Guess who's coming to diner

[Nancy Bell]

Photographed this young bear at minimum focusing distance as he came to check out my bird feeders. I had a great time playing with effects using pixel bender (oil paint), fractalius, converted to B&W, added 2 different textures, then topaz buz sim. Along the way I varied the opacities.

Although I would love to have this bear around it is not safe so I had to totally discourage him, his sibling and much bigger mom by shouting at them and allowing the dog to bark endlessly every time they came within sight. They took the hint.

The closest fire to me has been stopped after a full day of hitting it hard with water and lots of firefighters. The main fire is still mostly out of control but now several miles away. I am much relieved.

[Andrew McLachlan]

HI Nancy, glad to hear the fire has subsided and you and your home are safe. Love the bear and the treatment you applied.

[Indranil Sircar]

Hi Nancy, this is a wonderful composition. I like the look of the bear and your treatment. The eyes look great... wonderful processing. I am glad the fire has subsided... it's always a worry.

[Maureen Allen]

This is great, Nancy! Love the subtle treatment on the eyes and the lovely background. Glad to hear you're safe.

[Cheryl Slechta]

Nancy, I absolutely love the filter effects on the bear and the background. I think you could take just a sliver off the bottom. I'm glad you're safe and hope you stay that way

[Nancy Bell]

Thank you all! Cheryl, I see what you mean about taking a bit off the bottom. It adds just a touch more attention to the face.

BTW, I am leaving on Sunday morning for a family reunion in Spain for 2 weeks. I don't want anyone to think my absence is due to the fire. I just came back from an informational meeting and we are not really out of the woods yet. But I hope to leave my anxiety behind as I travel. There is nothing more I can do and it is stressful.

[Hazel Grant]

Ditto to all the comments above both re the bear and your safety. So glad you are ok. Have a wonderful trip!

[John Storjohann]

Late to the party...but really like this image..a lot! Happy to hear you're safe...enjoy your trip!

[denise ippolito]

Nancy, I can see that you had fun with this one. I love what you did with the filters. The background colors are lovely. Very neat to have such a cute visitor but you are right not smart to allow it.

Have a wonderful trip and I am so happy to hear you are out of immediate danger. I hope they can stop the fire soon.