Description

This spectrum of a leaf in the visible and near-infrared shows how much light the leaf reflects at different wavelengths before and after drying. The dips in the graph, characterized by waterfalls in the art, are known as water absorption features because water absorbs light at these wavelengths.

This oil-on-canvas painting provides a stunning new interpretation of the spectral profile of a hydrated versus dehydrated leaf. The differently colored upper peaks of the mountains represent the leaf when hydrated, while the lower peaks show the leaf when dehydrated. The water absorption features, which we analyze during a dry-down to relate spectral imaging to drought stress, are highlighted by waterfalls.