Debra Martz Mugs

Michael Jackson Leather Shoes and Swarovski Socks by Debra Martz On loan from his estate and on display in a Las Vegas hotel on the strip. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Digital Art Photography 202220170411-IMG_7838-Edit.dng

Riding along on the St Charles StreetCar when Loylola University came into sight. I was a little late pulling the cable to alert the driver for stopping. We rolled on by Loyola and then Tulane stopping at the next available streetcar stop. So we backtracked by foot under the shade of the live oaks and took in the beautiful sights. Marquette Hall, the oldest campus building of Loyola University was completed in 1910 and most all classes were conducted here until Bobet Hall was completed in 1920. It is one of the most prominent buildings on campus which serves as the iconic image of the university. Today, Marquette primarily functions as an administrative building, but some classes are still held there and the main theatre used by the...

Pops 66 Soda by Debra Martz Travel along route 66 in Arcadia, Oklahoma and you will find this 66 foot tall soda structure weighing in at 4 tons. The stop includes over 600 varieties of soda displayed on a glass wall, restaurant, gas station and curio shop. Maybe some day I will pass by when the multi-colored neon structure is lit. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved

Flower Power by Debra Martz While visiting the Beaufort National Cemetery in South Carolina, this bouquet stood out so boldly among all the white grave markers/tombstones. They powerfully spoke...we were here, you are not forgotten, memories of you still brighten our day. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Flora"

Snowy Egret Performance by Debra Martz It might look like a performance but it's their attitude about territory that gets them up in the air and running sideways like this. Incoming one wanting to take over the fishing spot where the other was being successful. If there are several in close proximity, you will most likely get a show like this! Captured below the spillway at the Great Salt Plains State Park in northern Oklahome. Some digital enhancements have been done in Topaz Impressions but masking out the birds about 90% to keep them true to form. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Galleries/Collection "Feathered Friends2" 20201015-DSC_1157-Edit-2.tif

Cuchara is a charming, mountain village tucked away on the scenic byway 12 aka The Highway of Legends. There’s a quaint, one short street downtown area, consisting of several colorful shops, some lodging and a couple of restaurants. The town was established in 1883 and is at an elevation of 8,650 feet, situated on the eastern slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in south-central Colorado. Cucharas Pass, at almost 10,000 feet, is just a few miles south of the town. The town is surrounded by the San Isabel National Forest where my husband and I have traveled and explored numerous scenic forest service roads in the area. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Galleries/Collections: "Colorado" "Signs" 20210915-D...

Majestic Young Eagle by Debra Martz For me, even at a young, sub-adult age, this Bald Eagle appears majestic. It became the highlight of a day of bird watching. We had decided it was time to head home but why not make one more drive by the lake area behind the cabins? What a great decision! We were turning right into the parking area and stopped quickly at the sight of this Eagle on the bare tree branches. I very quietly exited the truck and was so appreciative that this regal beauty stayed at the top of this dead tree long enough for me to snap about a dozen images. Beautiful end to the day of bird watching. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends 2" 20211101-DSC_8259.ED Captured at...

I was walking around the south spillway area of the Great Salt Plains State Park when I noticed a number of Irises. I crossed the parking area to get to the first one and saw that they were growing at a number of the campsites. Created from my origianl photography using Topaz Studio and Impressions. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20210429-DSC_3403.NEF

Newly Opened Coneflower by Debra Martz The first of my white Coneflowers to bloom this spring. The deep green foliage seems to illuminate the white flower that much more. Digital enhancement applied to bring out the details. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Galleries/Collections: "Flora" "Digital Art Photography" 2021-06-12ConeFlower-3582

Common Whitetail Dragonfly by Debra Martz The Common Whitetail dragonfly is seen across much of North America, with a striking and unusual appearance. The male's chunky white body (about 2 inches long), combined with the brownish-black bands on its translucent wings, give it a checkered look. The white on the abdomen, found only in mature males, is displayed to other males as a territorial threat. I saw several different dragonflies this day while actually out bird watching along the Eagle Roost Trail in the Salt Plains National Wildlife Reserve in northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20210622-DSC_4038-dng

Towering Sunflower by Debra Martz While spending a week in La Veta, Colorado in late September, I passed this sunflower a number of times. I had never seen a sunflower taller than the roofline of a house! Finally, drove intentionally there to stop for a photo. On private property, so I shot from the sidewalk from my eye level though it would have been neat to shoot from directly under it. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Flora 20210919-DSC_5337.NEF

Some Bunny Loves Flowers by Debra Martz This little cottontail rabbit had been on the other side of my backyard enjoying my Petunias. It ate a number of the blooms before hopping across the yard making stops along the way to check out other flowers. I had a good laugh when it checked out this yellow flower and frog which is the base of my birdbath. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved

White Prickly Poppy Pollinator by Debra Martz I find bird watching to be a great hobby. It gets me outside, on long walks and enjoying the nature that is all around me. Captured in March in the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in southern Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collections: "Flora" "Wildflowers" "Digital Art" 202220160304-DSC_3067

There are several reasons birds fluff their feathers but in the very cold weather it is a way to help stay warm. Fluffing their feathers allows them to trap warm air from body heat; the more trapped air, the warmer the bird. This Dark-eyed Junco extremely fluffy so I imagine it is quite warm. Digital modifications applied for a painterly artwork. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20210210-DSC_3674-Edit.tif

This litle Carolina Chickadee was singing beautifully deep in the trees. I followed its sounds until it appeared to be closer. At first I didn't see it until I looked straight up high in the treetop. Captured at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge along the Eagle Roost trail located in northern Oklahoma. Digital filter and soft digital brushes applied to my original photograph for a slight painterly effect. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Galleries/Collections: "Feathered Friends2" "Digital Art Photography" 20210328-DSC_2655-Edit

Sparrow In The Pines by Debra Martz We were out hiking in Yellowstone in late summer to enjoy the amazing landscape. Then I heard this little Clay-colored Sparrow sing. I looked up and around a bit and then there it was. It looked so small and sweet nestled in the limbs of the large pine tree. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collections: "Feather Friends3" 202220140908-DSC_5032

Sunrise with the American Robins by Debra Martz Early bird gets the worm! I can usually hear the Robins even before the first light of day. And, as on this morning, I usually see them arriving in the neighbors tree before they make their way to our backyard. They don't go to the feeders but feed below them and they visit the bird bath which we keep heated in the winter. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends 3" 20220226-DSC_0719.dng

U.S. National Parks" 202220140908-DSC_4804

Profile of a Snowy Egret with sparkling bokeh coming from the light on the water. Captured at Great Salt Plains State Park in norhtern Oklahoma on the lower level of the spillway. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends2" 20210429-DSC_3615

Bicycle In A Tree - Painterly by Debra Martz And this wasn't the only bike hanging in the trees! Just never know what is considered a decoration. Must be a bicycle enthusiast. Seen in Hidalgo, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Miscellaneous Photo Ops" 20220412-DSC_1480-

The two peaks are known as West Spanish Peak, elevation 13,626 feet, and East Spanish Peak, elevation 12,688 feet, and are located south of La Veta in southern Colorado. The area is known as one of the best examples of exposed igneous dikes. One such example is seen in this image close to center and running left to right. Dikes are formed when molten igneous material is forced into a fracture or fault before becoming solidified. There may be over 500 such dikes in the area. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Colorado"

White Coneflower Newly Opened by Debra Martz The first of my white Coneflowers to bloom this spring. The deep green foliage seems to illuminate the white flower that much more. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Galleries/Collections: "Flora" 2021-06-12-IMG_3579.dng

We enjoy going to the Great Salt Plains State Park and staying a week or two in our RV. We prefer the campground that is right on the water's edge which is great for sunrises and also many birds come and go all the day long. Enhanced with Topaz Impression. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20201003-DSC_2393-Edit.tif

It has been a very cold winter in northern Oklahoma and much of the USA this year. We started the day wiwth -11F but fortunately the heater in the watering bowl for the birds is keeping water thawed and warm for them. This European Starling had just finished getting a drink and turned to depart. With extra inside time on my hands, I took this image into PS to create this abstract. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20210210-DSC_3695

High up in the San Juan Mountains in New Mexico, beautiful wildflowers adorned the landscape! ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Galleries/Collections: "Wildflowers" 20210719-DSC_4201

It's Coffee O'Clock! Located in Chimayo, New Mexico across from the historic church, el Santuario de Chimayo. Serveral other small businesses are along this short street. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collections: "Signs" "New Mexico" "Digital Art" 20210720-DSC_4290-Edit.tif

Mine Mine Mine by Debra Martz When I saw this action by the seagulls, the movie Nemo came to mind! I'll never forget the Pelican and Seagull scene where the seagulls were calling out MINE in an animated attempt to get Dory and Marlin at the dock! I thought, "that sounds just like the seagulls at the beach when the tourist throw up food for them!" Mine! Mine! Mine! And that poor, single Cormorant that has just surfaced under the wing of one seagull must be wondering, "what's happening!!??!!" Captured this group of Ring-billed Gulls at the Great Salt Plains Lake in northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collections: "Feathered Friends3" "Digital Art " 202220211202-DSC_9773-Edit.tif

More Pelicans Cormorants and Gulls Arriving at the Spillway by Debra Martz It is a continual thing of the migrating birds coming and going all day for several weeks in the fall. The spillway is multi-tiered and the middle seems to be the most popular with the birds. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends 2" 20211001-DSC_6612.NEF

What can I say? There are times that you arrive when the bird departs. I made it to the bottom of the spillway where the Great Salt Plains Lake flows into the Salt Fork of the Arkansas River in N. Oklahoma; a place that many birds like to fish. And though this Snowy Egret flew away, I was happy seeing it and others that had returned from their winter migration to the south. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends2" 20210429-DSC_3623

It has been a very cold winter in northern Oklahoma and much of the USA this year. This Dark-eyed Junco is a nice addition of colors to the white snow covered branches. With the roads so bad, I've been bird watching in my backyard. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends2" 20210210-DSC_3668.NEF

Morning Flight of the Sandhill Cranes by Debra Martz Just to the left of this landscape is the Sand Creek Bay where 1000s of Sandhill Cranes were wading in the water in the very early morning. Many of them flew before there was ample light for photographs. The light and colors are from the sun rising in the east highlighting the western sky and landscape. Taken during fall migration in early November at the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge where just a short hike will lead you to the bay and a very nice bird blind for photographers and bird watchers. The refuge is located in northern Oklahoma near the towns of Jet and Cherokee. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends 2" 20211101-...

I enjoy visiting northern New Mexico and any time those visits include the Taos, New Mexico area, it is a must that I go to Rancho de Taos to admire this beautiful church. It was build between 1772 and 1816 and is a well-preserved adobe building in the heart of the community at the center plaza of the Ranchos de Taos Historic District. It remains an important center of community life and the citizens ensure it stays in good condition. They along with other visitors/volunteers gather for two weeks each June to re-mud the exterior of the adobe church with a mixture of mud and straw. The church is a favorite subject for artists. Ansel Adams photographed the church for his Taos Pueblo art book and Georgia O'Keeffe painted a series of pe...

American Goldfinches have been plentiful in our backyard this winter and I've enjoyed taking their pictures during the snow storms. Created in Topaz using abstraction, impressions, smudge tools and color matching vignette. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Galleries/Collections "Feathered Friends2" "Digital Art" 20210210-DSC_3662-Edit.tif

Cormorant Silhouette on a Foggy Morning by Debra Martz A Cormorant perches on a snag in the lake. In the distance beyond, Farmland and a silo can barely be seen reflecting on the water through the misty fog. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends 3" 20210121-DSC_3137.dng

Mississippi River watching from the New Orleans, Louisiana Riverwalk. We walked all around New Orleans for 3 and 1/2 days in May with rain predicted the entire time. Thankfully, the rains came at night when we were already back at the hotel. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: "New Orleans Louisiana" 20210512-DSC_4775

Foggy Sunrise At The Old Green House by Debra Martz Taking the gravel road to the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge on a foggy December morning which in turn gave me one more opportunity to photograph this old abandoned home. I discovered this green abandoned home in 2019 on a new bird watching adventure and look forward to making this stop every time I head into the refuge. Some painterly effects have been applied. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collections: "Oklahoma" "Digital Art" 20201210-IMG_1411 green house-Edit-2-dng