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Local Inspiration
Fall Finale
An illustrious morning at an often visited cottonwood tree. All the years of waiting to catch this adored scene in the fullness of fall splendor have paid off in this moment. As the predawn light reflects off the clouds overhead casting the landscape in a soft magenta hue I’m overwhelmed with gratitude.
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
Summer Song
A rare cool, wet summer in the plains of Colorado create a blanket of fog around one of my most beloved trees amidst a carpet of lush green. The fresh damp air this morning reminds me of the perfect relationship between all living things. A balance and dependence that extends down to every living things breath.
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
Just Around the Corner
I have often visited this particularly ordinary but still charactered cottonwood tree. I have a sense that I am visiting an old friend when I do so. Through many of life’s seasons, the high’s and low’s I have sat beneath her outstretched branches to simply be still.
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
Frozen in Time
A deep freeze on the plains of the Colorado Rockies sculpts an amazing patterns on any moisture it touches. The remains of a lone sunflower held tightly in the grip of winter, rests atop a paper thin but delicately crafted ice mache. On a morning such as this it is hard to believe there can ever be anything else but the desaturated world of winter. Against all odds life anew shall overcome yet again in the Spring as the earth is Renewed once more. The seasons are indeed wonderful bringing with them a balance and order. Teaching familiar but easily forgotten lessons to hearts of those who are attentive.
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
A Fresh Coat
A heavy Spring snow storm drops several inches of wet snow. The storm was intense enough at times that it caused nearly white out conditions. The soft tones and low contrast of the image make this photograph appear more like a painting. Beauty is always around us just waiting to be discovered or for the right conditions to awaken to my fickle eyes.
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
Winter Solace
An isolated tree dances through a late Winter blizzard. As the external world is drastically simplified so this storm unexpectedly and strangely calms and comforts me deep within. My fears and anxiety are subdued amidst the high winds and rapid snowfall. Enveloped in a wonder chaos of wonder I understand the solace of the tree, making it, if only for this moment my own.
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
Winter's Sketchbook
Surrendering to the storm this old pine has each delicate branch coated in a contrast of white. The sound of the heavy snow landing on the hood of my jacket is hypnotically peaceful.
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
Simple Winter Morning
Standing on the shores of cherry creek reservoir was utterly frigid but breathtakingly beautiful. I lingered for so long and until the layers of ice fog stopped rolling off the lake. My poor old dog who faithfully sat by my side and so silently I forgot he was there. I started to pack up I looked down at his frozen face. It was completely caked in ice, thick around his snout and eyes and looking a bit ghostly - this broke the serenity with laughter as he wagged his tail.
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
© copyright by Joseph Ondrako
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