Lilies

Lilies that grow from bulbs are in bloom in Ithaca right now.  The day lilies are also in bloom but are not the same plants.  According to an internet site, Lilies are believed to have been under cultivation longer than any other ornamental flower, having existed in gardens 3,000 years ago. Floral designs, particularly of Lilies, made their appearance and became very popular in the 18th dynasty of Egypt. Many flowers have interesting symbolism and use, which is always fun to study.  This lily was photographed back lit by the afternoon sun.

Sunflowers

The first sunflower reminds me of the fields and fields of sunflowers in Provence and the wonderful Van Gogh art that was inspired by them.  The intensity of the light in Provence is truly unique and well described by Van Gogh as almost piercing your brain through your eyes.  Here is a sunflower montage produced from a photo taken yesterday in a friend's garden.  Hope you enjoy it.

Lovely Lavender!

I visited friends who have an exquisite collection of Lavender in the peak of bloom.  The bees were seeking nectar with abandon and the lavender swayed in the very slight breeze. Such a hot day here in Ithaca, but it was fun trying to catch the flowers in the afternoon sun.

Public Library Show

Several members from the NYFA MARK program (marketing program for artists run by 

New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA)

) are participating in a show at the Tompkins County Public Library, which will be up for a couple months.  I submitted three pieces:  Lotus Montage, Tree Peony Montage, and the Cornell Uris Bell Tower with lotus montage.  If you live in or near Ithaca, please drop by to see the show.

Lotus are in bloom!

Three gorgeous lotus flowers greeted me this morning!  This is over two weeks early compared to other years. The size of the flower is also smaller than other years and is not as tall stem wise. So, what in the environment contributed to this situation?  It is the season to cherish the beautiful blooms that glow in the sunlight, are fantastic with back lighting, and sway gracefully with the large leaves of the lotus plant.  I am hoping the display continues, since I have the Garden Conservancy Open Gardens on July 31st for people to see the lotus.

Artful Cornell

In 2008, I produced a small book through Lulu Press entitled "Artful Cornell".  It contains images of Cornell buildings and sculptures with a variety of overlays and other artful treatments. Attached here is the Cornell Uris Bell Tower with a transparent overlay of a lotus flower.  Please tell me what you think about this approach.

Magical Mist

The early morning mist after the overnight storm was truly magical the other day as it hung over the pond.  Looks very tropical!  The lotus leaves are emerging above the pond much earlier than other years.  Another sign of early growth are the day lilies, which are usually in bloom in July!