Impression - Field and Farmhouse, Loire Valley

Sunny Field and Farmhouse - Loire Region

The Loire region of Central France is a mixture of wonderful farming countryside and historic chateaux. At this time of year, driving around the area south of the Loire provides many wonderful rural views.

This scene was one of many I took in this region. The field had just been plowed, and the sun was kind enough to break through. To really get the feel of the area, one must stay there and be patient with the very changeable lighting and weather.

The Image

The little farm house is really the key subject, but I felt that it really needed to be shown in its setting, and with a sense of the wonderful lighting of the spring day. The Photoshop Cutout filter allowed me to simplify the picture, yet retain the essential spring feel and colors.

Cropping exactly was a critical task. I needed to reduce the heavy bulk of the foreground tree, but leave enough there for dimension and perspective. I placed the cottage on the right hand thirds line. Cropping from the top had to leave in the tiny hillside houses for context and perspective.