Heart of the Hills

George S. Mickelson Trail, Black Hills, South Dakota | Autumn 2021

In the autumn of 2021, while exploring the George S. Mickelson Trail, I came across a scene that perfectly captured the familiar beauty of the Black Hills. Rolling hills blanketed in ponderosa pine, scattered pockets of golden aspens, and open meadows stretching beneath a dramatic, cloud-filled sky.

Winding more than 100 miles through the heart of the Black Hills, the historic Mickelson Trail follows portions of a former railroad corridor, offering cyclists, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts an intimate experience of the region's diverse landscapes. Away from the busy highways and well-known landmarks, the trail reveals a quieter side of the Hills, where the natural beauty of the forest takes center stage.

What drew me to this particular scene was its simplicity. The soft autumn colors scattered throughout the valley, the deep greens of the surrounding forest, and the gentle contours of the hills created a landscape that felt both peaceful and unmistakably familiar.

This artwork is offered as an Open Edition print.
Open Edition means the image is not limited to a set number of prints and will remain available as part of my ongoing collection.

Because it is not a limited release, this piece will not include a hand signature, edition number, or Certificate of Authenticity. Instead, it’s designed to be an accessible way to bring the same museum-quality photography into your space, without the exclusivity rules of a Limited Edition.

Each Open Edition print is still produced with the highest standard of professional printing and craftsmanship, created to look stunning on the wall and last for years to come.

• Classic Borderless Frameless Prints – Printed on museum-grade cotton rag paper in a lustre finish, perfect for custom framing. These have an archival life of 100 years in typical display conditions and 200 years in dark storage. This style does NOT come with a frame.

• Metal Print – Satin-finish vibrancy and vibrant color depth and detail; edge-to-edge imagery on aluminum with sleek, modern finish. Mounted on a 3/4" float mount with pre-cut hanging holes. This medium style does NOT come with a frame.

• Float Frame Canvas Pro – Museum-grade artistry and timeless presentation; printed on archival fine art canvas with exceptional color accuracy, depth, and texture. Each piece is hand-stretched and expertly mounted within a refined floating frame that creates the illusion of the image “suspended” inside the frame. Crafted in Italy, these canvases combine traditional craftsmanship with modern precision for unmatched quality and longevity. Ready to hang and built to last, this premium format brings warmth, dimension, and a gallery-level finish to any space.

• Each print is:

  • Ships ready to display (canvas and metal only come ready to hang)

  • Printed using archival-quality materials for 100+ year longevity

Available Sizes for Classic Prints:

• 8x12 

• 11x16

• 16x24

• 20x30

• 24x36

• 30x45

Available Sizes for Metal Prints:

• 8x12

• 12x18

• 16x24

• 20x30

• 24x36

• 30x45

• 40x60

Available Sizes for Float Frame Canvases:

• 16x24

• 20x30

• 24x36

• 30x45

• 40x60
   

📅 Shipping Timeline:

Please allow 2–6 weeks for production and delivery for float frame wall art. Please allow 2 weeks for metals and classic borderless prints for production and delivery. Each piece is made-to-order and carefully inspected for quality before shipping.

📐 Custom Sizing:
Custom sizes or special installation inquiries are welcome. Please contact Ellen directly for bespoke sizing, framing, or large-scale project options either through my contact page or emailing ellenscollection@gmail.com

🕯️ Care & Longevity:
Each piece is crafted using archival materials for 100+ years of display life. To preserve the integrity of your artwork, display it away from direct sunlight and high humidity. Clean gently with a soft, dry cloth as needed.