Water Lily

[Cindy Cone]

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.

[Christopher Miller]

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.

[Cindy Cone]

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

[Cheryl Slechta]

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

[Cindy Cone]

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.

[Diane Miller]

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

[Cindy Cone]

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

[Jackie Schuknecht]

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

[Nancy Bell]

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.

[Cindy Cone]

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.

[Christopher Miller]

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!

[Cheryl Slechta]

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.

[Cindy Cone]

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!