Lens-Artists Challenge #148 – Spots & Dots

HOT PINK DOTS IN AN OVERGROWN SPOT

“A photograph is a universe of dots….It peels back the shadows and redeems the dazed and rumbling past.”

Don DeLillo

This week Ann-Christine threw me into a bit of a loop thinking about spots and dots. I decided to reach into the archives to see what I could find to fit her challenge. My opener above is from nearby Asheville, NC, which has a fun and funky area filled with amazing wall art. I loved the bright pink dots that brightened up the front of the otherwise dilapidated and deserted house.

SHOWING OFF DOTS IN ALL THE RIGHT SPOTS

“A kiss, when all is said, what is it?….’Tis a secret told to the mouth instead of to the ear.”

Edmond Rostand

I couldn’t think of a better example of dots than the proud peacock in my image above. I’ve shown hm before in my posts about Magnolia Gardens, where he lives and prances about, proudly showing off his beautiful colors.

CAN YOU SPOT THE DOTS ON THE LEOPARD CUB?

“Believing that the dots will connect down the road will give you the confidence to follow your heart even when it leads you off the well-worn path.”

Steve Jobs

I have many favorite images from our African safaris, and those shown below contain a myriad of dots in multiple spots. I chose to feature the not-so-little leopard cub above because really, what could be more adorable?! He looks like you could reach out and cuddle him, but his mom – very nearby and watching closely – might not appreciate it.

(L to R below: Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill aka banana bird, cheetah, guinea hen. giraffe, cheetah, hyena)

SPOTS AND DOTS OF AFRICA

“Life is the night sky. All the dots of stars are happiness”

Richard L. Ratliff

Butterflies are everywhere during spring on Kiawah, but the zebra longwing shown below is a bit more rare. I came upon this one with its red and white dots and yellowish stripes, on Kiawah’s Ocean Course. Not far from my home, the course will host next week’s PGA golf event and its 10,000 attendees (including yours truly). I’m thinking the butterflies may choose to go into hiding until the coast is clear 😊.

A BUTTERFLY FLUTTERS BY

“Purpose is the thread that connects the dots to everything you do that leads you to an extraordinary life.”

Oprah Winfrey

I captured the rainy-day image below while visiting family in New York. They have a wonderful view of the nearby hills and mountains but on the day of this rainstorm the clouds obscured most all of the normally-beautiful scene. The rainy, foggy vista however, had a beauty all its own.

RAINDROPS ARE FALLING ON MY WINDOW

“The impulse to connect the dots – and to share what you’ve connected – is the urge that makes you an artist.”

Amanda Palmer

Finally, I’ll close with the little one below in her pink polka dot blouse and her very chic outfit. Tell me she doesn’t look like a break dancer just about to open her show!

POLKA DOTS AND STRIPES

“Somebody can paint with a fine brush like Monet, or somebody can splatter it up there like Kandinsky or Pollock and say ‘yep, that’s art.’ That’s OK.”

Patrick Wilson

Sincere thanks to all who responded to last week’s garden challenge. You presented us with an amazing array of gardens around the world and reminded us of the joy that gardens bring – whether our own, our neighbors’ or those that are world-renowned. This week we look forward to seeing your spots and dots. Please remember to link them to Ann-Christine’s original post here, and to use the Lens-Artists tag. I’ll be back right here on Travels and Trifles to host next week’s challenge. In the meanwhile, as always please remember to stay safe and be kind.

Tags: Africa, Dots, LENS-ARTISTS, wall art

• May 15, 2021
• Photography
• 116 Comments