New York Ironweed. Image was softened using DOF & shooting through Jerusalem Artichokes (a tall growing large yellow flower - which accounts for some of the yellowish glow). The yellow flowers extended from less than an inch from the lens all the way to the purple flower - which was about 8-10 feet away. The yellow flowers blurred and appear virtually transparent - but their effect is to soften everythng and thus, the painterly effect. I played with different camera positions (on a tripod) for nearly an hour - this wasn't a grab shot.

Today's alternate is an herbal remedy for throat ailments, the Heal-All http://www.pbase.com/image/32687675 I see from the underwhelming response to yesterday's PAD that we prefer nature to tires.