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.