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.

Pier 39

A gorgeous day in San Francisco as seen from Pier 39.

Dance of the Orbs

The tree was photographed in Balboa Park, San Diego and a bokeh texture from Shadowhouse Creations was added. I liked the effect, which reminded me of 'ghostly' photos I've seen taken in graveyards or other spooky places.

Her Private Courtyard

This private inner courtyard, open to the elements, was a central feature of my friend's house when she and her husband lived in the Bay Area. 

Wooden Stairs

Taken on the beach at Carlsbad, California. I loved these multi-tiered wooden stairs that gave access to the beach from the cliff above.
Textures by Distressed Jewel and Kerstin Frank.

Ocean House

This Victorian building in Carlsbad Village has a 200-year history. Formerly an inn, it is now a restaurant with banquet and wedding facilities. No textures were added, only adjustment layers in CS3.

Lifeguard Tower 32

Carlsbad has a number of lifeguard towers that line the beach. They are a popular subject for the local art scene to explore, as well as serving a very functional purpose.

Palm Leaves and Lattice

I've added a gold adjustment layer and vignette to a photo of some palm leaves that I took in the gardens of Balboa Park in San Diego.

Catch the Wind

I noticed these banner kites attached to a pole at a campsite above the beach at Carlsbad. I decided to replace the plain blue sky with a more interesting texture from Stephanie in Love.

Star of India

I captured this image a few years back during a visit to San Diego. I wanted to experiment with a new process, trying for an aged look.
Texture by Shadowhouse Creations.

Lions at Leisure

This image began with a photo of two lionesses sunning themselves at the San Diego Safari Park.
Textures by boccacino and Paree Erica have been added.

Lorikeets

These lorikeets at the San Diego Safari Park were hoping for a handout of nectar. I watched several of them swarm two small children who were holding cups of nectar. These were waiting their turn.
Textures by Shadowhouse Creations.

Seabirds

These curlews were lined up along the wall on Carlsbad Beach. Their long bills help them forage for sand crabs and other food.

Seaweed and Stones

Piles of kelp on the pebble-strewn beach at South Carlsbad, California.
Texture by Cathair Studios.

SoCal Sunset

I just got back from a quick trip to Southern California to escape the Arizona heat for a few days. Unfortunately, I missed some dramatic thunderstorms, which I always enjoy. This image shows the sun setting over the beach at Carlsbad, California.
Texture by Shadowhouse Creations.

Lover's Point

This photo was taken on Lover's Point in Pacific Grove, California. It's a favorite destination for me and a good antidote to a hot desert summer.
Texture from Shadowhouse Creations.

Green Door

Another scene photographed at the beautiful Filoli Estate in Woodside, California.
Textures by boccacino and Shadowhouse Creations.

Over the Rooftops

Sailboats on San Francisco Bay as seen from the roof tops of the old prison buildings on Alcatraz Island.
Texture by les brumes.

Shore Bird

This image began with a photo taken on the shore of Monterey Bay not long after sunrise.
Textures: Paree Erica and Shadowhouse Creations

Old House, Monterey

This photo shows an old stucco house in Monterey, California with a texture from boccacino added.