I’ve been editing photos for a while now. One of my favorite tools is spot removal, from spots on a dirty digital lens to lint in film.
The other day I was comparing my second edition of the Moonlit Sycamore with the first edition of the same. I liked the first one better, but did not like all the little twiggy lines I put in to represent a tangled undergrowth at the base of the tree.
Then the thought hit: edit it out!
So I did.
For your viewing pleasure, here is the before, and then the after. The third image is the second real painting of the same subject. What do you think?
Moonlit Sycamore 1
Moonlit Sycamore 1 – Edited
Moonlit Sycamore 2
Ink, Yarn & Beer 
I like the little twigs, they add a nice contrast.
I also like the twigs
Thanks, Fraggy! They made me crazy because they could be so much better.
Thanks, pamelake. It’s funny how we all see things differently. My intention vs. the results.
As I said earlier the twigs push the tree back and give the image depth which I think helps. I think your original is the best – the third looks overworked.
Graham – I agree with you – the second is definitely overworked! It was a good experience, though, especially with the negative painting – my next focus on watercoloring.