I believe we all have a dark side.  Not evil, but a part of us that lurks in the shadows of humanity. An internal eye that boldly looks at the things that we are told we should turn away from.  It isn’t all lollipops and unicorns is it?  I find superstition especially fascinating.  In some cultures crows are thought to symbolize death or bad luck.  Conversely in other peoples they are are believed to be guardians of truth and keepers of sacred law.  A sign of power.  I see these shiny black beauties every day around my home.  I do not fear them or their message.  Step on a crack and break your Momma’s back…..my Mom’s back is just fine and so are these magnificent mythical creatures.

See more here:

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/calling-the-night-crow-art-by-sharon-cummings-sharon-cummings.html

A honeybee, already carrying blue pollen in the pollen baskets or corbicula on its hind legs, flies up to another Pride of Madeira blossom to gather more of this exotic blue substance.

I absolutely adore photographing bees! I will follow them around from flower to flower, totally lost in capturing their activity. In my opinion, this a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

I took this photo, ‘Blue Pollen,’ while standing in a patch of landscaping at a local strip mall. I walk by this area quite frequently, and one day I noticed that the Echium candicans (also known as Pride of Madeira) was buzzing with pollinators. I hurried back home and grabbed my camera, hoping that the late afternoon light would hold long enough for me to get some photographs. I was in luck, and happily snapped photo after photo of adorably fuzzy bumble bees, heavy and awkward carpenter bees…

The leading edge of thunderstorm clouds at sunset with blue sky above and an almost full moon. Looking east on the edge of northeast Boulder County into Weld County. Large panorama Image. Colorado Fine art nature landscape photography poster prints, decorative canvas prints, acrylic prints, metal prints, corporate artwork, greeting cards and stock images by storm chaser James Bo Insogna aka “The Lightning Man” http://www.BoInsogna.com

Methow River Log Jam

A river is a fascinating and water filled pathway that winds down from the mountains and brings life giving nourishment to all along the way. The Methow River originates in the North Cascade Mountain range and is clear clean and beautiful. This particular stretch runs through Mazama Wa, and along the Methow Valley community trail. A high bluff allows a great view of this sparkling waterway.

The trees along the riverbank stretch out their roots and gratefully absorb the crisp drink of cool water. They patiently wait for the flow to come their way and are grateful when it does. These trees stand tall and proud as they clean our air and provide shade and cool comfort to adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. Without the trees the riverbank would be a much less populated area.

The many beavers in the area take their turns harvesting and…

Wandering White Flowers

Wandering in the woods you will find all sorts of interesting plants and animals. Depending on where you go is where you will end up and what you will see. Obviously most of this is apparent but some of it is lingering in the shadows and waiting for you to notice. Look closely and see all of the little details that your imagination may be searching for. The hidden meaning in all of nature.

I enjoy painting into this world many alternate options for adventurous spirits. There is the normal and everyday and then there is where my imagination takes me on a regular basis. I have a special interest in Macro photography and really enjoy finding scenes that are miniature in nature and expansive upon further exploration. What is really in the background and is so small that awareness is often unreachable. Do small things really…

One of the things I love most about living in Florida is the easy access to the most beautiful beaches in the World.  I have made Tampa my residence for over 25 years, but Sarasota is my home town and it is where my heart wonders when I need to calm my spirit.  It is about an hour drive from my house to Lido Beach and I can tell you it is well worth it.  There are closer coastlines, but none can compare to this tropical oasis.  It truly is paradise!  I recently took my daughter on a getaway to Lido Resort and this is the sunset that kissed us goodnight the first evening.  Enjoy!

See more here:

 http://fineartamerica.com/featured/sunset-in-paradise-beach-photography-by-sharon-cummings-sharon-cummings.html

An orange dragonfly smiles sweetly for the camera.

I was so excited when I shot this photograph! I’ve had these beautiful orange dragonflies visit my California garden for years, flying over my small ponds and repeatedly dipping their abdomens into the water (I’m guessing my periodic visitors have been females laying eggs, as the egg and nymph stages of dragonfly life are aquatic). Usually by the time I race inside to grab my camera, my dragonfly visitors have departed.

One day I happened to look out the window and I noticed a dragonfly sitting on a branch next to my larger pond. I ran around inside, quickly grabbing my camera and changing lenses before I eased open the sliding glass door and slipped outside. The dragonfly seemed quite unconcerned as I slowly moved closer, and allowed me to take this photograph. When I viewed it later, I realized that the…

The name of this piece is Moonlight Serenade. Wander on a moonlit night and discover the awesome experience of looking to the sky and seeing the symphony of colors awaiting your discovery. Color and music are art forms related and separate. I hear color, and I see color. Can you hear colors? Sort of like a hum in your heart that makes its way through your veins and races into your imagination.

When I am hearing colors I am sensing a celestial choir sent to expose me to beauty and chaos. The shivering sensation of absolute pleasure courses through me as I absorb the message. I am love and I am in love at the same time. It is all one and the same and we are together and not separate even though the individual is the linchpin of any success.

When I see color I smile in anticipation of…

Wolves are fascinating creatures.  Hollywood has portrayed them as aggressive malicious animals that attack humans for no reason, when in fact they are quite shy.  They will attack if threatened of course as anyone would, but they prefer to live peacefully in their territory. These beautiful creatures form family units and live and hunt as such.  Each pack has an Alpha male and an Alpha female which protects and cares for the rest of their group which can be from 4 – 7 wolves.  Everyone shares in the responsibility of pup rearing.  Mating happens once a year and only the Alpha female gets this privilege.  Wolves are quite large and can get to 200 pounds.  They use their fur and howl to communicate with others.  Sadly their population is declining mainly due to habitat loss.  In my art I try to convey the beauty and majesty of…