General Discussion

I have just returned from being lost online. As you can see from the heading, this is a part two of a previous contribution which, at the moment, appears to have been lost. Apparently, in signing in again, I have cancelled my history. Never mind, I will proceed.

The subject is studio self-portraits, portraits and backgrounds. I gave an example of a rustic wooden background in the original portrait, which can also be usefully employed for still-life. A still-life is included, Roses Are Orange, with the same backdrop and another selfie with a painted grey, roll-up background. I used to take this out to do portraits in situ, most often at the rugby club. The brushwork is a mimic of the out-of-focus effect and although I try to get it out-of-focus it is useful if there isn't much space.

An alternative to the rustic background is an elegant one that…

Hello everyone. I am a new member this year and have really enjoyed viewing fellow members creativity which I feel is to a really good standard. I have also enjoyed the varied programme which has been full of interest, so well done to the organisers! I have also really benefited from entering competitions and receiving feedback from members and judges for the first time, i'm certainly looking at my images differently as a result. When it comes to competitions I am a little puzzled in one small area and that is the difference between Group A & B in open competitions - To my eye the standard is very similar, so I was wondering why there are two groups. Many thanks Peter

Now that the entry is closed, here are 2 of my interpretations.

They were both taken during a trip to Brittany last year.

The first was captured during our coastal walk and is another of my symbolic images. I give you my title but leave you to cogitate what interpretations you can deduce!

This stretch of the coast gets the full blast of the Atlantic and the rocks get tumbled around like a washing machine. Consequently the loose rocks are worn down and well rounded and the fixed rocks get smoothed-RATHER LIKE IN LIFE??? . Mono to emphasise shapes and textures.

Cause and Effect

Some of you may remember Kev the Puffin man from Liverpool giving us a zoom presentation 2 or 3 seasons back.

He does some great stuff on light and nature, particularly wildlife. He will be residing temporarily in Devon until Autumn as part of his work, and would be available for a workshop out in the field somewhere this spring and summer.

Any suggestions welcome. I did think about an excursion to Lundy for Puffins.

Replies here but also email me on maxalaxa@gmail.com if interested.