Brad Becker
March 2025 - David Exposed
Original
Original 2
Original 3
About the Image(s)
This image is a work in progress. The story hasn't been fully fleshed out, pun intended. I liked the idea of using the stately image of David juxtaposed with a solid California tree. I used some generative fill to help solve some of the challenges in managing the tops of the trees and address some complicated issues with the trunk.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
10 comments posted
Clever idea (and title). Putting David in a hole inside the tree gives him weight and reinforces the fact that the statue is inside the tree. Everything about the landscape looks as if one could walk right into it. My one little nit is David's left hand which I removed. I hope you don't mind. I know Michaelangelo won't. Nice work. Posted: 03/05/2025 08:57:54
Alan, I like your addition, or should I say subtraction. Posted: 03/29/2025 23:47:29
Hi Brad, it is like he emerges from a portal to another time and place. I think that the perspective strengthens the impression, and I love the mood that the new sky and colors give to the wilderness. I wonder if retaining something of the lovely knobbly root of the original might add extra interest in the foreground? Posted: 03/05/2025 12:34:19
Kirsti, Thanks, a great suggestion Posted: 03/29/2025 23:48:15
Hi Brad,
I really like your idea of creating this portal in time, placing David in such a different environment from what we're used to seeing. Alan's crop suggestion helps center the attention on the fact that the sculpture is on the tree, though at the same time, it loses some of the surrounding context.
I suggest working a bit on the lighting of David-since he is inside the trunk, the light should reflect the difference in luminosity from the interior to the exterior. To my eye, this gradation is not very noticeable at the moment.
Posted: 03/12/2025 13:00:18
I really like your idea of creating this portal in time, placing David in such a different environment from what we're used to seeing. Alan's crop suggestion helps center the attention on the fact that the sculpture is on the tree, though at the same time, it loses some of the surrounding context.
I suggest working a bit on the lighting of David-since he is inside the trunk, the light should reflect the difference in luminosity from the interior to the exterior. To my eye, this gradation is not very noticeable at the moment.
Posted: 03/12/2025 13:00:18
Maria, Yes, some work on that would help, thanks. Posted: 03/29/2025 23:49:11
So fun! I love the concept and who doesn't love a David, ha!
I think your placement works well and the new sky gives a bit of drama.
I agree with Maria that adjusting the lighting could improve the image. I actually like the lighting on the original David as it is more nuanced. Since your tree image has the sun coming from above, that is where the light should fall. Posted: 03/13/2025 16:21:44
I think your placement works well and the new sky gives a bit of drama.
I agree with Maria that adjusting the lighting could improve the image. I actually like the lighting on the original David as it is more nuanced. Since your tree image has the sun coming from above, that is where the light should fall. Posted: 03/13/2025 16:21:44
Matt, Thanks for this additional suggestion on "how" to adjust the lighting to make it work better. Posted: 03/29/2025 23:51:10
This is a very intriguing image, Brad.
It feels to me as if David is being swallowed by the tree and sinking into the dirt.
If the idea is that he's emerging, perhaps some color or texture behind him to suggest that. If he's being swallowed, perhaps a loss of brightness encroaching from the edges. On the other hand, maybe you want to leave it up to the viewer to decide.
In any case, I think it's a great composition, and that David is an interesting contrast to the wonderful nature surrounding him. The combination works in a surprising and intriguing way. Posted: 03/17/2025 11:52:50
It feels to me as if David is being swallowed by the tree and sinking into the dirt.
If the idea is that he's emerging, perhaps some color or texture behind him to suggest that. If he's being swallowed, perhaps a loss of brightness encroaching from the edges. On the other hand, maybe you want to leave it up to the viewer to decide.
In any case, I think it's a great composition, and that David is an interesting contrast to the wonderful nature surrounding him. The combination works in a surprising and intriguing way. Posted: 03/17/2025 11:52:50
Peggy, Thanks for your suggestion on handling of the edges, that is helpful. Posted: 03/29/2025 23:50:36