River Sand Abstract
Winter abstract - A river sandbar

“Abstract painting is abstract. It confronts you. There was a reviewer a while back who wrote that my pictures didn’t have any beginning or any end. He didn’t mean it as a compliment, but it was.” — Jackson Pollock

Sometimes a pattern in nature speaks to you in such a way that triggers you to record its image without knowing at that moment exactly what the core appeal is. It’s later during post-processing you try to assemble the raw elements into the image your mind and soul saw or imagined. Sometimes it works, other times you’re nibbling around the edge but can’t seem to fully embrace the original vision.

This winter abstract of sand from a river sandbar was one of those that I spend much time on — changing, starting over and changing again. I finally reached a point where I’m satisfied with it, but I still find myself staring at it and wondering if I changed this or that would it be better.

For the moment, it stands as it is.

Have a great weekend everyone!

11 Comments

  1. I like the grainy texture of the image. The details, partially revealed, make a very interesting pattern and appealing abstract. To me its a very good composition with nice color and detail…i like it as is!

  2. This is very cool Earl. I like how the larger shapes resemble leaves.

  3. You had me with the Pollack quote. Nice job Earl and great reference.

  4. It’s an interesting thought this, no beginning, no end…. Hope you get a nice weekend too, Earl.

  5. I so know how you feel. I get to the spot which is good enough for now, but then months later i find i tweak again, usually going back to where i first stopped. Have a great weekend.

  6. Beau contraste entre couleurs chaudes et froides. Une texture qui donne envie de souffler sur l’image.

  7. Beautiful photography, well composed, superb treatment bravo!

  8. Some abstracts ask the viewer to stay and linger, studying what’s within. This image does that. It’s also one I would like to see in a large print. I’m one of those photographers who is learning to see the wonder in the simple everyday scenes in life. I expect you could return to this same spot everyday for a month and create a different image each time. Well done, Earl, and I did have a good weekend.

    • Monte, thanks! I think the only limits to creating different and wonderful images of any spot is our own imagination and vision. Developing that skill to look and see the normal as special is a continuing project of mine. :-)