Nature's patience: A still life of a Ball Thistle by Marjolijn van den Berg

This photo "Nature's Patience: A Still Life of a Bull Thistle" is a macro photo of a bulb of the Bull Thistle (Also called the Echinops). This bulb is not yet in flower. The incidence of light on the thistle bulb highlights the structure of the thistle. It clearly shows the spiny points. The points look like a defence mechanism of the bulb, but they are not. They are the flowers about to open. In a few days, this bulb will look very different, then it will be full of flowers and its "prickly" appearance of now will no longer be there.
The background/substrate is dark green in colour with a gradient in it. The background has a reflective property. In addition to this property, the ground also has a texture, breaking the mirror image. This gives an almost painterly abstract effect. It looks just like a layer of undulating water underneath.
Because of the natural colours and the way the work is lit, there is something natural but also exciting about it.
A work that radiates simplicity but remains fascinating to look at. A tranquil moment before flowering begins.
This picture can hang beautifully in the hall, kitchen, dining room or simply above the bed in the bedroom.
©Marjolijn van den Berg