Traditional still life tends to feature tableware, fruit, and dead chickens, at least in my mind. Patti, though, offers us the chance to go beyond the trite with either composed or natural still life shots.
Although it looks composed, except for the framing, this shot is entirely as I found it in a house in France. I think it’s one of my favorite photos, at least of this type.
This simple shot is from Southern California. The white background allows the plants to shine while the cracks give the wall character.
My photo of my morning tea at TeaLula in Park Ridge, Illinois was slightly composed, as I arranged the teapot and cup and saucer so that I could get them in the shot with the flowers. If you’re ever in or near Park Ridge, definitely make this delightful shop one of your stops!
I’ve driven past this abandoned gas station so many times to and from Southern California and this trip I finally stopped. So glad I did! It might not be on Route 66, but it definitely has that feel.
This outdoor scene advertised the store behind it, an attractive and unusual thing to see in the city.
The desert has its own beautiful still life, a combination of soft and sharp.
Thanks for giving life to contemporary still life, Patti. I’m still looking for a dead chicken for the next time. 🙂
This, that and the other thing 
I’ve asked myself this same question many times before – just what qualifies. I love what you have offered – eclectic, unusual, thought provoking. My favourite is the cacti tangled in with the flowers
😘 Thanks so much, Ju-Lyn. Your comment means a lot. Cacti and flowers often go together in the desert and make a beautiful contrast.
Nice teapot, Janet! You home again?
Yes. Got home Monday afternoon. It was just a Friday to Monday trip. But fun nevertheless.
Janet, I have to agree with you, the first photo is beautiful and the second in it’s simplicity lovely, my favorite in this post, though I think the desert 🌵 flowers are nicely arranged 😊
The cactus having flowers too made that last photo even better I think.
yes, I agree
Wonderful captures – and those kind of old abandoned gas stations still have their charming dignesty in their “2nd life”. 🙂
I think so too, Drake. They have a certain retro charm and make you think of road trips.
Agree with you.
Beautiful! I love the first one, the light is wonderful.
Thanks, Sofia. I love that one too.
The empty gas station photo is my favorite here. Rest are also good 🙂
Thanks, Hammad. I’m happy with the gas station shot. 😁
The French window is superb!
Thank you kindly. That’s remained one of my favorite shots for all these years.
Beautiful scenes! I like that old abandoned gas station, and oh, that garden bed and fountain are just lovely!
I’m glad I finally stopped to photograph that gas station. I may do it again sometime. The garden bed was lovely and so unusual to have right along the sidewalk in Naperville!
Wow, that opening shot is a stunner! Nice composition and nice lighting. I can’t leave without commenting on the desert cactus and flowers, though. I love it, Janet!
Thanks very much, John. I like both those very different shots. 😉
GREAT selections.
Thanks so much, John.
What a great collection, Janet! I totally enjoyed it. I think that scene in France is so wonderfully French. The gas station is so iconic. The plants against the white background are a great way to highlight the texture/colors. Beautiful. The store advertisement/still life is great too! I love the addition of the umbrella and chandelier. 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed the post, Patti. I enjoyed putting it together. I love the French scene and the gas station is iconic for me as well. Thanks so much.
Oh I love the French window. That vase looks like it is full of magic.
It might have been. It was certainly a great visit. 🙂
I loved you selects that are so reflective of you personality. My gavotte was of the scene with the bed. How tranquil. And I have never seen that cool gas station. Guess I’d better pay attention.
You’ve been hit by the autocorrect gremlin, Donna. 🙂 The scene with the bed was so much fun to see whenever I walked in that part of downtown Naperville. As for the gas station, Eagle Mountain Road exit in California. 🙂
Hahaha mostly likely hit. When I am on my phone, it has a mind of its own.
I understand that!
Lovely post, Janet. All the shots are cool, but the first one is especially lovely.
Thank you!
As always, my pleasure. That first shot is one of my all-time favorites. What fun to have somewhere to share it again.
I get that!
Perhaps you could get a new blog theme and use that pic as your header?
I’ve thought about changing themes but am always worried something will go wrong.
I know it’s scary. I’ve done it twice w/o problems. Thing is, if you don’t like the way it all looks, you can switch themes, again.
Also, you can back up your blog by exporting an XML file (in your tool box)
If something went wrong… you can reload your blog with the XML file.
I did that once, but not because something went wrong. I started my Art Gowns blog, and only wanted some of the posts from my old blog, which I was keeping.
It worked perfect. I don’t know if it’s still the same, but the “likes” did not export/import. That did not bother me. The comments were all fine.
Thanks, Resa. Maybe I’ll give it a try one of these days.
Wonderful post, Janet – and the first image is a wonder in itself. What light, what depth what structure! This is also my favourite among the many beautiful treats you always offer.
❤️. Thanks, A-C. “The praise of the praiseworthy is above all rewards.” (Tolkien). Your comment is a wonderful start to my day.
I am glad! And I love Tolkien too❤️
I love the grass image 👍
Thanks, Andre. I like the simplicity of that one a lot too.
👍
Nicely varied!
Thanks, Sue. Enjoy the weekend.
Thank you, Janet! Have a great weekend yourself!
Thanks, Sue. It’s been good so far. 🙂
Fantastic shots, all, Janet! 🙂
Thanks very much, Lisa. ❤