Iris Abstract #1
by Bruce Bley
Title
Iris Abstract #1
Artist
Bruce Bley
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
This macro shot of a blue iris blossom was taken from one of my flower beds this past spring. I enjoy capturing natures beauty and detail. We often times don't stop to see the little intricate detail of nature that makes it so beautiful.
Iris is a genus of 260-300 species of flowering plants with showy flowers. It takes its name from the Greek word for a rainbow, referring to the wide variety of flower colors found among the many species, as well as, being the scientific name, iris is also very widely used as a common name for all Iris species, though some plants called thus belong to other closely related genera. A common name for some species is 'flags', while the plants of the subgenus Scorpiris are widely known as 'junos', particularly in horticulture. It is a popular garden flower.
Irises are perennial plants, growing from creeping rhizomes (rhizomatous irises) or, in drier climates, from bulbs (bulbous irises). They have long, erect flowering stems which may be simple or branched, solid or hollow, and flattened or have a circular cross-section. The rhizomatous species usually have 3-10 basal sword-shaped leaves growing in dense clumps. The bulbous species have cylindrical, basal leaves.
The inflorescences are fan-shaped and contain one or more symmetrical six-lobed flowers. These grow on a pedicel or lack a footstalk. The three sepals, which are spreading or droop downwards, are referred to as "falls". They expand from their narrow base, which in some of the rhizomatous irises has a "beard" (a tuft of short upright extensions growing in its midline), into a broader expanded portion ("limb"), often adorned with veining, lines or dots. The three, sometimes reduced, petals stand upright, partly behind the sepal bases. They are called "standards". Some smaller iris species have all six lobes pointing straight outwards, but generally limb and standards differ markedly in appearance. They are united at their base into a floral tube that lies above the ovary (known as an epigynous or inferior ovary). The styles divide towards the apex into petaloid branches; this is significant in pollination.
The iris flower is of interest as an example of the relation between flowering plants and pollinating insects. The shape of the flower and the position of the pollen-receiving and stigmatic surfaces on the outer petals form a landing-stage for a flying insect, which in probing for nectar, will first come into contact with the perianth, then with the stigmatic stamens in one whorled surface which is borne on an ovary formed of three carpels. The shelf-like transverse projection on the inner whorled underside of the stamens is beneath the overarching style arm below the stigma, so that the insect comes in contact with its pollen-covered surface only after passing the stigma; in backing out of the flower it will come in contact only with the non-receptive lower face of the stigma. Thus, an insect bearing pollen from one flower will, in entering a second, deposit the pollen on the stigma; in backing out of a flower, the pollen which it bears will not be rubbed off on the stigma of the same flower.
I hope you have enjoyed this photograph and will share it with others. You can see more of my work on my homepage in the various galleries I have created. Thank you for visiting and please come back.
Uploaded
September 21st, 2014
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Viewed 740 Times - Last Visitor from Beverly Hills, CA on 03/28/2024 at 1:15 PM
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Comments (27)
Bruce Bley
Bob and Nadine, I appreciate the feature in the group "Artist News". Thank you so much for the honor.
Mike Breau
Lovely composition Bruce-love the abstract qualities/L
Bruce Bley replied:
Thank you for the kind and gracious words, and L, Mike. I sincerely appreciate it.
Deb Halloran
Bruce, This macro shot is perfect on all levels...incredible photography. Nicely done. v/f
Bruce Bley replied:
Thank you for the wonderful compliment, Deb. You have mad my day. I sometimes think about dropping out, but a comment likes yours gives me a chance to reflect. Thank you for the v.
Bruce Bley
Marinescu. I want to thank you for the feature in the group "Premium FAA Artists". Thank you for the honor. I truly appreciate it.
Jeannie Rhode Photography
Bruce, Congratulations on your Featured Image in Flora ! Nice macro capture with Beautiful colors, details and light.
Bruce Bley replied:
Jeannie, Thank you for the congrats and wonderful compliment. I truly appreciate it.
Kirsten Giving
Hello Again my Friend--Just wanted you to know that this makes a gorgeous cover for my Flora: Macro Images Pinterest Board because the center of the flower is what "shows up" on the cover page! Kirsten
Kirsten Giving
Hello Bruce! Oh, so pretty! I love the simple abstract quality, the magnificent color, and the slight back lighting. Well done! f/l/p Kirsten
Bruce Bley replied:
Thank you for the wonderful kind and gracious comment, Kristen. I love macro shots that help create abstracts. Thank you gain and thanks for the L/P
Bruce Bley
Chuck, I truly appreciate the feature in the group "AAA Images". Thank you for the honor.
Bruce Bley
Dave, I want to thank you for the feature in the group "Nature and Landscape Photography". I sincerely appreciate the honor.
Chris Flees
stunning shot Bruce...l/f/t
Bruce Bley replied:
John, I appreciate the kind comment and promos. Thank you so much for your support.
Bruce Bley
Doug, I appreciate the feature in the group "Macro Marvels". I also want to thank you for your support of my work.
Bruce Bley
Svetlana, Thank you so much for the feature in the group "The World We See". I sincerely appreciate it.
Bruce Bley
Stefon Thank you again for the feature in the group "Appreciating Works From All Mediums". I appreciate the honor.
Bruce Bley
Karen I truly appreciate the feature in the group "GRAND GREETING CARDS 1 per day". Thank you for the honor and your support.
Bruce Bley
Dora, I want to thank you for the feature in the group "Visions of Spring". Thank you for the honor. I really appreciate it.
Bruce Bley
Jay, I want to thank you for the feature in the group "Amateur Photographers- 2 Entries Per Day Please". Thank you so much.
Bruce Bley
Karen, I am very grateful for the feature in the group "ART BY GOD 1 per day". Thank you for the honor.
Randy Rosenberger
As administrator of the Wisconsin Flowers and Scenery group, it is with pride and honor that I choose to feature this beautiful piece of your artwork on our homepage! Works of this stature and beauty are very deserving of special recognition, which you are receiving within our family of friends and fine artists in the WFS group. Congratulations on your feature on our homepage. You are very deserving of this honor. Liked Forever, Elvis Randy B. Rosenberger