"Painted Hills"

I have been trying to figure this area out. Carrizo Plain is an amazing place. Bone dry in most months. Spring, however, is spectacular, yet fleeting. I can see the swaths of flowers from a distance, but how to get in among them seems impossible. If only there was a road that could carry me up among them. Well, here I am, finally climbing a primitive road which passes over the backbone of the Temblor Mountains and into the Carrizo Plain valley. Not many know about it, but it really does the trick. Finally, to orchestrate a composition which conveys the breadth of these outbreaks of bloom. If only some of the flowers could be up close, I think it will complete my pre-visualization of this place. Yes, this is probably a swath which travels a solid mile or more up to the next peak. Near the top of the distance ridge, you will see tinges of purple and orange. These are patches of lupine and California poppy. The poppies have closed for the night, so in the day, the orange would be more vivid. A little rain and this place could be psychedelic. Thanks for your observations!

No, not the infamous Painted Hills of Oregon, but the title does fit. Thanks for any

comments!

Fantasticos tonos.

Saludos.

Very painterly and your usual well thought composition is very evident. What a beautiful display and my only nit, although no big deal, would be that the foreground flowers are not that tack sharp that you have spoiled me to expect form your photographs. Was there a wind to content with? All in all, Mark this is one beautiful photograph.

Thanks Rueda, I appreciate your thoughts! Hey Leo, thanks for stopping by. Actually, it was very still, even when a front was passing through. I think what you are seeing is image compression. Click the preview, and a larger preview (actual pixel view) will load. I always thought verticals did not load a "Larger" version, but in this case, my upload is larger than the default I guess. Try that. I can tell you that the full res file is tack sharp throughout. Thanks for your kind comment!

A gorgeous capture of a fantastic place, Mark. It's amazing seeing how far springtime has already gone over there in California. Here in northern Italy everything is still brown and muddy, grrr!

 

Beautiful work as usual Mark, apart the gorgeous colours I really like all the lines and different textures that you have framed in this image.

 

Toast,

Paolo

Mark, that is one amazing shot. The line of the hills by themselves would make a nice composition but those fields of flowers are stunning. You've been well rewarded for your persistence.

Thanks Paolo and Jeff. Paolo, this spring was actually later than last year. In southern California, the first 70 degree days begin the spring pageantry. This usually happens in late February. We begin seeing some blooms in late Feb, but March is when things get rolling. April is good if it doesn't get too warm and dry. Last year, April fizzled because of this pattern; hot and dry. Jeff, this indeed is a celebration of persistence. For three years now, I have wanted a composition like this, but this area lacks roads and trails. I actually found this road last winter and visualized this possibility. Even in a car, it's quite a hike over rough roads with washouts possible. Unfortunately, I couldn't get back here till this year. The good thing about this spot; no confounded barbed wire fences to jump. Almost everywhere else in California, you have to contend with private property. Thanks guys!

Very nice. Lots of yellows. Must do like you did and get "up in them hills" to find these types of scenes. Check out 58 west leaving the park and interection of 41 and 46. Love all your shots.

 

denny

Thanks Denny. This is called Hurricane road from inside the park. It is located off of Elkhorn. It crosses the Crocker Grade ( a little over 3,000 feet elevation), becomes Crocker springs, then Mocal and finally ends up in Taft. It is an excellent drive and the views are better than from highway 58 as it passes over the Temblors. It has some rough patches and is quite steep going up. Not for the faint of heart for sure!

Mark... Ahhhh, you've found Oz and the Yellow Brick Road! Amazing that these barren hills can be so beautiful, albeit so briefly. Great shot... Mike

 

 

Abosutely stunning visual impact. The colours are vibrant and the perspective is great.. :)

Thanks Mike and Suvendra! These hills are without trees through this section but as you travel north into the higher hills, there are scattered oaks on the east side. I am hoping for some rain and then warmer temps to see if we will have more color coming in before the flowers all check out for the season.

Stunning! Where is Corrizo? I have never heard of this beautiful place...anywhere near Tahachipi or is it south of there? You always do such an outstanding job of capturing the true beauty of the California hills! Thank you for sharing! :)

Thanks Trisha! Carrizo Plain is 50 miles due west of Bakersfield. This spot is a little closer and south of the main highway that goes through the plain. It is a valley between two sizable mountain ranges that run north-south along the San Andreas Fault. I highly recommend this area in mid to late March, although the flowers could last into late April depending upon the weather. This was taken March 31st. It is a photographers dream during wildflower season, not so much during the rest of the year. 

Mark, I'm always impressed with the sharpness of your work.  Can you share your sharpening technique?  To build on your last comment, I made the mistake (?) of going to Carrizo one Thanksgiving just to see what it was like.  Not much color but still striking geometries.