Wet Scarlet

In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.... more

by Connie Handscomb

Title

Wet Scarlet

Artist

Connie Handscomb

Medium

Photograph - Photography - Fine Art

Description

In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.
~ John Muir

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Cotoneaster

Family : Rosaceae

A relative of the firethorn (pyracantha), the cotoneaster is a member of the rose family that bears an abundance of brilliant red berries which begin to ripen in the autumn, and remain on the tree throughout the winter. Or, in this case, where my image does not show any of the berries, an abundance of green leaves also turning a brilliant red before they fall to the ground. The red berries are a food for the birds.

Most of the species of cotoneaster are shrubs, some of which like to lie flat upon the ground. I am not sure which species this one is, but it did grow in a tangle upon the ground (as well as upwards).

Since this colour was so attractive to me, I decided to take a peek into the symbolism of red. Red is a colour of power, which is why academics, the military, those in theology, will wear read on their most formal occasions.

The colour red is a symbol of power, and scarlet particularly is associated with tradition and formality, which is why it is used for red carpet occasions, and why it is popular with academics, theologians, and the military for their formal events. Some cultures equate red with death; others with good luck and prosperity, even purity, when it is used for joyful celebrations. Red awareness ribbons are used to designate many diseases and health conditions.

Red is thought to be the first colour ever perceived by Man. Red carmine was treasured by the Aztecs and the Incas, and then later the Spaniards; it was made of blood. Like the artist, John Turner, who would use whatever available material he could for colour - and for red, it was often from a beetle or iodine scarlet (mercury iodide) - there was no worry when it was used that it would not last, and these reds did not: the pleasure was in the moment.


Sources:

The International Book Of Trees [H. Johnson]
Trees Of North America and Europe [R. Phillips]
Colour: Travels Through The Paintbox [V.Finlay]

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In the winter months, we have rain. Today, as I write this on a day in January, a downpour of fluid tears from the heavens is bucketing down. On a walk in between the rains one day to one of my very favourite haunts, our public library, my eyes spotted some bright, teeny foliage in the shadows.

This image was taken when the red leaves shimmered with some dampness still upon them; Uncropped.

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♥ Heartfelt Gratitude to FAA groups for featuring this image :

Macro Marvels
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Macro Photography
First Friday Gallery
Images That Excite You
1 Weekly - ALL Stars
Fine Arts Professionals
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Exploration Photography
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Uploaded

January 24th, 2016