Nature's Paintbrush - (plse enlarge)

While at a favorite Garden Gallery last week, I found this plant. It was

on it's own, not bearing a tag, but I could tell it was a Succulant. I

was impressed by how robust and healthy it was. I've not seen one

of these before. I searched online for a possible source, but could

not definitively identify it. If anyone has an idea of the name, I'd love

to know. I hope to go back to the Garden Gallery, and perhaps I will

see another one. I don't know why, but the blossom reminded me of

a 'paintbrush' that would make lovely texture markings on a Canvas.

(any visits are most welcome, sincerely, Gail)

Sadly I have no idea what this flower is, but I love your photo, DOF is perfect and the colors are just right, the texture stands out like I could touch it... You really have a sublime touch Gail.

 

Regards, Ulla

Very nice Gail. Wildflowers here and Colorado were very early this year and not so good because of warm winter, dry spring and intense summer heat. 

the news has been full of the 'wild fires' in Colorado, such a worry, and heartbreaking for the home owners. I am not sure if this grows wild. I almost think it may be grown especially for gardens. Probably comes from a dry, hot enviornment. Our summers are getting so warm and humid. Right now we are in a severe Heat and Smog Alert. Sever Thunderstorm watch. We are gettin sporatic rains but heavy enough to cause flooding in many places. Western Canada has it the worst at the moment. Many thanks for your very kind critique, hope you and yours are well. Most sincerely,Gail

You kind words are very encouraging, I do appreciate your visit. I am pretty sure this is a plant that is very drought resistant. I'll figure it out yet!!! Cheers for now, Gail

gail,  like the colors, textures, and transition from light to dark, or dark to light, depending on how one views image. nice work.

Gail, great details & textures with perfect play of focus, dark bg., light, color contrast & DOF,which makes subject stand out, gorgeous capture as usual!     Best regards

While I cannot provide a species name from only the bloom, this looks to be a plant of the genus Sempervivum, a group of succulent plants commonly referred to as Hens & Chickens.File:Hen & Chicksbloom.JPG - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

A strong diagonal composition and good use of dof to pull the eye into the frame. The noise in the shadows indicates an underexposure. Exposing further to the right or treating the noise in PP would improve the image. Overall a nice result.

 

I like how you composed this image,nice flower indeed,I don't know why it looks a little bit to noisy on my monitor,maybe you did to much sharpening and petals softness is not seen so well,or maybe you want to be so,but once again composition is well done,my best regards.

Gail,

  Beautiful image with amazing colors & background.  Another classic image my friend.  Take care, Patsy

beautiful flowers with great color intensity, detail and dof Gail.....nicely done!

Whit this one, you proved to be one the most talented photographers in flower genre! Great shot! Composition, light control, special color palette, artful contrast in mid tones and rich shadows. Its a unique painting artwork using digital camera! Bravo.

Hamid.

Fantastic shot, Gail !! A master work ... a well deserved 7 and my congrats for you ... a big, big hug.

Beautiful Shot! http://bouwfly.info/nic/1/1x1.jpghttp://bouwfly.info/nic/2/1x1.jpghttp://bouwfly.info/nic/3/1x1.jpg

Nature with a little bit of help from you gives a beautiful result. Well done, Gail! Kind regards.

Gail, i really like that you showed all natural beauty of the flower. Dof and sharpness are just right! I love the combination of the colours! Best regards, Tamara

very beautiful,I like it...my friend

Really beautiful shot Gail!!!!  Excellent work!!!!

like♥♥♥

Very lovely, Gail, great beauty and composition. Hugs, Mari

Really beautiful work with very nice lighting and colours, Gail!

 

Hello Mari! So good to hear from you. I appreciate you dropping by to share your input on this flower image. Your input has come to mean a lot to me. Warmest regards, Gail

Absolutely beautiful, my dear friend, excellent colors and great composition I love the DOF.

I´ll be out of travelling without computer and internet from July 14th.

Hugs

Many thanks Gordon for trying to identify this plant. I've grown Hens and Chicks myself, but have never had one where the flower got this tall. Yet the flower looks very similar to the one in 'Wik', except the 'colour' is different. I did have trouble correcting the 'noise' even though I have a decent program. Many thanks for your link. I have not used 'Wik' too often in the past, as I had a problem with my Virus Software identifying a threat, so I just stayed away from it. All that is probably resolved now and I should use it more often. The day I was taking these shots, I was under a 'Nursery Canopy' most of the time, but the light varied quite a bit. I'll admit I am still struggling with exposure but have a few excellent books that I'm reading when I have time. I liked this flower so much but I noticed the 'noise' in the background right away. I read Kelby's thoughts on noise and he said to adjust 'colour noise' and then the other noise you usually see in 'luminance or luma noise' and to adjust it. I often find when I do that there are areas that seem to have different bands of colour and it looks worse than the noise. thankyou for your suggestions. I will work on this one more in my spare time as I am determined to 'overcome this problem'. Sincere regards, Gail

You've certainly transmitted the exuberance of this hearty plant, and effective positioning -- the flowers opening right at us -- with lovely buds whispering what is to come.  The colors are vibrant and pretty