Left: A pile of shattered glass along railroad tracks (left), a brick wall on the side of a church, a tree trunk scorched by forest fire... You can find a surprising assortment of color, texture and abstract design in common places. Here are a few examples of patterns, textures and colors found as elements of nature and and in the details of man-made structures.








Right: A boardwalk keeps shoes dry while protecting delicate riparian habitat along a riverside hiking trail.










Left: Two examples of simple brick facades create an interesting pattern of lines and textures.







Right: Glass brick is a classic structural element that faded out of, then back into, favor with architects.







Left: A field of well placed pumpkins, gourds and squashes provide an interesting observation in color and contrast at a pumpkin festival.






Right: Along the Cascade Lakes Highway, a spring flows out of an embankment, encouraging a rich patch of moss growth.








Left: Western Juniper thrives and dies on the Central Oregon High Desert, leaving behind this weathered chunk of rugged wood.








Right: Forest fires regularly rampage the Deschutes National Forest, leaving trees scorched and fallen in their wake.







Left: In the calmer parts of an irrigation canal, a water strider leaves it transient mark as it navigates the shallows.