Floral Collages: Balboa Park

During the Spring and Summer, Balboa Park is a riot of color in the form of both wild and cultured flora natural to California.  Here are two collages that offer several visually stunning examples. The graphic design "Rose Photography" is by RM Lewis.

Reflections

Looking more like a French Impressionism era painting than a photograph, this image, with water rippled by a breeze, was taken at the Botanical Garden reflecting pool in Balboa Park on a bright spring day.

Mexican Tiles: Balboa Park

Colorful hand painted Mexican tiles are featured in the Spanish Village Art Center, Balboa Park. In the second image, the tiles are purposfully used as an abstract background for a pink Hydrangia flower.

Soloist: Balboa Park

A musician plays his saxaphone for all to hear, hoping perhaps to receive some extra change from his listeners, who can place it in his open instrument case.

Spring Flora: Balboa Park

As early as February, due to its moderate climate, San Diego flora begin to bloom. Here the white flowers, reminiscent of cherry blossoms, offer a stunning contrast to the deep blue sky on a Sunday afternoon in Balboa Park near the Natural History Museum.

Friends: Balboa Park

Balboa Park, on a Sunday afternoon, is a place where friends and families congregate for rest and relaxation. I like these three photos because they seem to speak of an earlier, simpler time.

Orange and Pink

These two roses, taken at different times in Balboa Park, offer examples of the subtle color variations often seen in the flora of San Diego. Notice how the orange and pink reflect the colors of the sculpture in the following entry.

Natural History Museum: Balboa Park

Children play near the fountain adjacent to the Natural History Museum in Balboa Park.

Cactus Pattern

I find the repetition of pattern pleasing, especially when it occurs in nature. "Cactus Pattern" was taken in Balboa Park.

Carillon Tower: Balboa Park

Located at the western terminous of the Prado, the Carillon Tower, with its melodious bells that ring the time of day, is an icon familiar to anyone who has visited the Park.

Botanical Garden and Reflecting Pool: Balboa Park

This image was captured early in the morning before the daily mass of visitors had arrived. Even the two who are present are both dressed in white and are perfectly balanced on either side of the pool.

Water Lilly: Balboa Park

The reflecting pool in front of the Botanical Garden can hide the occasional jewel among the lilly pads.

Architectural Detail: Balboa Park

Balboa Park is replete with architecture that echos Spanish and Moorish architecture. This is one of my favorites due to its simplicity and natural monochromatic tones.

Fountain and Prado: Balboa Park

Located at the eastern terminous of the Prado in Balboa Park, the fountain is a popular meeting point and rest stop for visitors. It is located adjacent to the Natural History Museum and the Reuben H. Fleet Science Museum and IMAX theater. The images were taken in the morning before visitors had arrived.

Sculpture: Meditation on Water

Located in the courtyard of the House of Hospitality, Balboa Park, the sculpture is by noted local artist Donal Hord. The image was captured with angular winter mid-morning light, which allowed its many exquisite features to be highlighted in perfect bas relief. Using a high shutter speed, the water from the spout is captured in mid-motion.

Shadow Box

This black and white image of a covered walkway in Balboa Park is visually pleasing with its depth of field and the suggestion of repetitive pattern.

Mission Bell: Balboa Park

This mission bell is located on the Prado in Balboa Park. I like this piece, slightly modified using photo editing software, because of the simplicity and visual strength of the composition and design of a classic symbolic image suggesting the area's Spanish heritage.