Golden

Have you seen the new painting that was discovered to be a Van Gogh original? The title is "Sunset at Montmajour" and it was painted in July of 1888. Long thought to be a fake it was stored in an attic (doesn't that seem to always be the case?) and then recently was brought to light and deemed to be an original after all. He (Van Gogh) actually mentioned the painting in a letter (to his brother I believe) and made a point of describing the romantic golden tones the sun had cast on the landscape. I personally love the hues in the painting and think it is a brilliant discovery. Here it is:

                                          photo: Peter Dejong/associated press

About a week ago I decided to go back to one of my regular haunts that I tend to go to when I need a break from the sirens and concrete, and school kids screaming in the school yard. (I am happy, they are outside and not on a computer 24/7, so I do forgive the screaming that comes along with chasing each other in a game of tag.) So armed with my camera, an apple, a notebook and a pen I set off on streetcar 506 to High Park.

It was the last full week of summer, and as I strolled along the tell tale signs of the approaching fall were everywhere. Still a ways away from the scarlet reds, and fiery oranges, there was however a golden hue to everything along with muddy, mossy, olive greens. Grasses were starting to dry up, the lily pads were getting a little mottled, and the acorns were falling. I took quite a few photos, not really with a 'purpose' but since photography is peaceful and enjoyable to me, it comes as a natural part of relaxing and stopping to admire and soak in my surroundings.

I spent about 5 hours in High Park, and at one point sat on a fallen log, ate my apple and pulled out my notebook and pen and started writing down what I was observing through sight, sounds, and smells. I then compiled the observations, and found that I had written something I wanted to share.

Once back home, I started editing the photos and as I did so I found I was highlighting the soft golden and earthy green hues that had pretty much been the palette of the park on that given day. I also fine tuned the notes I had made, and decided to actually put the words on one of the images I had taken that day.

Yesterday I was commenting on Mr. Van Gogh's painting and I suddenly realized that it was the same hues in High Park that I had been drawn too as Van Gogh seemed to be appreciate to

in 1888 when he painted "Sunset at Montmajour".

Hence the reason for this post. So I would like to share with you the words I wrote, and some of the photos I took that day. I'm no poet, and I can't paint, and I'm not a world renowned photographer. But I do share a passion for nature, colour, seasons and wildlife. Enjoy!

Landscape..

Perhaps two, maybe three times a year I manage to leave the city boundaries and get out and experience the fresh country air and sights of rolling hills, farmers fields, lakes and trees. This past Thanksgiving Monday was one of those days.

We ventured north east to the Northumberland hills, and ventured around Rice Lake. I knew in my mind how I wanted to approach any photo opportunities this year, and rather then concentrating on close ups and fine details of individual leaves and flowers I opted to go with compositions showing distance.

As I mentioned in an earlier entry, I recently watched a movie about the Impressionist painters, and I have been influenced by their work. I made a conscious effort to pay attention to the natural light and as much as possible the shadows. There is something about a singular tree in the midst of a vast field that I love. It stands alone, strong, beautiful and keeping watch. Add a brilliant splash of colour from mother nature, and the tree appears majestic.

Here is a sampling of the shoot, along with some fun post edits.

Hope you all had a good Thanksgiving.

Hanging on..

I managed to get one last walk in at High Park before the remainder of the leaves fell for the season. I was focusing mostly on reflection shots for my new series, but I couldn't help taking a few scenery shots. This is one of them. I believe it is a Japanese Maple. I was drawn to the deep crimson red leaves against the overcast sky. I crawled inside the tree and took this shot looking up towards the top.

I'm always amazed at how these walks invigorate me, and totally relax me after a day or week working in Retail. I've said it before, but I think this park is magnificent, and a true gem for this city. I'm sure as I head into the holiday season I will wish I could escape to the park more and more. At least I have the photos to remind me of days less hectic...

Leaving Tracks..

This shot was taken on my walk of the Lower Don Valley Trail. I had to climb a huge incline to get up over a hill, and once I got up there I discovered these old tracks that clearly do not get used, or if they do it is a rare occasion. These tracks bypassed the Brickworks, and headed south to the lake. The fall colours, I felt, only added to the sense of history, and nostalgia, and for some reason a feeling of comfort, and stories to be to told....