Midnight Swan Song - (enlarge)

This is a number of images layered together. The main image that

the Exif Data pertains to is really of little importance. It was almost a

throw-away shot but the outlines of the trees were perfect for this

purpose. The Swan is from an image I took while in Myrtle Beach

(background removed so as to just use the Swan). The image of the

trees was taken in a Swampy area where Swans actually live during

the summer months. What started as an Abstract turned into a

Digital Alt Composition part way through. While it took awhile to put

together, it was very enjoyable, and once again I learned a few

things. (your visits are much appreciated, with sincere regards, Gail)

Another great image manipulation that reminds me of your Merging of Minds picture. The limited color range against the predominantly monochrome field gives the picture an appealing richness. The backing stars and quarter moon add a whimsical touch. The swan is, I think, a bit too obscured by the branch layer, especially around the head., otherwise a fantastic picture.

I'm glad that you didn't go for an abstract ! This is a very well crafted image with an apt title . I'm not so keen on the moon and stars , I can understand why you added them , but to me they look artificial and spoil the naturalness . Others I know will disagree !

PS. Shelly gave birth on Sunday 22nd . A baby girl , 6lbs 5 oz .

I can hear the sound of swan's song and I can hear the sounds of the jolly night, night with stars singing and dancing and the moon directing with her smile!

Best regards dear Gail!

PDE

Gail,

  Wow....beautiful creative work of art.  Thanks for sharing.  Take care, Patsy

Wow! amazing creation. Love the moon!

Wonderful work.

Many thanks for your visit and kind words of critique. I truly apprecaite the encouragement.

Warm regards, Gail

My sincere thanks for your visit Tony. Any comment by you is ususally a source of 'inspiration' for me. Thankyou for taking the time, I appreciate your support.

Warmest regards, Gail

Hello Patsy, thankyou for your visit. So glad you liked this image. Your support is always appreciated.

Warmest regards, Gail

Many thanks for your visit Pierre, your comments were very encouraging, glad you enjoyed the image.

Warm regards, Gail

thaankyou for your visit William and the great news of Shelly and her new babe girl!!!! Can't wait to see photos of her. I understand what you mean by the moon and stars, and for some reason I had this kind of 'fairytale thought in my mind', but perhaps the trees and Swan were too 'natural' for my thought. But then again I could go the other way also. I may do this again with a different background layer.

Many thanks for that great advice Bill, talk soon,Gail

Hi Jack -  I can see what you mean by the swan's face. I was trying different blending modes to see if I could still have the Swan behind the branches but 'seen' half decently. I didn't want to erase any of the branches, but I suppose I could try to have the Swan's face coming out of the branches, I will play with that idea when I do it again. Thanks so mich for your advice Jack and your encouragement.

Sincere regards, Gail

but happy!!  Wow.  I like it.  best, j

Hello Gail,

Very powerful image. Do not play with the supper :). Just keep on  like this. 

Hug

Bela Dick 

Great composition, Gail, congratulations, a poem!

Hola Gail.

Fantástico trabajo, gran belleza y creatividad. Te felicito muy sinceramente.

Un cordial saludo, Joaqun.

Hello! Many thanks for your visit and of course your kind words of critique. You are certainly a fine source of encouragement Joaquin. Your support is very much appreciated.

warmest regards, gail

Beautiful creative and original work, Gail!

great work Gail, makes me want to get out some of my images and just let the brain create somthing for myself. Unfortunatly need to finish other peoples images... Have a GREAT DAY all the best Sean :)

Wonderful to have a 'hobby' and get creative, if you have the time. But still is pretty cool when you 'work' in an area that you are so passionate about. Maybe one day you can 'get out the colouring book and play with your images'. :-) thanks so much for your visit and kind words of encouragement Sean.

All the best, Gail

thanks so much for your visit and those very kind and encouraging words, I do appreciate your time and support. Glad you enjoyed the composition.

Warmest regards, Gail

Nice work Gail, very affective.

Thankyou for that lovely comment Richard. Your visit is much appreciated. I hope you are doing well, I must come over and visit you, I have been a little lapse this past few weeks,

Warmest regards, Gail

I am not sure I am as proficient and as 'Genius' as Pierre, but I feel you have me in good company. thankyou Jamie !

Warm regards, Gail