Tag: marsh

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Lurking in the Marsh at Murrells Inlet South Carolina

A Great Blue Heron hides among the marsh grasses fishing for a meal.

Fishing is a way of life in Murrells Inlet, and not just for those make their living at it. Fishing, both within the creek and in the ocean is a part of the history, a bond with the place and even among the inhabitants – both the humans and the lesser beasts and critters.

Marsh Grasses and a Great Blue Heron at Murrells Inlet in South Carolina

As the fishing depends on the fish, so the fish depend on the marsh and the entire ecosystem. This symbiotic relationship gives rise to some beautiful and unique scenery – that often looks as good in black and white as it does in full color.

Lurking in the March at Murrells Inlet
Lurking in the March at Murrells Inlet in Black and White

From the time of its formation about 6,000 years ago, the Murrells
Inlet saltmarsh has been a source of food for local inhabitants. Native
Americans depended on the marsh for the seasonal provision of clams,
oysters, and fish, a tradition which persisted through colonial and
plantation times, and continues today. In the 20th century, recreational
and commercial fishing broadened and increased local dependence
upon the marsh.

Click the links below to see the wall art substrates available for these photographs.

Link: Lurking in the Marsh at Murrells Inlet SC

Link: Lurking in the Marsh at Murrells Inlet Monochrome

Link to: Bill’s full Gallery at Pictorem

Link to: Bill’s Gallery hosted by Fine Art America

Saltmarshes like Murrells Inlet provide a rich and sheltered habitat for
fish, from baitfish like Mummichog and striped mullet on up to gamefish of the nearshore ocean, such as grouper. (Just naming two of many examples here.) This is because of the abundance and variety of food available within the marsh, and the relative absence of large predators (that Blue Heron notwithstanding). Scientists have found that more than 75 percent of nearshore ocean fish use the marsh at some stage of their life-cycle, for spawning, for juvenile growth and/or for a seasonal food source.

From an environmental standpoint, maintaining a healthy marsh is essential
to maintaining a healthy ocean fishery. The long view values not only the fish, but the marsh that made the fish and, of course our friend, that long-legged fishing bird, lurking in the marsh.

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Sunrise Over Fenwick Island, DE

While the silhouetted trees may look like the Serengeti, it really is coastal Delaware.

Of course, we do not find lighthouses in the desert, but here we do see the Fenwick Island Lighthouse in silhouette – just to the right of the rising sun. Some photographers will add a “flying shore bird or two” into scenes like this. But not here, that seagull is doing a photobomb on his own volition, without realizing the importance of his appearance.

Sunrise Over Fenwick Island, Delaware

A sunrise is suppose to be full of vivid color, right? Well, not always. Often, a black and white presentation helps to define textures and outlines. Monochrome images are also useful in modern home decor and/or in an office setting. This landscape seems to work well in both color and B&W. What do YOU think. Please let me know your thoughts in the comments area at the bottom of the page.

Sunrise Over Fnwick Island DE in Black and White

Click these links now for more information, see larger images and to browse or purchase.

Link: Sunrise over Fenwick Island

Link: Sunrise over Fenwick Island in Black and White

Link to: Bill’s Fenwick Island Collection at Fine Art America

Link to: Bill’s Fenwick Island Collection at Pictorem (w/ Free Shipping)

Sunrise over Fenwick Island by Bill Swartwout. This photograph depicts the sun rising above the Atlantic Ocean and above the town of Fenwick Island, Delaware. This is one of a kind photograph is available digitally printed in vivid color or black and white on archival fine art paper or museum-quality canvas.

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Dancing Trees on Jekyll Island

These driftwood trees on the beach appear to be having fun.

Well, they are not really dancing but if you tweak your imagination just a bit – they just might be. Dancing, that is, dancing to the beat of a different drummer, one provided by Mother Nature.

Driftwood Trees Dancing at Jekyll Island
Celebrating on center stage are a “couple” of trees that appear to be dancing in the transition zone between the barren driftwood and the lush marshland of Jekyll Island, Georgia.

Driftwood Beach is akin to a “scene from another world” on the northern end of Jekyll Island, Georgia. It is a picturesque place featuring numerous driftwood trees and parts of trees. This mystical place was created by years of erosion that caused many trees to topple into the salt water of the Atlantic Ocean and die. While driftwood is a form of marine debris, or tidewrack, is can also be quite beautiful and even mysterious. The salinity of the ocean water tends to preserve the trees for many decades – if not longer.

Driftwood Trees Dancing on the Wall

Some people ask: “Do you actually display your work in your own home?”

“Of course I do!,” says Bill Swartwout. “If I don’t believe my work is suitable for display in my home how could I expect someone else to purchase it for their home or office?”

Here is a (cell phone) picture of my “Dancing Trees” matted and framed and hanging in a prominent place in our home. It is in a location that everyone who visits will see it. It has received many compliments, which makes me happy that I am displaying such a unique piece for others to enjoy.

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This scene is also available in an Expressionism Presentation and as a simulated Charcoal Drawing. Use the links below to see which you like the best. (I certainly will appreciate your response in a comment below.)

Expressionism Presentation: FAA Gallery
Simulated Charcoal Drawing: FAA Gallery