It is no wonder I could not identify the type of cloud shown above that I made a few years ago until just recently. That's because the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) only lately classified it as Asperitas, 1 of 11 new cloud types the WMO added in March of 2017 to their International Cloud Atlas. This is the first update that the Atlas has received in 30 years.
Asperitas (formerly known as Undulatus asperatus) was first observed back in 2006 by a member of the amateur cloud-spotting group in Cedar Creeks, Iowa who sent a photograph of the unusual cloud to Gavin Pretor-Pinney, president of the Cloud Appreciation Society in London, England. After receiving more similar photos, the new cloud type was proposed but only recognized 9 years later this past spring on World Meteorological Day.
I first witnessed these dark, storm-like clouds as I drove into Sault Ste Marie, Ontario around dinner time on May 25, 2008. I was immediately taken aback by the unusual, somewhat apocalyptic formation that appeared like rippling waves. The Asperitas clouds covered the entire sky (360 degrees!) and I had never in my life seen anything like that before. I expected a severe storm to materialize as we were adjacent Lake Superior but nothing happened. In fact, the distinctive, but relatively rare cloud formation almost always dissipates without a storm forming.
As is typically the case, I tend to process most of my RAW images only a few years after I make them, sometimes not until years later! In this instance, it took me more than 2 years to process this image after coming across this series of images I made while working on my Ontario book, which was published in the spring of 2015. The caption which accompanied the image on page 128 read: 'Menacing storm clouds, Sault Ste Marie'. Now, I would write: 'Menacing Asperitas clouds, Sault Ste Marie'.
Posted On:
November 4, 2015
This Saturday November 7, I will be at Chapters in St. Vital (Winnipeg) to sign my Ontario book which was released earlier in the spring. The book was published by Turnstone Press and was printed at Friesens in Altona, Manitoba. The book was a recent winner of a 2015 Certificate of Merit in the Category Art Books at this year’s annual Premier Print Awards sponsored by the Printing Industries of America. With Xmas fast approaching, the book would make a fine gift for a loved one and I would be honored to autograph a copy for you. Hope to see some of you between noon and 3 PM.
Posted On:
November 4, 2015
I am happy to announce that my book Mike Grandmaison’s Ontario, released this past spring by Turnstone Press, was a Winner of a 2015 Certificate of Merit in the Category Art Books at this year’s annual Premier Print Awards sponsored by the Printing Industries of America.
The Premier Print Award Competition recognizes the highest quality printed pieces in various categories from around the world. Each year, only the most worthy pieces receive Awards of Recognition, Certificates of Merit, and the highest honor—the Benny statue.
I wish to thank Turnstone Press for their assistance and for allowing me the freedom in creating my books. I also owe much gratitude to Friesens for all their efforts in printing such fine books. All that hard work usually pays off!
Finally, the Ontario Book Tour begins!
This Tuesday, May 19, I start the tour with a presentation in Dryden, ON. During this book tour, I will be visiting select communities and cities in Ontario to make presentations and book signings of my recent book 'Mike Grandmaison's Ontario' by Turnstone Press. You can preview a few images from the book from past blog postings. Clicking on the image above will allow you to connect on other links.
The various events will include some traditional book signings as well as some illustrated presentations. The presentations at the various camera clubs should be 'open' for non-members also - at the very least, you can be my personal guest! See the list below for an event taking place near you.
I am looking forward to meeting many of you along the way - friends, family, photographers, naturalists, and anyone interested in beautiful images from the great province of Ontario!
Tuesday, May 19 7:00pm
Illustrated Presentation and Book Signing at Dryden Camera Club
Lutheran Church (175 Cecil Ave)
Dryden, Ontario
Wednesday, May 20 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Book Signing at Chapters (797 Memorial Drive)
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Wednesday, May 20 7:00pm
Illustrated Presentation and Book Signing at 'Imagetrekkers Photography Club'
Waverley Library (285 Red River Road)
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thursday, May 21 4:00 - 6:00 pm
Book Signing at Coles
Cambrian Mall (44 Great Northern Road)
Sault Ste Marie, Ontario
Saturday, May 23 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Book Signing at Costco (1465 Kingsway)
Sudbury, Ontario
Sunday, May 24 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Book Signing at Chapters (1425 Kingsway Road)
Sudbury, Ontario
Sunday, May 24
6:00 pm Walkabout with Gerard Courtin and 'Friends of Lake Laurentian'
7:00 pm Illustrated Presentation and Book Signing at the 'Friends of Lake Laurentian'
Laurentian Conservation Area Nature Chalet (2309 South Bay Rd.)
Sudbury, Ontario
Tuesday, May 26 7:30 pm
Illustrated Presentation and Book Signing at the 'Trillium Photographic Club'
East Plains United Church, Peart Hall
375 Plains Road East
Burlington, Ontario
Thursday, May 28 7:00 pm
Illustrated Presentation and Book Signing at the 'Grand River Imaging and Photographic Society' GRIPS
Kitchener East Presbyterian Church
10 Zeller Drive
Kitchener, Ontario
Saturday, May 30 Noon to 3:00 pm
Book Signing at Indigo (Bay and Bloor)
55 Bloor Street West
Toronto, Ontario
Sunday, May 31 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Book Signing at Chapters
South Keys Shopping Centre
2210 Bank Street
Ottawa, Ontario
Tuesday, June 2 7 pm
Illustrated Presentation and Book Signing at the 'RA Photo Club'
Clark Hall, RA Centre
2451 Riverside Drive,
Ottawa, Ontario
Grolle Fine Art will be displaying a selection of my fine art photographs this coming Saturday, April 18 from 1- 6 PM. From 1-4 PM, I will be available to chat about my work and sign copies of my latest book 'Mike Grandmaison's Ontario' (published by Turnstone Press) which was released just last Thursday. At 4 PM, I will speak formally about my work, about my thoughts on my techniques and approach to my art. I will also discuss the creation of some of my most memorable images.
I am looking forward to meeting you this Saturday.
The exhibition is on display from April 17 to 24, 2015.
Grolle Fine Art is situated at Fort Garry Place, 81 Garry Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Phone 204-691-6112
This Saturday November 7, I will be at Chapters in St. Vital (Winnipeg) to sign my Ontario book which was released earlier in the spring. The book was published by Turnstone Press and was printed at Friesens in Altona, Manitoba. The book was a recent winner of a 2015 Certificate of Merit in the Category Art Books at this year’s annual Premier Print Awards sponsored by the Printing Industries of America. With Xmas fast approaching, the book would make a fine gift for a loved one and I would be honored to autograph a copy for you. Hope to see some of you between noon and 3 PM.Posted In:This And That
I am happy to announce that my book Mike Grandmaison’s Ontario, released this past spring by Turnstone Press, was a Winner of a 2015 Certificate of Merit in the Category Art Books at this year’s annual Premier Print Awards sponsored by the Printing Industries of America.
Grolle Fine Art will be displaying a selection of my fine art photographs this coming Saturday, April 18 from 1- 6 PM. From 1-4 PM, I will be available to chat about my work and sign copies of my latest book 'Mike Grandmaison's Ontario' (published by Turnstone Press) which was released just last Thursday. At 4 PM, I will speak formally about my work, about my thoughts on my techniques and approach to my art. I will also discuss the creation of some of my most memorable images.