Golden Ruins

At one time, these brick-lined niches, part of the ruins of the Great Stone Church at the Mission of San Juan Capistrano, displayed statues of various saints. Modeled after Byzantine cathedrals, the mission suffered repeated setbacks from natural disasters, including a 7.0 earthquake in 1812 which killed 42 people who were buried under rubble when the church doors were pinned shut.

Bright Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea frame a brick arch leading to a quiet courtyard at Mission San Juan Capistrano. I've added a texture from Shadowhouse Creations.

Mission San Juan Capistrano

This striking fish was gliding through the koi pond at the Mission of San Juan Capistrano in Southern California. It reminded me of the blue and white porcelain of the Netherlands or China. An added texture enhances the look of the somewhat murky water.