Studies for a not so round sunset planet

This is a sunset planet.

Not as round as the planet should be?

Or is it?

Depends on which planet you are or you live on.

Is this planet opaque? Translucid?

Is the regolith similar to other planets that we are aware of?

Many investigations are still in process.

For now let’s analyse the images that we have in front of us.

As the sun moves lower on the horizon, the intensity of the striped sunset often increases. The colors become more pronounced and saturated, creating a vivid and awe-inspiring display. The sharp contrast between the alternating bands heightens the sense of depth and dimension, adding to the overall visual impact.

Capturing a striped sunset through a monocular lens allows for a closer examination of the intricate details within each band. The lens helps to emphasize the sharpness of the stripes and reveal the nuances in color and texture. It enables the observer to witness the subtle variations within each band, bringing forth a deeper appreciation of the complexity and beauty of this natural phenomenon.

A transient and fleeting occurrence, with each display being unique and never to be replicated. It serves as a reminder of the ephemeral nature of beauty and the importance of cherishing and savoring these moments of wonder.

another orb or piece of sunset through a monocular lens.

This is a serie a photographs I've been doing for some time, using a monocular to catch details of sunsets.

As the golden orb of the sun begins its descent towards the horizon, it casts its final rays upon the canvas of the sky, painting a masterpiece of colours that mesmerizes and captivates all who witness it. The beauty of a sunset is a timeless spectacle, and an opportunity to immerse oneself in the breathtaking hues that adorn the heavens, creating a different kind of window.

As the sun sinks lower, warm shades of fiery orange and golden yellow begin to dominate the skyline.

A monocular lens allows us to delve even deeper into the intricacies of a sunset. It brings forth the subtle nuances of colour, the soft gradients, and the interplay of light and shadow, enabling us to appreciate the layers and depths within the sky's ever-changing hues and multi forms clouds.

So, whether witnessed firsthand or captured through the lens , a sunset reveals a breathtaking palette of colours that stir the soul. It is an evidence of the magnificence of the natural world, a reminder of the wonders that surround us, and a source of inspiration and awakening of emotions.

So many days I'm amazed with the colours of the sunset.. lots of them it seems almost impossible! the fabulous paintings of nature! I try to catch with a camera but its never the same. So here some experiments with more than one image, in this case two, of the marvellous colours of a sunset, printed in tracing paper and overladed.

The flowers of the nasturium are magic and majestic, but the leaves don't stay behind, they're magnificient as well.

They seem like an entire platform who could support an whole city.

Here an interpretetion of them made with coloured pencils on black papper.

It's magic going on the road at this time of the year.

Seeing all the flowers blooming with vivid colours contrasting with the massive green.. fills up the soul with joy.

I love going as a passenger in the car and take pictures moving.

Here's a picture of this fabulous beach on Costa Vicentina, not everyone can get there, it's a tricky road. But really worth it. So many beauty and lots of rocks, some covered with lichens.

Here are some more lichens I found at Costa Vicentina, a magical place on the south of Portugal.

In front of a perfect beach that I'll post a photograph next, there were this beautiful composition of nature, orange and white lichen mixed with weeds.

A stroll near along the beach, one of my favorites in the world, praia de Moledo do Minho, north of Portugal. Is even better to go during the winter because is empty of people and full of nature. Breathing that air... you'll feel revitalised.

On the many rocks that exist in that beach, some of them are cover with this beautiful lichen.

I took the picture with my iPhone and then printed on kraft paper.

One of the most common lichen is Xanthoria elegans, a type of lichen found all over the world except Australia. They’ve got bright yellow-orange colour which makes it easy to spot because it typically grows in a crust-like form on rocks. Is able to thrive in a variety of environments, including both natural and human-modified habitats such as road cuts and disturbed areas.

Xanthoria elegans provides habitat and food for a variety of organisms, including insects and small animals, and can also help to stabilise soil and prevent erosion.

Here is an illustration I made with Faber-castell Polychromos coloured pencils of my perspective of some incredible living beings.

Fungi and lichens are truly remarkable. From their bright colours to their intricate shapes and textures, these organisms are beautiful. There is still so much to discover about them, they’re truly intriguing, but the more I study, the more I like them.

While they are not directly related, they share many similarities in terms of their colourful pigments and the functions they serve.

Fungi are a type of organism that belong to their own unique kingdom, while lichens are a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and a photosynthetic partner, typically an algae or cyanobacterium.

The colourful pigments found in fungi and lichens are often used for protection or attraction. Some fungi, for example, use bright colours to warn predators that they are toxic or unpalatable. Other fungi use colour to attract insects, which then help to spread their spores and disperse their offspring.

Lichens, on the other hand, use pigments to protect themselves from damage caused by exposure to sunlight. The photosynthetic partner within the lichen produces pigments that absorb harmful UV radiation and protect the fungus from damage. In some cases, lichens can even change colour based on the level of sunlight they receive, becoming more vibrant in bright sunlight and darker in shade.

Some of the most vibrant and colourful fungi and lichens are found in tropical rainforests, where the warm, humid conditions provide an ideal environment for their growth. But if you observe a bit around you, I’m sure you’ll find many of them in different colours and shapes. From bright oranges (like Fly agaric - Amanita muscaria) and yellows to deep blues (Blue chanterelle - Polyozellus multiplex) and purples.

In addition to their colourful appearance, fungi are known for their diverse shapes and textures. Some fungi form delicate, lace-like structures known as coral fungi, which can resemble underwater coral reefs. Others, like the puffball mushroom, have a round, balloon-like shape and release a cloud of spores when disturbed. Still others, like the stinkhorn mushroom, have a phallic shape and emit a foul odour to attract flies for pollination.

Another fascinating characteristic of fungi is their ability to form intricate networks of mycelium, which are thread-like structures that grow through soil, decaying matter, and other substrates. These mycelial networks can be enormous, with some covering hundreds or even thousands of acres of land. In some cases, these networks can even communicate with each other and exchange nutrients and other signals.

Another passion of mine are birds.

I get amazed by their delicacy and magnificent colourful feathers as well as their remarkable ability to fly, allowing them to travel to all corners of the earth with ease. However, despite their freedom of movement, many species of birds enjoy spending time among humans, which is really  integrating.

Some studies reveal that they are highly social creatures and enjoy the company of other living beings, including humans. This way, Providing us a unique opportunity to observe them and connect with their everyday lives.

So the next time you see a bird perched on a tree or a rooftop in your city, take a moment to appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds you.

We often overlook the small details of nature that exist within urban environments. We see the concrete buildings, the busy streets, and the crowded sidewalks, but we fail to notice the fascinating world of weeds and other small plants that grow between the cracks in the pavement. I get dazzled by them. If you watch them carefully you’ll find perfection and pure beauty.

They are incredibly resilient, able to survive in harsh conditions and thrive in environments that other plants cannot. They are also important sources of food and shelter for insects and other wildlife that call our cities home.

Moreover, these small plants have unique and fascinating characteristics that are often overlooked. Their intricate patterns and textures, the way they bend and twist to reach for sunlight, and the vibrant colours of their flowers and leaves are all evidence of the delightful complexity of nature.

Try to find some of these magnificent tiny living beings and let me know the one that catch more your attention!

This space is an escape from reality or some different points of view of life.

Hello world,

I'm Matzi or Matilda, I am a visual  artist passionate about nature and the colour orange. Creating art is my way of expressing my love and admiration for the natural world around us.

I try to capture the beauty of nature in every piece I create. From colourful landscapes to intricate botanical and birds illustrations, my art celebrates the wonders of the natural world.

I like to imagine the world as a stage. Pick up things that nature gives us and transform them.

Stick pieces together in different spaces and observe. Create spaces and wait for the scenes to happen.

Illustration and photography are two of my favourite art forms, ceramics came later, but immediately found a great place in my heart.

My art is a reflection of my passions, and I hope to inspire others to see the beauty in the world around us through my creations.

But specially my work revolves around the dichotomy of nature versus civilisation. I walk around the city, collecting and taking pictures of all kinds of plants that grow in every corner.

The conflict between nature and civilization has been a topic of debate for centuries. On one hand, nature represents the pure, untouched enchantress of the world around us, while on the other hand, civilization represents progress, development, and human ingenuity.

The vast and complex ecosystems of nature are awe-inspiring, and its ability to adapt and evolve is something that humans can only aspire to.

I'll keep posting to this matter. For now I left this picture of a intrigate pine tree, hope you'll enjoy it.