The photos on this page were taken during the last 10 days of July.  It’s HOT this time of the year along Colorado’s front range, so afternoon clouds and storms are fairly common. All of the photos on this page were taken within roughly 10-20 miles from the base of the mountain range. Rolling hills near the mountains give way to almost perfectly flat prairie lands as you move east. 

Summer Subjects

I’ve phographed many active farms in the region, like this one with a Rocky Mountain backdrop. You find many red barns just about anywhere you go in the country. The red pigment was inexpensive, readily available, and durable. Iron oxide, rust and clay were often used in the paint mixture. 

This shot features a few low bands of clouds blocking the afternoon sun. I like the moody nature of this kind of capture.

The layers of clouds in this shot help balance this simple composition. IThe rolled hay will feed a lot of livestock over the winter months.

Variety

Farmers routinely “checkerboard” their fields with combinations of corn, wheat, barley, hops, and hay. Clouds in the west blocked the sun somewhat, allowing the sliver of low clouds to silhouette against the impressive clouds behind it. The make great “watercolor” skies.

This old grain elevator and connected structures are doomed. A large “for sale” sign is just the first step towards turning the highly visible property into a spiffy new commercial development. 

Sweet corn is a popular crop in the Loveland area. It will not be long before the “Corn Festival” here in Loveland⏤complete with a parade and festivities at the old downtown fairgrounds. While there are plenty of big box stores and chain stores along the major thoroughfares, downtown Loveland clings to its hometown look and spirit. Click Here to see photos of the 2023 Corn Roast Festival Parade.

White paint was used on many barns. During the hot months of summer, the white paint reflected the sun’s rays and helped keep the barn cooler. The cupola on the top of the roof is common on many barns let interior heat escape. 

Ever Changing

This photo was taken only a mile or so east of State Highway 287 that runs through Longmont, Loveland, and Ft. Collins. I was literally only a few miles from downtown Loveland when I took this photo. A group of Canada Geese flew through the scene as if I had planned for them. 

We recently celebrated our 3rd anniversary of moving to Colorado. Over that period of time, I’ve ventured out to the high plains to “see what’s there”. There are many small towns in the primarily farming region. Many of the towns are tied to each other via many backcountry roads and railroad lines. Check out “Where the Pavement Ends, Colorado Begins”. The page contains a gallery of black and white photos taken on many of my short range outings. 

While there are not as many as I had hoped, there are still a lot of vintage, classic old barns in the area. Many are still active and thriving, even if Mother Nature has been working her “aging” magic on them. I hope to venture farther out as I can find the  time.

Drive west on Highway 34 or Highway 36 and you’ll soon find yourself in the heart of the Rockies. Long’s Peak, located inside Rocky Mountain National Park, can be seen can be seen behind the stack of newly harvested hay. I love the soft layers of mountin ridges and the soft clouds for my watercolor paintings. 

These two old silos have been facing Mother Nature’s harsh climate for decades. She’s winning!

Almost all of the barns of the past had a concrete silo next to it. The silos stored the grains the farmer harvested. Over time, many of the wooden barns in this region fell to Mother Nature’s forces, leaving only the silos to remind us of the loss.

This ditch or spring creek supplies water to many of the farms east of Fort Collins .

Most of the photos on this page were taken during the afternoon hours, but I am fairly confident you will love this older page full of early morning captures. The gallery is loaded with eye popping color!

Dont miss “Colorado Sunrises“