Sunrise along Osage Orange Tunnel No. 7

The Story:     Before the invention of barbed wire, Midwestern farmers often planted dense rows of Osage orange trees as living fences.  Their thorny branches formed nearly impenetrable hedgerows that marked property lines and contained livestock for generations.  At Sugarcreek MetroPark between Bellbrook and Centerville, Ohio, one such historic hedgerow has matured into the celebrated Osage Orange Tunnel… a natural archway that has become one of the Miami Valley’s most recognizable and beloved landscapes.

On this October morning, I turned my lens eastward into the rising sun. Brilliant backlight illuminated the golden autumn leaves while the gracefully intertwined branches stood in partial silhouette against the bright sky. The result is both a study in light and a tribute to a landscape whose purpose has evolved from practical necessity to enduring beauty.

The Rest of the Story:   This photograph has become one of my most meaningful images, not simply because of its composition but because of the stories people share when they see it. Time and again, visitors tell me about walks through this tunnel with parents, spouses, children, or lifelong friends. For some, it recalls joyful morning runs or quiet weekend hikes. For others, it preserves memories of loved ones no longer here… including one widower who often walked this path with his wife during her battle with cancer.

Those conversations changed the way I see this place. What began as an exercise in photographing light and leading lines became something much deeper. This tunnel is more than a row of historic trees… it is a corridor of memory, where generations have found comfort, companionship, healing, and hope beneath its arching branches.

I have more pretty sighs from this park in my Sugarcreek MetroPark Art Prints.  If you’d like to see more peaceful walks through local parks, check out my Forest Footpath Art Prints.

 

Sublocation:  Sugarcreek MetroPark

City, State:     Bellbrook, Ohio

Year:               2019

 

Paired Prints:  Sometimes a print naturally pairs with another. Frequently, I’ve captured an image from the same location but under varying lighting conditions or during a different time of year. If you like this art print, you may also want to view:

Image Legacy:

  • 2023 – Sold 4 copies in October.  One widower shared he and his wife frequently visited this spot before she passed so this print speaks to him.  Another was a physician who treats pain via holistic methods.  She liked the heavenly feel of the print and it reminded her of her jogs through the park.
  • 2023 – State of Ohio put out a call for art to decorate the James A. Rhodes State Office Tower in Columbus.  They wanted photography that shows Ohio at its most beautiful:  winter, spring, summer & fall.  They received 339 submissions and selected 20.  They selected this one and a Sugarcreek Sunflower Sunset No. 1!
  • 2023 – Cover Photo for the Bellbrook Sugarcreek Park District Calendar–Won the popular vote
  • 2021 – Greater Dayton Photography Group Photo Exhibition at The Gallery at Lofino Plaza
  • 2021 – On exhibit at Grace Unity Methodist Church, The Gallery at Grace, Dayton, OH

 

A couch and table in front of a painting.

 

Price range: $75.00 through $440.00

Product Description

The arched limbs from this ancient row of Osage Orange trees form a delightful tunnel during this autumn sunrise.

Before the invention of barbed wire, Midwestern farmers often planted dense rows of Osage orange trees as living fences. Their thorny branches formed nearly impenetrable hedgerows that marked property lines and contained livestock for generations. At Sugarcreek MetroPark between Bellbrook and Centerville, Ohio, one such historic hedgerow has matured into the celebrated Osage Orange Tunnel… a natural archway that has become one of the Miami Valley’s most recognizable and beloved landscapes.
On this October morning, I turned my lens eastward into the rising sun. Brilliant backlight illuminated the golden autumn leaves while the gracefully intertwined branches stood in partial silhouette against the bright sky. The result is both a study in light and a tribute to a landscape whose purpose has evolved from practical necessity to enduring beauty.
The Rest of the Story
This photograph has become one of my most meaningful images, not simply because of its composition but because of the stories people share when they see it. Time and again, visitors tell me about walks through this tunnel with parents, spouses, children, or lifelong friends. For some, it recalls joyful morning runs or quiet weekend hikes. For others, it preserves memories of loved ones no longer here… including one widower who often walked this path with his wife during her battle with cancer.
Those conversations changed the way I see this place. What began as an exercise in photographing light and leading lines became something much deeper. This tunnel is more than a row of historic trees… it is a corridor of memory, where generations have found comfort, companionship, healing, and hope beneath its arching branches.

Additional Information

Weight N/A
Dimensions N/A
Size

12" x 18", 20" x 30", 30" x 45"
Media

Framed Giclee Canvas, Metal, Photo Paper

Framed Giclee Canvas Prints

My canvas prints originate from the highest quality equipment and techniques which produce an impressively vibrant and sturdy print.  Features of My Framed Giclee Canvas Prints include:
 

  • Light Weight:  Lacking the need of glass and matting, these canvas prints are light weight
  • More Print for Your Money:  Avoiding expensive glass and matting lowers costs
  • Archival:  The pigment inks are archival rated at 95 years
  • No Gallery-wrapped Hazards:  My framed giclee canvas prints avoid the hazards of traditional gallery wrapped canvas prints (print edges easily mar and the canvas tends to relax and warp).  My canvas is mounted to a solid surface so it will never warp and the outer frame protects the print’s edges.
  • Ready to Hang.  Your canvas print comes ready to hang with single wire fastened to two sturdy D-ring hangers (quality D-rings resist wire tension vice eye hooks).  We employ a plastic-coated wire which mitigates corrosion, prevents stray strands from puncturing a finger, and permits easier leveling of frame.  In paying attention to details, we also properly wire frame with some tension which ensures canvas hangs close to wall.
  • Optional Z-bar:  For larger prints (if requested), we employ a two-piece mounting cleat in lieu of a hanging wire.  In this option, the cleat attached to the back of the print fits securely over the reverse cleat that you attached to the wall.
  • Watermark:  The final print you receive will not have a watermark.
  • Documentation:  I attached a certificate of authenticity to the back of each print.
  • Large Canvas Prints:  Though I can produce prints up to 40 x 60 inches, shipping in sizes 30 x 45 inches and above is expensive.  If you live in the Miami Valley, reach out to me about obtaining access to these larger print sizes.
  • Shipping Times:  Creating the print takes about 2 weeks and can be ready for immediate local pick up.  For those outside the Miami Valley, I have dedicated boxes and shipping takes an additional 3 to 5 days.
A front and back image of my framed giclee canvas print presentation

Metal Prints

People are amazed by these metal prints…from the reactions I witness at art shows and exhibitions, I call them “eye candy”.  Dye sublimation prints offer the following characteristics:
 

  • Incredibly vibrant:  My prints start with a white gloss substrate which produces vivid colors and enthusiastic comments 
  • Extremely durable:  Our printer employs verified archival materials, so if handled properly the print will last over 100 years.  
  • Cleans easily:  If cleaning is required, owners can employ soft cloth.
  • Saves money:  Unlike paper prints which require protective glass, there is no need to cover the metal surface.  With no glass, there’s no longer a need for the expensive framing, matting and labor which drives up the cost for traditional paper prints.
  • Ready to hang:  We attach mounts to the back of the metal prints which provide gallery-preferred hang points, and elevates the print off the wall producing a floating effect.  
  • Optional Z-bar:  For larger prints (if requested), we employ a two-piece mounting cleat in lieu of a hanging wire.  In this option, the cleat attached to the back of the print fits securely over the reverse cleat that you attached to the wall. 
  • Watermark:  The final print you receive will not have a watermark. 
  • Documentation:  I attached a certificate of authenticity to the back of each print.
  • Large Metal Prints:  Though I can produce prints up to 30 x 45 inches shipping is expensive.  If you live in the Miami Valley, reach out to me about obtaining access to these larger print sizes.  
  • Shipping Times:  Creating the print takes about 2 weeks and can be ready for immediate local pick up.  For those outside the Miami Valley, I have dedicated boxes and shipping takes an additional 3 to 5 days. 
A front and back image of my metal print presentation

Photopaper Prints

People are amazed by these metal prints…from the reactions I witness at art shows and exhibitions, I call them “eye candy”.  Dye sublimation prints offer the following characteristics:
 

  • Archival:  Our printer employs verified archival materials, where the pigments are rated at 95 years provided the print is protected from UV Rays. 
  • Flexibility:  Ordering a print on photopaper allows clients to make their own framing and matting decisions for the ultimate customization experience. 
  • Watermark:  The final print you receive will not have a watermark. 
  • Documentation:  I include a certificate of authenticity with each print.  Once you frame the print, your framer can attach it to the rear of the print.
  • Final Product:  I have dedicated shipping tubes to hold the print until your framer is ready to mount and frame the print.
  • Shipping Times:  Creating the print takes about 2 weeks and can be ready for immediate local pick up.  For those outside the Miami Valley, I have dedicated shipping tubes which take an additional 3 to 5 days for shipping. 
A cardboard tube with white paper on top of it.

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