It’s the play of light and shadow that gives this image its expressive qualities, in this case enhanced coloration and dimensionality. The textures of the great monoliths are brought into high relief by the angle of the sun. The entire right side of the butte closest to us, as well as the front of the tower in the background fall into deep shadow, which gives the huge rocks a sense of depth as they relate to space. The colors are richly saturated as well, giving the stark subjects, which arise from a desolate desert, a memorable form of beauty.