floral

The Harbinger

Posted by dale on Aug 15, 2008 in floral, trees | 8 comments

Here’s my Wordless Wednesday (well almost wordless and it’s actually Friday now). Although it doesn’t feel like it, spring is on its way to Oz. This is a shot I took yesterday of an ornamental cherry tree that hangs across the drive way. I was on my way to the shops in the rain, when I noticed that the tree had blossomed. I quickly pulled out the tripod and camera and took a couple of snaps before me and the gear got soaked.

Have a Great Weekend

Posted by dale on May 30, 2008 in floral | 8 comments

I hope you and your family have a great weekend. Enjoy!

My Doodle Flowers – An Example of Evolution in Action

Posted by dale on May 11, 2008 in doodle, floral | 12 comments

Welcome back to Doodle Week. Doodle Flowers are today’s theme. Here’s about the only flowers I’ve doodled in a long time. I was thinking about diving when I drew these. They’re actually crinoids but as my meeting wore on, they evolved into some sort of sea tulip complete with leaves – a new species perhaps?.

This was a rather small doddle and after scanning, the felt tip pen I was using created a very interesting image texture. Like all the doodles featured here in doodle week, I scanned the doodle from notes I have taken during work. I use Linux Zenwalk as my operating system (no MS or Apple ware here).

I scan using Kooka opensource scan software. I then import the scan into Inkscape SVG Vector Illustrator. Inkscape is similar to Adobe illustrator except it’s free. In Inkscape I quickly trace the path of the drawing converting it to a vector image. This smooths the lines as well as allow me to scale it up without losing lots of detail.

I then export the vectored image as a png file and open it using the GIMP image manipulation program. Gimp is similiar to photoshop, and again, it’s free (I have a couple of GIMP tutorials on the site if you’re interested).

With the GIMP I add the color and/or remove some of the text from my notes that crept in close to the image. This sounds like a lot of work but it’s actually very quick to scan, vector and process.

I hope you’re enjoying Doodle Week, if you get the hanking to participate, be sure to upload your doodle and check out the others on the flickr doodle group.

Bombs Away – Fall's Last Dandelion

Posted by dale on Apr 25, 2008 in floral, portfolio | 2 comments

Dandelion Storm

Posted by dale on Jan 16, 2008 in floral, portfolio | 4 comments

It’s always amazing what you can find when you look really really close at something. I guess that’s why I love macro photography. It gives you a new perspective, a new found appreciation, a renewed sense of wonder.

This was a dandelion I picked up while playing outside with Willow. I attempted to get a nice sharp dandelion close up when Willow ran up and gave a hefty blow sending little dandelion missiles flying right as I snapped the picture.  Enjoy.

Summer Splash of COlor

Posted by dale on Jan 13, 2008 in floral | 4 comments

This weekend has been next to perfect. The boiling heat has abated for the moment and we have had a very pleasant weekend. Hopefully we’ll not have many more +40degrees C days this summer.

Junipe, Willow and I found this flower while out walking.