Beauty in the Texas Hill Country

Delicate yet Strong

There are some flowers that are so delicate, they seem to disappear in with the surrounding grasses.  However, if you spot them, they are a treat to behold.  The stalks are so thin, they seem as if they would break in the slightest breeze.  Yet, they are remarkably strong and stand up to the wind, bending but not breaking.

Prickly Poppy Portrait

Perhaps it’s the stems of these flowers that are prickly – the flowers certainly aren’t!  They are very soft and feathery looking, and moved gently in the breeze.  Growing up against a weathered fence post, they positioned themselves for a lovely nature portrait.

Texas Hill Blooms

Each spring, the Texas Hill Country is awash in wildflowers.  My husband and I were lucky enough to time our visit there so that we were able to enjoy wildflower blooms such as these strikingly purple blooms.  I believe the name of these treasures is Blue Phacelia.  Whatever their name, they made for a lovely wildflower portrait.

Waterlily Reflection

Deep in the Texas Hill Country, there is a farm called Wildseed Farms, near Fredericksburg.  Although the farm primarily focuses on various wildflowers that they grow and the seeds from those flowers that they sell, they do have a very tranquil pond with waterlilies.  This particular waterlily reflected the absolute serenity one could find there, with the water so still, the reflection is just about perfect.

Enjoy!

Note:  All of these images are available for purchase in a variety of formats and finishes via https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/nadine-berg.

Treasures of Waco

When Jeff and I visited the Waco area, there were several sights to see that are popular with many travelers.  However, along the backroads around Waco, there were some hidden treasures in plain sight.  Here are just a couple of them……

Colors of Waco

As my husband explored the area around Waco, Texas, it was spring wildflower season!  Fields and fields of it every wildflower known to mankind, or so it seemed.  I managed to capture a nice grouping of bluebells and unknown wildflowers of bright orange and yellow.  I think of the wildflowers as the colors of Waco.

Rock Springs Church

As my husband and I drove around Waco, we discovered some treasures that perhaps some of the many travelers miss, but to us, contributed in no small way to the charm of the area.  One of these treasures was a small non-denominational church that’s actually just outside of Waco, in China Spring, Texas.  The charm of the historic style of the church, coupled with the wildflowers and greenery growing all around it made it something I wanted to capture in digital watercolor sketch.

Enjoy!

Note:  These pieces are available in a variety of formats, finishes and sizes at https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/nadine-berg. 

Showing Their Age

Sometimes the structures of history also have some artistic treasures to share as well.

Aged Wall

This wall next to a window, from the Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine, FL, seems to have history flaking off the walls.  I can only imagine the stories it may have to tell of when the Castillo (fort) was in use.  Did a soldier stand by this window and think about what the future holds?  Or could a general have stood here, thinking through the strategy for standing off a siege? I’m sure its history and stories are as rich as the colors of the wall, however peeling they may be.

Barred Window

This window, in the Castillo de San Marcos, offers a small view of the inner wall of this prison cell.  It was too high to be able to easily see into, or escape out of, which was more likely the reason for its height on the wall.  The greys of the outside wall are offset by the slightly warmer color of the walls within.  I wonder what the fate was of the military prisoner who once stood on the opposite side of this window.

Enjoy!

Note:  This images are available in a variety of sizes and finishes at https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/nadine-berg.

Quiet and Restful Views

One wouldn’t think that a drive so close to the Kennedy Space Center could be so calming.  Ah, but then, one would be wrong!

Reflection Walk

This egret was oblivious to anything other than a potential lunch that might unwittingly swim too close.  But, his calm concentration created a very peaceful mood, and the calm waters that offered up his reflection only confirmed that mood.

Twin Ibis

Although I rarely see these types of birds when at home in New Mexico, they were a fairly common sight down in central and southern Florida.  However, I hadn’t seen two so close together, both focused on the search for a tasty tidbit.

Restful Scene

When one is looking at this scene, it’s so easy to forget that civilization lies so close – in a sense, just around the corner.  But, for now, for this moment, there is just this.

Enjoy!

Note: Any of these pieces are available in a variety of finishes, sizes and formats via https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/nadine-berg. 

The Most Remote

When we visited Dry Tortugas National Park, one of the most remote National Parks, we were struck by the history there.  But, not to be outdone was some of the scenery and beauty of the history.  Take a look…..

Early Morning Key West

Although the morning did not have picture perfect blue skies, this scene of leaving Key West has a lovely peaceful feel about it.  The bustling town is not yet completely awake, and at least one fishing boat is still at the dock.  The frigate birds are circling around the harbor, keeping an eye out for breakfast.

Cove at Bird Rookery

Most of the island that is Dry Tortugas National Park is covered by Fort Jefferson.  However, there is one relatively small section of the island that is a bird rookery and sanctuary.  The cove that sits on its shore holds a couple of sailboats that have taken shelter from what looks to be an upcoming storm, but any sailors on board will need to direct their dingy elsewhere.

Storm Approaching

The bird rookery and sanctuary that sits on the island that is Dry Tortugas National Park has a cove on either side of it.  The colors of the green shore, blue green water and grey storm clouds hanging low make this scene truly the calm before the storm.

Through the Gallery

Imagine the soldiers walking through this gallery as cannons were readied to fire if necessary to protect Fort Jefferson on the island that is Dry Tortugas National Park.  Oh, what stores these brick walls could tell.  I’m always amazed by the perfection of things build before the start of the last century, too.

Standing as One

The three pylons tied together create are much stronger than any of them could be alone.  It reminded me of how together people can accomplish so much more than any of them imagined they could alone.

Enjoy!

Note:  These images are available in a variety of sizes, finishes and formats via https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/nadine-berg.

Beachy Sunrise

Sometimes, you just get lucky and the sunrise is perfect the morning you’re wandering along the shore….

First Peek

Totally calm and peaceful.  Whatever seems to be your worry, one look at this scene makes your breath slow down, pulse slows as well, and your spirit rises.  Take a few moments to take stock of all that is right with your life.

New Day

Calm water, uninhabited beach, and perfect morning.  For those who like to journal, this is a perfect place to get inspired for the day.  You may not be on the beach, but perhaps just looking at this scene can put you in the right state of mind.

Deserted Beach

The sand is soft, the water is cool and the clouds are low in the sky, some skimming the water on the horizon.  The reflections encourage some self-reflection, perhaps.  In any event, it’s a perfect way to start the day.

Enjoy!

Note:  These images are available in a variety of sizes, formats and finishes via https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/nadine-berg.html

Beachy Sketches

While visiting the Florida Keys, several photographic images seemed to work best when I converted them to digital watercolor sketches.  Take a look – I hope you agree.

Beach Bums

Between our camping site, and the beach, were beach grasses.  The grasses served to give both my husband and I and those on the beach a level of privacy.  As I looked out to the beach, I could only see the tops of the heads (and hats) of those who were enjoying a lovely day on the beach.

Sunrise Coast

Early mornings were quite lovely at the beach where my husband and I camped in the Florida Keys.  One of the things I liked the best were that often, the sunrises were more pastel than brilliant in nature.  Can’t you just see yourself walking along this solitary shore?

Heading down the Keys

Often in the mornings along the shore in the Florida Keys, one could see fishing boats heading out, taking customers out for a day of sun, sea, and hopefully, fish!  They seemed to space themselves so that each boat created its own peaceful view.

Enjoy!

Note:  Each of these images is available in a variety of sizes, formats, and finishes by visiting my artful offerings on https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/nadine-berg