Nature as Art

Dan Baumbach's recent abstract of a madrone inspired me to go out and take some tree closeups. Here is one of my favorite's: it's a big eucalyptus tree at the entrance to Golden Gate Park on 9th Avenue. Just a ten minute walk away in the De Young Museum are several paintings by Clyfford Still, an abstract expressionsist who painted in the 50's and 60's. I am struck by how similiar his painting are to this photographic genre. Check out my photo and some of his paintings that I have put below.

Clyfford Stills

Clyfford Stills

Clyfford Stills

Clyfford Stills

Tony,

I'm certainly not familiar with Still, but I can see the striking resemblance to the patterns in the bark that you captured.

I really like the patterns and variety of colors you captured in your image Tony. Hard to tell at this size, but this looks a little soft to me. And although a personal choice, I think you could get away with a little more contrast and saturation. But that's minor.

Lon

I can definitely see the similarities in the first Still image posted. Those trees look like they'd be fun to search for interesting abstracts. I like the general shapes, colors and textures captured here. I might try to add a little additional sharpening to the LLC... that looks a little softer than the rest.