Pictured above: Morning Meditation, Emotional Landscapes #005. https://rodeo.club/post/0x205757853077C8512eed5C6F5aF3dfbAA922c0e7/82

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Emotional Landscapes: Light, Mood, and Place

Emotional Landscapes is a collection shaped by my love for art that captures transient beauty. Inspired by the Hudson River School, Japanese woodblock prints, and French Impressionism, this series explores how light, color, and atmosphere shape emotion.

The Hudson River School: Drama in Nature

The sweeping vistas of Thomas Cole and his contemporaries shaped how I see landscapes. Their use of luminosity and sky drama to create awe-inspiring scenes mirrors my approach: I seek moments where light shifts unexpectedly, turning the ordinary into something extraordinary.

Japanese Woodblock Prints: Elegance and Stillness

I’ve always been drawn to Shin-Hanga and Ukiyo-e, particularly the works of Kawase Hasui. His use of light and colors triggers my dopamine every time. Hasui's compositions are meticulously structured, which resonates with my preference for symmetry in framing. Hasui's ability to convey a story and mood influences my work.

French Impressionism: The Emotion of Color

Claude Monet’s mastery of light and color in his landscapes and waterscapes, along with Vincent van Gogh’s raw intensity, inspires me. Like them, I strive to transform visual moments into felt experiences, where light, color, and form evoke emotion beyond the image itself.

A Synthesis: Capturing the In-Between

The idea for Emotional Landscapes crystallized one evening as I photographed a lake at dusk. The sky shifted from fire to violet, and for a moment, it was more than just a scene—it was a feeling. I strive to capture not just the visible world but how it lingers in memory. 

The Process

I seek the in-between—where day meets night, sky meets water, or light shifts unexpectedly. Post-processing refines what’s already present, enhancing the scene’s emotional resonance. My compositions often emphasize symmetry, using natural and architectural elements to create a sense of balance and harmony.

Conclusion

Emotional landscapes capture moments that linger—not just in sight, but in memory. These images invite us to step into the scene, where beauty is not only observed but also felt.