"Bear Tree Sculpture" by Jan van Wijk:
Another interesting interpretation of the theme. Something endearing about this one that I can't quite put my finger on. I've always wondered what to do with a photo of a sculpture. Art that depicts art. Interesting concept. Well, I think it works here. Nice detail, lots of wood grain and all that. The bear (it looks like a cub) has a great expression on it's face, and that's enhanced somewhat by the angle this was taken at, I think. I just like it! Thanks.
"Me and the Wind" by Dave Brooks:
I love this one, Dave! It deserved the prize that it won, IMHO. Lovely patterns and proportions by the open gate, the fences, the shadows of those - it just all comes together in a most pleasing way. The horse off in the distance, out to the side of the image really "snaps it all in" for me. It's in ~just~ the right place, not too conspicuous, but there, if you know what I mean. And, your choice of b&w was perfect - it wouldn't have worked in colour. Terrific shot, this. Did you develop it yourself, Dave?
"Stripes" by Ann Sanfedele:
The unusual angle of the zebras is what makes it. I'm so used to seeing them from the side, seeing them from the front with those stripes "curving" around their bodies like that is quite surreal. And, what serendipity, getting all three of them looking right at you! Again, this could ~only~ be a b&w shot - Tri-X is the perfect (only?) choice for this one. As an aside, "We're No Angels" (the Humphrey Bogart, Peter Ustinov, Aldo Ray version) is one of my favourite movies of all time! Took me a while to get the joke (prison uniforms with stripes - striped zebras <vbg>) - sometimes I'm slow on the uptake. Oh yeah, before I forget, I love the bokeh on this one! It's mesmerizing. Thanks for this one, Ann!
"Thru the Looking Glass?!?!" by Tanya Mayer:
When I looked at the thumbs, this (along with a few others) jumped out at me as spectacular. Opening it hasn't changed my opinion at all; it's only reinforced it. It's hard to pick a favourite, as this month has had so many spectacular shots, but this is in the "group of favourites" to be sure. This is one where, honestly, nothing I say can do it justice. Just look at it! Perfectly framed (love the lizard's angle and placement in the frame!), the streaks of rain are (I know I used it last comment) surreal, and they obscure/reveal the animal in just the right measure. Simply spectacular shot, Tan. Wow!
"GTP Beast" by Paul Stenquist:
Well, Paul, I've already mentioned this shot in another post. I like the liberal interpretation of the theme. And, you know I like cars, especially racing cars. This is another tremendous shot from this month's gallery. Panned perfectly, I especially like the way the front and back corners of the car are blurred, yet the middle is nice and sharp (you really locked in the car number!). Nice tight framing. I only now noticed the solid white line of the track boundary disects the frame, just off horizontal, about 1/3 way down - stunning touch! Again, great shot, Paul. Thanks.
Well, that's it for the Themed Gallery. Next, I start on the Open Gallery. I might even get this finished by the time February PUG is up! <vbg>
stay warm, frank
"The optimist thinks this is the best of all possible worlds. The pessimist fears it is true." -J. Robert Oppenheimer
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