Friday, October 9, 2009

Contrast


It occurred to me this weekend while driving through the countryside that of all the seasons...Autumn must be Nature's most proudest accomplishment.

She allows no competition with her colors. In the Midwest now there is a stark contrast everywhere you look. Nature has laid bare the colors of her fields...they have become a muted pale brown while the trees are electric with the reds, yellows and oranges of the season. I think this is no accident. What better way could Nature show her pride than to ratchet down the palette of colors everywhere but the changing leaves. This is no different than the artist who paints the watercolor of a seashore with the bland sands, blowing wheat colored grasses and muted sea...only to show a white cap now and then, yet the cottage along the beach is painted with the brightest blues and reds the artist can find. The contrast draws your eye to the cottage.

Nature can nourish us, she can protect us and she can destroy us...but during Autumn...the storms diminish, the driving rains of Summer fade, the frenzy of the harvest if finished...leaving nothing to compete with Nature's Greatest Show on Earth.

Dan

18 comments:

Sunny said...

Beautiful clouds, you can feel the chill in the air. Your second picture makes me think that Autumn is far too short. The leaves that mesmerized us on the tree now lie patiently waiting to be raked.
Sunny :)

Dan Felstead said...

Sunny...the raking of leaves has not hit us yet...still on the trees...but that will come for us in time!

Dan

DawnTreader said...

I love that sky/field picture, very dramatic. Also good narrative by the way... it struck me recently that I don't say that enough... Your pictures are often so striking that one forgets to comment on your comments, which in themselves also add a lot to the pictures! ;)

The Lly Dilettante said...

What lovely colours. Your narrative is thoughtful too. High contrast and desaturation? I'm not sure how to do that but I'll try. Thanks for the tip.

septembermom said...

Nature's master hand at painting the most beautiful colors are a joy to see during this beautiful season. Love the photos!!

Dan Felstead said...

Septembermom...Ditto...I couldn't have said it any better!

Dan

Heather said...

I love all of you Autumn photos this week, Dan! They remind me of true country, true earth as she changes :)

Dan Felstead said...

Dawn Treader....you always post insightful comments! Enough is said just by visiting!

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Lly...it depends on which photo program you use but most have an area where you can increase the contrast or increase or decrease the saturation of colors.

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Heather...thanks. For us the best colors are yet to come...they have not fully shown themselves yet.

Dan

Lesley said...

Wonderful photography,Dan-Love your comment. You have summed it up for me,Autumn really is "the greatest show on earth"

Dan Felstead said...

Thanks HazyDaisy...I appreciate the comment and have a great weekend over there!

Dan

Anonymous said...

"Nature has laid bare the color of her fields..." A beautiful reflection for she is slowly unveiling herself, shamelessly naked before our eyes. The clouds are slightly ominous but gorgeous in all its glory.

Thanks for stopping by today. Have a relaxing weekend.

HightonRidley said...

I adore that last one, Dan - close to abstract and perfect for your treatment of it. Very nice!

_we_the_pieces_ said...

I'm not sure which is more beautiful, your pictures or your words...
(:

Dan Felstead said...

Mark thank you for your comment...I know you like the monochrome images best...so when you compliment a color image...I take it to heart!

Be sure to check the post on Monday the 11th. I am posting my top favorite black and white I have ever taken...I took it this last Saturday!

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Molly...thanks for your comment...How is school going this year?

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Pura...thank you for adding to the narrative...your words were icing on the cake!

Dan