By ROBERT DRYJA
Los Alamos

“Summer Solstice” is the name given to the longest day of the year. The sunlight created during this day can do so much. This is particularly apparent when the sun has just risen in the early morning. Sun light now comes almost horizontally rather than vertically from the sky above.

In addition, plants have just completed their spring time growth and their leaves are in perfect condition. The horizontal sunlight passes through leaves and they glow in different ways.

Leaves can be said to be conducting photosynthesis in this sunlight. However, they also have become a form of solstice artistry. Extreme contrasts be between light and dark green occur. Forms of geometric symmetry become apparent. Repeating patterns stand out. A plant may change from a quiet green to a loud white color in this sunlight.

The following pictures provide examples of this artistry:

Large leaves high in a tree glow in the sunlight and make shadowy copies on adjacent leaves. Photo by Robert Dryja

The shape of some leaves creates glowing curves of light. Photo by Robert Dryja

This plant grows clusters of seeds at the top of straight stems. The stems become white columns of light in the sun. Photo by Robert Dryja