Life

warmth The color choices have just the effect you intended in that it fills one with warmth. The atmospheric haze seems to wrap one with that sense of warmth. As this is an abstract piece, it is difficult to criticize it, one can only interpret what they see. The composition of the scene is classic and clear. Centered and emphasized. Timeless existence. The image is restrained in it's over-all sentimentality, I like that. It doesn't look like you set out to make me cry, but more to smile. The mildly green hue of the marblesque ball is a nice touch of coolness, and the way the lights seem to be reflecting it looks like a lightdome was used. I'm very intrigued by this phenomenon. Is that a part of the mat, or is there a halo of lights in this scene? For the next step, I might consider the ground plane material, in that at this point I'm not sure what it is supposed to be. The glass and marble are clearly recognizable, the floor more symbolic perhaps? I'm thinking that maybe if the ground plane were also recognizable as a real material it might give the scene more weight. There is a lack of shadows also, is this intentional? As an experiment I would try adding more colors. Instead of only gold, I would have added maybe some red, orange, and yellowish elements to keep it in the warm color range but give it more dynamics. -Congratulations by the way on your engagement.

- Looks good. In terms mostly of personal preference I'd like to see it a little closer to the camera, less haze and some shadows to give a better sense of 3D. Yet I know these cannot be considered valid criticism with an abstract peice the artist is in more control than ever. If it turned out the way you wanted it you've done a good job. I too am facinated by the illuminated points in the central sphere. That is a very good effect! Please tell us how it was achieved so we can appreciate your work from a technical perspective as well as an asthetic one.

- I don't perceive this as overy abstract, more like sort of an amulet on a stand. I like the colours and the carpet-like slightly fluffy looking ground plane because this adds softness to the warmth. A bit of shadows would certainly be an improvement, also positioning the camera a bit nearer to the object, as David suggests. As it is, the warmth and softness is a bit lost, a bit lonely.