SAN XAVIER MISSION, EARLY EVENING

[gary ellwein]

The image was taken through the bars of a locked gate. The candle light had an ethereal quality. I started with a Topaz Simplify Watercolor II base, added a B&W Fractalius with multiply blend mode resulting in a rather dark image. Reapplied the original image with a layer mask and exposed the underling layers with reduced opacity in the dark areas. Kept the alter and candles unchanged. Added CEP4 subtle Glamor Glow at reduced opacity.

[Dennis Bishop]

If I get back to Tucson, I'm going to try going to the mission at night. I had no idea. The contrast between the warm colors inside and the cool ones outside is very effective and helps to make the image quite appealing. I'd suggest healing away the padlock and, perhaps, the yellow flowers in the lower right.

[gary ellwein]

As usual, I should have listened to my wife. She suggested the removal of the flowers and lock. I will fix in the AM. Thanks

[Kerry Perkins]

Gary, I really like this image for many reasons. I love the use of light and color, contrast and composition. I think you can make two distinct images with this - one with the lock and flowers, which points out the societal issues that require places of worship to be locked up, and one without that can be imagined to be from a time when the lock was not necessary.

[Anita Bower]

I like the contrast between dark and light, warm and cool colors--these have impact. I like the off center composition, but I would also like a symmetrical composition--both would work for me. I think the dark areas are just the right amount of dark--allowing us to see some details without being distracting. I take it the original image did not have this dark/light contrast, that the darkness was created in the processing. Excellent work.

[gary ellwein]

Repost minus lock and flowers. Anita, Kerry And Dennis, thanks for the look and comments.

[Cheryl Slechta]

Gary, I had to laugh about your wife's comment The repost is perfect!

[Nancy Bell]

I also like the repost very much. You have just enough details in the walkway and railing to lead you into the warm glow and images inside.