I encountered this beautifully lit tree at Drake Park in Bend, Oregon. The image was still in my mind from a recent trip there in early October, 2006. It stood out as a possible background basis for the Connoisseur site because of its contrasting color that would compliment the prominent blue. Connoisseur is traditionally blue (formerly red), and I felt it needed some additional color(s) to give it some richness and depth. This photo is also featured in a slideshow retelling my visit to Bend.