ice. They use the ice for hunting and resting when out on the sea.  They starve to death when they can not hunt.  I have chosen to show only a piece of their magnificent beauty, because they will never be whole until we can protect them in the wild.

Bear Paw 

A close up shot of the giant paws of a polar bear. Denver Zoo, Colorado 

You can see more of my work on Etsy or Fine Art America. 

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Raven

Ravens have had a place in many different legends from numerous cultures. In the Norse legend the god Odin had a pair of ravens who were his messengers. In the Middle Ages they were harbingers of death and associated with wicked priests. In Native American lore ravens represent the fool and the wise one; darkness and light; death and creation. 

Ravens remind me of playful intelligence. I love to watch them. They will look into your eyes thoughtfully, follow you on a walk, and croak their encouragements in many guttural sounds. If you listen long enough I believe you start to understand the difference between greetings and curses. Yes, I definitely believe that they have emotions too. 

 I have watched them many times. They can dive and soar in free abandonment or fight and claw an enemy. I have also learned that they can be accomplices with hunters. They have been known to perch above prey cawing loudly and drawing the attention of a lion or wolf to kill a deer knowing that they will have the left overs. This is one resourceful bird. So the next time you see a raven or crow give them a little nod of respect or the trickster may just play a prank on you. 

Raven 

On a recent trip to the American southwest this raven seemed to take an interest in me and my camera. He posed for many shots but I liked this one the best. 

You can see more of my work on Etsy or Fine Art America.

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

A Morning of Pink Tulips

It was an early spring morning. As I wandered sleepily down the stairs to make the morning coffee my eye caught the sweet pink blush of dawn painting the delicate blooms of a bouquet of tulips on the table. The combination of soft dewy light and natural pink color of the flowers was irresistible to me. Feelings of sweet childhood memories filtered through my mind; soft blankets, pink bunnies, evening clouds, and fragrant blossoms. It was a moment to catch and freeze in time. I hope you enjoy it. 

Pink Tulip Light 3 

Pink Tulip Light 1

 

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.

Southwestern Red Country

I am having a love affair. It has been enticing me for many years off and on, but has come to full bloom this past spring. I am truly in love with the desert southwest. I love the sienna canyons with their majestic towering cliffs. I love the hardy desert blooms that struggle and wait patiently for that monsoon rain. I love the bluest of skies and the spectacular sunsets. And maybe most of all, I love the vastness of the landscapes. It puts you in your place instantly. You can not help but gaze in wonderment at the grand glory of it all. 

Thanks for dropping by! I would love to hear your comments.

Red Country 

Wild reservation horses graze on the sparse grasses next to a ruddy spring creek under the watch of giant canyon walls in Canyon de Chelly, Arizona.

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.