Lilly Comp Help

[artfulscribe]

I've put "the diner" aside and have decided to work this photograph instead. I really love the patterns within the leaves, and there's something about a challenging/busy background that I'm attracted to. I've added more margin to the top to allow the largest lilly (it might be a lotus, actually) to fall into a sweet spot. Hope I did the right thing. (It's 18 x14, much larger than I'm used to working.)

Here's the real problem, though...or maybe it's not...I kind of want to know if you guys think it is: Is the curled, yellowing leaf between the flowers a distraction? I was going to eliminate a lot of the yellow so it's not so jarring, but is that enough? On the other hand, maybe it keeps the subject from being too "perfect." I can see arguments on both sides, and I'm totally unable to make a decision. One thing's for certain...I don't want to leave this space uncovered completely because the nexus of roots underneath will be too challenging. Thoughts?

Roxana

[Rose]

Roxana... wow, you've got a real challenge here, but it's looking excellent already!!!

IMHO, I do believe the yellow is a bit too bright, and I think that graying it down will lead it to the background so that the focus will be more on the lilies than the leaves. Of course, I am not going to say another word, leaving the expert advice to... uh, the EXPERTS! LOL :D

Can't wait to see the lilies emerge! :-)

[artfulscribe]

Thanks, Rose! I agree about the yellow, I'm just not even sure this curled leaf should be there at all, at least not the way it appears. And thanks, I will definitely do something to send the leaves back. I need to get the line drawing/composition right before I even go there, LOL. (Here's a better closeup.)

I'll just keep working around the problem area until I get some more input, I guess. :confused:

Roxana

[lene]

hi
it is a georgeous photo ... and challening I think :) I'll watch with interest.
I think the yellow leaf if painted in a dark value (green/blue hue) will pop the flowers much more :)
I am not sure of the "cut of" flower in upper right. It makes a triangle together with the other two, but then I don't like it is cut in half. I would think; either a whole flower (making the triangle-pattern) or not at all ;)

[artfulscribe]

Thanks, Lene! I'll take that as another vote for keeping the leaf but changing the color :-) Also, I didn't incorporate the third lilly in the upper right into my line drawing for the reasons you mentioned...just reworked the leaves a little to cover up for the omission. Hopefully it will look natural!

Roxana

[Debee]

I went in a did a quick tone down of the leaf your concerned about. It isn't exact as far as color or value, but it can give you a idea of how lowering the intensity of the leaf may look. I increased the color and highlight intensity of some of the petal tips. Scaling down the the leaf seemed to put the sweet spot elements to close in value. what do you think. I'm not sure it is a solution for you, just how I might proceed.

[artfulscribe]

Gosh, thanks so much for taking the time to do that, Debee! That's a good point about darkening the petal tips, and I think I'm going to do just that. I started blocking in the color a little bit in the last couple of days, and I can already tell they're going to need some more oomph if they're to hold up against those leaves, which are really rich and patterned.

As for that darn yellow, upturned leaf *sigh* It's one of those cases where I should have reached in and adjusted it the way I wanted before I snapped the photo. Just wasn't thinking. I think your adjustments make it look 100% better, but I'm still paralyzed by the decision to 1) keep it in the yellows or 2) just make it another (albeit toned down) green leaf. I'll have to post it in the cp forum next so you can see how I'm avoiding it altogether, LOL. Before long, it will be a finished piece of art with gaping white hole in the middle of it! ;)

Roxana

[Norma69]

Roxana - I just couldn't resist a comment - Dead flower - Dead leaf what's the difference? the beauty is all in the eyes and mind of the artist taking the picture :devil2:

I have a power pole marring my view of the ocean - but I never seen it anymore - I just wipe it out of my vision and see nothing but ocean - Now I am just waiting for the talent to capture that vision on paper. :rolleyes:

You'll do what fits for you and make it yours

Norma

[artfulscribe]

Roxana - I just couldn't resist a comment - Dead flower - Dead leaf what's the difference? the beauty is all in the eyes and mind of the artist taking the picture :devil2:
Norma

HAHA Norma! Would you believe I thought of you as I mulled over this dillemma?? I had myself quite a chuckle when the irony of it dawned on me! LOL Now if that isn't karmic justice, I don't know what is :blushing:

As for that view of yours, everytime I read one of your posts, I conjure up a mental image of the view from your window...I don't remember if it was here or at WC that you posted a picture, but it's stayed with me ever since! Believe me, I'd look right past that power pole too...who wouldn't with that gorgeous scenery?? :D Anyway, thanks for the encouragement...you're a sweetheart!

Roxana