Category Archives: Blog

Art Gifts for Him

Art gifts for Him

Bold energy and a powerful scene appeal to the masculine.  These images enliven a room and are tried and true gifts “for him”, in the gallery:

“Liquid Crystal” by Steve Munch

“Two Trees Sunburst” by Stephanie Hogue

“Morning Light” by Steve Munch

“C-Street Sunset” by Stephanie Hogue

“Waterman’s View” by Steve Munch

 

Art Gifts- $100-$500

Art gifts- $100-$500

Matted Prints available in sizes 5″x7″, 8″x10″ and 13″x19″

We have a variety of gift options in the $100 to $500 for that special loved one. Go ahead and take the plunge on the item they’ve been eyeing. We can print any of our images in any size on any material! If you let us know your budget, we can help you find the perfect fit!

10″x10″ Modern Wood Prints

Artisan Wood Prints shown in sizes 12″x18″, 12″x36″ and 20″x30″

12″x36″ Artisan Wood Print

20″x30″ Metal Print

27″x40″ Canvas Print

27″x40″ Canvas Print

 

Art Gifts- Stocking Stuffers and Gifts Under $150

      Art gifts- Stocking Stuffers, Certificates and Gifts Under $150

Our smaller items are great for putting together the perfect package.  Coasters, note cards, and prints can be purchased individually or in bundles.  Mix and match to fit your style and budget.

Wood Prints and Tile Coasters

10×10 Modern Wood Prints

Artisan Wood Prints shown in 12″x18″, 12″x36″ and 20″x30″, select any of our images

Notecards available individually or as a mix-and-match set of 6

Gift Certificates in any amount

Behind the Scenes: Spinner Dolphins

This pod of dolphins approached me while I was photographing turtles. They approached me at first with caution. They seemed to be content keeping their distance, so I continued to stay with the turtles. The group’s second approach was quite different. They seemed much less concerned and far more curious. The encounter lasted over 20 minutes and in the end I left feeling like a welcomed visitor of the pod. I admire how much love these beautiful creatures share with each other and how fortunate I was to get the chance to experience and photograph it.

-Steve Munch

Behind the Scenes: Mighty Chieftain

In February of 2015, a major winter storm had just passed through, leaving behind clear skies and rare snow on our local mountains and foothills. I headed off one morning, hopeful to get a shot of Ventura Harbor with the snowcapped mountains in the background. Unable to find the harbor shot I wanted among the docks and moored boats, I walked to the harbor entrance where thundering, 25 foot plus waves were imploding on the breakwater, sending geysers of spray and foam high into the sky. I wanted to document this power and beauty, but still something was missing. I needed something in the for perspective and scape. That’s when I saw the Hawaiian Chieftain looming on the horizon.

I waited. So did the Chieftain. She hovered off the entrance of the harbor, perhaps assessing the risk of attempting to enter the harbor. I waited for a half hour before those on board made the decision to give it a go.

The Chieftain approached from the west. For long moments all you could see were the tops of her mat as she fell into the giant troughs. The current and massive swells had no pushed her into a very dangerous position, turning her broadside to the incoming waves, rearing nauseatingly high. One wave broadside and she would go over. This was no mere photo opportunity but a very real moment of desperation. I looked up over my camera to confirm that the waves weren’t an illusion created through the compression of my telephoto lens. They weren’t. My stomach twisted. I was sure the Chieftain’s captain had made a life-altering mistake that would see his ship and are into the cold, unforgiving water.

As the Chieftain made her final run I stayed focused. Her speed was impressive. With 50 yards separating her from the safety of the protected waters behind the breakwater, a think ball of black diesel smoke bellowed from her stack (she was at full power and moving fast) as the waves exploded, whitewater reaching hundreds of feet into the air.

In the end, half a boat length was the difference between joyous celebration and tragedy.

-Stephanie Hogue

Behind the Scenes: Mr. Lucky

We call him Mr. Lucky, and with good reason, for the odds are stacked astronomically against him. Each hatchling that bursts from the sand has less than a one percent chance of reaching maturity. A thousand eggs are laid so that one will survive. Yet each hatchling bursts forth as if it is the chosen one. There is always a chance.

The miracle doesn’t end at the water’s edge. Plunging into the surf, the hatchling, no bigger than a child’s hand, remains undaunted: having never seen the ocean before, the turtle swims an unerring course, first through crashing surf and then across the seas themselves, more blank and featureless than anything terra firma can conjure. They swim, for the most part, alone. Each is captain of its own fate.

Still they swim on, a dogged journey of survival and, no doubt, luck.

-Stephanie Hogue

Surround Yourself With Things That You Love

In the design world, often bigger is better.  Personally, I have always had a house that was full and my passion was organizing everything so that it stayed in it’s place.  So when the KonMari method kept popping up in conversation and online, I shuddered.  For some of us, minimalism is uncomfortable.  But after reading the book, “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up”, and implementing her practice, I am indeed a convert.  It isn’t about minimalism after all.

27″x40″ “Blue Sky Palms” Wrapped Canvas Print

 

Marie Kondo believes that if we simply sort through our belongings and only hold on to items that “spark joy”, that we will be transformed,  inside and out.  She says there is no better feeling than “surrounding yourself only with things that you love.”  The mental and physical clutter fall away, and you are left more aware of your truth- who you are and what fills you with joy.

33″x50″ “Morning Light” Modern Wood Print

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As the summer season comes to an end and we begin to prepare our homes for the cooler indoor months, consider this: when you look around at the spaces you live in, does your artwork spark the joy in you?  If not, it’s time to find art that does.

Latitudes Fine Art can create any of our images in any size and finish.  It’s time to surround yourself with things that you love.

Kauai Images, best time to take pictures.

Photographing waves or wildlife on Kauai, is often far more productive in the mid day light. In a world where most photographers shoot in the pre dawn or pre dusk (Golden Hour) light. Kauai and its tropical waters and reefs are best shooting when the sun is high in the sky, bringing out the many shades of blue and purple
this tropical locations has to offer. When visiting Kauai, sleep in and enjoy your morning, the best light is yet to come 🙂

Wave explodes on the rocks of the North Shore of Kauai

 

Wave passes over a Kauai reef.

Blue wave, against storm clouds. Kauai

 

Dolphins, bathing in the light.

 

Passing Honu, Poipu Beach, Kauai

 

 

Transform Your Space With Art- Seaside Photography

30″x60″ “Seaside Sunset” Wrapped Canvas, in a living room.

Seaside photography can quickly transform your space into a peaceful escape, no matter how far from the shore you are!

“Good Life” by Stephanie Hogue

Beaches, marine life, and wave photography are some of our very favorite subjects and we have many to choose from to suit any taste.

40″x60″ “Strie Seas” Wrapped Canvas, over a King size bed.

“Delicate Grasses” by Stephanie Hogue

Ranging from abstract waves, to shores that feel like you could stick your toes in the sand, to palm trees swaying in the sunset skies, we have what you need to make your getaway a reality.  Call us today and your personal art consultant will help you find the perfect piece.  805-642-5257

“Golden Hour” by Steve Munch

Latitudes Fine Art Gallery in Ventura, California, is the perfect place to find breathtaking art for your walls. Specializing in photographs of Ventura County, Southern California and Hawaii, the gallery goes above and beyond to make it easy to find and fit the perfect piece of art on your wall. All of the photographs can be printed on any media, including wood, canvas, metal and traditional fine art paper ready to be framed. With custom renderings of your wall, our team takes the guesswork out of choosing a perfect fit! Browse our website to find some of your favorite images, then call us or email today to get started. 805-642-5257

33″x50″ “Delicate Dunes” Modern Wood Print, over a Queen size bed.

Kauai Photography, NaPali Coast

The NaPali coast stretches for 17 miles along Kauai’s Northwest shores. The word NaPali means “Cliffs”. Its beauty above and below the aqua blue waters, make it a must see, when visiting Kauai.

The NaPali coast stretches 17 miles along the Northwest side of Kauai, Hawaii

Arches and falls
await the NaPali traveler.

The cliffs of NaPali, rise high above Kalalau beach

Ke’e Winter

Honu, Kalalau Beach

Curious dolphins

Spinners on the move, NaPali Coast