Artist's Palette

Gallery: LandscapePosted February 14, 2014223 views12 comments

One day I went to this marshy area and saw some nice colors on the surface of the stagnant water, fed by tons of leaves that had fallen off of large trees overhead. The effect was the same as oil in water, but with a slightly different feel. The colors were quite vibrant, and the blue sky above enhanced it all the more, contrasting nicely with the gold reeds.

Right off, I will admit that I did set that leaf there. Searching the banks for a perfect leaf didn't take too long, but I did have to take care when placing it lightly on the surface...

Canon 60d 55-250mm @ 84mm
ISO 800 --- f/10 --- 1/60 sec. --- handheld

Thanks for looking!

Comments

12 comments

Comment posted by Michael Cothran on February 14, 2014 at 10:40 PM

I think you've created a beautiful composition. The light on the leaf is ideal. Great processing.

Registered on December 5, 2012, 31 Posts, 730 Comments

Comment posted by gary phillips on February 14, 2014 at 10:45 PM

Really nice colors, Nathan. It doesn't bother me that you staged the shot, others may have a problem with it. After looking at the large view, I think I would crop out the top reeds and just feature the leaf. Just my 2cents.

Registered on October 24, 2013, 185 Posts, 4136 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Reid on February 15, 2014 at 10:22 AM

Really enjoy the colors in this Nathan and very nice light on the leaf also. I like it with a slight crop from the top but very nice as is. Great job.

Registered on January 27, 2013, 65 Posts, 2460 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on February 15, 2014 at 10:52 AM

Terrific scene, Nathan. You set up a fine balance between the leaf and the grass at the top and the warmth of those two elements stands out so nicely against the speckled blue sheen on the water.

Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments

Comment posted by Morris McClung on February 15, 2014 at 11:21 AM

Wonderful color combination, and they are rich as well. Beautiful!

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

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on February 15, 2014 at 1:08 PM

I like this a lot! Great comp, wonderful light, color and detail. Excellent work Nathan!
Nathan, I have looked at this a couple more times and really enjoy it. I do agree with others that the lower half with the leaf makes a great image on it's own as well. Beautiful work!
Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

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

Comment posted by Chet Dowell on February 15, 2014 at 1:53 PM

I really like this image a lot, Nathan. The colors are great with the warm and cool effect. And you found a perfect leaf to complete your composition. Well done. Chet

Registered on December 3, 2012, 237 Posts, 1171 Comments

Comment posted by Matthew Goldsmith on February 15, 2014 at 5:22 PM

Splendid light on the leaf. I'm with Gary...I think the leaf is all that is needed.

Registered on June 29, 2010, 37 Posts, 286 Comments

Comment posted by Scott Smorra on February 15, 2014 at 5:37 PM

Beautiful image Nathan. I really like the color contrast between the blue and gold tones. I think this could work very well as a square crop with just the leaf as the main subject. The top grass complicates the image IMO and takes the eye away from the real star which is the solitary leaf.

Registered on November 2, 2009, 161 Posts, 2143 Comments

Comment posted by Nathan Apodaca on February 16, 2014 at 12:31 PM

Thanks so much for your comments, everyone. I half agree with the crop suggestions, but it may be hard for me to part with the top section! I liked the context it gave to the scene, but yes, I can see it may detract from the overall image.

Registered on November 16, 2011, 67 Posts, 1127 Comments

Comment posted by Ed Lowe on February 17, 2014 at 8:30 PM

Those rich deep blues are certainly eye catching, Nathan. I am really enjoying all those wonderful details in the large version, particularly the sheen on the water. Fantastic image.

Ed

Registered on February 7, 2004, 414 Posts, 7115 Comments

Comment posted by Abdullaziz Bin Ali on February 23, 2014 at 2:56 PM

100%

Registered on May 31, 2009, 112 Posts, 1590 Comments