Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Band of Brothers, Animal Photography, Colorado

This Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep "band of brothers" was photographed in the now closed Big Thompson Canyon east of Estes Park, Colorado, due to the devastating floods which occurred this past September 2013. When I shot this photo they were next to the highway wanting to cross but confused by the traffic and people stopping. I like to think that for the next several months to a year my inconvenience at not having access to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park will be rewarded because the wildlife of the canyon, including this wild band of bighorns, have reclaimed their canyon home for a time. It makes me happy.

BIGHORN BROS

Big Thompson Canyon, near Estes Park, Colorado, USA

Printed in the USA - ©Julie Magers Soulen

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Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Ram, Animal Photography, near Estes Park Colorado

Last spring we did an overnight trip up to Estes Park, Colorado. On our way home down the Big Thompson Canyon we encountered a group of bachelor Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep rams. This particular fellow was a stand out from his band of brothers and inspired me to give him a "canvas" of his own. I removed him from the original photograph and gave him a background inspired by the spirit of earth in hues of granite, sandstone and quartz. I hope you like my artistic approach to photography and enjoy sharing it!

BIGHORN EARTH
Big Thompson Canyon, near Estes Park, Colorado, USA
Printed in the USA - ©Julie Magers Soulen

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Dream Home in Colorado

How many of you have dreams of living in that perfect home in that perfect setting? It could be in the mountains or on a seashore or in a pine forest.  Hold on to your dreams.  I dreamed of living in the mountains of Colorado since the first time I saw the Rocky Mountains. My husband and I never let go of that dream.  It took many years, but with that focus and intent we made it happen. First we moved to Colorado from the Midwest, then we found a way to purchase some land, and finally we built our dream home.  We lived in our mountain dream home for over 12 years before deciding we were finished with that dream and it was time for a new one. So follow your heart.  It can lead you to the most unexpected and happy places.  This log cabin in Aspen, Colorado was once someone's dream before it became a reality.  It is here to remind you that dreams really do come true.

Cabin Dreams

Architectural photography of a log cabin in the woods on a hillside in Aspen, Colorado.

log cabin art

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Bridge over the Roaring Fork River in Aspen, Colorado

I love the trickling sound of a mountain stream and can never get too much of a beautiful Colorado day like this one. We were visiting Aspen and taking a break from hiking the rugged mountain trails, as much for our sake as for our physically challenged dog. This gentle hike was on a city trail that meandered back and forth across the river and through the bucolic gentle woodland.

Bridge over the Fork

The beautiful Roaring Fork River meanders through a green woodland with a foot bridge crossing.

Roaring Fork River, Aspen, Colorado

river art

colorado photos

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Old West Landscape, Fog On The Mesa

Remember watching those old westerns on TV with dad? It was a Saturday afternoon favorite of mine. It's no wonder that I migrated west from Ohio long ago, to quench my thirst for the vast western landscapes. When I was processing this photo it just begged me to make it look aged, to fit in with that Old West feeling that still resides in my memory.

Fog on the Mesa

Landscape photography, done in an Old West style, of a foggy mountain landscape with a bare tree and red mesa.

Colorado Rocky Mountains west of Fort Collins, Colorado

old west landscape photos

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Rocky Mountain Waterfall on the Roaring Fork River, Colorado

Can you imagine sitting on this rock, listening to the rush and tumble of the never ending water? Do you ever wonder where the water comes from? I always wonder in amazement that the strong flow never stops. This waterfall on the Roaring Fork River near Aspen, Colorado is not very far from the Continental Divide. The winter skies bring snow and the slow melt sustains the mountain rivers until the cycle begins again. And again. And again.

“Do you have patience to wait till your mud settles and the water is clear? Can you remain unmoving till the right action arises by itself?” - Lao Tzu

Rocky Waterfall

An amazing Colorado Rocky Mountain waterfall cascades over boulders and rocks into an aqua blue pool. 

Roaring Fork River near Aspen, Colorado

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Woodland Spring in Fort Collins, Colorado

We currently have a covering of snow here in northern Colorado, but I am reminded that this replenishing snow will fortify our woodlands for a burst of springtime pink and white cherry blossoms  very soon. This photo was taken on an urban nature walk through one of our plentiful open spaces in Fort Collins last year. Take heart. Spring is coming!

Woodland Spring

An urban woodland path meanders through ancient cottonwood trees and wild cherry blossoms of pink and white.

Fort Collins, Colorado

woodland spring art

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Orange Tulip Pops - Flower Photography

As I looked at these two orange tulips just opening they looked more and more like giant lollipops. I'm not sure if my sweet tooth was flavoring my vision or if I just see things differently. Tell me what you see.

Orange Pops

Two newly opened orange tulips look like lollipops on a sage green distressed background.

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Narrow Leaf Penstemon, A Colorado Wildflower

Penstemon is a very large genus of North American wildflowers also known as beardtongue. I have found the narrow leaf variety growing all over the foothills and plains of Colorado wherever sandy soil is found. Besides being a pretty flower that is very hardy and drought tolerent it was believed that Native Americans used penstemon roots to relieve toothaches.

Deep in their roots, all flowers keep the light. -- Theodore Roethke

Penstemon

This narrow leaf penstemon comes in many hues of purple, lavender, violet, and amethyst.

Colorado Wildflower

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Pawnee Buttes on the High Plains of Colorado

Walking out to the buttes on Pawnee National Grassland in Colorado can be full of surprises especially with unpredictable spring weather. This day there were storms rolling through which made for great photography potential. Without any cover or place to retreat we were ever mindful of the lightning that accompanies such storms and probably stayed a bit too long. But the grandeur of the vista and sky were simply too hard to resist. Do you ever indulge yourself in potential risks to shoot photography?

Pawnee Buttes

Two buttes rise above the high plains of Colorado with a stormy sky as a spring storm rolls over the grasslands.

Pawnee National Grassland, Colorado

butte art

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The High Plains of Colorado - Pawnee National Grassland

This photograph was taken at the Pawnee National Grassland of Colorado.  It is an especially depopulated area of the Colorado plains since farming was abandoned there during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s.  However on the day I visited it rained off and on, but I was still able to capture some dramatic sky shots in between the rolling storms. It is a vast expanse of grass that is so empty and open it simply renews your spirit to be there. Nothing gets in the way of the constant wind, whether it is fierce or gentle. I love the stark minimalist landscape. It is refreshing to city eyes.

Grassland

A vast landscape with a dramatic stormy sky over Colorado's high plains and two lone birds flying along the horizon. Can you hear the grass rustling and feel the wind in your hair? 

Pawnee National Grassland, Colorado

prairie grassland art

And if you like a little music with your viewing this song was suggested by a reader to go with this photograph.

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Black Eyed Susan Flowers and a Garden Fence

It is snowing outside and my focus has been on flowers! This photograph was taken on a beautiful early autumn day in Aspen, Colorado. We were walking through urban green belts that followed the Roaring Fork River and took us past back yard gardens. It was a beautiful mixture of gardens and wild mountain landscape that combined into a visual treat for this photographer. As always I love your comments. ♥

Black Eyed Susan

A beautiful bunch of black eyed susan flowers are nestled next to a rustic garden fence. 

Aspen, Colorado

black eyed susan art

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Rocky Mountain Beach on the Roaring Fork River, Colorado

Walking along the Roaring Fork River in Colorado is a beautiful experience. You are never quite sure what you will see. It can be turbulent and wild creating a roar to the senses like in this waterfall photograph. Or it can be serene and lovely like this particular image where the river quiets down and nestles in the rocks.

Rocky Mountain Beach

The Roaring Fork River is banked by rocky granite outcrops and a woodland pine forest.

Roaring Fork River, Pitkin County, Colorado

rocky mountain river art

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A Waterfall on the Roaring Fork River, Colorado

Traveling up to Independence Pass in Colorado, the road follows the Roaring Fork River. The narrow road twists and turns without many places to stop, but we finally found a place to pull off so that I could shoot some photography.  Setting off down a beaten path I found a rocky escarpment above the tumbling river. I arrived just at the moment a young man jumped into this pool from the opposite rocks. I watched in astonishment as he climbed out of the water and waited to see if he would do it again so I could take a picture. He stood there for quite awhile and I finally yelled at him, "Are you going to go again?" He replied, "No! It's too cold!" So alas, no brave young man appears in my photo.

Comments and shares are always appreciated.

Waterfall Pool

The river rock cliffs and cascading water of the Roaring Fork River near Aspen, Colorado.

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Sweet Dreams - Dreamy Bird Photography in Black and White

This digital art photograph has been in my head for quite some time. It started out as a photograph of a gray jay and bare cottonwood tree. I liked the same tones that the tree and the bird shared so I combined them into this composite image. My intention was to create a dreamy image that was peaceful and serene.  Making the bird image semi-transparent and repeated into the distance in the wispy branches is right out of my imagination.  I hope my little trip into fantasy is pleasing, and as always, I appreciate your comments and shares very much!

Sweet Dreams

Three dreamy love birds are perched in a wispy bare tree branches. This digital art photograph creates a soft and dreamy atmosphere perfect for the bedroom or nursery. 
Fort Collins, Colorado

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Exploring Independence, Colorado - Raven's Roost

Exploring Independence, Colorado was a fun day of discovery. This old ghost town was originally established after gold was struck nearby on July 4, 1879, hence the name Independence. Most of the cabin ruins were only one room cabins, but this cabin had two rooms making an interesting crooked collection of doorways leading to a scenic view. Do you see why I came up with the title, Raven's Roost?  Hope you like it!

Thank you kindly for your shares and comments.

Raven's Roost

A rustic abandoned log cabin with three crooked doorways leads the eye to a scenic mountain view. But wait. I think a raven has decided to move in! This photograph is a perfect way to add a touch of rustic charm to your home, office, or bedroom decor.

Independence, Colorado

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Golden Rays - The Evolving Dandelion Photograph

I have been working on improving my skill set in post processing photography. This particular photograph has been through many edits and has once again evolved, so I thought I would share some before and after shots. As always, your comments are appreciated.

Original Crop

Original Processing

Current Version

Golden Rays

Beautiful golden rays of light play along the fine delicate filaments of an autumn seed head. Perfect for adding a touch of golden nature to your home, office, or bedroom decor.

Northern Colorado

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Stairway to Heaven in Aspen, Colorado

I was enchanted by stumbling across this rustic old stairway when I was hiking in Aspen last fall. I wanted to creep up those stairs and peek at what might be at the top. But instead I let my imagination create a fantasy of fairy gardens and enchantment. What do you see at the top?

Woodland Stairs

Woodland stairs photo, of an aged and rustic stairway through an enchanted forest. A perfect way to add the serene feeling of nature to your home, office, or bedroom decor on the path less traveled.

Aspen, Colorado

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As always, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in my comments here or on my Facebook Page and Twitter Feed.