What it looks like above the water
Since so many of you enjoyed the fish photos last week, I decided to share a few more with you this time as well. I was beginning to think we weren’t going to be snorkeling this week, but thankfully the sun came our for a day, so we headed to the river for a couple of very fun hours spent in the water! I absolutely love snorkeling, as it transports me to another world! You can really see the difference between the two worlds in looking at these two photos. The one above is what is typically seen, and this one below, is directly beneath it. Looks like two totally different worlds doesn’t it? . . . It is and it’s awesome to experience this other amazing universe! And while there may not be brilliant-colored coral reefs in mountain streams, as you can see bright pink tree roots add gorgeous splashes of color the the underwater scene.
And here’s what it looks like directly below the above water photo
We always see something different each time we snorkel, even if we’re doing it in the same vicinity. This time we were thrilled to see two big Hellbenders! We think these giant salamanders are awesome, and feel blessed each time we get to see and watch one!
Wes found this bed filled with literally hundreds of baby bass! The mother was actually patrolling the area and graciously allowed me to capture a short film of them, as well as of her! It was yet another super cool find to say the least!
Every so often we spot crawdads, but when I saw this BIG one which was mostly blue, I was instantly smitten with it’s beauty! It was friendly and while I was filming, it actually walked right up to the GoPro! I’m not sure if it was just checking it out or getting ready to take it on, but wow . . . what a neat up-close and personal experience! I’ll be sharing the video on my blog once it’s completed, so be sure and watch for it.
There were several Tangerine Darters swimming about, and I really enjoyed watching these two, as they interacted with one another. They’re almost always in an area of very strong current, so it’s harder to hold the camera still while videoing, so that’s why the photo is a bit out of focus. You can still see their gorgeous bright sunny colors though.
See our miniatures in person this week
Exquisite Miniatures recently opened at the beautiful The Elliott Museum located in Stuart, FL
We are delighted to have our history-making tour on display in this beautiful museum! So if you’re in, or are going to be in the area, plan a visit to see over 60 of our miniature paintings in person, grab a magnifying glass and experience the “wow factor!” And if you fall in love with one . . . well, it can be yours forever, as all paintings in the exhibition are available.
We still have paintings available through these miniature shows listed, so visit their websites linked below to see what can still be yours!
Masterpieces in Miniature
May 2021: Picture This Gallery, Alberta, Canada
30th International Miniature Art Show
May 1-31, 2021: Seaside Art Gallery, Nags Head, NC (We were the judges for the show this year)
The Art of the Miniature XXIX
May 2 – June 13, 2021: The Snow Goose Gallery, Bethlehem, PA
To see our available miniature paintings, visit our website, artofwildlife.com
Would you like to commission us? If so, contact us by Email
Until Next Time ~ Rachelle
Under the Magnifying Glass 