Lilac Breasted Roller

[Hilary Hann]

A very common bird across sub-Saharan Africa, but a favourite none the less. Being a simple composition, I have tried to add interest by using the textures (3 layers at varying blends) to give depth. I wanted to keep the old gnarled whistling thorn bush stem which I liked for its complex nature and detail. It was going to be part of an avian triptych but I liked it so much I decided to let it stand alone.

[John Storjohann]

I LOVE this...the textures and color of the background...curve of the branch drawing your eye in and out of the image..that great highlight in the eye...I wouldn't change a thing other than to hang it on the wall!

[Kerry Perkins]

Beautiful image Hilary and really fits your style. Love the colors against the parchment look of the background. Very nicely done.

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hey Hilary,
I didn't think it was possible to make an already beautiful bird even more interesting!!! The textures just seem to work very well and you did a great job with this! Looks like the base image was wuite something too!

[Dave Mills]

Hi Hillary, I have to compliment on a well thought out and executed image. The texture and overall color works well with the subject. The birds positioning is also nicely placed.
Well done!!

[Mitch Carucci]

Beautiful bird and beautiful rendition...

[denise ippolito]

Hilary, Beautiful bird and I am glad you kept lots of detail. The background colors and texture work are lovely. The perch is interesting. I might take a sliver off the left side of the frame if it were mine. The vignette works well here too.:S3:

[Bob Miller]

Beautiful as is. The texture and vignette were handled very well!

[Nick Palmieri]

Very nice as presented. Great job with the textures!

[Hilary Hann]

Thank you for the comments everyone, I'm glad you liked the image. The base image was pleasant enough but with a plain blue sky which looked a bit ordinary but it is almost full frame which has helped to keep detail in the bird even with the texture. The technique hasn't worked as well with my other birds yet!! :S3:

[Susan Candelario]

Hi Hilary,
Excellent image and treatment all around. I am with John on this one: "I wouldn't change a thing other than to hang it on the wall!" Magnificent work!

[Cheryl Slechta]

Beautifully done, Hilary. The texture work is perfect and the bird is perfectly beautiful - I'm glad you revealed a lot of him.:S3:

[Hilary Hann]

Thanks Susan and Cheryl. :S3:

[Maureen Allen]

Beautiful presentation with this bird, Hilary. The vignette is perfect.

[Hilary Hann]

Thanks Maureen.

[Paul Lagasi]

A beauty enough said....TFS