It’s been a while since my last post. That lapse is due to figuring out how the written word of a blog post like this one fits into the world of YouTube and TickTock videos. I decided to share inspirations instead of details. Future posts will be short with the intention of inspiring the reader to seek their own inspirations. So here goes.
A Ghost that Follows Me in the Pine Barrens
Have you ever been alone in the woods and feel like you are being watched or followed? Lately I’ve felt that way in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, but it doesn’t cause fear or concern. The watchers are the ghosts of those who inspire me as a photographer. The latest ghost seems to be an artist of the Hudson River School named Asher Durand (1796-1886). Durand’s woodland paintings with intimate compositions and phenomenal range of light have inspired my work in the Pine Barrens for a long time. Recently though, it’s been like Asher has been there pointing out the things I never would have noticed. The late day light on a trail, the trees along a small river, and the light on a frosty or snowy morning. These are things I would have walked by before, but for some reason, was inspired to take notice of and photograph.
Asher Durand’s Inspirations
In The Woods By Asher Durand 1855
River Scene By Asher Durand 1854
The Catskills by Asher Durand 1859
The Results of Inspiration
Along The Path by Richard Lewis 2026
Basking In The Winter Sun by Richard Lewis 2026
New Year’s Day 2026 by Richard Lewis
In The Light And Shadows by Richard Lewis 2026
Flowing Silence by Richard Lewis 2026
Frost Coated Birch Grove by Richard Lewis 2025
Is it simply inspiration or Asher Durand’s ghost tapping me on the shoulder and pointing to a scene. I’ll let you decide.
Enjoy!
A wonderful read.
Thank you!
I have enjoyed your photography so much and can see Duran’s influence in your work . That, with your intimate knowledge and love of the Pines, and photo expertise, brings such joy and inspiration to so many of us! We (and I think I speak for so many!) appreciate your sharing your love and passion for the Pines through your photography! Asher Durand might be with you and appreciating what you bring to us! Thank you for painting with your camera and sharing it !!!
Thanks Ron. As you know, the Pine Barrens was a very different landscape in the 1800’s and not one that would have attracted the Hudson River School artists. Still I wonder what they would come up with if they could see the post industrial landscape of the Pines today.
Love it! The frost covered birch grove is my favorite!
Thanks Chuck. That birch grove has been a great find and not a typical Pine Barrens forest scene.
Always a pleasure to see your work. I’ve been a recipient ever since I saw your photos of the old Nike base in Lumberton. I probably mentioned it previously, but what is now called the manor house at Melpine Landing would be a good subject. I lived there in 1979-80 & again in 1986-87. My parents were involved with what was called Camp Melpine from the late 70’s through 2000.
Thanks Michael. You have mentioned the manor house. I hiked out to it once to scout it out and never went back with a camera. Thanks for the reminder.