Comments appreciated on this abstract

Canon EF 135mm f/2.0L USM

04/25/2005 10:52:35 PM · #1

Here's an abstract I did while shooting for the "impressionism thread challenge" which I find personally intriguing, but I wonder if it's just my weird taste.

To some extent, the effect here (created by motion blur on a fall bush) reminds me of old paintings, though I can't think of which: maybe some of the old religious ones you see?

Anyway, as usual, chime in and let me know whether you hate it, are indifferent, or like/love it. I just can't judge these by my own taste alone.

Thanks; comments on it welcome, what a fine way to build up your comments for Friday's invitational. I'm in no danger of having my received overrun my givens!

lentil

Canon EOS-5D

04/25/2005 10:55:32 PM · #2

i was also thinking that it reminded me of an old painting. You are truly the master of abstract. I just love your stuff Neil. I would hang it on my wall for sure. :)

puma

Canon EOS-10D

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

04/25/2005 11:11:08 PM · #3

The photo to me seems a bit off balance because of the larger light area on the right. If the brightness blended in a bit more or the lower left was a bit darker it might seem more in balance. Other then that, way cool. I too lover your abstract work. You need to come out with a book, they make lots of money these days.

fulgent

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

04/25/2005 11:38:09 PM · #4

I like it. Makes an interesting texture design if nothing else.

Reminds me of Cubism. Perhaps - Retro Abstract Impressionistic Cubism (just to keep things simple) ;)

zeuszen

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

04/26/2005 12:16:29 AM · #5

I left an ill-tempered comment under the image. ;-/

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

04/26/2005 01:05:34 AM · #6

Thanks everyone for your comments so far.

Zeus, thanks too for your "ill-tempered" critique ;). I take it you didn't like it, though it's a bit hard to be positive through your flowery prose.

One point I would disagree with, however, is the concept that it was an accident. At least in part. All my movement photos, by your definition, are an accident. I move the camera in particular ways in order to paint with colors and light. However, while I can't completely control the effect, I definitely know in advance what I am trying to do in this "painting", and I move the camera in a specific way to try and to capture it. I don't think that it's much different than an artist does with a brush--though the amount of control I have is much more crude. So while there's a lot of trial and error involved, it's not exactly what I would call an accidental capture. But perhaps that's just semantics. I do appreciate your opinion very much, as well as the positive opinions expressed.

rblanton

Canon EOS-10D

04/26/2005 01:17:13 AM · #7

Left a comment which I think precisely defines the true meaning of the ..the... je ne sais quoi

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

04/26/2005 08:29:33 AM · #8

Morning bump--I'd appreciate any additional feedback.

zeuszen

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

04/26/2005 01:18:48 PM · #9

Originally posted by nshapiro:

...it's a bit hard to be positive through your flowery prose.

One point I would disagree with, however, is the concept that it was an accident...

I concede.
I was not considering process at all, which, as you pointed out (and I'm glad you did), I, perhaps, should have, given there is indeed some evidence of motion in the picture. While I respect the integrity of process (an interesting one and a wholesome exploration, really), the evidence is subtle enough compared to such a rioting plethora of conceivable elements, colour blends and bleeds, that when we have no more than a picture to look at, it's just not there - even though you (and I now too) know it is.

As you know, I am very appreciative of your approach, of method and aim and of the experimenting these include, but my part in this process is that of a viewer, who, in the end has no more than a visual reality confined to its borders and, perhaps, a title. My rapture (via comment) was inspired by this visual real, but it was nevertheless sincere.

The abstract, I believe, is the greatest challenge. It is for those who begin by looking and exploring, leaving redundance to aesthetes while tilting an ear toward the Pythian response, acting impossibly, sheer, to go forward, opening previously shut doors.

But every natural process takes the short route. To match this is to apply the law...

Message edited by author 2005-04-26 13:19:03.

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

04/27/2005 10:12:12 AM · #10

Final Bump -- don't you folks need to rack up some comments?

I still don't know whether to make this into a print--I guess I'm leaning in that direction. Chime in and let me know what you think.

I'd be happy to entertain new titles as well, if you think it should be a print.

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

04/27/2005 10:15:49 AM · #11

Neil,

As much as I like your abstract work in general the colours in this one seem a bit flat. Boosting the yellows and reds just a touch might help or maybe just printing on glossy paper will do it.

Just my thoughts.

Colette

love

Canon EOS-500D Rebel T1i

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

04/27/2005 10:29:09 AM · #12

hmmmmmmm the colors work and overall I think it would make a nice background to something else..it just doesn't stand on it's own
red

sabphoto

Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+

04/27/2005 10:34:31 AM · #13

Might I suggest a printing method? I would print this on a canvas (most Kinko's print photos large on canvas and put it on a wood frame like actual painting...I forget the size and cost), then I would get some probably oil paints or acrylic and add a little texture to it. Just a little here and there maybe just on the edge of the reds to give it more of that painted look you already have gotten so well. I know a photo studio here in Illinois that does portriats like that then adds actual paint to give a painting feel. Just a suggestion you can throw out the window if you like.

btw...I like your image, seems a little dark for my likings but probably just my crappy monitor. Good job

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

04/27/2005 10:35:46 AM · #14

Commented. I think it's a fine image and I appreciate the thought that goes into all your abstracts.

Robt.

Man_Called_Horse

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

04/27/2005 11:02:23 AM · #15

It looks like a painting. the flattness in color can be fixed by adding white, black ok. nice motion, nice texture. good photoshop.