With the freedom given to those of us who contribute to the Lens-Artists Photo Challenges, it came as a welcome surprise that Tina selected “You Pick It” as the topic for this week. As I thumbed through photos of trips far and near, I found that the color white popped up frequently in everything from flowers to cathedrals to people in white clothing. This week alone, in shopping for holiday gift-giving, I’ve noticed a resurgence of white in Christmas decorations. Perhaps we’re drawn to the purity, the absence of color, or just the dynamic of white as a color itself.
And so it is, that I’m sharing the presence of white this week beginning with the photo above of a barely open white magnolia blossom.
White… is not a mere absence of colour; it is a shining and affirmative thing, as fierce as red, as definite as black.
G. K. Chesterton
I call white the most powerful non-color; it’s clean, optimistic, powerful.
Jason Wu
I never met a color I didn’t like.
Dale Chihuly
Life is about using the whole box of colors.
RuPaul
If winter comes, can spring be far behind?
Percy Bysshe Shelley
Even though whites can be difficult to photograph because they can turn slightly gray or yellow, I’m still drawn to the purity of the color white and the way white objects catch the light. The presence of white excites me, making me more aware of other colors right there in front of me.
Thanks for checking out my entry in this week’s Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #125: You Pick It. For more takes on this theme, go to Tina’s blog, Travels and Trifles, to learn about Wabi-Sabi through her examples and commentary. If you want to contribute to the challenge, link your post to hers and add the tag Lens-Artists.
May you find the beauty of white wherever you are.
Rusha
Leya
Absolutely excellent, Rusha! Beautiful images and interestingly white!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. I really am drawn to white, especially white flowers.
Leya
And you do it so well!
JohnRH
WOW. Great theme, great photos, GREAT quotes. Very well done.
Oh, the Places We See
I need to frame this comment! Wow! Thanks so much, John. I really didn’t know what to write about, but I do have a fondness for white flowers, maybe white everything.
pattimoed
Gorgeous gallery, Rusha. Each one is a gem. Lovely! White is so striking. A great idea for your series.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much, Patti. I’m drawn to white flowers for some reason.
Toonsarah
A great choice of theme and lovely images, especially the magnolias 🙂 I really like your selection of quotations too. The Shelley one seems particularly apposite this winter, as we look to a hopefully brighter spring
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much for commenting. I, too, think the magnolia is the best photo. But after I published, I realized I had omitted a pic from Mykonos. Oh, well. Maybe next time.
Toonsarah
There’ll always be a next time 😀
Sue
Oh, excellent idea, and some great images!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much, Sue. After I published, I realized I had thought of Mikonos first and then forgot to include it. Do you ever do stuff like that?
Sue
All the time, Rusha!
restlessjo
Fabulous, Rusha! The flowers make me melt 🙂 🙂 Happy Sunday!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. I’m drawn to white flowers, especially when things are just starting to awaken after a dreary winter. And these two made me smile. Hope all is well with you, and you’re preparing for December!
restlessjo
I can’t make my thoughts focus on December because I really don’t know if I’ll be able to be with my youngest or not. Christmas will either be a whirl of last minute activity or spent here in the Algarve. 🙁
Oh, the Places We See
Here’s hoping all works out for you. These really are tough times.
Ana
Great and interesting post!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much! It’s fun to look through old pictures. And to receive nice notes from good bloggers like you.
CompassAndCamera
Love these photos and the ensemble you’ve created! Just beautiful!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. I had fun looking back with a specific color in mind. I’m a bit behind reading your posts, but Thanksgiving took a lot more time than I had planned. Oh, well. I’m back and ready for more Compass and Camera.
Prior...
Rusha – I like your idea for the white and the White Star White Magnolia was my fav today – it had moody shadows and just a calming energy – but the whole post was creative
Oh, the Places We See
Thank you! You’ve made my day I’m sort of behind in reading other blogs right now since I’m working on Christmas. But I’ll get to your again soon. Promise.
Prior...
Take your time because I have nkt done my post yet! And was just at janet’s blog and she did white theme too! You both have me thinking now!!
Oh, the Places We See
You can do it!!!!!
Prior...
Hi – take your time dropping by – but I did do the white theme after all – and thanks to you and Janet – ha!
but make sure you get your xmas stuff done and also other things — because we all know that the blog world will be here – and also – if we neglect other things it pulls from our essence – so all about balance – 🙂
Oh, the Places We See
You’re so right. It IS about balance, and right now, I’m pulled in several directions. It will all work out, though, and we’ll have happy holidays ready or not!
Prior...
And I think you did the right thing by squeezing in a nice lens artist post!
It makes me sad when bloggers cannot visit other bloggers and they let that keep them away! No! Visiting is only one part and at times might take a back seat- then other times it might be what we are really in the mood for, ya know?
But I have learned that posting even when you can’t visit allows for other things to unfold 😉
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks for these words. I stopped blogging for a year because I was overwhelmed with job, family, etc. I don’t want to fall into that feeling again.
Prior...
yes – same here – all about balance
Prior...
Not sure if the other comment made it – but the initiator thing is to post as you feel led and not worry about visiting –
dawnkinster
My favorites are the lighthouse and the magnolia.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks. I loved both of those as well. I may have that magnolia put onto canvas through Shutterfly. I’ve never tried it, but now’s a good time. Hope your plans for December are coming together. I always appreciate your comments.
dawnkinster
I have heard the quality of stuff like that is really good at Costco for less $. Haven’t tried it though.
Tina Schell
Oh so lovely Rusha – white IS a very difficult subject to capture but you’ve done so beautifully. I loved the spot of pink on the balcony, which only emphasizes the white surrounding it. And of course your magnolias!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks, Tina. I really am drawn to white objects, especially flowers, but color makes my heard sing as well. Thanks for continual inspiration.
Annie and Steven Berger
I’m not much of a photographer but I love artwork and these pictures are definitely works of art.
Thanks for sharing.
Steve
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks fir that nice comment. I’m a budding photographer. Mostly I take pics of events to post on social media. But I’m inspired by these ladies who are terrific photographers. I’ve learned so much from them.