Low Church Gems

As we walked the road thru the village of Easo, on the island of Lifou, in New Caledonia, we came to a wonderful old Catholic church.  Altho it is obviously cared for, it no long seems to be used.  There are other photo images of it in my travel blog (http://travelswithnadineandjeff.blogspot.com), here are some sort of hidden gems within the overall scope of the church that I thought generated more art-like images.

Low Church Side Door

There was another church that sat high on a bluff in this village, and consequently, that church is commonly called the “high church” and this church the “low church”.  The side door of the low church was a true hidden gem.  I’m sure most people missed it, because they were so wrapped up in the front of the church.  But, this side door, tells the tale of those who worked and prayed at the church – the priest, alter boys, church caregivers, etc.  I’m sure this was there “main entrance” when they came to do the business related things that go along with prayer.

Low Church Front Door

The front door to the church is also something somewhat easily overlooked, as it sat with a very deep entryway.  But, when one focuses on it, the carving of the doors, an art in itself, becomes like a beacon welcoming all.

Low Church Window

This window was off on the far side of the church.  Again, most people would notice the series of windows on the other side, as they approached from the direction where a good number of villagers would come from.  But this singular window, aged and weathered from whatever storms may visit the island, has its own wonderful character to share.

Enjoy!

A Pretty View of Apia

There were some views of Apia that fell more into the category of art, than travel images.  Hopefully, you will agree!

As we walked down Main Beach Road, we approached what I thought was most likely an old estate home that was now a hotel.  I was certainly surprised to find out that today, it’s a casino!

In a previous post, I talked about how bright colors were used in slightly unusual ways.  This clock tower is such a bright pink color – most unusual, but somehow, appropriate in Apia!

This image of the colorful flowers found in town just seemed made for a watercolor sketch, and so that’s what it became.  It is one of my favorite images from this day of all the lovely ones I took.

I have no idea what this flower is, but I absolutely love it.  The shading of the orange apricot petals offset by the green foliage behind the tiny little blooms is almost delicious.

And, finally, this great image of a palm tree with coconuts up high.  I made sure to stand so that if a coconut fell off the tree, it didn’t hit me, and I couldn’t help but think of the song that talks about the lime in the coconut!

Enjoy!

Samoan Sunrise

When we got to the town of Apia, on the island of Upolu, in Samoa, we had the most different sunrise that I believe I’ve ever seen.  It seemed like the sky was trying to decide whether or not to rain or storm.  So, the sunrise was a bit muted, yet sort of golden, and then even sepia toned before the clouds decided to let the sun begin to shine thru.  Take a look.

Enjoy!

Picture Perfect Kona

When we visited Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii, we decided to just wander the main street and enjoy people watching and check out the scenery.  We had been to the Big Island of Hawaii several years ago, and thoroughly explored the island and Kona then.  I thought the sights we saw today was worth converting to some watercolor pencil sketches!

The shoreline of Kona is very pretty, altho you won’t find sandy beaches in this area.  I think those are to be found more on the other side of the island.

I always enjoy the bright colors that we find along the shops on the main street.  It was bustling, due to so many cruise tourists being in town, along with the Ironman competition that was happening in town.

There is a lovely old church along the main street.  I can’t recall what religion it’s affiliated with, but if memory serves me correctly, it is the oldest church on this island.

Enjoy!

Slice of History

When I photographed the old buildings below, I felt like I was photographing a slice of history – the history of the area that I now call home.

Days Gone By

The barn reminds me of what life in the country may have been like in days gone by.  The rustic wood, corrals for horses or cattle, dirt roads providing paths to town, and the wide open expanse of one’s land.  This sense of yesterday is enhanced by the handwritten ledger in the background – perhaps one kept by the rancher, or perhaps kept by a shopkeeper in town.  Life, I feel, in those days was simple, yet complex, easy and hard, all at the same time.

Old Homestead

When I saw this homestead, I couldn’t help but imagine what life was like when this was a new building.  Could this have been one of the first homesteads in this area, before the town it’s now a part of existed?  The area where the town exists was first settled in 1887, and many of the homesteaders were cattle ranchers.  I imagine what it must have been like to look out the windows and see cattle grazing.  In the background, you can see the remains of an old windmill, used to draw up water from underground.  Some handwritten notes were added to hint at the records kept of the operation of the ranch, and also letters to family back east.

On the Plains

When people think of life in the Old West, most of them think of cowboys wandering thru the mountains, on rough terrain, and perhaps through forests in the mountains.  However, some of the west is made up of plains before one reaches the foothills of the mountains.  And, many of those who settled on these plains became cattle ranchers.  There isn’t enough rainfall throughout the year to have managed to grow crops, but cattle were more adaptable to the lack of rain that often makes up the weather here.  This may have been someone’s home, or it may have been a cabin built to house the ranch hands as they worked to move the cattle from season to season.  Whatever its story, you can almost feel the history in its walls.

Enjoy!

Note: These pieces are available in a variety of finishes and formats by visiting http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/nadine-berg.

Backroad Drive in Moriarty

There is a small town not far from where my husband and I live in New Mexico, called Moriarty.  One morning, just as the sun was coming up, I decided to drive down it to check out an old barn and homestead that I saw several days before.  I thought they might make some wonderful images and I was right!

Day Break on the Farm

One of my favorite times to capture images is early in the morning.  The first rays of the day’s sun on the tall grass in front of the barn, as well as along the fields behind, create a feeling of good things in store for the day.  For the family associated with this barn, maybe it’s a leisurely morning – most likely not, but perhaps.  Or, perhaps just a day when all the chores get accomplished in good time without anything going wrong or being overly complicated.  Whatever might make a day a bit brighter. 

New Day Dawning

Sometimes, in the mornings when I’m out photographing the day as it begins, the air is amazingly crisp and clear smelling.  It’s one of my favorite times to be out, doing what I love to do, and not bothering anyone doing it.  The peacefulness of this image captures how I feel when I’m out capturing the early part of the day to share with everyone.

Barnyard

Something caught my eye as I kept looking at this barn, and then I realized it was the barnyard off to the right in my field of vision.  There was a simple grace about it, something that is well worn from use, but well cared for, with a simple elegance that is sometimes elusive, when we strive to achieve that impression.  This barnyard seems to do that effortlessly.

Thru the Fence

As I drove down the country road, I noticed this wonderful framing of a deserted homestead.  I love the feel of the rough fence posts, contrasted by the new freshly hewn log, made to fit and complement the barbed wire fencing.  Late summer grasses add some color to the scene, and ironically, the homestead becomes a supporting character to the fence put up to surround it, and protect its land.

Enjoy!

Note:  These images are all available in a variety of sizes and finishes on http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/nadine-berg.

Prince Edward Island (PEI) Watercolor Sketches

Altho the day was gray, I did find a couple of scenes that made for some wonderful digital watercolor sketches!

Birch Stand

I purposefully accentuated the mistiness of the scene with this sketch.  The colors were vibrant, but also muted by the mist that hung in the air at this point.  

Village on PEI

This is one of several villages that we drove thru in the western portion of PEI.  What a charming picturesque place!

Enjoy!