But is it Art?

Today the journal class met in a beautiful eucalyptus grove at the UCSC Arboretum, a place filled with exotic plants and bursting with gorgeous views. The instructor had set up her demo easel and was getting set to illustrate some point, when I noticed the delicate patterns cast by the tree--fantastically intricate lines, and lovely soft shadows. I took a couple shots and then the discussions shifted to why this was an excellent composition--the eye is led artfully around the page, there is plenty of contrast, good white space, lines both thick and thin. There followed several more hours, but none, I think, as good as seeing this fugitive work.


I am armed, now, with a few more techniques to bring to journal keeping. The trick now is to do it!