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Showing posts with label nature. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nature. Show all posts

Sunday, February 2, 2014

Alma Thomas' Fields of Color

Portrait of Alma Thomas by Laura W. Waring


To find one's self lost in the color-fields of Alma Thomas is remarkably; a very good place to be so gloriously engaged. For whatever time you find yourself in their company; you are not really lost but in the hands and talents of one of America’s finest creators. Miss Thomas’ paintings are  passionate feasts of color, light and gestural forms. Patterns figure heavily into her mosaic like compositions. Her works will stand the test of time and scrutiny but at best are things to be purely enjoyed.





Miss Thomas is most associated with her beloved Washington DC where she taught in public schools and at Howard University. She was discovered after retirement while attending American University studying and quickly mastering abstraction and it’s intricacies. After a few major exhibitions her reputation grew to the highest levels and she is found in major collections, museums, magazines and histories. Her work is included at both the National Gallery and the American Art Museum in the nation’s capital as part of their permanent collections.





Nature figured greatly in the aesthetics of Alma Thomas. Her mature style was unique and by observing and using nature as her measure of excellence that singularity of expression she cherished became a reality. She loved to take long drives observing the beauty, composition and effects of light and atmosphere on the objects of the natural world. She understood the importance it played in her work and the fullness she enjoyed from experiencing it’s riches. The effect it produced on her life and art are measureless and we; the benefactors remain in wondrous awe.   






















Monday, April 1, 2013

San Jacinto

 
 
8,500 ft. plus above the Palm Springs desert floor the San Jacinto Mountain Range rises. A glass tram take visitors almost straight up beginning a spectacular journey into nature and the splendor of creation. I was able to spend a cool morning romping, climbing and photographing a portion of this spectacular California State Park.
 
 
 
 
People from all over the world and across the country were sharing this miracle of nature. The lighting that morning was just about perfect and the air crisp.
 
 
There were boulders balanced on boulders and fallen trees that appeared to be prehistoric gargantuan beasts. Many of these things seemed as if placed by some gigantic hand or set designer.
 
 
The morning found experienced climbers, novices and families enjoying the snow on the higher peaks. Some of the most amazing views to see anywhere on the planet surrounded we journeymen travelers through time.
 
 
There was a sense of accomplishment in just climb, sitting and looking out at a thing larger and greater than one person could ever be. These sensations accompanied with a feeling of belonging and being part of something tremendous, grand and timeless.
 
 

San Jacinto is exhilarating, inspirational and addictive in the most positive way. These are photographs from my “Excellent Adventure.” They give a hint of the greatness of these moments.