It isn’t so much that it’s “the effect I was going for” as that’s what is in the photo it is taken from: the photo (if you click “next” a few times you will see a few other pictures from the same time) I did make some deliberate changes from the photo, but I liked the original colors, so I didn’t change those.
I don’t like the “hell” implication of your title, though… I don’t want to imply negativity in this painting (obviously the viewer will not have the personal connection that I did, but this was a very special, wonderful night with my son, and the idea of calling it “hell” just doesn’t fit)
I didn’t do paintings of any of the other photos from that day. That one was the only one that stood out to me as an interesting composition and potential painting–the others were merely snapshots to remember an event and not potential art (in my opinion). In fact I had planned on doing something with that photo from the minute I downloaded it to my computer… I was just captivated by the scene. And yes, the outstretched arm is…something. For me it is more “intriguing” but I can see “distracting” as well. I have no idea what he was pointing at but I think it makes you wonder. I think it makes it feel like there is a story behind the image.
HOORAY!!! All four things I submitted to the exhibition were accepted! There were a total of 178 works of art submitted, and 73 were accepted into the show. happy dance
Anyone in the Atlanta area is welcome to come… the opening reception is next Wednesday 7-9pm in the Sturgis Gallery (in the library building at Kennesaw State University) and the show runs through May 17.