#2 is really cool here. I like your use of a foreground object again. But there is that blue thing in the left corner, is that trash or a blue rock? I would try to use Selective color in Photoshop and change the colors to look more like a rock, that does distract in an otherwise super shot.
I think the second is a really cool shot (not that the others aren't nice as well) but like Jim I had to look closely to realize that was a rock and not a cheeseburger wrapper or something.
I like both of the first two shots John - surprisingly good color balance for the mid day light. It does look like you used an ND grad in the second one but I could be out to lunch on that. I love that flower against the cliff backdrop.
Great series digging your processing on all of these #2 really stands out the comp color and lighting is terrific, we got to get you out to the Palouse can show you some pretty cool stuff. Take care
