Most of these images were taken in the Border Lakes region of northern Minnesota and northwestern Ontario. This forested, lake-filled landscape covers 5.1 million acres surrounding Quetico Provincial Park, Voyageurs National Park and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This region is part of the Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota.

The visual splendor that Nature provides is the basis for these images. From the rich hues of autumn to the subtle greens and earthtones of Asian bamboo forests or the cool reflections or a north woods lake, these images will enrich any space. Starting with a color digital image, each is then meticulously rendered into a Watercolor interpretation of the original. Each image is available on 100% acid free and Eco-friendly heavyweight cotton rag fine art paper.

This Gallery contains 1,000 Images from the 2009 Quad Cities Marathon | The marathon photographs are of the runners and the activities around the start and finish line. The event covers 5 races, 4 cities, 3 bridges, 2 states, and 1 Island, all along the mighty Mississippi River.The 26.2 mile run starts and ends in downtown Moline, IL.

Some of my favorites of the more than 1100 images of the Quad Cities Marathon in 2009 taken by Imagine PixelCraft. Henry Kipsang wins the 12th Annual Quad Cities Marathon. A USATF certified course and Boston Marathon qualifier, the marathon is held annually in September. The event covers 5 races, 4 cities, 3 bridges, 2 states, and 1 Island, all along the mighty Mississippi River.The 26.2 mile run starts and ends in downtown Moline, IL.

The present city of Essaouira was only built during the 18th century. Mohammed Ben Abdellah al-Qatib (c. 1710-1790) was Sultan of Morocco from 1757 to 1790 under the Alaouite dynasty. He used a French engineer, Théodore Cornut, who had been captured and enslaved, and several other European architects and technicians, to build the fortress and city along modern lines. Cormut had been profoundly influenced by the work of Vauban at Saint-Malo. The result is an exceptional example of a late-18th-century fortified town, built according to the principles of contemporary European military architecture in a North African context. Originally called "Souira", "The small fortress", the name then became "Es-Saouira", "The beautifully designed". From the time of its rebuilding by Muhammad II until the end of the nineteenth century, Essaouira served as Morocco's principal port, offering the goods of the caravan trade to the world. The route brought goods from sub-Saharan Africa to Timbuktu, then through the desert and over the Atlas Mountains to Marrakech. The road from Marrakech to Essaouira is a straight line, explaining the King's choice of this port among the many that the Moroccan coast offers. The fishing industry is an important part of the economy. The kingdom has a total of 3500 km of coastline stretching along both the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. For many people in this beautiful city, fishing is a way of life. Moroccan fishermen put a lot of pride and quite a number of hours in decorating their boats. Shopping in Essouira is best done if you head for locally produced handcrafts, like shoes or other colorful items. The streets of the old city are narrow and filled with life, providing hours of diversion. An afternoon of pleasant exploration is yours if you take the road to Essaouira.

As stewards of over half the land and water resources in America, farmers and ranchers are determined to be involved in the development of climate change solutions. Wind energy projects are farmers' and landowners' new cash crop. Landowners receive annual per megawatt payments for each wind turbine they have on their property. However, shared ownership of a wind energy system, can bring in a significant amount more. Wind turbines don't emit any pollution that could contaminate lakes and streams. Wind energy also conserves water. 600 times more water is needed to produce electricity with nuclear power and 500 times more water is needed to produce electricity with coal, than with wind. Traditional sources of electricity are associated with air pollution, acid rain, global warming, radioactive waste disposals, and oil spills. Wind energy is pollution free. But wind power production is not without controversy. People have widely varied reactions to seeing wind turbines on the landscape. Some people see graceful symbols of economic development and environmental progress or sleek icons of modern technology. Others might see industrial encroachment in natural and rural landscapes. There are many ways to minimize the visual impact of wind turbines, including painting them a neutral color, arraying them in a visually pleasing manner, and designing each turbine uniformly.

This Gallery contains more of the best marathon photos from the Quad Cities Marathon in 2010. Imagine PixelCraft has over two thousand images of marathon runners and race activities in our Quad Cities Marathon Photo Galleries. Imagine PixelCraft and Ron Abel Photography has been associated with this important sports event as official photographers since 2009. We have been given access to the start/finish line and as a result have been able to produce thousands of high quality photographs of many of the marathon runners, athletes and fans. The Quad Cities Marathon (QCM) takes place on one of the most beautiful courses of any urban marathon in the United States. The marathon highlights the beauty of the mighty Mississippi River and the marathon course runs past and through a number of Quad Cities landmarks.

Imagine PixelCraft has over two thousand images of marathon runners and race activities in our Quad Cities Marathon Photo Galleries. Over the next few days, check back to see more images as they are added to the archive. Imagine PixelCraft and Ron Abel Photography has been associated with this important sports event as official photographers since 2009. We have been given access to the start/finish line and as a result have been able to produce thousands of high quality photographs of many of the marathon runners, athletes and fans. The Quad Cities Marathon (QCM) takes place on one of the most beautiful courses of any urban marathon in the United States. The marathon highlights the beauty of the mighty Mississippi River and the marathon course runs past and through a number of Quad Cities landmarks, such as the historic Arsenal Island, the I-74 Bridge, and did I mention lots of river scenery. There are also bands, entertainment, along the 26.2mile course and dozens of hot air balloons drifting overhead or tethered along the course.

Images of the activities and events surrounding the Quad Cities Marathon (QCM). The Quad Cities Marathon takes place on one of the most beautiful courses of any urban marathon in the United States. The marathon highlights the beauty of the mighty Mississippi River and the marathon course runs past and through a number of Quad Cities landmarks, such as the historic Arsenal Island, the I-74 Bridge, and did I mention lots of river scenery. There are also bands, entertainment, along the 26.1 mile course and dozens of hot air balloons drifting overhead or tethered along the course.

Fine Art Digital images from Europe & Asia. Japan | China

Images from China, Hong Kong and Shanghai are featured in this photo Gallery. Shanghai is the financial center of mainland China and has one of the most vibrant skylines of any city in the world. Hong Kong is one of the world's leading international financial centers, with low taxation and free trade. Hong Kong's open economy left it exposed to the global economic slowdown, but its increasing integration with China has helped it recover from the downturn very quickly. The name "Hong Kong" is an approximate phonetic rendering of the pronunciation of the spoken Cantonese or Hakka name "??", meaning "fragrant harbour" in English. On 1 July 1997, the transfer of sovereignty from United Kingdom to the People's Republic of China occurred, officially ending 156 years of British colonial rule. Hong Kong became China's first special administrative region (SAR).

Marrakech is not only a fantastic city, it is also a symbol of the Morocco that once was, and which still survives here. While Arabs and Berbers mingle in most parts of Morocco, Marrakech remains a center of Berber culture. Like many North African cities, Marrakech comprises both an old fortified city (the médina) and an adjacent modern metropolis (called Gueliz). Dubbed the "Red City" because of the red color mandated for the exterior of each structure, Marrakech was once the capital of Morocco and lays at the foot of the Atlas Mountains.

The lunar New Year celebrations are about to begin throughout Asia. In Vietnam, traditional T?t festivities include calligraphy markets and flower festivals. To welcome the Year of the Tiger, more than 8,000 flowers and ornamental plants are on display from February 8-21 at the Ho Chi Minh City annual Flower Fair in Saigon's Tao Dàn Park. At this time of year Vietnamese people decorate their homes with bonsai and flower plants such as chrysanthemum (hoa cúc), marigold (v?n th?) symbolizing longevity. Before the fair, as the stalls were being set up and the plants were being organized, the morning sun brought the texture and colors of the flowers to life. These images capture the natural beauty that can be found while traveling throughout Asia.

Impressions of Europe

Iowa winters are certainly not for the faint of heart. The wind blows, the snow flies and the temperature drops. Despite the cold, the snow and sometimes, the sun beautify the Iowa countryside.