Water Lily

This is a water lily in the retention pond behind my house. I just masked the lily from the rest of the background, did a little work in Topaz Clarity, then used three different Shadowhouse textures to make it look more painterly. I tried this one with different
masking looks. I liked this one with more of the dark outline around the lily to define it, but I'm not sure if it's too much. Would appreciate any comments or thoughts.

Very nice colors and textures, Cindy! It does have a very painterly look. As is the lily looks kind of pasted on, so I think I would reduce the outline a bit and possibly lighten the lily a little so that it blends better with the BG.

Thanks, Christopher, i think you are absolutely right. I'll re-mask and try a new version soon.

Hi, Cindy, it's lovely so it'll be worth redoing it.:S3:

Thanks, Cheryl. So here's my quick version 2. It might be too soft now, but I think I'm moving in the right direction. Lots of layers to continue to tweak.

Maybe something in between? Great possibilities to play with. I love water lilies.

Thanks, Diane. Yes, I'll keep playing. I'll take a fresh look tomorrow.

Love the second one Cindy, it looks like a painting. Well done!

Cindy, I love the bkgd of the repost! Sometimes when I play with a image so many possibilities open up that I can spend days exploring them! Maybe a bit more detail returned to the lily in the 2nd image.

Thanks, Jackie and Nancy.
Nancy, I know what you mean! I've already started exploring some new variations. I've also found that I sometimes need to walk away from an image for a day or so, and then come back.

Love the second version, Cindy! As others said, just needs a little more detail in the lily and I think you'll have a winner! :S3:

Hi, Cindy, I know what you mean about walking away for a couple of days. I like the repost better and it could stand on its own but something in between might be even better.:S3:

Thanks, Christopher and Cheryl. Now I have a variety of other versions, but can't decide which I like best. Will post one of them tomorrow!