Monday, October 17, 2011

The Emergence of Autumn

Fall Foliage, Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina  © Doug Hickok

Deciduous tress begin changing color as autumn dabs the mountain sides like a painter brushing his canvas. As the leafy greens, oranges and reds emerge, the variety of plant species in the Appalachian ecology become more apparent.


The dramatic chiaroscuro light spotlighting the mountain side is from sunlight momentarily bursting through dark storm clouds. This type of theatrical lighting was favored by the Italian painter Caravagio who used it to great effect in some of his masterworks.

Photo note: This image was made on Velvia 35mm slide film several years ago during a road trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains.


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19 comments:

  1. WebbieLadyOctober 17, 2011 at 12:43 AM

    Autumn colors are lovely!

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  2. John "By Stargoose And Hanglands"October 17, 2011 at 2:02 AM

    When I first got this page up on my screen only the top was visible. I scanned down - wow!

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  3. cieldequimperOctober 17, 2011 at 2:18 AM

    Hmm was this chance or did you wait for it to happen? It's magnificent.

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  4. FilipBlogOctober 17, 2011 at 2:26 AM

    Again a fantastic picture.

    Greetings,
    Filip

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  5. Jesús M.October 17, 2011 at 2:38 AM

    Vaya colores y vaya sombras. Saludos.-

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  6. AnonymousOctober 17, 2011 at 2:59 AM

    I love autumn and its colors!
    Nice photo!

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  7. alfonsoOctober 17, 2011 at 4:47 AM


    · Fantastic Autumn. My favourite season. Great photo.

    · hugs

    CR & LMA
    ________________________________
    ·

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  8. Traveling HawkOctober 17, 2011 at 5:02 AM

    I love the colors of autumn, too. This is a strong contrast, between the first and second plane.

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  9. AnonymousOctober 17, 2011 at 8:42 AM

    What a beautiful mountain! I like the color.Nature color is the most beautiful all the world.

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  10. A.BarlowOctober 17, 2011 at 11:27 AM

    Wow man, nice how the light was hitting that stand there. Looks great.

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  11. Cezar and LéiaOctober 17, 2011 at 12:25 PM

    Fascinating landscape there, Autumn is absolutely beautiful!
    Léia

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  12. georgeOctober 17, 2011 at 12:40 PM

    Apart from the lovely coloured trees...and the sunbursts...and the two sympathetic tree lines - I really liker that little bit of mist in the top corner.

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  13. FriedaOctober 17, 2011 at 4:05 PM

    What an incredible picutre. I like this dramatic light very much.
    The trees are turning yellow here, too :)

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  14. franzOctober 17, 2011 at 4:41 PM

    what a dramatic fall image, with the different layers of leaves and colors and tones ...
    this is MY favorite autumn destination, even better than new england, i think ...

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  15. RandyOctober 17, 2011 at 9:45 PM

    Boy I would love to see this in person!

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  16. ChristopherOctober 17, 2011 at 11:47 PM

    Wonderful color, light and layers here Doug--what a gorgeous shot!

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  17. AnonymousOctober 19, 2011 at 8:26 AM

    This is fantastic. You've used this amazing light to great effect.

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  18. MarieOctober 19, 2011 at 4:59 PM

    magnifiques couleurs de saison.

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  19. Andrew Graeme GouldOctober 19, 2011 at 9:26 PM

    Wonderful layering of colour and light!

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