I don't see anything odd, but beautiful. Lake Michigan 1: Amazing colors, this metallic touch and the calm water before the storm hits. Lake Michigan 2: The snow in this sepia/b/w touch like a painting Lake Michigan 3: Waiting for the storm to arrive, I've done it as well, but in Norway :D And that cloud, man, it was worth it I would say. The painting is just beautiful, one can achieve so much with a little. This painting is worth a frame and to hang at a wall.

Thanks so much, Nena. Yes, "odd" is just what I feel when I find stray works of art "lying around" in my computer. I'll apologize to them later, lol.

Ansel Adams, the photographer, said that the photograph was the "musical score," while the darkroom was the actual "performance". I love to finesse and "purify" photos in the darkroom---only now, the darkroom is Photoshop. I do as little as possible to the photo, but coaxing-out the spirit of the thing is, for me, like paying homage to the original scene. Thank you for your comment. (And yes, that style of ink painting is minimal...and it's a great learning experience.)

Incredible images. The photos are impressive, and the fourth one has something very peaceful about it.

Thanks so much, lordi. I really appreciate it. And if the painting gives a peaceful feeling, I'm happy! (As the leaves are windblown...but the style was done, for centuries, as a kind of meditation; so I'm glad if it gives a feeling of peace). I appreciate your comment!

such amazing captures my friend. you are a professional photographer Mark. the first of the ocean is captivating with the sun peeking though the clouds and reflection on the water. the monochrome second is so amazing. and the fierce looking clouds on third. must have been a big storm when it got bigger. and last one is really a super piece of art. thanks for sharing Mark.

thanks so much, steve, you always make people feel special, and you've always been a wonderful supporter of my work. I greatly appreciate it, as I have no objectivity about my work. And yeah, that storm cloud was terrifying---I shot it from the shore, and I thought: I better get outa here, 'cause that beast is headed this way, and it's taking no prisoners...(I didn't get home fast enough...I got soaked.) Thank you for all your kindness; and again, my deep condolences for your loss...

Great photos!

Thanks so much, Pthalo, I'm so glad you like my photos. Thanks for stopping by!

Very beautiful images !

Thanks so much, water. I'm glad you like them.

These photographs are beautiful and done in such an elegant classic style Mark. You have a great artistic eye for capturing the beauty in nature...congrats! :)

Thanks so much, Johnny. It's always special when you stop by. And thank you so much for your continued support of all my work.

These are all beautiful, Mark! That first shot of the lake really had a calming feel to it, and the second almost made me look forward to winter. That storm cloud in #3 is spectacular!

That bamboo painting is gorgeous! So graceful, and those sweeping curved lines have the feel of a cooling breeze - something we could all use this sweltering summer! So simple, yet so beautiful.

It's really great to see your art and photos, buddy! More, please!!

Keep an eye on your mail... 😉

As always, thank you so much, Rod. It's always great to see you here, given all you've been through. (And that storm cloud should look familiar to you, as you live in the Midwest too. Ya see one o' those, you head for the hills...)

And I've checked my mail...no rush, but whenever I get something, I'll get to it right away. I hope things are getting better for you both...Thank you as always for your great support.

Oh, I wish I had been there when you were cleaning out your hard drive, for sure I would have shouted repeatedly, stop, stop, stop!!! Please don't delete it. Well, luckily, now only 4 left, sigh.

(The desire for more, het verlangen naar meer, van het Michigan meer) From across Lake Michigan, which in its first image appears to be able to order a storm. and then a snowpack, so tangible, soft as gray velvet, so sensible, touchable, it also has something fragile and subdued; as if these tender lines are afraid of being damaged by a human or an animal. It wants to remain as it is, white and clean, like: let me be who I am. But then, closer and closer with hurricane force, the feast, the main course. Yes, everything ends up on the head. Swept up by a storm that no one can withstand, except some perfect photographer. Haha, a bit silly, he doesn't listen to the alarm bells, but hits the target.

Then, dripping wet, past the doorman who shakes his wise head.

Nothing to worry about. The photographer has even more strings to his bow; and what is this dripping wet guy doing?... bent over his drawing board, he works a little more carefully, because he has calmed down and picks up his Chinese attributes very carefully and cautiously; with a flourish of his Chinese brush he paints bamboo, a lively picture, with here and there a leaf loosed by the wind.

Great!

thanks so much, Jacomina. And there's another word-play from you! (meer --- I assume it means "more" and "sea"...Ja? I hope I'm right.) (I'm learning, from you, that your language is so rich in double meanings...)

Yes, that shot with the snow in front of the lake---it was right after the snowfall. A day later, it was trampled and brushed away. When I was photographing daily, I'd run out right after a storm, to get fresh pictures. I'd literally stop whatever I was doing, throw on a coat, and race to the lake before anyone else got there...And yes, when I came home from that rain-storm, the doorman said "what were you doing outside just now?" I pointed to my camera, and he said, "you photographers will literally die for a shot!" (He wasn't wrong.) And yes, also: Painting in the Chinese style involves keeping the brush perpendicular to the page: That's how they wrote too: with a brush and ink, straight up---not a pen. Thank you so much, Jacomina. And I won't throw out my photos, I promise. I have them all in my computer...

On the first, I see almost a circle of light with a darkest circle into, did you made a strange encounter? lolll

Your fourth is like feeling the storm of the third image coming, like being into the wind ;)