Just taking advantage of a December snowstorm to create some minimal images. These are some I have put to one side for later review but would love to hear the opinions of the community.
Love, hate? Anything you would do to improve?
All sincere feedback is appreciated, and as always the only wrong opinion is the one that is not expressed.
Update 12/28
Following Chris's lead, I have reworked the image (see image #4) - this is actually more in line with my original intent and goes to show the value of a second set of eyes.
Hi Alan.
For me Image 1 for comparative neutral WB. Proportion. Composition of red placement with perforations. balance of 2 skylights.
Thanks Vijay!
Hi Alan,
I am not well versed in landscape minimalism, but for me third is the best in this set. The lack of the large spaces on the top and bottom and the lack of the front and back of building build the minimalist design. It is simple, repeating, and, like Vijay said, a nice balance of red and various shades of neutral colors(white, black, and grey).
These all appeal to me, Alan, and perhaps are, in order: good, better and best. The elongated frame suits the strikingly long repeating form ot the barn, although I still like the first. The third one might raise suspicions of Andreas Gursky-style manipulation.to those who hadn't seen the full barn. I'm curious that you don't seem to have utilised as much of the repeating pattern as you could, which would have been my temptation.
Because the barn IS so striking, the middle image, where it seems to struggle to fit its bulk into the frame has a special charm. I'm really torn between these latter two. As a stand-alone image to llve with, or in a general portfolio, I might like the middle one best. The final one would fit very well into a portfolio of minimalist work. Great job all round.
Thanks for the time taken to review and provide such an in-depth analysis Chris. I had not heard of Andreas Gursky prior to your post, but see what you mean.
I am perhaps in this instance more influenced by a local Vermont artist, Jon Olsen, who has pieces in a similar vein (perhaps influenced by Gursky?).
I'll have to revisit the 3rd. I believe I cropped to eliminate the lack of snow on the left of the roof and to maintain symmetry. I certainly agree that more would be better.
Gurskoid treatment.
Thanks Chris. I like the building extension - I'll have to try that.
It's cheatin', but...
I consider all art to be legitimate unless you try to mislead the viewer into thinking you are presenting something as real.
I have reworked the image Chris and chea...........added some artistic interpretation as per you Gursky suggestion. See the updated image....
Any other bright suggestions? I plan to play a little more with color balance hues etc after letting it sit a while.
Andreas Gursky ear your heart out. Maybe you can sell this for milllions too, Alan!
To be honest, I wouldn't generally manipulate to this extent. I think the barn is striking enough at it is. But, some people do funny things in photography... weird things...
I admire the purist in you, Chris, and thanks for the compliment!
Just had a look at Jon Olsen's work. I love it! Some of it quite evocative of Brueghel.
Definitely a kinship with your own work, Alan. Maybe I should move to Vermont! There's certainly a distinctive beauty to the countryside, especially in snow, and the architecture, particularly the farm builidngs.
Ah, so another painter I should perhaps know :-) Vermont certainly has its plusses, but can be quite challenging also.