I was in the Sierra to photograph Quaking Aspen leaves at the peak of their shimmering golden color, and that I did. But while walking I noticed that this grove of young aspens was in a microclimate where the leaves had dried out and turned almost black. Then I thought of some paintings by the Canadian Group of Seven landscape painters that emphasized naturally sculptured trees against a background of color and texture, and decided to adapt that idea to my photography. I focused on the black leaves and branches, using a shallow depth-of-field to throw the distant colorful aspen forest out of focus. I think the contrast of the dark leaves against the brilliant forest is quite stunning. In printing the picture I enhanced the orange color … because I like the artistic effect.

LOCATION: High Sierra, California, USA

PRINT INFORMATION: This photograph is printed from a digital file on Japanese Mulberry paper using pigment ink. Matting is done with a thick white cotton rag mat. All materials are archival; designed to last for generations.

LIMITED EDITION: This photographic print is part of a limited edition printed by photographer Lee Rentz. The edition consists of 250 prints, which includes all sizes and methods of printing.