Painted Grackle

[Dave Phillips]

Grackles have some nice coloration when caught in the sunlight and
when that light filters through some brightly colored surrounding foliage,
the contrast can be quite stunning.
This was DAP/Benson/some defocus mask/Impression+ palette/some ps revealing
and sandstone texture

Thanks for looking in and c/c and opportunity to share.
Image not a part of week's theme

[Dave Phillips]

original for above

[Patti Edens]

Dave, I love the colors on the bird! And that you kept the eye nice and well defined. Leaves and background are very nicely rendered too! The only thing that bothers me a little is the bright leaf above the bird. It draws my eye away from the bird.

[denise ippolito]

Dave, The first thing that strikes me is the fantastic color tones in the BG and leaves. The Grackle stands up well to them. I think toning down the one leaf as Patti suggested may not be a bad idea. This has a very nice textured BG. Nice depth in this one. Very well done.

[Dave Mills]

Hi Dave,Nice job as usual! I definately agree about the upper hot leaf either being toned down or eliminated. The brighter leaf below the head could also be toned down a bit. Also I realise the right foot giving the appearance of coming out of the leaf was in the original it does give me pause when I look at it...

[Dave Phillips]

thanks all and very observant valid points. At first I thought the
lighter leaves were framing the subject, but now I see they may
be a bit bright, esp the one at top......need to work on it a bit as the
lighter tone is needed to balance the palette.

Thanks again, much appreciate the honest critique

[Nicki Gwynn Jones]

Hi Dave,
I love this - very painterly and imaginative and the colours are stunning. Personally I do not find the bright spots particularly distracting.
Best,
Nicki

[Indranil Sircar]

This is another standout composition, Dave. I love the way how this comes out in DAP with your approach of mask and other effect. Excellent work.

[Cheryl Slechta]

Dave, I like it just the way it is - the lighter leaf seems to me to be more the glow from the lighting around the
bird. I love your technique and the texture. Another beautiful image:)

[Paul Lagasi]

Dave I like the leaf colors, and what you've done with this...only leaf that doen't fit (IMO), is the one in the top right...but lovely work none the less

[Cindy Cone]

Another beauty, Dave. I don't think the leaves need to be toned down too much. I do think they help frame the bird. Very pleasing composition and the texture is really nice.