“The greatest leaders lead from within.”
Within each of us there is an inner voice
waiting to guide us when we are willing
to listen. Be still, quiet, attentive
and all that you seek will be revealed.
You need only be ready to receive.

I’ve always envied people with a lot of patience.  When I take photos, I just randomly snap whatever catches my eye.  This is not the case for Gerald Marella.  When I was first introduced to him and his work, I could tell that he was different.  He was certainly interactive in our social media group, but it was obvious that his heart and mind were always on his craft.  He made excuses for absences sometimes, but there was really no need.  His work shows where he spends his time and the results are utter perfection.

I recently asked Gerald the same questions I have been asking other photographers I am featuring.  Here are his responses:

Milkweed Loving A Mountain Stream Abstract
Purchase a custom print of this painting here and enjoy it for years to come…..

I was taking a bike ride with my son on one of my favorite trails and we came across this wonderful flower growing peacefully by the side of a mountain stream. I always carry my camera with me when I venture into the outdoors and this day was no exception. I was captivated by this beautiful plant and took a picture to remember it with. I re-visited this image lately and decided to paint it. I love the colors and the wonderful details on the leaves and in the water. I am hoping that i have conveyed this vivid splendor here 🙂

“Common Milkweed is an important plant because so many species of insects depend on it. Monarch Butterflies, Milkwee Bugs, and Milkweed Leaf Beetles only eat milkweed, and…

It is interesting (and tragic) that human minds can remember horrors in such vivid detail….I was at a local Mall doing Senior Mall walks for UCH Hospital….We had not even finished our first lap when someone came by and said a plane had hit a building in NY. I remember thinking it must have been a small plane that got off course somehow and that it was terrible. Then someone else came by at a very fast pace and said that two had gotten hit. I instinctively knew this was no accident. I ran to my car to turn on the radio….as I listened…long before we knew what actually happened…in my gut I knew it was really bad…I just wanted my child (she was in kindergarten at the time)….so I rushed to her school to get her…me and 1000 other parents frantic to find our kids…One of the most poignant…

I have had the great opportunity to see some amazing artwork and photography since I started participating in groups on Fine Art America.  One shining star from my interactions is Florida photographer Deborah Benoit.  Being a native Sunshine State girl it was such a delight to find her fresh Florida photography.  I can relate to her images for sure, but it is more than that.  She captures the moments and then makes them shine.  Her work draws the viewer in.  You feel as if you are “there”.

I caught up with Deb recently to ask her to share some insight into what moves here.  She answered these questions for us:

What inspires your works? 
Nature is a big inspiration to me. I feel it is important to everyone`s life.
Which of your photographs is your favorite? 
Wildlife, especially birds for some reason are my favorite. I do not have one single…

I have been talking an awful lot about myself lately and have decided that this week will be dedicated to others.  I want to share some amazing photographers with you.  First up are Charlie and Norma Brock of Avinger, TX.  I first had the pleasure of meeting these two through a support group for artists/photographers.  Not only are their images exceptional they are both just super nice people.  Their inner compassion shows through in their work.  I asked them the following questions so we can all learn more:

What inspires your works?  A passion to see things that others overlook…the beauty in ordinary or obscure things.

Which of your photographs is your favorite?  Reflections – a sunken boat filled with the reflection of a cloudy sky. It was taken near Clifden, County Galway, Ireland in 2007, during a fantastic holiday on the Emerald Isle.

Is there a photographer you relate…

Scenic landscape view of a slow flow South Boulder Creek at sunset in Rollinsville Colorado southwest of Boulder. South Boulder Creek, which rises at Rogers Pass on the Continental Divide, just south of the Moffat Tunnel. South Boulder Creek flows 40.0 miles (64.4 km) through Rollinsville, Gross Reservoir, and Eldorado Canyon before leaving the mountains and curving past the south and east sides of Boulder to its mouth at Boulder Creek.

Ancient Tree Reflecting the Sunrise

A very long time ago this tree started its existence here on Earth. It grew tall and strong and absorbed the light and energy of the days it grew into. Over time the area that it grew in was transformed from a meadow into a lake. This tree was cut and water flooded over it’s remaining stump. As the water recedes and the new day begins, this ancient memory of a tree is reflecting its essence into the water surrounding it. I love the history that is reflected in the small ripples and displayed in a new beginning.

“Storm Flight” was one of the first paintings that I sold as a professional.  That was over 10 years ago.  I am delighted that I was able to revive it by digitally remastering the painting and then Stone Rock’ng it.  Stone Rock’d Art is one of my copyright protected signature patterns.  Yesterday I saw that someone found my blog by searching “Stone Rock’d Art How To Sharon Cummings”.  Try it and I will pursue legally anyone who steals my copyright protected patterns.  The patterns you see in this work are not computer generated.  They were hand drawn and then hand sewn digitally to form their unique appearance.  They are mine, but everyone can enjoy them here:

http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/1-sharon-cummings.html?tab=artworkgalleries&artworkgalleryid=273951