Sun on my Shoulders

Gallery: LandscapePosted August 15, 2011291 views24 comments

My visit to the Painted Hills on an early morning last week was brief, but it was so visually stimulating that it reminded me of my time in the Mesquite Dunes of Death Valley. There's just something about these locations that makes you desperate for the light to last just a little bit longer; it seems the perspectives and discoveries are endless. While the alarm that woke me for the two hour drive from Sunriver was not welcome, the experience was priceless, even possibly once in a lifetime due to the remoteness and small size of the Painted Hills District.

For whatever reason, I have the desire to personify these hills, imagining myself as them. They ease from a cool and lonely night by the warmth of the brilliant sunshine. Anticipation grows for the colorful performance that people will travel miles to see.

There are several more images from Oregon (plus some future posts) on the TKM Journal that probably aren't going to make it here to NPN.

Comments

24 comments

Comment posted by Stan Rose on August 15, 2011 at 4:15 PM

A very understated image, Kent--I like it a lot, nice depth and great clarity, good balance too.

Registered on September 15, 2005, 836 Posts, 17099 Comments

Comment posted by Michael J Greene, on August 15, 2011 at 4:29 PM

The sharpness of the scene is extremely impressive Kent. I think I prefer the ones on your TKM Journal simply because of the color. A very well executed vision.

Michael

Registered on June 18, 2009, 86 Posts, 2317 Comments

Comment posted by Rick Goldwasser on August 15, 2011 at 4:55 PM

This is quite nice, I love the glowing light on the ridge lines!

Registered on May 10, 2009, 127 Posts, 970 Comments

Comment posted by Anders Engström on August 15, 2011 at 6:08 PM

Excellent image with intersting lines in the rock formations, I can understand that you felt visually stimulated in this scenery
//Anders

Registered on September 21, 2010, 21 Posts, 83 Comments

Comment posted by Nancy Lea Sandy on August 15, 2011 at 8:35 PM

Sweet. the sharpness really makes these hills pop.

Registered on January 24, 2011, 576 Posts, 6942 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on August 15, 2011 at 9:07 PM

I keep looking at this, Kent. Wonderful image!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

Registered on February 1, 2004, 752 Posts, 14140 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Pelton on August 15, 2011 at 9:22 PM

Wow, this has a classic look that is appealing. I like the subdued lighting that really shows all the tones of these colors.

Registered on November 25, 2003, 380 Posts, 4647 Comments

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on August 16, 2011 at 12:06 AM

That may be the best Painted Hills image ever, Kent. The soft lines and colors here are GORGEOUS!

Registered on November 1, 2003, 364 Posts, 22328 Comments

Comment posted by Kent Mearig on August 16, 2011 at 12:47 AM

Wow, Tony, no way! I'm sure I'm completely undeserving of that compliment (even considering only what has been posted here on NPN in the past), but I can see how this image would be right up your alley. I'm quite honored that you find it so attractive.

Registered on September 4, 2006, 237 Posts, 4748 Comments

Comment posted by Anil Rao on August 16, 2011 at 12:58 AM

Hi Kent,

I will echo Tony's sentiment. This is surely the best Painted Hills photograph that I have seen. Absolutely brilliant!

Registered on November 15, 2003, 234 Posts, 4923 Comments

Comment posted by Floris van Breugel on August 16, 2011 at 2:16 AM

As Stan said, very understated, but equally beautiful. You are one of the few people that show restraint when it comes to the colors of these hills - it's a refreshing view! I love all the black textures... I really ought to go back sometime when those aren't covered in snow...

Registered on December 19, 2008, 306 Posts, 4840 Comments

Comment posted by Joel Hazelton on August 16, 2011 at 2:31 AM

This is simply breathtaking. The lines, sharpness, colors, everything.

Registered on August 6, 2008, 194 Posts, 1315 Comments

Comment posted by Jeff Hackett on August 16, 2011 at 10:29 AM

Lovely lines and color. I have to say A+.

Registered on March 13, 2006, 65 Posts, 1119 Comments

Comment posted by Gary McGhee on August 16, 2011 at 11:36 AM

I am facinated by this landscape Kent, I'd love to visit here one day. The colours and shapes look terrific. The shot looks like it's leaning a bit to the left to me but the fact no one else has mentioned it it probably isn't.

Cheers, Gary.

Registered on April 15, 2010, 142 Posts, 2416 Comments

Comment posted by Joseph Campisi on August 16, 2011 at 12:41 PM

Lines, shape, color, patterns...this one has it all Kent. Very well seen.

Registered on November 24, 2008, 304 Posts, 3211 Comments

Comment posted by Eva McDermott on August 16, 2011 at 1:11 PM

I love the subdued colors here Kent and the striking textures. This is absolutely gorgeous.

Registered on January 4, 2009, 1015 Posts, 13229 Comments

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on August 16, 2011 at 3:17 PM

Just came back for a second look, Kent. My opinion is unchanged. The kiss of warm light on the foreground ridge and the light, but still textural, background are well composed and presented. But it's the overall quality of light here that holds my interest. Sort of like a cloudy day, but with more warmth and texture.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 364 Posts, 22328 Comments

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on August 16, 2011 at 3:39 PM

Registered on November 1, 2003, 364 Posts, 22328 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on August 16, 2011 at 9:55 PM

I have come back to this again too. Something very special about this, Kent. One awesome photograph IMO!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

Registered on February 1, 2004, 752 Posts, 14140 Comments

Comment posted by Vance Gese on August 17, 2011 at 12:23 AM

Love the lines and design of your composition, Kent as well as the subtle colors. The dark streaking on the hills really look like brush strokes. Superb array of tone and form as well. This will make a beautiful print. Love everything about this.

Registered on November 13, 2008, 298 Posts, 6629 Comments

Comment posted by Jared Atencio on August 17, 2011 at 1:52 AM

I'm sure glad I opened this up, the thumbnail does this no justice! Lovely muted tones and restraint in processing. I love the sharpness and detail in the thousands of black streaks. A refreshingly unique image from this oft photographed locale.

Registered on June 23, 2009, 21 Posts, 422 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on August 17, 2011 at 3:47 AM

Kent,

Excellent portrayal of the Painted Hills. I'm really enjoying the understated, natural colors you've presented. The tight comp, including the brighter, hazy bg just works bottom to top. Beautifully crafted Kent.

Lon

Registered on November 24, 2006, 521 Posts, 19147 Comments

Comment posted by Cory Freeman on August 17, 2011 at 6:24 PM

This looks like such a cool place to explore! I like that you didn't hyper saturate the colors. Solid work.

Registered on December 16, 2003, 107 Posts, 1341 Comments

Comment posted by Morris McClung on August 22, 2011 at 9:21 PM

Pure art!

Registered on May 7, 2007, 670 Posts, 19650 Comments