Grungy Clouds

[Judy Howle]

I spent over an hour on this one, maybe 2, experimenting with textures and blend modes and Topaz and hue/sat on textures. I still didn't have what I wanted so I flattened it and did one more Topaz Adjust and I liked it better than the other versions but it is pretty grungy! I'm just starting to work with textures and I have a lot to learn mainly on what they will look like. I discarded several that I thought might work as they don't look like you think they might, re: color and tones when using blend modes, but I guess you all have experienced that too along the way. I ended up including 3 textures.

[denise ippolito]

Judy, I like the effect you ended up with, It has a nice distressed look. It almost looks like a faint linen texture. Nicely done with the color toning.

[Steve Adkins]

Judy, I like this effect! We all react differently to images but the layers and tones of the clouds create a sense of motion and open space for me. The texture adds maturity. Nice work!

[Kerry Perkins]

Judy, I like the end result of your work. The textures worked out well and I agree that it looks like a nice linen or other fabric. What would you think of blurring the tree line just a tad? It seems a little sharp to my eye compared to the rest of the image. Love the colors.

[Hilary Hann]

Nicely produced image and I think your hard work has been rewarded. The sky is really imposing. I hadn't thought about blurring the tree line but now that Kerry has mentioned it, it might look nice.

[Judy Howle]

Thanks for all the comments. Good idea for blurring the tree line. This is a repost and actually I re-processed it (half way) by using the existing psd and redoing the original in ACR and adding it to the mix as it wasn't so grunged. I had not blurred the trees so I did that. Just so you know that is the REAL color of the clouds. I thought I'd gone into the Twilight Zone, pun intended!

[Christopher Miller]

Nice colors and texture work, Judy. Well done. I like the repost but might up the contrast in the sky a tad more.

[Hilary Hann]

Christopher, I think you mean Judy, mind you I'd love to have this photo in my portfolio. Really like the repost, I think the clouds have a better look to them but can't put it into words.

[Judy Howle]

Thanks Christopher. I think it could benefit from a little more contrast but I think the first one had too much.

[Judy Howle]

Thanks Hilary. Yes I like this one much better although it could stand a bit more contrast.

[Judy Howle]

One last version with more contrast, detail and color.

[Hilary Hann]

It is hard to compare side by side, but this is very beautiful.

[Cheryl Slechta]

Judy, I think I like the last post the best because the lighting looks better. Well done.