by Debra Cortese | Dec 1, 2017 | custom art & design, Debra Cortese Designs Handbags, Delaware River, Gift Certificates, GIFTS, Greeting Cards, honey bees, Narrowsburg, Nature Designs by Debra Cortese, Nature Lovers Gift List, nature photography, nature's energy, Patterns, photography, shopping
Original photo of the pine and oak trees that inspired Debra’s new bark patterns
Both the pine and oak bark patterns that are featured on clothing and home decor products were inspired by my love and curiosity for the variety of textures and colors of my surroundings. The models for this new design were actually the mature pine tree, the tall one behind the canoe in the landscape photo, and the hand-holding couple of oak trees that stand like guardians on the bank of the Delaware River just outside my studio window.
The trees and the surrounding plants (along with my gardens) serve as hosts to many creatures depending upon the time of year. In spring and summer, this particular pine tree is often inhabited by a hive of honeybees. They return each year to a long, narrow crevasse in the tree’s west side. I haven’t yet tasted their honey but am quite certain a visiting bear delights in his visits to this tree!
The colors and textures of the bark on this glorious pine tree were best captured with macro photography which I intently reviewed to select a most appealing detail section for the pine bark pattern. I’ve added images of several of the most popular ‘Pine Bark” products that are available from my Society6 shop.Â
I hope you enjoy the texture and colors of my tree bark designs. I certainly enjoyed creating them!
3 Oak Tree Bark Patterns by Debra Cortese
now available on clothing, accessories, tech and home decor products
click on images for product descriptions, options and pricing
by Percy Cat | Mar 17, 2017 | Animals, Birds of Prey, Delaware River, interests, nature's energy, photography

Looked out over the Delware River to the perch tree about 8:30 this morning and saw this golden glow on a Red-Shouldered Hawk that was surveying the Big Eddy landscape. Never cease to be amazed and inspired by my surroundings… by nature!
– Debra
This gorgeous bird of prey was glowing in the morning sun on the popular eagle perch high above the Delaware River. Apparently surveying the Big Eddy for breakfast options. I am so blessed to have this daily view. Took the photos still in my cozy zebra robe and before first cup of coffee because I know too well that a photo opp like this can be gone in seconds.
Hope you enjoy this bit of my morning wildlife inspiration. And here’s the article where I learned a bit more about Red-Shouldered Hawks: http://www.conservewildlifenj.org/species/spotlight/redshouldered/
Two more photos – a bit blurry, but remember, no coffee, still in wakeup mode and the hawk is flying off the branch…


by Percy Cat | Dec 2, 2016 | nature's energy

Like many others, I have been shaken by the chaos, greed, irreverance, hostilities, fear and anger that is bombarding our lives. I’m fortunate to live beside the Delaware River and for the past four years have become increasingly attracted to the ever-changing faces of the ancient rock formations that surround an area called The Big Eddy in Narrowsburg, NY.
I’ve been photographing, sketching and painting the rock formations that support the bridge and line the riverbanks almost daily during every season and at all times of day. The images can change dramatically within seconds and I literally have thousands of photos that I feel compelled to work on, to be able to share the majesty and presence of the ancient rocks that hold the earth, trees and guide the flow of the river. I feel the energy of these ancient guardians and often imagine the stories that they have witnessed throughout time.
The earth energy is very powerful here. I often wonder if the rocks and river harbor a secret portal that often deflects the electronic signals of phones, computers and televisions. Some of my favorite neighbors are eagles, bears, raccoons, skunks, opposums, minks, and snakes. There are also owls, ducks, geese, herons, all kinds of water loving birds, fish, turtles and deer – often strolling past my studio window or nibbling at my garden.
I digress.
Nature, our earth, Mother Earth to me, provides us with all kinds of gifts and when we are open to listening and seeing, there is beauty, power and magic everywhere.
Today, it feels like time to share the River Rock Totems, as Guardians, especially for the Water and the Water Protectors at Standing Rock – with the intention to share the ancient wisdom and power of nature for all who care about the health of our planet and each other.
~ Debra Cortese 12.2.16

by Percy Cat | Oct 12, 2015 | beekeeping, Flower of Life, honey bees, Narrowsburg

#Narrowsburg #HoneyBee Festival River Rock Bee Childrens Art and Crafts
Based on my love of nature and a lifelong recurring relationship with Honey Bees, I absolutely wanted to bee part of the first Narrowsburg Honey Bee Festival. I contacted Joan Santo of Narrowsburg Fine Wines and Spirits as soon as I heard about the festival and volunteered for the Children’s Arts and Crafts project which turned into one of the most enjoyable honeybee experiences to date!
A huge thank you to the gentleman who volunteered to take many of the images of the children’s project and also to Courtney and all of the parents and grandparents who assisted with the stripes, glue dots and googly eyes… River Rock Bees ruled the day!
So.. here are my favorite photos from the first Narrowsburg Honey Bee Festival on October 10, 2015:

#Narrowsburg Honey Bee Festival

#Narrowsburg #HoneyBee Festival

#Narrowsburg #HoneyBee Festival

#Narrowsburg #HoneyBee Festival

#Narrowsburg #HoneyBee Festival

#Narrowsburg #HoneyBee Festival with Carrie – facepainting and Debra – art and crafts

#Narrowsburg #HoneyBee Festival

#Narrowsburg #HoneyBee Festival

#Narrowsburg #HoneyBee Festival

#Narrowsburg #HoneyBee Festival

#Narrowsburg #HoneyBee Festival
by Percy Cat | Dec 22, 2014 | Greeting Cards, my garden, nature's energy, peace

Click on the green square to see the holiday gnome swinging in the Christmas Pines
My garden gnome is now enjoying the winter out of the cold river winds. His favorite place is on top of the studio bookcase where he has a picture window view of the Delaware River.
Wishing you a joyful Christmas and Holiday Season 🙂