very graceful

updated feedback on the updated pictures

it should come as no surprise to you that I like these pictures - they are right up my visual alley.

While many might find them too chaotic, I actually like the visual complexity that they present on 2 levels - 1. I just flat out find it visually involving and captivating, and 2. they are a wonderful representation of riotous complexity of the natural world.

And, contrary to public opinion, I like pictures like these when they are presented as smallish prints - prints with lots of detail that draw one in close for an up close and personal visual experience.

Nice work, and, let me repeat - very graceful.

I also like the visual complexity. Hard though it is for a (mainly) B&W guy to admit it, the color works well here to provide some organization.

These have an "artless" feel, which I think of as a simple (not contrived) grace. It's not only the textural detail, but the way that is balanced with a larger subject (tree trunk or two) that is content to live within the chaos without imposing on it. I suppose the photographer might be the same.

I like the balance of strength (being different from saturation) of colour with subtlety/complexity of detail. There is certainly a sense of continuation here (flow as you put it). It shows that a strong sense of autumn doesn't need the saturation turned all the way up.

Don't take the following as negative (or positive) just different:
I'd be tempted to go with square aspect ratio on these, removing the sense of "wide".
Plus, on the first image I'm left wondering what's behing the tree (right) and on the second what's through the trees (left). Square would remove that which for me would work better not that this way is bad.

As with some of your other work, I tend to find "layers" (layers of color and form and shape, etc.) amidst the initial "chaos" of the scene mentioned previously...you have to sit with the photo and explore it a bit even though there is an initial excitement generated by some more immediate aspect of the photo...the colors I think in this series...there is much more to enjoy as you slowly take it in.

You somehow manage to control the most subtle changes in light, which may add to the grace Mark mentions. You also turn my idea of photographing the natural world upside down which I forgive and thank you for...I honestly enjoy these more over time which is incredible to me...the opposite of what often times happens to me when retuning to photos.

Jim,
I find these full of so much complexity, yet subtle patterns emerge what does at a quick glance seem to be pure chaos. This fall, I found myself enjoying these types of scenes more and more. I am finding myself drawn to the intimate type of landscapes more and more and these are certainly great examples!

Thanks everyone. This has been very educational to me. Everyone has mentioned the visual complexity to the images, as well as layering and balance. I took great pains in trying to layer the textures and colors, as well as providing a balance of conflicting textures to hopefully stir some emotion to the viewer. I am glad that it worked in some respect. The comments given have been very beneficial to the art of constructing images and how they are percieved by the correct audience.

"I just flat out find it visually involving and captivating, and 2. they are a wonderful representation of riotous complexity of the natural world"

I probably couldn't say it better...The first one floats my boat. The combination of the specific colors elevates the image over the others, although the realism of all is excellent.

JoJo.

I looked at the images and thought: organized mayhem. I was also struck by how well the three images work together. I think they would be very interesting presented as a triptych.

In 1044757-1114873, was the bluish cast intentional? My impression is that it feels a bit cold.

As others have mentioned, the richness of detail is very captivating. Your pictures really do have a layered feeling to them as well as an understated elegance.

Jim,
I enjoyed these pictures. They are not 'typically beautiful' by way of simplified elements and clearly distributed relationships.

But, when I spend more than a moment looking at them, it invites me into the scene and makes me want to stay.

Arvind