Theme: Motif #1

[Wendy Kates]

This is a fishing shack in Rockport, Massachusetts. It is one of the most frequently photographed and painted images in America. It was originally referred to as Motif #1 in the 1930's, and since the artistic elements of it (along with harbor that isn't included in this image) were so compelling, the term stuck. Originally built in the 1860's, it was destroyed in the Blizzard of 1978, and rebuilt to look exactly like the previous building. I love the red tones, so I didn't want to make it look faded and yellowed; instead, I used a Charcoal filter in Topaz Impressions to create a weathered look. I kept the weathered look on the rocks too, but I can mask that pretty easily if you think it distracts from the fishing shack.

[Dennis Bishop]

I really like the look you achieved. The colors and charcoal effect work very well. I wouldn't mask the charcoal effect off the rocks. In fact, I like it so much I'd probably leave it on the water and sky. The reflection on the water adds a lot.

[Nancy Bell]

This is fabulous! I love your basic composition with the the overall horizontal layers of the bldg. and the rocks, and then that vertical element of the peaked roof rising up. Then there are the vertical lines of the red planks & posts vs the horizontal lines of the shingles and between the layers of rocks. More vertical lines created by the floats hanging on the outside of the bldg. Even more horizontal & vertical elements layered over the base ones as I look closer! Your placement of the bldg & surroundings are very well chosen. Oh, and I do like those reds with the charcoal effect.

[Diane Miller]

Lovely find! (Even if you weren't the first one to find it...) I really like the filter - it almost looks like a dusting of snow. But not sure about the amount of texture in the water, with the slight breeze. (I love it on the rocks, though.) I think I'd remove the three lighter blobs from the water on the right.

You might consider a very slight trim along the left edge to remove the lighter elements there.

[gary ellwein]

The charcoal effect nicely ages the fishing shack. I would be interested to see if the original bg elements could stand on their own. A miniscule clockwise rotation would make the lovely image square with the workd.

[Cheryl Slechta]

Hi, Wendy, good composition and I really like the charcoal effect.