Episode 19: Autumn’s Palette

The image "Fireweed Fizzle" featured in this episode is a great example of the fascinating, subtle and sometimes surprising color palette of autumn in Southeast Alaska.  Since we are surrounded by evergreens, one might think there's no fall color to be found.  But it is there to be discovered and enjoyed by those of us hardy souls who stick around during this challenging season (October being the wettest month of the year).Weather in general, and the amount of sunlight, water and temperatures specifically throughout the spring and summer all contribute to the brightness of foliage in the fall.  Around these parts, cottonwoods usually start to yellow first, followed by meadow grasses turning rich amber, and willows a brilliant yellow-gold-green.  As the fall continues, smaller deciduous trees and berry bushes in the understory of the forest bring a ruby red to the palette.Along the roadside and meadow's edge, the fireweed foliage often shows some gorgeous colors, which one year came after a paltry crop of blossoms.  I was taken by surprise, and attempted to capture that rich, vibrant result in my image called "The Everyday Sublime." Such brilliance, right under our noses!  Then as its final act of the season, the fireweed will fluff out with silky hairs all along the stem to distribute the seeds.  That stage is what I was after in "Fireweed Fizzle."Here's the story behind the image.  Once again, enjoying one of my favorite pastimes, I ruminate on my surroundings and contemplate the progress of the autumn season.  I smile as I watch the fireweed do its final fling of fuzz into the breeze.  It reminds me of Fourth of July sparklers sending shooting stars into the night sky.  "Fireweed Fizzle" is the phrase that comes to my mind to describe the transformation of brilliant blossoms to withering leaves and wispy seeds.  Now I need to go out and find the perfect example to illustrate this idea.  I drive out towards the Good River and find a steep bank covered in fireweed, all exploding their fizz into the wind.  The sky is a remarkable shade of blue, and sunshine sparkles.  One spot in particular catches my eye.  There are still some bright leaves attached to the stems, as well as the soft white fluff of the seeds.  How much of the full story can I get in one shot?  I sweep the lens back and forth and settle on a shot to fill the frame with a multicolored view.  Then it's back to the studio to find the filter to bring my inner vision to life.Sadly, today I can't write about fall color without also acknowledging the tremendous hardships unfolding now for the people of western North Carolina and other parts of the Appalachian mountain region, an area known for its beautiful displays of autumn foliage every year, which this year is reeling from the effects of Hurricane Helene.  Such devastation will be a long time in healing, and I can only hope those working so hard to survive there on the other side of the continent find ways to stay strong, renewing and revitalizing themselves through connection with the land during this long recovery process.Artwork by Alaskan Artist Lillian Ruedrich. Love this image? Buy it here as a 5x7 blank notecard or 11x14 matted giclee print. Or click here to purchase more Unique Alaska Artwork for sale.