(click on image for a larger and more detailed view)
*the modern, gritty, winter version.
Which is not at all like the *original Tangled Garden that inspired the title: a painting made almost 100 years ago, all brush strokes and rich autumn colours. The image here is urban: all road salt and gravelly snow at the edges of the concrete city. ‘Painted’ in 1/20th of a second at the press of a button.
But it would be very difficult to create this image again. The landscape and the light change continually. The synthesis of camera movement and car speed would never quite be the same. To me there is something hopeful and lovely about the whole gritty mess; a push and pull between the focused and blurred, between earth and snow. I like, too, how the subtle flecks of gold graze some of the vegetation – the last bit of light before it falls away. And the idea of painting with a camera, and making images that we might not actually see otherwise (but perhaps still feel).
© Karen McRae, 2015
draw and shoot 
It’s beautiful, and there’s so much to think about here. I like the idea of making images that we might not see, but somehow feel. And you could say the Impressionists did that, but it’s different with a camera, as you point out.
Thank you, Lynn.
This image feels transitional to me – like the edges of all sorts of things bumping up against one another: nature and humanity, winter and spring, painting and photography…
I should have spent more time fleshing out the words to go with the photograph, but I’m still thinking about how it makes me feel.
Yes. I was just discussing the roadside mess and what it means/looks like/how it feels, as well. Brava!
There’s something about that roadside mess, isn’t there. I’m happy you relate to this is some way, thank you, Elena.
Wonderful scene Karen
meant to add, this is what I’d paint – my kind of scene.
Thanks very much, Mary! I’m glad you like it, it must speak to you in some way if it’s a scene you would want to paint; That’s a lovely comment to make.
I see the resemblance to the other Tangled garden in that arcing flower head in the middle foreground. Wonderful!
Yes, that arcing flower head is the bit that makes them relate in some way, that caught my eye too! : ) Thanks for your comment, Anne Rose.
Superb entanglement, my dear Karen! 🙂
Hi Marina, thank you so much, I’m glad you like it! : )
This gives me a strangely warm floating feeling even though it sounds so very chilly Karen.
Thank you, Jane,I like your thoughts. That last bit of warm light from the winter sun… There’s something hopeful about seeing last year’s vegetation making it through the winter, even all tangled and gritty.
Wow, how dynamic here !
Yes you are right, Karen. We are seeing this in our subconscious,
that’s why this image appeals us straight.
Hi Yoshizen. Thank you for your thoughts, I’m glad that you find the image appealing. For some reason I am quite drawn to this one.
Wonderful image, Karen! I love these camera paintings and sketches…
Thanks so much, Mic, it’s so fun to use a camera this way and I’m happy you find the images of interest. I’d like to see this one printed large, I think.
love your philosophy! “painting with a camera” and making images that aren’t seen but are Felt…. How Inspiring! The image you created is just beautiful.
Thank you, Deb. I’m not sure I express my thoughts in writing very well (they are tangled too!) but I’m really happy you like the photograph and find it inspiring.
It’s a wonderful image and I’m all for work that shows how things feel rather than how they look. And I must say I like your image much more than the painting you linked to!
Thanks, Ashley. : ) I am liking this one too.
I have stood before the painting I have linked to and it’s quite beautiful in real life. It’s rather ‘Canadiana’, I suppose.
(I didn’t want to use the title without giving credit – the relation between the images is merely in the bend of a stem…)
Wild and golden-beautiful. It feels so very alive!
Both wild and tamed, I guess. Thank you, Steven, I appreciate your thoughts!
Painting with light, seeing, abstractions and reality. I truly enjoy your artistic eye, Karen. Thanks.
Jane, thank you for taking the time to look and respond, I’m really glad you enjoy my work! : )
I see many pictures on your paintings. There are many bears on this painting :). Always love it.
As pure as the driven
snow but
nothing so pure as
being purpose-driven.
“the idea of painting with a camera, and making images that we might not actually see otherwise (but perhaps still feel).”
This is precisely why I love Lensbabies so much. I was just trying to
explain to someone why you would choose to use such a thing rather than attempt to get a “perfect digital negative” (their words–terrifying concept in my mind) and achieve any “effects” in post. For me, it is all about the moment. That instant, that juxtaposition of uncountable elements, that un-repeatable moment. I think that if you do not get this, then explanation is somewhat futile. You’ve missed the point already. You’ve missed the moment.
“Maybe that is the point and the purpose of being a poet; to describe what can’t ever be again.”
–Barbara Lansky
I think this perfectly applies to photographers as well. Even if they’ve missed it.
Peace–
Snow works well with your work!
Amazingly mesmerizing, and indeed it does look like that.
I love the idea of painting with the camera – this is a powerful, stirring example. Tough, vigorous beauty.
I love your car photos like paintings, Karen. I more feel them than se them – they give me more contact with my soul..with something bigger.. can you feel that? :-)<3
A very interest photograph and concept Karen. It works wonderfully!
Draw and shoot and dream 🙂
beautiful, I love the golden light. I can’t remember who, if anyone called photography ‘painting with light’, but here it is so true.
Beautiful photo and equally beautiful words Karen..