In case you were wondering, yes, I am using this new style of processing on some equine images. After all, I can't lavish all of that love exclusively on landscapes and stills of flowers. At one point I thought about joking that I might be in danger of attempting to apply this processing to anything not moving. Oops! Well, at least I can assure you that this horse wasn't moving when I applied the texture layers.
Anita, great stuff!
ReplyDeleteSteve - Thanks a million for visiting and for the very nice words. I miss your posts, just so you know.
ReplyDeleteIt's almost coming out of the picture and the 3 dimensional effect is almost worrying. I'm always a bit nervous about horses when I go on mu walks across the fields and never know quite how to respond to them.
ReplyDeleteThis is a perfect example showing that, when properly applied, the texture layers can be used for all sorts of subject matter. You seem to have made eye contact here, I think that's a sign of trust. Or is that just my impression, Anyway, it's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteColin - Although their size makes them quite intimidating, very few horses would intentionally hurt you. However, they don't do well at keeping track of where your feet are and simply swinging that big head into your head, for example, means you come out the loser. They play rough with one another and sometimes get a little carried away. Because I can no longer move quickly and am not strong, I have to exercise caution around them. I miss being able to play with them.
ReplyDeleteStaying calm helps a great deal. They smell fear a mile away and some "spook" easily. One of the keys is to watch for signs the horse intends you harm. If the animal turns his rear end to you, get out of the way. Those hind legs can be deadly. If he lays his ears back, snakes his head low, and shows teeth, you may have big trouble.
Otherwise, the horse is most like no more than curious. If there's is a foal close by, be wary. Mothers and fathers can be very protective if they don't have a great deal of human contact. If one approaches you, walking rapidly, but with head down in relaxed position and "soft eyes", he probably just hopes you have brought him food.
I was quite fortunate to get that three-dimensional quality in this. Thanks for the comment.
Ken - I am finding that, for me, this style of processing comes easier with landscapes and stills, but I also like the effect on the equine pieces. It goes a little more slowly, for now, but I do like the results. I am pleased to knw that it works for you.
ReplyDeleteI felt that I made eye contact, but couldn't swear to it. As you may have noticed, I have a tendency to romanticize many things and equine subjects, in particular. I am pleased that this has that effect on a viewer.
I appreciate your always thoughtful comments.
I sure doesn't look like that horse wants to take a nap. You planted lots of energy with that texture overlay. It's ready to jump out from that frame. But still, although the intense colours and contrast, the eyes look very friendly. That was surprising, because I wouldn't have expected that at my first impression.
ReplyDeleteOve - That gelding had energy to burn and was enjoying a grand time. The eyes are soft and friendly, aren't they? I was really taken with this horse and you hit on the attraction: plenty of fire, but a big, soft eye.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting and for your observations.
I really like this Anita. I like the balance of the background colors and how they compliment the lighting on the horse. I think the blue tones on the right give a very nice compliment to the sharpness of the right side of the face. Well done.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous animal! Interesting colour gradient on the background, I haven't seen that a lot in animal portraits.
ReplyDeleteMark -I appreciate your comment. I was especially glad to read your points about the use of the color in my texture layer. That had been a major goal with this. A little tinkering with my basic texture gave me what I was looking for. I am delighted that it works for you.
ReplyDeleteJP - He is a good looking guy, isn't he? The owner of this farm has at least 50 horses. If I could still ride, this is one of the ones I would be pining for.
ReplyDeleteI have been using different treatments for backgrounds for some time now; but, I think the textures will be my tool of choice—at least for the near future. Do you think it works, or is it distracting? I am always curious about responses.
Well, I'm glad that this wasn't 'safe' because this treatment is bea-u-ti-FUL! Keep it up, Anita!
ReplyDeletePaul - Clearly there is nothing that can escape this treatnent. The sky is the limit—no, wait I have been using this treatment on skies from the beginning. It appears that the die is cast.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your generous comment.
Very nice, Anita. And, any subject you chose will work.
ReplyDeleteMonte - Thank you for the vote of confidence. It is all one big experiment.
ReplyDeleteYour processing and handling [starting with the 'click' of course]of these subjects has gone way beyond experimental into the realm of fine-art. Very enjoyable to see and appreciate your powerful work. Continue, and I will remain a faithful viewer!
ReplyDeleteNo flattery, just stating a simple fact...
Anil -First, I am so pleased to know that this work is "speaking" to you. Then, I am grateful that you took time to tell me about it.
ReplyDeleteLike everyone else, I want my images to express what is in my heart. And, I what to free myself of the desire to please everyone, while staying honest. Still, it warms the heart to know that I am expressiing myself in a way that connects with others. Thank you.
Thank you for your response Anita, I expect that I will find your advice valuable, we have a lot of studs in parts of Leicestershire!
ReplyDeleteColin - First, you are quite welcome. I hope I am helping. But, now there is an addendum. Stallions should be taken a bit more seriously, as they are far less predictable. I have never been challenged by a stallion—I haven't been around them much—but this is the advice I have always been given by experienced horse men and women.
ReplyDeleteTreat a stud you don't know the way you would treat many wild animals. Stand tall and walk confidently, but don't look him directly in the eye and don't make a bee line for him. You don't want to challenge one who is a bully. Look for those telltale signs (flattened ears or backend swung toward you)and give him his space.
If one approaches you in that relaxed position, with head dropped just above withers height and ears flicking back and forth slowly and calmy, you are almost certainly all right. Even stallions are rarely looking for something to attack with the exception of another stallion. Truly mean horses, who will willfully attack a person without provacation are rare. Still, with stallions, it is a good idea to have a plan of action in case you run across one who is in a genuinely foul mood.
I am confident that you will be fine. The horse people you have heard about who were injured were almost certainly riding or breaking a wild horse. Me, one of these guys could knock over accidentally and injure just being friendly. A man who cyles for miles and climbs mountains has little to be concerned about. Enjoy observing the horses and you will get better and better at reading the different signs. Some will be deeply curious about you, others will find you quite boring. You will begin to have fun noticing the differences.