Pink Hibiscus

Pink Hibiscus © 2010 Bo Mackison

Hibiscus have been the size of dinner plates this summer. And in the brightest of colors, too. This hibiscus was photographed at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison Wisconsin.

Blue Lupine Abstract

Blue Lupine Wildflowers in North Cascades National Park in Washington State

Lupine Abstract © 2010 Bo Mackison

While looking through my files for a few photographs to print for my upcoming art show, I accidentally popped open the catalogue of the photos  from the Pacific Northwest trip I took earlier this summer, and this abstract of a blue lupine opened on my screen. I was rather taken with the deep purple and blue botanical abstract on the green background.

It seems like only a few weeks ago I was knee deep in bright blues and greens, and now, suddenly, the world is shifting, taking on different shades – more muted, warmer colors — yellows and oranges — replacing the brightness of summer’s peak. So I wanted to share a reminder with you of this past early summer as we pitch headlong into autumn.

Blue lupine photographed on the side of the road in North Cascades National Park, Washington. Mid-June, 2010.

Shasta Daisies, Desaturated

Daisies

Daisies, Desaturated © 2010 Bo Mackison

After those photographs of that shockingly bright red zinnia, I thought I would offer a little eye relief. Here is a stand of daisies I photographed from my backyard garden, using a de-saturation technique to decrease the color tones and force focus on the shapes of the flowers.

The Shasta daisies in this perennial patch have bloomed in record times and have grown to record heights. Daisies always bring a smile to my face. I’m reminded of the fake plastic daisy plants of the 70s – the ones that had happy faces painted on them and danced in their plastic psychedelic pots when the battery was switched on.

Anyone remember what tune those potted daisies always seemed to play? (Obviously not “Tip Toe through the Tulips!”)

Complementary Zinnia

Red Zinnia in Red and Green

Complementary © 2010 Bo Mackison

Fifth in a series of this red zinnia. Photographed at Allen Centennial Gardens in Madison, Wisconsin.

Peony Petals in Eau Claire’s Biennial Showcase

Peony Petals © 2010 Bo Mackison

My abstract botanical photograph, Peony Petals, can currently be seen at the following exhibit:

2010 CONFLUENCE OF ART BIENNIAL
Juried Exhibit

August 16 – October 8

The second juried exhibition at the Eau Claire Regional Arts Center Gallery, the Biennial showcases artists from the Upper Midwest. The Biennial was created as a way to bring a wider range of contemporary artists and art to the Chippewa Valley.

THE OPENING RECEPTION AND AWARDS CEREMONY WILL BE HELD SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, FROM 6 TO 8 p.m. This event is free to the public.

The Eau Claire Regional Arts Center Gallery is located on the main floor of the State Theatre in the historic downtown of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The art exhibits feature pieces from the finest local and regional artists. Artwork ranges from oil to watercolor, pastel to pen and ink, fiber to glass, tapestry to sculpture, and photography to mixed-media. Artwork is available for sale in the Art Gallery, with 30-40% of the sales benefiting the Eau Claire Regional Arts Center.

The Art Gallery is open Monday through Friday (closed Mondays through the summer) from 9 AM until 4:30 PM and during main stage performances at the State Theatre.