Description: Thistle Beginnings by Debra Martz Spring was beautiful in the Hill Country of Texas this year following many rains. I isolated this thistle from the many that were around at South Llano River State Park near Junction, TX. I liked how it was just opening to show its color. Digital enhancements have been applied for a painterly look. ©Debra Martz 20190425-DSC_5213
Description: Butterfly on Perfume Balls by Debra Martz There were literally 100s of these little beauties flying all along the trail. The wind was blowing fairly strong so I looked for an area that wasn't heavy with flowers when I spotted these "perfume balls" rather isolated and waited for a butterfly to land. These colorful round balls are likely the remnants of the wildflower Indian Blanket and from my searching on Google, I've ID'ed the butterfly as a Vesta Crescent, (Phyciodes vesta). I stand to be corrected if I'm wrong...just drop a note in a comment. Captured end of April at South Llano River State Park near Junction, Texas. ©Debra Martz 20190425-DSC_5361
Description: Checkered White Butterfly Enjoying Huisache Daisy by Debra Martz The trails at South Llano River State Park (near Junction, Texas) have been lined with an abundance of wildflowers all along the trails and therefore have attracted a variety of butterflies. Checkered White Butterfly (Scientific name: Pontia protodice) Huisache Daisy (Scientific name: Amblyolepis setigera) ©Debra Martz 20190425-DSC_5338
Description: Horseshoe Bend - Arizona by Debra Martz Located about 5 miles south of Page, AZ one can hike to view this iconic meander of the Colorado River. The overlook is 4,200 feet above sea level, and the Colorado River is 3,200 feet above sea level, which gives this scenic view a breathtaking 1,000 foot drop. The hike is about 1.5 mile round-trip; The trail is steep in some areas, and has some areas of deep sand, so be prepared for a challenge despite the short distance. AND if doing this in the summer time, carry water with you! ©Debra Martz 20180831-DSC_7101-Pano-Et
Description: Ladder-Backed Woodpecker and Caterpillar by Debra Martz Soon to be one less possible butterfly or moth. Not sure what type of caterpillar this is but the Ladder-backed Woodpecker enjoyed it as a meal. Captured at South Llano River State Park near Junction, Texas. Scientific name: Dryobates scalaris Digital enhancements have been applied to bring out the textures. ©Debra Martz Feathered Friends 20190425-DSC_5485
Description: Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly on Purple Flowers by Debra Martz Pipevine Swallowtail by Debra Martz I saw a number of these beauties in mid to late April in Port Aransas, Texas. I was at Leonabelle to bird watch but couldn't hardly turn my back on these stunning butterflies on the colorful flowers! Scientific Name: Battus philenor ©Debra Martz In My Gallery/Collection "Nature's Treasures" 20190417-DSC_4477
Description: House Finch Hello You by Debra Martz I had my camera ready and waiting on this Male House Finch to fly but instead it gave a quick turn around and looked directly down at me! Captured along the Buck Lake trail at South Llano River State Park near Junction, Texas while out on a bird watching hike and enjoying the surrounding nature. ©Debra Martz In My Gallery/Collection "Feathered Friends" 20190425-DSC_5385
Description: Horseshoe Bend Arizona - Vertical by Debra Martz Located about 5 miles south of Page, AZ one can hike to view this iconic meander of the Colorado River. The overlook is 4,200 feet above sea level, and the Colorado River is 3,200 feet above sea level, which gives this scenic view a breathtaking 1,000 foot drop. The hike is about 1.5 mile round-trip; The trail is steep in some areas, and has some areas of deep sand, so be prepared for a challenge despite the short distance. AND if doing this in the summer time, carry water with you! ©Debra Martz 20180831-DSC_7117-HDR-Et
Description: House Finch Profile by Debra Martz This female House Finch was in the tree next to the one where her mate had been perched. After he took flight, I turned my attention to her. Captured along the Buck Lake trail at South Llano River State Park near Junction, Texas while out on a bird watching hike and enjoying the surrounding nature. ©Debra Martz In My Gallery/Collection "Feathered Friends" 20190425-DSC_5738
Description: Sandstone Waves in Lower Antelope Canyon This wall of the slot canyon reminded me of the waves and movement of sand dunes. Note how the colors of the sandstone change based on how the light or shade strikes the area from upper to lower. The Antelope Canyons are on Navajo Lands near Page, Arizona and entry requires a tour guide through a company within Navajo Nations. ©Debra Martz 20180830-DSC_6690-Et In my Arizona Gallery/Collection
Description: Lady In The Wind - Lower Antelope Canyon by Debra Martz Probably the most amazing of all the formations in the slot canyon was this profile of a lady with her long hair blowing in the wind! If ever you find yourself in Page, Arizona, do yourself a favor and book a tour through the Navajo Nations...you won't be disappointed! ©Debra Martz 20180830-DSC_6788-E2T In my Arizona Gallery/Collection
Description: Navajo Bridges in Arizona by Debra Martz Traveling across the country on Highway 89A between Bitter Springs and Jacob Lake, AZ you arrive at two bridges similar in appearance spanning the Colorado River; one is historic and one new. The bridge on the right was completed and opened to vehicle traffic on January 12, 1929. At the time, it was the highest steel arch bridge in the world and made traveling between Utah and Arizona much easier. Navajo Bridge served the area well for 66 years. However, as automobiles and trucks became larger, wider, and heavier, the need for a stronger, wider bridge became evident. A new bridge was built just downstream from the existing bridge, and in the same style. The historic bridge remains and serve as a p...
Description: Tricolored Heron Angel Wings by Debra Martz I captured this image of the heron from the Leonabelle boardwalk in Port Aransas, Texas. When they spread their wings it reminds me of the wings of an angel. Tricolored Heron are beautiful with colors of blue-gray, lavender, white and yellowish legs. They are easily identifiable because unlike other dark herons, they have a white belly and white stripe down the middle (front) of its long neck. Scientific Name: Egretta tricolor ©Debra Martz In My Gallery/Collection "Feathered Friends" 20190514-DSC_0718
Description: Play Ball Profile in Lower Antelope Canyon by Debra Martz I always did love to watch the clouds and find "things" in them. I guess that is why I see things in so many different places in our natural world. In this one, I see a baseball player's profile with his ball cap pulled low over his eyes and calling out, "Let's Play Ball!" And did I ever see all other types of things in the formations within this slot canyon near Page, Arizona. ©Debra Martz 20180830-DSC_6673-ET Arizona Gallery/Collection
Description: Great Tailed Grackle Shimmers in Iridescent Color by Debra Martz Their black, blue and purple feathers are beautiful iridescent in the daylight but their voice can be ear-piercing! Captured along the Leonabelle Boardwalk in Port Aransas, Texas. ©Debra Martz In My Gallery/Collection "Feathered Friends" 20190512-DSC_0292
Description: Looking Up from Lower Antelope Canyon - Painterly by Debra Martz The views from the floor of the canyon were amazing with the multitudes of textures and swirls and layers of canyon walls that have been cut by water and wind over time. And the different colors due to light were unbelievable! Digitally enhanced with a painterly effect. ©Debra Martz 20180830-DSC_6663-E2T Arizona and Digital Art Photography Gallery/Collection
Description: Historic Main Street - Aztec New Mexico by Debra Martz Spent a few days in Aztec, New Mexico mainly to visit the Aztec Ruins and explore some of the lesser known arches on the back roads. Had some extra time and spent several hours walking the historic downtown. From left to right.. 109 S. Main Avenue Townsend Building, N&SHR Built by Fred W. Townsend to replace a one-story structure destroyed by fire in l910. Mr. Townsend operated a meat market on the lower floor and the family lived on the upper floor. Neo-Classical, pressed metal sheathing and cornice on second story. 107 S. Main Avenue Odd Fellows Hall, N&SHR Odd Fellows Lodge members built this structure in l903 and have occupied the upper floor ever since....
Description: Violin Lessons Here by Debra Martz Strolling along main street of the historic district in Aztec, New Mexico, I came across this sign hanging from one of the buildings. I loved the simplicity of this sign advertising violin lessons. There was a hand written sign in the window with name and phone number. Digital manipulations added a painterly effect to the tree and vibrant color to the sky. Copyright of Debra Martz 20180903-DSC_7870-ET
Description: Dainty Nest by Debra Martz When I spotted this nest out on the limb I wondered how it could stay in place. It almosts appears as if a few twigs are tied together underneath. Unsure what variety of bird, but they did a nice job building it. Painterly effect applied to my original photo. Copyright Debra Martz 20180415-DSC_7892-EEt
Description: There's My Waiter - Abstract by Debra Martz There were so many unique toadstools and formations along the Toadstool Trail in southern Utah. A closeup of this one made me think of a waiter wearing a hat and carrying a plate of food. And for a fun image, I added color and more texture. Copyright Debra Martz 20180830-DSC_6593-ET
Description: Anticipating the Next Flying Insect by Debra Martz On January 6th the weather was beautiful so decided to take a quick trip over to Port Aransas, TX to see if any birds were around. There were not too many winter migratory birds with the exception of plenty Yellow-rumped Warblers and a few other species. These warblers were quite busy zipping off the branches and out to midair to capture flying insects. Here at Paradise Pond, where it is usually busy with birds, it is not so much now as most of the trees came down with Hurricane Harvery in August 2017. But a some still make use of the few dead/downed trees that were left in place. Copyright Debra Martz 20190106-DSC_2768.N
Description: Pretty All American Lamp Post Flowers and Flag by Debra Martz Spent a few days in Aztec, New Mexico mainly to visit the Aztec Ruins and explore some of the lesser known arches on the back roads. Had some extra time and spent several hours walking the historic downtown. Main Street was not extremely long but it was beautifully decorated with lamp posts each adorned with hanging flower baskets and an American Flag. Copyright of Debra Martz 20180903-DSC_7861-ET
Description: American White Pelican Dual Landing by Debra Martz Landing gear down and landing closer to another group of Pelicans that were already moving toward the fish cleaning station at the boat ramp in Goose Island State Park located in south Texas. Scientific name: Pelecanus erythrorhynchos Digitally altered with an oil painting effect. ©Debra Martz 20190214-DSC_3264-ET Located in my Galleries/Collection Feather Friends
Description: A Sorehead Welcome by Debra Martz One of those U-turn moments to get a photo of this Welcome to Aztec sign! We had made a day trip of backroads looking for lesser known natural arches north of Aztec, NM. Spotted this fun sign stating "Home to 6,800 Friendly People and 6 Old Soreheads" upon our return to town. This is my digital remake of the sign in black and white with a somewhat abstract form. @DebraMartz In My Galleries/Collections: Abstracts, Digital Art Photography and Signs 20180902-DSC_7614
Description: Tricolored Heron Angel Wings - Photopainting by Debra Martz This photopainting was create from my original photograph. I captured this heron from the Leonabelle boardwalk in Port Aransas, Texas. When they spread their wings it reminds me of beautiful angel wings. Tricolored Heron are beautiful with colors of blue-gray, lavender, white and yellowish legs. They are easily identifiable because unlike other dark herons, they have a white belly and white stripe down the middle (front) of its long neck. Scientific Name: Egretta tricolor ©Debra Martz In My Galleries/Collections "Feathered Friends" #Digital Art Photography" 20190514-DSC_0717
Description: Chickasaw Ballpark - Bricktown - O K C by Debra Martz At the hub of Bricktown in downtown Oklahoma City you'll find the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. It opened in 1998 and s the home of the Oklahoma City Dodgers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers Major League baseball team. And you should be able to catch a ballgame here as the OKC Dodgers team plays 70 home games, April through September. Digital manipulations have been applied to create this artwork/poster from my original image. Copyright Debra Martz 20180724-DSC_2823-ET
Description: Black Beetle Crossing the Trail by Debra Martz While hiking the Toadstool trail in Utah, I noticed this black beetle joining me. I really like the full shadow it was casting on the sand. I finished the image with some digital charcoal style etching. Copyright Debra Martz 20180830-DSC_6530-ET
Description: Prince of Nature - Utah by Debra Martz I was so fascinated by all of the formations discovered while hiking the Toadstool Trail in southern Utah. And yes, there were many that looked more like toadstools. But this stood out to me as a profile of a Prince due to the "golden crown with a feather" which adorned the top of the formation. Looking beyond the "Prince" I see where over time and weather and erosion, there will be even more toadstools for future generations to discover. Copyright Debra Martz 20180830-DSC_6613-ET
Description: Mickey Mantles - Bricktown - OKC by Debra Martz Mickey Mantles Restaurant is located just across the street from the ballpark in Bricktown, an area of Oklahoma City which was once a warehouse district. I've applied several photo manipulations to create this poster of the sign (signage) of the restaurant displaying the iconic ball players #7 that he wore throughout his career with the New York Yankees. Copyright Debra Martz 20180724-DSC_2843-EEt
