Cold Blue

[Judy Howle]

This is definitely a departure for me and not sure how successful it is! I tried adding snow from the good tutorial online but it looked awful on the dark background, so I just used a texture that I liked. I spent a lot of time on the heron image mostly trying to tame the stubbley grass. There was ice in the stubble and a patch on the water in the pond. It was very cold and very windy and the GBH was hunkered down. I used Topaz Clean first and then Nik Silver Efex with blue tint and a further photo filter blue tint and the snow/spotlight texture. I see it might need a bit more work...

[denise ippolito]

Judy, I think you were successful in conveying your thoughts. I get the feeling of cold yet in a whimsical way. Nicely done. I'd love to see a little life to the eye.

[Judy Howle]

Thanks Denise. I reworked it with layer masks and the eye shows up much better and the heron is sharper. I forgot to add that I added a vignette and also brushed on some white "frost" to the grass.

[Indranil Sircar]

Judy, this is very dramatic! Agree with Denise that all your images this week are conveying the mood very well. This is no different with the color and the mood representing it cold. I also like the fact that the GHB is facing away from the light source, blowing wind and direction of the falling snow. Nicely done.

[Judy Howle]

Thanks Indranil!

[Kerry Perkins]

Judy, I think this is really cool, if you'll pardon the pun! This old boy sure looks like he's shivering in the cold so I would say the image conveys the feeling nicely. Of course blue is the coldest color and the texture and snow/frost really add to the feeling. Well done!

[Judy Howle]

Thanks for the nice comment Kerry!

[Paul Lagasi]

Judy I also agree with comments above, the feathers fluffed up, the snowflakes all convey a feeling of cold....light angle and snowflakes really add to this....this is a small thing I know but if it were mine.
I would level the snow a bit on the left side....but thats just my opinion.

Very creative week for you..keep them coming

[Anita Bower]

I agree with all the comments above. I feel the cold in this image--well done! The colors, the light, the position of the bird, the snow, the flakes--all contribute to that cold feeling. Another great job!

[Brendan Dozier]

I really like this, Judy! What a character you made of that heron with the dramatic cold, dark, snowy setting. Love that stare and pose, and nice job with the filtering, the B&W with the blue tint really is a nice touch. Repost looks good, and very good suggestions above.

[Hilary Hann]

I think you have succeeded in illustrating a very cold place. It sounds like a tricky workflow though, all those snowflakes!

[Andrew McLachlan]

Hi Judy, agree with previous comments. very nice work!

[Mitch Carucci]

Nice idea. With all the heat we are having, a cool pic is welcome!

Mitch