Umbrella Tree

I had fun doing this one. Started with a photo of a bare winter tree, and went from there. :D

(signed with "Benni" as that is the name I use in my art group)

B&W Tulips

This was just a vase of yellow tulips -- had fun playing with it. :)

(signed with "Benni" as that is the name I use in my art group)

Fierce Lioness

I've dabbled again for the first time in a long time. 

I loved the results so much that I decided to post it! :)

Taking a break

Yes, I am taking a break for a while. I've been posting here, weekly, for almost 3 years and I feel like I'm getting burnt out. My creative juices have stopped flowing, they're not even a puddle!

I'll post again when I have a brilliant 'light bulb' moment (ok, a nightlight moment).

I'll still be following your posts and keeping in touch. :)

Later ya'll ........

West Texas Dust Storm

This is a stock photo of a dust storm in west Texas in 1935 -- something we get quite often here. 

I tried an HDR effect which gave it interesting coloring and added a Corners Picture Frame.

Train

Played with an HDR effect -- I don't know why, but

I think black and white looks better than color.

Purple Floral

Rustic Cabin

Gave this an artwork look plus built the frame for it using textures. :)

Red Tree

Added several effects to make this pop -- hope you like! :)

Night Hunter

I downloaded some new water brushes and had a good play with them. :)

Cherry Tree

River Crossing

I'm not sure if I like the 'slats' effect here or not.

It is an interesting effect but takes away from the full photo.

One Hundred Ways

ONE HUNDRED WAYS

Compliment what she does
Send her roses just because
If it's violins she loves let them play
Dedicate her fav'rite song and hold
Her closer all night long
Lover her today
Find one hundred ways

sung by James Ingram

Windy Day

Very hot and windy here in west Texas -- I'm ready for Fall temps, for sure!

My Hat

I started with just the background wall and floor, then added the other

four elements. Then used several filters to get the finished result. :)

My Hat!

The hats of a man may be many
In the course of a varied career,
And some have been worth not a penny
And some have been devilish dear;
But there's one hat I always remember
When sitting alone by the fire.
In the depth of a Northern November,
Because it fulfilled my desire.

It was old, it was ragged and rotten
And many years out of mode,
Like a thing that a tramp had forgotten
And left at the side of a road.
The boughs of the mulga had torn it,
It's ribbon was naught but lace,
And old swaggie would not have worn it
Without a sad smile on his face.
 

When I took off the hat to the ladies
It was rather with sorrow than swank,
And often I wished it in Hades
When the gesture drew only a blank;
But for swatting a fly on the tucker
Or lifting a quart from the fire
Or belting the ribs of a bucker
It was all that a man could desire.

William Henry Ogilvie

Needlepoint

I used several effects and some drawing to make the photo look like a needlepoint project. :)

Cherry Blossoms

This was just a photo of cherry blossoms on a white background.

I used a swirl effect and built the frame to look like a wooden plaque.

Tea Time

Black Velvet Painting

I remember the black velvet painting craze in the 1970's.

This is my digital version of one.

Hitchin' a ride

and he thought "Hmmm.... there otter be another way.......