Sweet Dreams

[Cheryl Slechta]

Hi, guys and gals. Sorry I haven't been posting any theme images - I guess I'm artistically challenged this week I've tried several different images but nothing seems to work. Here's a "sweet" dream image - from the Butterfly Museum in Gainesville. My Orton effect with several Shadowhouse textures.

[Dennis Bishop]

With all the colors, texture, lines, and the Orton effect, the background is beautiful. I like the butterfly being there, and it makes sense that it stand out from the rest of the image, but I wonder if I'd like it even better if it weren't so black.

[Cheryl Slechta]

Thanks, Dennis, I'll try it. This butterfly is very, very black in person but I see what you mean about the contrast between the black and the other spring colors.

[Nancy Bell]

I really like the very painterly look to this & the luscious dabs of springs colors against the greens. I must check out the Orton effect. I see the point Dennis makes about the blackness of the butterfly. Possibly make the black stippled somewhat? Love the delicate lines of the antennae.

[Paul Lagasi]

Looks very dreamy, Orton has that effect. I agree to lighten the butterfly a bit, not much though...TFS

[Cheryl Slechta]

Here's a repost with several modifications - lightening the butterfly a little and lightening the center and adding a slight vignette.

[Nancy Bell]

Yes, this is great! The purple & red running up the left side balances the less black version of the butterfly now. Subtle, but very effective changes.

[Dennis Bishop]

I like what you did, Cheryl. The added detail on the butterfly's wings not only reduces the amount of black but gives it a more fresh, delicate look that fits well with the rest of the image.

[Anita Bower]

I really love your Orton effect. You create luminous, painterly images. I like the repost. I like the butterfly not being so black. Excellent work.

[Cheryl Slechta]

Thank you all for helping make this a better image

[John Ippolito]

Cheryl, the repost on this is very, very nice. Just enough detail, without over defining the subject. Colors and comp are beautiful, as well as the Orton treatment !