Serenity can be found in a crowd with yelling people, horses and riders. Yes, this weekend we went to a rodeo while visiting friends. I had fun experiencing a rodeo for the first time and trying to capture the events with my camera. With my attention captured, I was calm and serene. But, that’s not the only way to capture serenity. This week Egidio suggests that we show where we go to be serene.

I like landscapes with beautiful skies; and, I like to see people enjoying the same scene I do. The next two images show people enjoying flowers, one at the ocean and the other in the forest. Both are calming and wonderful.

Skies can help a landscape become serene. Whether at the ocean or in the country, a good sky can create a calming atmosphere. Water is always calming. Whether I’m at a lake or ocean I’m entranced by water. Our country outings always have a calming effect especially when the scene is simple and beautiful.

We can also find serenity viewing public art. Our yearly Chalk It Up and many murals about downtown Sacramento leave me in awe and serene. A mural of a mother and child embracing sends me to a calm quiet place–not that raising kids is always calm! A mural of a swan and heart reminds me of how graceful swans are as they glide through the water.

Last, there’s nothing more serene than a beautiful sunset. I sometimes sit and wonder how nature can paint these beautiful pictures.

After seeing these images, you’re probably wondering how I can find serenity at a rodeo. I just got immersed in the activity. Mind and body relaxed. Isn’t that what serenity is all about? Thanks Egidio for sending us to serene places this week. I’ll catch up with all your posts and look for more. When you do post, please link to Egidio’s original post and tag Lens-Artists. Next week Tina is challenging us.

If you’re wondering about my Rodeo pictures, they are still in the camera. You’ll see them someday. In the meantime, stay safe and live in gratitude!

56 thoughts on “Lens Artists Challenge #348: Serenity”

  1. Anne, your post was a prime example of how we can find serenity. That couple on the beach, the skies, the murals, and all images embody serenity. I think you said it best with one word: Immersion. Awesome post and photos!

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  5. I agree about the sunset Anne, they are always relaxing. I think you have picked some great photos for the theme and I was nodding my head agreeing with you through each one. Lovely post.

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  10. LOL for serenity at a rodeo Anne – only you!!! Your images are marvelous as always. The fields of flowers are incredible. They wouldn’t be serene for me because I’d be frenetically chasing the perfect image!! Glorious.

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  13. I have to say I’m unconvinced about serenity at a rodeo! But these photos certainly are, especially the ocean and sunset. And I like how you’ve reminded us that art can create a feeling of serenity through the choice of subjects 🙂

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    1. Thanks Sarah! For me, the rodeo was a unique experience for me and my camera. It was exciting and fun. It got me away from the tumultuous times here in the U.S. To me that’s serenity. Beautiful landscapes also take us away, but in a different way. Both bring me to a place of serenity.

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  15. Everything you picture here is so true! Nature can calm us as can art in any form – visual, auditory, and the other senses. I do get how a rodeo can be calming – when we are focused on anything we lose connection with all other distractions unless they really can intrude on our concentration. Looking forward to those pictures of the rodeo – they are so amazing and, obviously, not our usual environment, much less how we earn our living!!

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    1. Thanks N! I think you’re the only one who understands how a rodeo can bring us to serenity. I went through my pictures. So far, out of 800+, I have 400+ left. I think by the time I’m done culling, I’ll have 50! So tedious.

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  20. Wonderful thoughts/images of serenity. Funny thing, I was also at a horse show this weekend……proudly snapping photos of our granddaughter 😉 (and yes, it was a serene experience). I’ve been busy with processing those photos so I’m a little behind with this week’s challenge.

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  21. Anne, I love those photos of people enjoying the flowers, but my favorite is that golden hour shot.
    I feel what you are saying about serenity at a rodeo. I don’t go to many, but I have always felt about them like you mentioned.

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  22. Thanks John! You’re my second affirmation regarding rodeos being serene. They draw your attention and are entertaining. And if you have a camera in your hand, that’s a plus.

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  23. I liked all of your serene photos – from the flowers to the skies – ahhh – and I can see how the rodeo is serene for you – how you nestle in and enjoy the many parts of the event – very cool

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      1. oh have fun processing – and did you know I had a roommate that was a rodeo rider. Well we were only roommates for a few weeks – I was moving out of a shared house and he had moved in to Kristy’s old room. He was a great guy and was from wyoming – and before I left, I bought a little pack of mini cowboy hats from a craft store and decorated his room – he liked it

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  25. Lovely Anne, sky watching is one of my favorite small joys, the art nature creates and we try to capture it. You have done it beautifully.And I agree with you when concentrating on your own thing, whatever it is can bring serenity – I often found it when sculpting

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