Corn cockle : Agrostemma githago

This little flower is growing in my garden. I sowed a cheap packet of mixed annuals and this was the only corn cockle to grow. I believe that once these grew wild in our corn fields, but the extensive use of herbicides put paid to them. They don't appear in all of my wild flower books, but as far as I can tell they are a native species. The flowers only seem to open in full sun, so several times I went out in the garden to photograph one, and none were open, but a sunny afternoon paid off. I cannot remember where I first saw one of these, but I instantly recognised it even though one hasn't grown in my garden for many years. The name has a real country feel and I would love to know its origin. I haven't done much research I must admit. I was pleased with the photograph which I took with the standard lens, hand held. As it was sunny I was able to have a fast shutter speed and small aperture which gave this lovely shallow depth of field making the flower really stand out against the background. I have been trying to record the flowers from my garden in water colour and want to try this, but I have a feeling I shall have to work quickly as I am sure it will close quickly if picked. I shall definitely be saving some seed for next year.

In a pickle

We have had a really good crop of onions and shallots this year so Tod has been busy making pickles. In fact some of the shallots are too big to get in a jar, but hopefully we have enough to see us through the season and have some for Christmas gifts. My contribution to this process is printing out the labels and making a few critical tastings. They need to be in the vinegar for at least three months before the flavour has developed. He has also made several jars of pickled beetroot. I thought I'd record the process with photography and made this collage using picasa - there is something very attractive about the amber colour of the onions sitting in the vinegar.

Other things in my life

Now I am coming to the end of my second Open College of the Arts course I am thinking whether I want to start another one straight away. I feel I have gained a grounding in photography and perhaps can make my own way for a while. I also want to explore my other creative skills. The internet via flickr and blogs are a constant source of inspiration so at the moment I have many avenues to explore. I have started to keep an "Art Journal" which is really a sketch book-come-art diary, but with more completed works than a sketch book alone. There seem to be thousand of Art Journal keepers across the net. I have found it a great way to be able to experiment with ideas and by doing it in various books I am not left with umpteen pieces of art work to store. Also with a freestanding piece of work there is the question of whether it is worthy of framing and hanging whereas that never arises when it is in a book. Often in a journal the artwork is combined with words. some people use theirs as a diary to record their lives, others as a means of expressions. So I shall see, I haven't got to decide about OCA yet - just follow the flow.

Final Portfolio - Autumn

This group is probably my weakest as I did not go out enough last autumn and take seasonal photographa as I was concentrating on my other assignment - so this selection does not fit quite as well, but unless I wait another 4 months to finish this course, these will have to do!

Rather cliched autumn scene

Rather like this little thatched summerhouse in th local park

Sunset from the Clappers - managed to find one suitable shot from my collection that linked in with the other seasons.

Final Porfolio - Summer

Making this selection is taking me so long. I am full of self-doubt. I must now just get on with it. I am not going for assessment so only my pride is hanging on this - no grades.

Summer beeches - love the light created by these majestic trees.

Waiting for harvest - this view from the Clappers could have been taken from a plane.


Storm clouds over Harlington - enough said about our summer!!

OCA: Landscape portfolio

Here are the three photographs I have selected for my portfolio to represent spring - winter is on a previous blog. Any constructive critisism gratefully received.

The robin

Bluebells

Tunnel of leaves

I hope that these photographs convey a graphic quality as well as illustrating the season.

Final Portfolio Selection

I am making my selection for the Landscape final portfolio. The brief is to select 12 photographs to depict the four seasons - three for each. You are told to "consider the way adjacent images inter-relate and variations in size, format, content and tone so as to vary pace and avoid repetition! However at the same time, "the theme and your style should unite the separate images" Although this seems simple enough I am having a real struggle making a selection. I guess my overall style is that I like to look for a graphic element, I hope that is enough. Here is my Winter selection so far. Any comment gratefull received.

Misty Hillside - the intersection of the hedgerows caught my attention here

Snowy Fields - the snow has brought out the lines of the hedges and I especially liked the graphic nature of the lines in the winter wheat.

Winter Beeches - here it is the strong verticals intercut by the horizanals - all emphasised by the snow.