Dawn over Vijlen by Peter Kuipers

About "Dawn over Vijlen"

by Peter Kuipers

About the artwork

From the edge of the Vijler forest, a view unfolds that is as still as the light gently touching the landscape. The sun is just rising over the Limburg hills, immersing the fields in a warm, golden glow. In the background, you can see Vijlen's church - small but powerful - as a landmark in this tranquil scene.

I took this photo during a photo weekend together with my brother-in-law. We went into the forest early, camera's around our shoulders, looking for that one magical moment when the light, atmosphere and surroundings coincide exactly. This spot, high on the edge of the Vijlerbos, felt like a reward. As the morning slowly unfolded, everything fell into place for a moment.

What touched me was the stillness of the moment: the soft light, the fresh air, the view that stretched before us like a painting. There was a calm energy in the air, one that is hard to explain but can be felt immediately. It is that emotion I wanted to capture in this image.

I chose a subtle post-processing that highlights the natural colours and depth of the landscape, without losing the original feeling. The composition leads your gaze from the warm glow in the foreground to the silhouette of the church in the distance - a visual journey through the Limburg morning landscape.

"Dawn over Vijlen" brings a sense of calm and connection with nature. The work fits beautifully in interiors where light and landscape are allowed to come into their own - or for those who want to hold on to a memory of a place where time seemed to stand still for a moment.