Seaweed pattern

At the water’s edge (7)

This seaweed ‘portrait’ (‘The pilgrim at prayer’) is exactly as observed at low tide – nothing added and nothing taken away (except the sand!)

At the water’s edge (6)

This seaweed ‘picture’ (‘The White Knight’) is exactly as observed at low tide – nothing added an d nothing taken away (except the sand!) The colours have been changed to highlight the contrast. Other titles/interpretations are obviously possible.

At the water’s edge (3)

For an introduction to this series see 25th October

The Ballerina

At the water’s edge

A beach at low tide often presents a wide range of interesting shapes and patterns. Sometimes strands of seaweed, particularly in silhouette, can suggest the outlines of characters, objects or landscape features. In these instances I have retained the original shapes but have removed or neutralized the background. Otherwise there have been no additions or subtractions to the original photos.

The Age of the Selfie

Gift-wrapped Nature’s way

Abstract 258

Click the image to enlarge

Abstract ‘The Chase’

This abstract is derived from a clump of red seaweed.  The shape of the clump has not been changed in any way but a fewpatches of colour have been added to suggest the riders.

Colour, shapes and textures on the rocks

Draped seaweed, exposed at low tide, often displays a range of rich colours and fantastical shapes that contrast with the barnacled or striated rock beneath.

 

 

 

 

 

Abstract 212

Abstract 197 ‘Space Odyssey’

This abstract is derived from the pattern of strands of seaweed on the shore/

Click the image to enlarge

Abstract 171 ‘Circus performer’

Natural seaweed pattern but with colours for costume added.

Seaweed patterns

These two ‘abstract’ patterns are derived from photos of seaweed attached to a breakwater and exposed only at low water.  I was attracted by the variety of shapes, colours and textures.

Abstract 180

This ‘abstract’ image is derived from Nature’s random distribution of organic remnants  as the tide has receded.  I find considerable aesthetic pleasure in the balanced pattern of shapes, lines, colours and textures.  [It made me wonder what inspired the paintings of Joan Miro?!] See also Abstract 177

Abstract 175

Many of my seaweed images use dead or dessicated material and the attraction lies in the sketchy patterns formed against a plain background.  However, this image is derived from a photo of wet seaweed on a rock.  The colours, lines, patterns and textures combine to produce a beautiful abstract composition.

Click the image to enlarge.

Seaweed abstract ‘The Confidants’

As with earlier posts, such as The Mystic and The Mendicant, this is a seaweed pattern as found.  Nothing has been added and nothing taken away  –  except the sand (a few grains of which have been retained).  A touch of saturation has been applied.

Seaweed tiara

Wisps of seaweed can assume interesting patterns/shapes.

We’re off to see the Wizard

I was attracted to this patch of seaweed by the range of colours, shapes and textures.  It was only when I was processing the image later that I noticed the wizard/magician/Merlin figure.

Click to enlarge

Abstract 172

Another seaweed inspired abstract but this time with an emphasis on colour.

Abstract 169 ‘Taking off!’

My love of pattern, especially natural/abstract pattern, will be apparent to anyone familiar with my posts.  One of the richest sources is the seashore, particularly at low tide.  The ebbing tide frequently leaves behind interesting seaweed formations  –  interesting for their shapes and for the strands of varying thickness and texture.

To maximise the impact, I often choose to isolate the pattern and set it against a white background.  It is a painstaking process but one I enjoy.

Although I sometimes suggest a narrative title (as in this case) it is almost invariably an afterthought and is probably unnecessary.  Certainly my enjoyment derives from the pattern itself.