Ecstasy at Twilight

Ecstasy at Twilight  - Image c Lynda Lehmann 

Sometimes the sunset is so complex, poignant, and compelling to look at that it has the power to move us like a love poem or a wonderful new song.  I have long been fascinated by the fact that each sunset is different and although I have borne witness to hundreds if not a thousand of them, they never cease to captivate me. Each one feels like a rebirth or an epiphany, making me aware of the mystery and complexity of life and our universe. 

Note: You can click on each photo to see a larger version. All images and text on this blog are copyrighted material, and may be used only with written permission, except where syndication rights have been granted. All other rights reserved. Please visit my sites listed in my sidebar if you would like to see my paintings and more of my photography and digital art, or make a purchase.

Enchantment Before Twilight

Bathed in Evening Light - Lynda Lehmann c 2011

 
NOTE:  I have picked these two photos from my archives to post with this poem, as I could not shoot while paddling.  But they don't do justice to the beautiful play of light, water and sky I witnessed on this occasion.  Nor do my words suffice, but I write them in homage.

Enchantment

Thunderheads form and morph: vast cumulonimbus canyons turn from white to gray to orange or silver-rimmed.  They stand silent, at a distance.  Evening sunlight's warm caress, wraps a golden light over the emerald island: a jewel-like scene that seems to shimmer with benevolence and promise.  Verdant glowing hues band outward from the island's shore, reflected with sky tones and bands of gold and black in the flowing stream.

Pale violet clouds in cauliflower forms bifurcate and move higher, until they reach the towering nimbus state.  
So far beneath them, paddling the lake in my tiny blue kayak, I feel my smallness.  
Each dip of my paddle brings up droplets that make whirlpools as they fall back onto the water's surface.  A line of whirlpools ripples smaller as each moves forward from the first set of spreading circles.  I can hear each drop fall and watch it meld.  Ensconced in the drama of whirlpools and lace-like water doilies, my boat is couched in a pattern of of subtle movement: energy waves strong enough to be visible, yet insignificant to the larger universe.  Yet, with my persistent stroke, I have made them.  I watch the forms disperse as they merge back into the infinite and undulating sea. I do not have the power of nimbus clouds, but I make my own music, just the same.
I feel complete, ensconced in the luxury of light show and water symphony, while the sky plays its pastel counterpoint.  
It's hard for me to believe there's room for conflict, greed, and suffering in this world, while I am surrounded by all that seems holy.  
-- Poem c Lynda Lehmann 2011 

Enchantment - Image c 2010 Lynda Lehmann

All images and text on this blog are copyrighted material, and may be used only with written permission from me, except where syndication rights have been granted. All other rights reserved. Please visit my sites at http://www.absolutearts.com/lyndalehmann/ or http://LyndaLehmann.imagekind.com/ if you would like to see my acrylic paintings and more of my photography and digital art. Or you can Google my name to see my other sites and links. I hope you enjoyed your visit to my blog.

Life as Paradox

Into Shadow - Lynda Lehmann c 2011

Light Play - Lynda Lehmann c 2011

Day's Aftermath - Lynda Lehmann c 2011

Every ending is also a beginning, and every beginning eventually culminates in some state of change and fullness before moving to its finish and conclusion.  Hence the cycles and paradoxes of Life.  A sunset is beautiful and inspiring, yet reminds us of Life's transience.  So it becomes bittersweet, taking on a yin-yang of both positive and negative connotations.  Maybe the best metaphors are like that, ambiguous but meaningful on multiple levels.  To me, a beautiful sunset suggests the cycles of infinite Life moving through time and space, seeking more of itself.  And we ourselves, are reflected in both the glowing waters of sunset, and in the ebb and flow of Life. 
Peace and joy to you.  - Lynda 

Awesome Sky - Lynda Lehmann 2011

All images and text on this blog are copyrighted material, and may be used only with written permission, except where syndication rights have been granted. All other rights reserved. Please visit my primary site at http://www.lyndalehmann.com/gallery if you would like to see my acrylic paintings and more of my photography and digital art. I hope you enjoyed your visit to my blog!

Sunsets of the Heart

Clarity of Spirit - Image c Lynda Lehmann

Evening Enchantment - Image c Lynda Lehmann

What do you think of when you see a gorgeous sunset?  Do you feel joyous?  Or do you become a bit wistful, or maybe downright forlorn?  Maybe you feel regrets for the past or hopes for the future.  Or a nameless mix of strong emotions that you would not even try to identify....

For me the latter is the case.  So many attitudes, perceptions, and emotions seem to surface in the face of that glory: a brilliant, flaming sky that signifies the end of another day of the life cycle.  It's hard to separate or put into words what I'm thinking or feeling.  Yet I'm grateful for the inspiration and catharsis of it.

I will think of all my blogging friends when I bear witness to the sunset tonight, and wish for each of you to experience much beauty and peace in your lives.

All images and text on this blog are copyrighted material, and may be used only with written permission by the author/artist, except where syndication rights have been granted. All other rights reserved. Please visit my primary art site www.lyndalehmann.com if you would like to see my paintings and more of my photography and digital art.

Ode to Earth: Peace on the Lake

Almost Twilight - Image c Lynda Lehmann

Crimson and Indigo - Image c Lynda Lehmann

Sky - Image c Lynda Lehmann

The Poetry of Twilight - Image c Lynda Lehmann

Beneath the Surface - Image c Lynda Lehmann

A Pristine Land - Image c Lynda Lehmann

River Winds Towards Twilight - Image c Lynda Lehmann

Autumn Bliss - Image c Lynda Lehmann

Path of a Cloud Shadow - Image c Lynda Lehmann

O crystal blue sky dome,
fill my lungs with fresh air.

O sparkling clear waters,
dazzle my eyes.

O lush, waving grasses,
cushion my feet.

O fragrant soft blossoms,
delight my nose.

O gurgling river,
sing joy to my heart.

O steadfast boulders,
inspire my strength.

O crimson sunset,
stir me to prayer.

O precious Earth Mother,
nurture my life!

Image and text c 2009 Lynda Lehmann


All images and text c Lynda Lehmann. If you would like to view more of my art or make a purchase, please visit Lynda Lehmann Painting and Photography or my gallery at Imagekind, where you can choose from several sizes and paper types or buy my prints plain or matted and framed.

Evidence of the Infinite

Evidence of the Infinite - Image c Lynda Lehmann.

Although my husband works from 7:30 in the morning until between 4:30 and 6:00 every evening, we try to make time for at least a half-hour sunset boat ride. After a full day of construction work, dirt, and stress, it's good for the soul!

Here's a glorious expanse of sky at sunset that makes one ponder the mysteries at the heart of the universe. At least in has that effect on me..... Shot from a rocking aluminum row boat in the middle of a Maine lake. I never tire of photographing sunsets or golden-rimmed clouds: it's a form of madness. I hope it inspires you as it did me.

I have a whole series of images from just this one magnificent sunset that changed from moment to moment like a vast kaleidoscope. I hope to post these soon, so you can see the amazing variety of spectacle that unfolded within a short period of time, maybe 15 minutes or so. I'm finding the time to post a lot this week, at least so far, but please don't feel any pressure to comment on all of them!

Image c Lynda Lehmann. If you would like to view more of my art or make a purchase, please visit Lynda Lehmann Painting and Photography or my gallery at Imagekind, where you can buy my prints plain, or matted and framed .

Wading in the Primordial Pool, Bear Road, and Other Sights from Maine

Occasionally we are presented with a particular view or glimpse of nature that seems to tap on the universal stream of human history, consciousness, and striving. For me, the primordial pool is such a place: it evokes memories, longing, and dreams for the future. Taken at Diana's Baths in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Image and text c Lynda Lehmann.



A father and his young daughter revel in this beautiful, refreshing and exciting natural environment. The different configurations of boulders at Diana's Baths make the water cascade in so many patterns and rhythms, each with a different sound that together, create a symphony. Nature has many voices and projects its magic into every nook!



Both the fields in the foreground and the mountains unfolding in the distance, are bathed in the yellows and oranges of a brilliant and inspiring sunset. Taken in the Lakes Region of Maine.



The surface of this tree, pecked, furrowed, and encrusted with mossy bark, makes an interesting topography. To me it looks like vast tracts of rolling hills punctuated with river and forest. Part of "The Living Surface" series.



Several recent reports of a black bear mother and four cubs make walking down this country road a bit less appetizing! Though it would be fascinating to see them, a mother with her cubs in the vicinity is more likely to attack. Appetizing for the bears, maybe....


If you would like to view more of my art or make a purchase, please visit Lynda Lehmann Painting and Photography or my galleries at My Imagekind Gallery or My Artist Rising Gallery, where you can buy my prints plain, or matted and framed.

As we all know, life takes over and there are times when blogging has to be put on the back burner. I think this is only the second or third time I've posted in that many months. I have yet to write my Roadside Ramblings post, but I thought I'd at least share these images with you. They're all recent uploads to my art sites and I just grabbed the captions. I'm still behind on awards and other blogging matters, but I think that what matters the most is to post and stay in touch with other bloggers. I've missed my blogging friends and hope you've all had a happy and creative summer. Ours has passed in a hail of steady, heavy rain and messy construction activities!

Last Light: A Spiritual Twilight

An inspiring and incredibly beautiful sunset, seen from the middle of a lake in southern Maine, near Sebago Lake. Image c Lynda Lehmann.

I haven't had much time to post or make the rounds this past six weeks, but hope to make up for lost time! I'll be starting a series of posts called "Forest Views & Roadside Ramblings," just as soon as I can get around to it. I hope you're all having a great summer!


Image c Lynda Lehmann. If you would like to view more of my art or make a purchase, please visit Lynda Lehmann Painting and Photography or my gallery at Imagekind, where you can buy my prints plain, or matted and framed.

"Last Light" at Saatchi Gallery Showdown

I've entered "Last Light" into the next round of the Saatchi Showdown. If you like it, you can vote for it on a scale from one to ten, ten being the highest. Votes for this round start on 12-17 and end on 12-24. This abstract acrylic has an optical quality. I painted it on 18 x 24 inch gallery-wrapped canvas. It was inspired by the rose, orange, and azure hues reflected on the lake surface after sunset. The play of colors in the water is like a light show, though the feeling it gives is much more moving and profound. Image c 2006 Lynda Lehmann.

With two clicks, you can vote for it here: http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/showdown/index.php?showpic=105775 . Your kindness and support are much appreciated! If you don't have time, I understand!

A Time of Peace

Peace settles over the lake at dusk, like a balm to the soul. Except for the occasional plaintive call of a loon from far away, there is only a deep and penetrating silence. The forest settles into shadow while rich swaths of color still play in the western sky. Image and text c Lynda Lehmann.

I've been posting a lot this week. I love to share the beauty of nature and I blog whenever I have the time. I certainly don't want anyone to feel pressured to comment when I'm putting up so many posts. But I do hope you enjoy my photos!

This image is available at my primary site at www.lyndalehmann.com, as an 8 x 10 inch print in archival inks, matted (acid-free) to 11 x 14 inches and ready for framing. You can also purchase it at Imagekind un-matted, matted, or framed.

Seeking Serenity

The serenity of twilight, a time when the light of day fades into that magic in-between period when dreams start to form and summon the darkness and somnolence of night...

I feel serene tonight and don't have much to say--doesn't happen often--but I wanted to post this shot anyway.

Hope it makes you feel peaceful, as it does me... Image c Lynda Lehmann. Unmatted print, 8 x 11 inches. I can crop it to an 8 x 10 print and mat it for you, but it will lose some of its panoramic quality. Available at http://www.lyndalehmann.com/

A Pristine Land

When I see such a clear and clean view, no litter or pollution apparent to the naked eye and the air sweet and pungent with the scent of pine, I wonder how the land looked 200 years ago, before the Industrial Revolution. I can not begin to imagine the sparkling natural beauty of the landscape. Imagine how much happier we would be if we were PART of this environment, cherishing, protecting, and enjoying it, instead of using it up for profit or simply moving THROUGH it at jet speed. Image c Lynda Lehmann. Lakes region of Maine.

Visit http://www.lyndalehmann.com/ if you would like to see more of my work, or purchase this print! You can buy it framed at http://lyndalehmann.imagekind.com/

Solitude

I just wanted to share this beauty of a Maine sunset with you. The backlit clouds and their reflection on the lake surface were just glorious!

I love being in a place where the fabric of the land is not torn and tattered, where the Earth's skin is still (relatively) healthy and brimming with life. No litter, no crowds, no noise: just the gentle wind on your face, reflections silver on the smooth water, and a panorama of the heavens unfolding on the twilit sky. You can have a sense of yourself in relation to the universe, and tune in to your thoughts in a meditative way that's not often possible, with all the distractions of modern life.

How will we preserve what's left of our natural heritage, for future generations? Please look into joining one of the environmental groups I have listed on the sidebar of this page, or one of the many others concerned with Earth stewardship, to make your voice heard!

Image c 2007 Lynda Lehmann.

Glory Sky

My husband and I are in Maine, where he is trying to transform a log cabin of sorts into a livable house with modern heating and plumbing systems, new rooms and exterior, etc. The whole nine yards. All with his own labor--a monumental task!

But it's not all work; we take every opportunity to smell the roses (well, okay, the musk of the forest). We love Maine because in this state, the land still stretches in all directions, fertile, lush, and unspoiled by the excesses of people and civilization. Right now it's cloudy and cool up here, but I'll gladly take it over the heat of most of the northeast. Of course the ugly effects of global warming often reach into this region, and will surely do so more often in the future. But that's another story.

When we live here among the pines, we often retire early. I like to watch (through the window) the light of day fade from the lake and far shore, as the silence of the Maine night sets in like a balm to my soul.... Never have I heard such a profound and deep silence. A total silence, smooth and deep and calming. It's a silence you can count on. I like to wake up, just to listen! Of course, sometimes the plaintive calling of loons on the lake is a special treat. Or the wind, wailing out of the hills of New Hampshire's White Mountains, to the west of us.

I think it was Nietzsche who said "The one and only voice of God is silence." I believe he had that right.


If you like my photo and would like to purchase it, please feel free to ask me to post it on my Imagekind site. Text and image c Lynda Lehmann. http://lyndalehmann.imagekind.com