The beauty of nature’s finest blossoms is captured in the botanical flower portraits of Mobile, AL artist Louise Estes, who describes her style as naturalistic.

Her ability to create these exquisite watercolors has lead to exhibits at the National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. (30 paintings); the Arboretum at Cheekwood in Nashville, TN; Calloway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA; Bellingrath Gardens in Mobile, AL and many other galleries and organizations including the Garden Writers of America, Men’s Garden Club of America, the American Rose Society, and the American Camellia Society.

The American Rose Foundation has published prints of the “Dainty Bess”, “Touch of Class”, and “Europeana” roses.  Recently, Louise was named the Official Artist of the World Rose Society.

Louise's painting of “Iris” was included in the 6th International Exhibition of Botanical Art and Illustration at the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation at the Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA and remains in their permanent collection. She also paints on porcelain.

Artist’s Statement

I try to paint the flowers botanically correct and paint from the blossoms themselves. Others I might paint in a "washy" style, not to be exact, but just because they are beautiful flowers. I paint flowers to capture their beauty so it can be enjoyed forever. I hope my paintings capture the beauty of God’s world and give pleasure to those who view them.

I am grateful to Joe Winchel for naming his beautiful, award winning, and widely acclaimed rose the "Louise Estes" for me and I am so pleased to present the print shown here of this rose.

Scuba diver John Estes of Fairhope, AL considers a 35 mm camera an essential part of his gear. His incredible images from beneath the sea will bring a cooling atmosphere to your home or office. “I’ve always been drawn to the amazing detail of the smaller creatures of the sea,” Estes said. “Many of my underwater images are macro photography (subjects sized from 1 to 5 inches). Focusing in close often produces an image that seems abstract for many viewers, except divers who are familiar with the creature.”

John’s interest in these and other natural phenomena prompted his desire to become a photographer. Over the years, he has attended several professional photographic workshops, though most of his style has developed from studying and experimenting on his own. When John is not photographing nature, he is in demand for capturing wedding and other lifetime memories. 

Currently, much of John's time is spent on locations across the country as a Still Photographer for movie productions where his images are used for promotion, DVD covers and posters.   

“I was born into an artistically talented family,” he explained. His mother is artist Louise Estes who is known for her botanical watercolors. “My mother’s influence - either through genetics or environment - helped developed my interest in color and detail.”

“In nature, the source of my inspiration is simple; I go outside or underwater, open my eyes, and God’s handiwork does the rest. Non-divers are always amazed at the variety of color and design in the underwater images, especially the ones taken at night. This is the only time some creatures can be observed.”

“Nature is amazingly diverse and fragile. Many times we allow our lives to be filled with too much hustle and bustle… Every one of these creatures is truly a gift from God. He has blessed me with a talent that allows me to enjoy them on a daily basis, and to share the experience with others. I hope my images touch someone with enough emotion to encourage them to appreciate God’s creatures, and to conserve the environment for future generations to enjoy.”

CREDITS 
 
        John has worked as the still photographer for:

The Discover Channel documentary entitled “Shipwreck,” and with 12 full length feature films -
most recently - “Tough Luck”, “The Novice”, “Randy and the Mob”, “Doubting Thomas”, “Fanboys” "The Year of Getting to Know Us", "My Father's Five Wives" and "Everything Must Go." 
 

John is a member of the International Cinematographers Guild Local 600, listed on the Industry Experience Roster and also a member of the Professional Photographers of America.  John shoots with professional Nikon equipment
and a Jacobson Blimp.

 Besides numerous art / gallery exhibits and over 100 weddings, his images have appeared
in national magazines such as
Southern Living,  Rodale’s Scuba Diving Magazine, International Dive Travel Magazine, the American Rose Annual, Location Update - a Film and Video Magazine, Mobile Bay Monthly,
Registered Rep Financial Magazine, TV Guide, The Sense of it All - magazine
and the Travel Guide for the Toronto Sun Newspaper.

(Reference requests welcome at john@estesart.com )