"April's Palette"

This is very similar to an earlier post, almost from the same place. Still, I could not resist going back to catch this spot in a different light. I prefer this one because of the painterly qualities. The layers of color in this meadow are mesmerizing for me and the form and shape of the distant hills draw me in. Because this is so close to the other composition, I nearly decided not to process the RAW file. After a second look in Bridge, I saw some potential. Thanks for being tolerant of my overindulgence, but I do love these scenes!

Thanks for your observations. Please enjoy the Larger preview!

This one caught my eye (and my wife's).  The colours are stunning....the composure, beautiful.  It does have a very 'oil painting-like' quality.  Beautifully done.

Absolutely gorgeous!  An idyllic scene, wonderfully composed, exposed, and masterfully processed.  Mark, your photography has become visual poetry.  You are a master.  Bravo, and I salute you!  Cheers!  Chris

Thanks Robert and Chris! Yes Robert, I felt the sky and rich colors mimicked a painting. I think this came together well, but for the handful of people who have rated this with 3s and 4s, I'm a little dumbfounded. Well...Wholly Christmas! Chris, I feel like Rip Van Winkle just knocked at my door. You've been on photographic sabbatical it seems. Really good to have you stop by. There have been at least a half dozen outings this spring of which I was sure someone was MIA. Tell ya what though, the road past Caliente is gonna look good soon. Was up there yesterday and the snow was thick. I expect the higher elevation wildflower season will be rockin soon! If you don't start using that camera outfit, I'm gonna make you an offer you can't refuse!!!

I couldn't say it any better than our buddy, Chris. He's sure does have a wonderful way of expressing himself, almost poetic. Pure "visual poetry", Mark.

Mark, I seriously envy you these locations. Your FG/BG treatment of these places just sings.

Thanks Hans-Peter, Leo and Jeff! I am very lucky to have these country scenes within an hours drive of my home. It is a perfect escape. Still, most folks I know in Bakersfield are unfamiliar with any of these places. You know, it is probably like that in many places around the globe. People so easily get caught up in a "people world" and rarely venture out of that box. It's no wonder our environment gets treated with such disdain. Nobody truly treasures the country. Well, I'm getting myself started again. Nuff said about that! I think without this painterly sky, the composition would be worthy, but with it's textures and color, it really becomes "visual poetry". I can't help but wonder what those 3's and 4's raters are looking at. This has received six 4/4s. I'm scratching my bewildered head over this one!

Mark...  There's NO such thing as too much of this good thing!  Keep posting and it doesn't matter how similar, they're still a joy to view.  As always, an excellent presentation... Mike

 

Mark, Mike is right. I sometimes wonder whether I flood my own market. I will also post shots that I am unsure of at times, and use the feedback to improve or discard. I, for one, will never tire of work like this.

Ditto!  Can't have too much of this in all its glory!  Just beautiful!

Thanks again Mike and Jeff and also to you Christal. Good to hear from all of you!!

and that is not a knock, not at all. Wow, a lot of color! Very good depth of field, very sharp up close. High shutter speed? I'm guessing it was windy. Have you ever tried to slow the shutter down a lot (an ND filter helps) and just get great washes of purple from the wind?

Anyway, lovely. I would have perhaps gotten lower and emphasized the flowers even more, but otherwise (and that is my opinion and style), a very fine shot.

Thanks Bernard! On this morning, the air was quite calm. No need for a fast shutter; I could have shot this at 1 second and been alright. I was working my composition to include that piece of road, but in the end, it probably wouldn't matter either way. Still, any lower would have eliminated it. My lens is not as good as others for extreme depth, so I work with it's limitations. Therefore, I was about as close as I could get and still be sharp throughout. My next lens will probably be a fixed super wide.

I love the hills in California; every season has its own beauty which you have remarkably photographed here! Lovely! Thank you for sharing. :)