Awaiting Spring
A bit of fall, awaiting spring
First I’d like acknowledge the feedback I received on my previous post, the self-portrait, was wonderful. A special thanks to everyone who commented. I was apprehensive in posting it but the amount and type of response made me glad I did. It was a learning experience for me in a number of ways.
The first day of March is upon us and with it the hope and promise of spring being not too far in the distance. However there is also winter still lingering about making things unstable.
“March is a month of considerable frustration – it is so near spring and yet across a great deal of the country the weather is still so violent and changeable that outdoor activity in our yards seems light years away.” – Thalassa Cruso
I agree this month can be a bit frustrating. I did manage yesterday to take advantage of some sunshine and explore the local woods, making a few photos. No sign of spring yet but a few faded fall colors from young beech leaves remain, almost translucent now. Yet tomorrow they are calling for a chance of snow again.
There are other signs of spring approaching — my neighbor is working about his garden. Multitudes of local rabbits have a special love for his vegetables and he is raising the stakes this year by building what he hopes is a rabbit proof fence in his backyard around his garden plot. It will be interesting watching and hearing how successful he is.
In my backyard are two dogs of hunting nature which welcome any and all visits by rabbits — they love to have them over for lunch. 
Post-processing of this image included the use of Adobe Lightroom 2, Photoshop CS4, Topaz Simplify and Nik Color Efex.
Monte Stevens
I too, await Spring. Bring it on as they say. I like your post processing, giving this image a painterly effect.
Earl
Monte, yea, this has been a more severe winter then we’ve been use — I think everyone is anxious for it to end. The painterly effect was mostly from the Topaz Simplify plugin.
Don
I also like the processing on this image. I am learning more each day about Topaz.
Earl
Don, thanks. Topaz has some interesting plugins and they are priced reasonably, at least compared to what other charge.
yz
beautiful
i can’t hardly wait spring
Earl
yz, thanks! I am anxious for spring too!
Sidney
Nice effect ! I first thought it was a painting !
Earl Moore
Sidney, thanks! I may have pushed the effect a little too far. It looks more like a painting then I intended it to.
Alan M. Collopy
Earl,
Great color. Spring in on the way. Nice painterly effect.
Alan
Earl Moore
Alan, thanks! As I was commenting to Sidney above, I may have gotten a little carried away with the simplify effect which made it look like a painting.
Yvonne
spring is in the air…i know it …I feel it… i want it
Earl Moore
Yvonne…me too!
foto-rolero54
Beautiful photograph, I like this texture which suit him well, good day.
Earl Moore
foto-rolero54, thank-you for your kind words.
don
The cool and warm tones in the leaves and the woods make for a very effective image (with all the expert processing involved too). A very attractive image.
Earl Moore
Don, I don’t know about that “expert processing” part I think I may have pushed a little too far with this one, but thanks.
Mother Nature, on Spring Meandering Passage
[...] Needed “Mother Nature” made a statement regarding my post of two days ago, “Awaiting Spring.” As you can see from these photos she’s rather blunt in making “her” point [...]