— Simplicity in nature can be defined as the elegant beauty we see around us, even in the smallest of things. It is that kind of beauty that is unpretentious, uncluttered, and sometimes free of unnecessary complexity. As an example, look closely at the Tenpetal Thimbleweed (or Tenpetal Anemone) flower I presented above. It is simple in its color scheme and yet profoundly beautiful. I photographed it at Inks Lake State Park this spring when many wildflowers were beginning to bloom early.
“Simplicity in character, in manners, in style;
in all things the supreme excellence is simplicity.”
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Simplicity in nature can be a source of great beauty and inspiration for me. It shows me the power of the natural world. When we connect with simplicity in nature, we can find peace, tranquility, and a sense of awe.
Here is an example from my own garden. A Turks Cap flower is another of Nature’s examples of simplicity. One interesting fact about these flowers is that the trumpet-shaped flowers do not fully open. They get their name because some people see a Turkish turban in their form. This Texas-native plant flowers very well in the shade. Pollinators also love their flowers.
Here are some of the qualities that are often associated with simplicity in nature: harmony, balance, order, and complexity. It is interesting to see complexity along with simplicity. In reality, though, when you look up close at simple things, such as a flower or a snowflake, you can see how complex they can be.
“The art of simplicity is a puzzle of complexity.”
Douglas Horton
As for the other qualities, it seems to be more straightforward. Who has never admired the color harmony of a sunset? Everything seems to blend together seamlessly.
There is also plenty of balance in a sunset, especially when you see it reflected in the waters of a lake. That is the case of this image I captured at Lake Raven in Huntsville State Park earlier this spring. A tree and its trunks and branches also show simplicity in balance and order. The flowers I have featured here are also good examples of those elements in the way their petals are arranged and spread from the center of the flower.
In closing, I want to share one more wildflower that I captured in my neighborhood park, Copperfield Nature Trail. This is a Stiff greenthread flower, a member of the Aster family. Harmony, order, balance, complexity, and simplicity are all present in this small flower. Although it can reach heights between 10-30 inches (25-75 cm), the flower is only 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter.
This post is my entry to the Lens-Artists Challenge #257: Simplicity, by Philo, the host of the Philosophy Through Photography blog.
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Tina Schell
A very beautiful post Egidio, I loved the flower from your garden and the closing image especially. Such power in such simple things – each of your images wonderfully captured. Perfect simplicity
Egídio Leitão
Tina, thank you for your wonderful feedback and compliment. It was very kind of you to write back.
JohnRH
WOW. GREAT photos, commentary, and quotes. I love that sunset perspective, with the tree branches, reflection, et al, sweeping toward the center. Excellent.
Egídio Leitão
Thank you for the compliment and kind words, John. Originally, I had not intended to use that photo. However, I thought it was a perfect example to illustrate the simplicity and balance of a sunset.
margaret21
Beautiful images of flowers – and the sunset too. Perfect simplicity.
Egídio Leitão
Thanks, Margaret. I’m glad you liked them.
Ana
Wonderful images!!! I couldn’t pick a favourite, I like them all.
Egídio Leitão
Ana, that is very kind of you. Thanks for the remarks.
philo
Thank you so much Egídio Leitão for your amazing Mother Nature clicks which convey nothing but the simplicity of Nature!
The three flower images you provided are nothing but striking beauty proving the excellence of simplicity!
Your explanation about the Turk’s Cap flower is interesting.
Love Douglas Horton’s quote. So true it is!
The sunset click is mesmerizing! It’s so peaceful to watch!
Thank you so much for joining us with your magnificent photos.
Egídio Leitão
Philo, your complimentary feedback warms my heart. Thank you for writing.
solaner
I‘m with Tina. Especially the last image is simplicity in all aspects: clear shape, one subject, 2 colors, complementary colors ???
Egídio Leitão
André, thank you kindly for these words. I appreciated your feedback.
solaner
you’re welcome, Egídio ?
Anne Sandler
This is a beautiful, simple post Egidio. Love your photography and that sunset is fabulous.
Egídio Leitão
Thank you, Anne. I appreciate the feedback.
Wind Kisses
Egidio, not only do you step up to the plate each week, you also knock it out of the part. The read of your post is so calming. Well thought out, and yet a chance to nudge us into simplicity. And while I loved all your photos, I especially loved the sunset and the words you gave us to go with it. “Who has never admired the color harmony of a sunset? Everything seems to blend together seamlessly.”
Fantastic.
Egídio Leitão
Donna, thank you for your thoughtful and kind response. That sunset photo was not part of my initial plan, but when I saw that harmony is part of simplicity, I just had to add it. I appreciate your feedback.
Wind Kisses
I am glad you included it. It was a perfect fit, with perfect words to share why you did.
Tra Italia e Finlandia
Foto molto belle. 🙂
Egídio Leitão
Grazie mille.
Leya
I must agree with the other commenters – perfect simplicity. And of course it is in nature. I too am grateful you did not leave out the sunset – it is beautiful beyond words. Love your photography.
Egídio Leitão
Thanks a million. I appreciated your compliment.
Pepper
Beautiful. ??
Egídio Leitão
Thanks for the compliment, Pepper.
Pepper
My pleasure. ?