Afternoon Skies - Photoseries

Surprise, surprise - it's another set of cloud photos!  I have a sunset-cloudscape pastel that I've been working on that seems to resist attempts to finish it, so in lieu of another day without posting a new painting, I am offering these instead.  In my last post with the sunset photos, I mentioned that I'd been out in the afternoon for a couple of hours on a cloud-scouting photoshoot.  Well, these are some of those photos.  The locations are east of town, along Double Adobe Rd (location of previous sky photos), and a dirt road off of Double Adobe that I believe is called "Two Horse Rd."  It offers a view of the eastern hills of the Mule Mtns, as well as ranges to the east (Chiracahuas) and the basin/valley between.  Aside from the road, a power line, and the occasional ranch tucked up in a side canyon, there is little evidence of human activity or presence - another thing I love about this part of the country.

The clouds in these photos vary tremendously; it is hard to believe that they were all taken within a 10 mile radius of each other and all within 90 minutes.  I took over 40 photos; these are a handful of my favorites.  The clouds are the stars here, so most photos were shot at 18mm, which is as wide as my lens goes, and the desert landscape acts as a compliment.

Cloud Set East of Double Adobe

The two lower clusters of clouds are the remains of earlier isolated cumulonimbus (rainclouds) that continued to resolve as I watched them.  Location is off of Double Adobe Rd west of small town of the same name.

Opposites

The diffuse edges and interior shadows of the large proximal cloud are quite a contrast to the higher layer of altocumulus framing it.  The small lenticular-type cloud seems random and adds a random, amusing element.  View is looking south along Double Adobe Rd.

Cotton Candy Sky

High winds and cold air are probably what make this cumulus cloud look like fair food; more traditional-appearing cumulus form the lower layer above the outskirting hills of the Mules.  View is northwest.

Perspective is Everything

This large S-shaped cloud provides a dramatic focal point, and offers three seperate vanishing points. 

Celebration Sky

This cluster of unusually-shaped, quickly-developing cirrus clouds gives the impression of waving flags or fountains above the more familar cumulus clouds.  View is to the north.

Fractals and Waves

Interesting air currents have produced this unique cloud set above some windblown cumulus and altocumulus bands.  View is to southeast.

Mule Mtn. Centerpiece

These bands of high-level cirrus clouds formed within just minutes over the eastern Mules, adding contrast to the lower level scattered altocumulus already present.  View is west.