Black and White Photography

What is it about Black and White Photography that now captures my imagination? Is it an escape from years of painting with such vivid colors? Or is it the detail of the shadows, image contrast and stories that just seem to appear out of no where?

The new found medium for me has opened up an entire new world for my over active imagination!!!

Yes, I will be the first to admit I have a hard time turning off my creative and imaginative brain! I hold my parents responsible for developing my creative skills and teaching me how to "see"! 

I am just starting to develop this "new" found medium. I am always trying to find new ways to grow as an artist. What I have discovered the most so far is that Black-and-White photography is beautiful !

It captures shadows, depth and details that color seems to overlook. The stories just appear...questions. Who were the Cowboys that worked here in this old barn? What happened to the ranch? The shadows of the linear lines stretch and and seem to move. So many questions? 

I am intrigued, fascinated ...... so here I go! What a joy life is! Would love to hear your comments. What do you think of Black-and-White photography? 

Have a Wonderful Day!

Your Artist Friend,

Jennifer 

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Olive Lake

Hello Friends,

I recently took a break from the studio and drove up to Olive Lake. The lake is located in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon. It is located 12 miles west of the old mining town of Granite. Olive Lake, originally a small natural lake in the headwaters of the North Fork of the John Day River, was enlarged early in the century by the construction of a 35-foot high dam on the Lake Creek outlet.

A pipeline diverts outflow to the Fremont Powerhouse, an old power plant which was built during the gold mining days in the Blue Mountains.

A two mile hiking trail around the lake provides beautiful scenic vistas and you can access the wilderness trails from here.

The Aspens and Tamarack Trees were spectacular! The yellow just was like the color of the sun on a hot August day. The lake is at 6000 feet elevation and the forest service road is well maintained. When you drive up the long road you catch glimpses of the wooden water pipe that actually provided the City of Baker with their water supply at one time. Deer, Osprey, Elk, and a variety of small birds were everywhere! The next time you want to find a "new" adventure visit this small jewel of Oregon!

Have a Wonderful Day!

Your Artist Friend

Jennifer

Fall Harvest

I recently took a trip to Hood River Oregon and visited my "Oregon Sister" Susan and my Godson Jacob.
We shopped all the "Apple Orchards" and collected a variety of apples.
 It was such a beautiful weekend!
 The Delphiniums were still blooming and the colors were fabulous.

 Everyone was selling pumpkins, apples cider, syrup, baskets, flowers, herbs, crafts, squash, and produce of all kinds.

 Needless to say I came back to the mountain with my car loaded down. To me it's the best form of shopping!

          I loved this old park bench with the pumpkins and the contrast and variety of colors! 

         If your an artist or just want to paint outside...the orchards provide an endless opportunity 

                  of subject matter.

The pumpkin colors below and textures would make a great little fall painting. I also like the bright

pink of the unexpected flower. The little surprise that summer is not over yet!

 The views and vistas that surround Hood River just take your breath away!

            The photo below is of Mount Hood and all those beautiful delphiniums!

  

I always love visiting Susan because my coffee view in the morning is priceless!

 I can spend hours watching the wind surfers, sailboats and giant tugs go by.

 Her view is an ever changing story.

I hope you all are enjoying this wonderful fall weather! Onto my next adventure!

Have a great day!

Your Artist Friend,

Jennifer Lake

Fall in the Wilderness

    Fall is the time of year that "Mother Nature" brings out her paints!

 Living in the wilderness this fall has provided an endless canvas of color.

 Beauty can be found around every corner of a trail, forest service road, or mountain peak! 

The past week I have spent the days hiking and photographing every place I go!

The vistas are endless and new painting compositions can be found. Needless to say not much painting was completed this past week! 

I truly cannot put the camera down! Could you?

The Elk and the enormous variety of wildlife are preparing for winter.

The locals that own summer cabins are now packing up for the winter and heading home.

 I have meant so many fabulous people in the past few months. 

The people that have cabins up here are from everywhere and from all walks of life. 

They have been so kind and helpful to me.

 Less than 100 people live in the wilderness through the winter months...so friendships are forged and the thoughtfulness and their generosity is truly amazing.

 I think they think I am crazy to be spending the winter here!

 The years growing up in Michigan and the outdoor person I am have prepared me along with courage.

 Lets face it...Life is short and without experiences and adventures....did you really live?

My son Easton (an avid outdoors man) sent me a list of all I need for the coming months. 

What a list...from emergency supplies to creative cooking concepts in case the power goes out for days. 

     All my wood has been split and stacked...I could feel muscles that I never knew I even had for days!

The other day I ran into a bunch of chickens that sadly someone just left on the trail.

 Why?

 I will never know but they were very friendly and wanted to follow me.

 I photographed them and they seemed to love the attention.
 There were at least nine of them.

 I called the Forest Service when I returned and reported where they were.

 A very unusual site in the middle of no where!

 What the "new" trail will provide for me today... I will let you know!

                                                                 Have a Wonderful Day!

                                                                     Your Artist Friend,

                                                                               Jennifer