Lens-Artists Challenge #293: Water in Motion
There’s a deep connection between moving water and the human spirit. I find the power of listening to water soothing and entrancing. Some of the best hikes I have done include trails along creeks. The same is true when I stay in a cabin near a stream or lake. Even at home, sitting on my backyard patio, I can enjoy the soft sounds of a fountain nearby.
For this week’s Lens-Artists challenge, Sofia is “looking for Water in Motion, gentle or powerful, man-made or natural.” Since nature is my first go-to place for challenges, I wanted to take this further and focus on water abstracts. I wanted something different. I have shared many photos of waterfalls, lakes, and rivers in this blog. Water abstracts are all around us but sometimes go unnoticed. I hope you will relate to the images I present and how water in motion impacts my life. Hopefully, this will resonate with you on different levels.
Mysterious Island is a macro I captured at our home backyard fountain. As often as I sit outside and enjoy the surrounding nature, I hear water’s constant change and flow. Watching moving water can be a calming reminder to accept the impermanence of things and find peace in the flow. Looking at that photo, I see a reminder that water is power and renewal simultaneously.
Even in a busy cityscape, water can provide reflection and tranquility. In Architectural Flow, I can pause and gently be carried away as water peacefully moves around Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin. That view can take me into a meditative experience, promoting introspection and a sense of calm.
Shallow is a reminder of purification and cleansing. Rainwater flows into our creeks and replenishes our water resources. Sitting by a flowing river can feel cleansing, both physically and emotionally.
Finally, I can reflect and enjoy tranquility with water in motion in The Peaceful Garden. I feel grounded like the blades of grass in the photo while the constant water flow renews and prepares me for the adventures ahead. Water in motion has been intertwined with our search for meaning and connection from baptismal rituals to offerings made to rivers.
Last week, Tina’s challenge asked us to “share images of the people we’ve captured along the way.” I was ecstatic with the photos you shared in your posts. There were countless stories you told in beautiful photography.
I am now looking forward to seeing your responses to Sofia’s challenge. Please leave a comment on the host’s original challenge post and use the hashtag “lens-artists” in your post.
Join us next week when John will introduce a new Lens-Artists challenge. We look forward to your participation. Please see this page to learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history.
philosophy through photography
Fab collection!
Architectural flow and mysterious island, my favourites.
Egídio Leitão
Thank you so much, Philo. The mysterious island is a favorite subject for me. That fountain is in our backyard. So, I like to experiment with abstracts, ICM, etc.
philosophy through photography
How fascinating!
The allure of mysterious islands is timeless, sparking imagination and exploration.
Having a fountain in your backyard is perfect for experimenting with artistic techniques like abstracts and intentional camera movement (ICM).
Perfect channelling of your creativity!
Albatz Travel Adventures
What a wonderful sense of water in motion abstracted. Love these!
Egídio Leitão
Thank you so much. I’m glad you liked them.
Leya
How I loved your take on the challenge, Egidio – you indeed master everything, the abstract too. And sharing your thoughts made it even more beautiful. A mindful post of the importance of water and what it does to our senses. Most of us love the sound and sight of water. You gave it a new dimension.
Egídio Leitão
Ann-Christine, your kind words are wonderful to read, especially at the start of the day. You lift up my spirits with your support. Thank you very much.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography
I am sure I have already responded to to this post, but its not here. Architectural Flow and Mysterious Island are my favorites of these beautiful pictures Totally different from each other but the element of water is there.
Egídio Leitão
Ritva, thank you for your lovely remarks. I appreciated reading your feedback.
Photos by Jez
Beautiful examples, Edigio 👏 The Mysterious Island immediately got me thinking of the cause; to me, it looks a bit like a frog about to surface, but the great thing about abstracts is we all see something different. The reflected cityscape is a genuinely calming way of looking at what is, in reality, a chaotic scene 😃
Egídio Leitão
Thank you so much for your kind words of feedback.
Photos by Jez
You’re very welcome ☺️
SoyBend
Great photo of the buildings’ reflections, Egidio!
Egídio Leitão
I’m happy you liked that one. Thank you.
pattimoed
I love your take on the challenge, Egidio. Your images are terrific and definitely create a peaceful mood. I especially loved the Architectural Flow and the Peaceful Garden. Great photos.
Egídio Leitão
Patti, I’m very thankful for your feedback. I’m glad you liked my responses to the challenge. It was fun thinking about what I’d include.
photobyjohnbo
Egidio, yours is a unique take on the challenge. I only wish I’d thought of it myself. >grin<
My favorite image is the reflected cityscape. The Peaceful Garden is a spectacular abstract, and I love your opening gallery display.
Egídio Leitão
John, this feedback you gave me is very rewarding. Thank you for your kind words.
solaner
A very artistic choice. Love it, Egídio 👍👍👍
Egídio Leitão
André, thank you very much. I’m happy you liked it.
solaner
Well deserved 😊
Sofia Alves
Beautiful painting to finish an amazing post. I agree with Donna, you brought a peaceful feeling even in places I wouldn’t think possible. Always inspirational, Egídio.
Egídio Leitão
Thank you, Sofia. That final photo was an edit to bring up impressionism, as Donna pointed out.
Wind Kisses
All the feels with this one, Egidio. You defined tranquility. That you captured that tranquilly even in spaces that might have surrounding noises, resonated with me. Focusing on abstracts was a great choice. Impressionism comes to mind with the last photo.
Egídio Leitão
Donna, thank you very much for the positive comments. You hit the nail right on! Impressionism was on my mind for that last photo edit. It’s far from a Monet, but his Giverny garden came to mind as inspiration.
Wind Kisses
Awesome! I am glad to hear it.
margaret21
These vividly show how water in its natural environment is always alive, always on the move.
Egídio Leitão
Thanks for the comment, Margaret.
Leanne Cole
I think you got the tranquility down very well, very calming images Egidio.
Egídio Leitão
Thank you, Leanne. I appreciate your feedback. Incidentally, if it takes long for me to reply, it’s because your comment is in my spam folder. I check that a couple of times a week.
Anne Sandler
This is a creative interpretation of this challenge. I loved all your abstracts. You’ve shown us that water is also art.
Egídio Leitão
Anne, your feedback is so lovely. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I’m glad the abstracts were pleasing.
Tina Schell
Wonderful choices for the week Egidio. I loved them all as well as your titles and the inspiration you draw from them. For me the closing image is pure magic!
Egídio Leitão
Tina, I’m happy you liked the choices. That last image is special for me, too. It was captured in a nearby park. I couldn’t help but see glimpses on Monet’s gardens. Thank you for the feedback.
JohnRH
Great selections Egidio. Well thought out. 👏
Egídio Leitão
John, thank you for the feedback. It’s much appreciated.
Brad Volz
I love your artistic take on water. Nice collection Egidio.
Egídio Leitão
Brad, I truly appreciate your feedback. Thanks. I’m glad you liked my take.
Cee Neuner
You captured waters movement wonderfully well. 😀 😀
Egídio Leitão
Cee, your feedback is so much appreciated. Thank you.