Abstract Day at the Beach

I went to the beach this weekend. Yep, that's right. February at the Oregon Coast. It was beautiful! Sunny and in the 60's! I could hardly believe I didn't need my sweatshirt! Also... the tide was VERY high and that was a bonus for some beautiful scenery. Unfortunately for at least one person who was walking their dog in Lincoln City, the high tide was more of a surprise than they could handle. Apparently, their dog was swept away by a sneaker wave, and they went in to get their dog out – which they succeeded in doing, but in the process of saving their dog, drowned themselves. Very sad. I feel bad for that person's family, yes. But I honestly cannot believe this happens to people. While I was walking on the beach, a young family was walking along the shoreline. The father jumped up on a stump that was about 20 feet out, and his daughter joined him. She being about 6-7 years old, thought it was cool because "daddy" thought it was cool. Just as the dad got off the stump and went back onto the beach, a huge wave came along, and the little girl was left on the stump screaming and crying to get off! The wave was higher than the stump and of course the little girl jumped fearing for her life...and the dad had to run back to her and pull her out of the water to keep her from going under. I just find this complete lack of common sense overwhelming. I don't understand how stupid people can be. It's one thing to put your own self in danger, but to endanger the life of your child? Why are these people parents!?! Okay, I'm off my soap box...

While I was there, I of course took a few photos. I've decided since I have such an interest in shapes and patterns that I'm going to start shooting what I term "Natural Abstracts". It's my new thing! :) Sort of seeing art in nature – not just looking at a wide angle shot of a landscape or a beach, but a close up of a particular pattern or color palette or shape. These are a few of my "abstracts" from this weekend. I'm going to actually frame up a couple of them for my apartment! I like them well enough. I've always had a thing for abstract art anyway, though some of it is TOO abstract for me. I love the natural flow and color of these pieces.
All of these images are of drift wood. Some of them are more obvious than others, but overall, with a bit of photoshop work, enhancing the existing natural colors gives them an artistic abstract quality which I think is quite beautiful.

I think the one below is particularly beautiful, think Edvard Munch "The Scream". The movement in the wood creates beautiful lines. I like it.


I'll post more as I find new abstracts to shoot. It is definitely my new focus, rather than just typical "snapshots". Not to mention it will be fun to hunt for abstracts!