The Ladybug

[Nancy Bell]

I found the most amazing abandoned field jam-packed with Queen Anne's Lace. In spite of the temps in the 90's and some outrageous amount of humidity, I spent several happy hours here yesterday morning. Lots of small insects are attracted to Queen Anne's Lace but in the heat they move quickly over the flower. I read that after the Queen Anne's Lace blooms, the flowers curl up into a ball as the seeds develop, the cluster drops from the stem and rolls like small tumbleweeds, dispensing seeds along the way.

I used a low opacity layer of Topaz Glow, soft bloom. I totally removed the effect from the lady bug and a few select seeds.

[Hazel Grant]

Great contrast of textures through the use of the Topaz Glow (I'll have to try that one on something) and the sharpness of the ladybug. Of the colors, soft green to bright red/black. Of size, the huge Queen Anne's Lace ball and the tiny bug.

[Wendy Kates]

I love the composition, as well as the textures that Hazel mentioned. The subtle application of Glow is very effective.

[Dennis Bishop]

I'd have really liked this with just the Queen Anne's Lace and that soft background. Capturing that lady bug added a lot, and Hazel made a good observation about the contrasts in size and color it added.

Thanks for the information about how it spreads the seeds.

[Judy Howle]

I agree with the other comments. The "ball" is very unique looking. We have tons of QA's lace here but I never pay much attention to it except when it's in full bloom. I like the contrast of soft and sharp.

[Cheryl Slechta]

Hi, Nancy, a field of Queen Anne's lace would probably make me brave the heat also I love the subtle Glow and the sharp lady bug and the fact that you revealed some of the seeds. Very nice image.

[Gabriela Plesea]

Delightful image, dearest Nancy! I wish I knew how to use this Topaz effect on those images of my magical little flowers of the Kalahari which myself and Andre now call "Nancy Bells"!

This is exquisite, my friend. Love the clarity and sharpness of the little Lady Bug, in contrast with the softness of the delicate flower.
Wonderful colours, there's something so story-like and so "dreamy" about this frame. Truly inspiring

Warmest regards,

[Nancy Bell]

Thank you everyone! And Gabriela, it makes me laugh to think there are "Nancy Bells" blooming in the Kalahari!

[Gabriela Plesea]

Thank you dear Nancy,

I simply adore my "Nancy Bells" For those who don't know, they are amazing yellow flowers coming out after the rain in the Kalahari:)

Warmest regards,

[Mitch Carucci]

Love the rich color and "pop" of the ladybug against the more subdued flower.