Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Band of Brothers, Animal Photography, Colorado

This Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep "band of brothers" was photographed in the now closed Big Thompson Canyon east of Estes Park, Colorado, due to the devastating floods which occurred this past September 2013. When I shot this photo they were next to the highway wanting to cross but confused by the traffic and people stopping. I like to think that for the next several months to a year my inconvenience at not having access to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park will be rewarded because the wildlife of the canyon, including this wild band of bighorns, have reclaimed their canyon home for a time. It makes me happy.

BIGHORN BROS

Big Thompson Canyon, near Estes Park, Colorado, USA

Printed in the USA - ©Julie Magers Soulen

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Santa Cruz De La Canada Mission Doors

I was rooting around in my photography archives and ran across this photograph of the doors of the mission in Santa Cruz, NM. I had always meant to process this work and had somehow forgotten it. The mission, Santa Cruz de la Canada, was built in 1733 and has a reputation of being the best mission in New Mexico. I also found an old photo taken of the mission in 1881. I hope you enjoy them both.

Mission Doors

The beautifully carved wooden mission doors at Santa Cruz de la Canada mission.

Santa Cruz de la Canada Church, Santa Cruz, New Mexico

The Santa Cruz church in 1881. 

Photo by William Henry Jackson.

mission art

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Saint Teresa of Avila Church in Bodega, California

This white church with a tall beautiful steeple in Bodega, California was built in 1859 by shipbuilders. It also happens to be the church used in Alfred Hitchcock's film, The Birds. I think it is a lovely little church but wanted to give it a look that could harken back to the early 1900s. So I used some post processing techniques and came up with a tintype look. I'm really curious to hear your thoughts on this one! Cheers!

St. Teresa of Avila Church Tintype

Church photography of the famous white church in Bodega, California.

St. Teresa of Avila Church, Bodega, California

church art

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Dream Home in Colorado

How many of you have dreams of living in that perfect home in that perfect setting? It could be in the mountains or on a seashore or in a pine forest.  Hold on to your dreams.  I dreamed of living in the mountains of Colorado since the first time I saw the Rocky Mountains. My husband and I never let go of that dream.  It took many years, but with that focus and intent we made it happen. First we moved to Colorado from the Midwest, then we found a way to purchase some land, and finally we built our dream home.  We lived in our mountain dream home for over 12 years before deciding we were finished with that dream and it was time for a new one. So follow your heart.  It can lead you to the most unexpected and happy places.  This log cabin in Aspen, Colorado was once someone's dream before it became a reality.  It is here to remind you that dreams really do come true.

Cabin Dreams

Architectural photography of a log cabin in the woods on a hillside in Aspen, Colorado.

log cabin art

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Rocky Mountain Waterfall on the Roaring Fork River, Colorado

Can you imagine sitting on this rock, listening to the rush and tumble of the never ending water? Do you ever wonder where the water comes from? I always wonder in amazement that the strong flow never stops. This waterfall on the Roaring Fork River near Aspen, Colorado is not very far from the Continental Divide. The winter skies bring snow and the slow melt sustains the mountain rivers until the cycle begins again. And again. And again.

“Do you have patience to wait till your mud settles and the water is clear? Can you remain unmoving till the right action arises by itself?” - Lao Tzu

Rocky Waterfall

An amazing Colorado Rocky Mountain waterfall cascades over boulders and rocks into an aqua blue pool. 

Roaring Fork River near Aspen, Colorado

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Golden Rays - The Evolving Dandelion Photograph

I have been working on improving my skill set in post processing photography. This particular photograph has been through many edits and has once again evolved, so I thought I would share some before and after shots. As always, your comments are appreciated.

Original Crop

Original Processing

Current Version

Golden Rays

Beautiful golden rays of light play along the fine delicate filaments of an autumn seed head. Perfect for adding a touch of golden nature to your home, office, or bedroom decor.

Northern Colorado

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A Common Raven in Old World Style

You may recognize this bird as the Common Raven. They are one of my favorite birds because of their intelligence, curiosity, and their communication skills. I have often listened in on their "conversations" and watched their playful antics. This raven I photographed in the Painted Desert as he walked back and forth many times posing for me as the shutter clicked. I believe he just might have wanted me to immortalize him in this Old World styled digital art print.

Old World Raven

Raven print, a solitary raven with each feather in exquisite detail is printed on a background texture with the look of old linen. A perfect way to add the Old World charm of an Audubon style bird print to your home, office, or bedroom decor. Painted Desert, Arizona

purchase information

Old World Raven Art Card

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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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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

 

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  rocky mountain elk art

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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.

 

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maroon bells art

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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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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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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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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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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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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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