carlysue Loc: Columbus

Alissa, I love this work! Captivates the imagination and is so thought provoking. Certainly its open to interpretation but I love that she is hurrying forward but not without some memories worth keeping or thoughts of what might have been. The muted red balloon is better in that it is tied in with her hat ribbon and just seems to add balance.
A wonderful piece of art that exemplifies your signature work. I am so sorry I'm late to the party but so glad I was able to stop in.

alissaspieces Loc: New York

Awesome!! I think that would look great!!! Hmmmmmm

alissaspieces Loc: New York

THanks! I have decided to go with the red but I like that there was so much discussion and thought. There is really o right or wrong. :)

alissaspieces Loc: New York

Thanks!! I think looking back but moving forward..hopefully is what she is doing ( in real life too). :)

alissaspieces Loc: New York

Thanks so much for the kind words and interpretation. I decided to go red too. I was actually always gonna go red but in processing it sort of got muddy and sometimes I focus on other details that I don't even notice because my eyes are tired.
Glad you stopped by!

Jim-Pops Loc: Granbury, Texas

I think this piece of ART is outstanding. I call it art because it is so much more than a photo. It takes an artistic's hand to do something like this. It needs to be framed and kept in the family forever to pass on from generation to generation.

Iv'e been on the hog here for quite a while now and I think there are only 3 members that I can spot right away because of their style. Two of them should have traveling exhibits and I put you right on the top. So emotional and beautiful masterpieces.

alissaspieces Loc: New York

Jim, I am so sorry I didn't respond quicker. I have been so busy and have not checked out the site for a little while.

Wow...thank you so much for the kind words. Truly, telling me that you can spot my work because I have a style is the ultimate compliment. Really, thank you very much!!
Have a great day,
Alissa

Stanhope Loc: New York City

I do like the shot, but the kite should be a drone. :-)

alissaspieces Loc: New York

That would be cool! It would make it more science fiction! Old meets new!

Jimbolarue77 Loc: Hampshire, UK

Nice, quite thought provoking, I think.

SATS Loc: Belgium

To me the balloon signifies letting go. Moving forward and letting go of the past. Should she make an effort to catch the string, she only has a second to make the decision? She thinks but keeps moving forward, it is the right thing to do.

Beautiful artwork.

alissaspieces Loc: New York

Thank you so much! It is really her situation and I was so glad that I was able to express it visually!

JasonC Loc: Houston, Texas

This is a very expressive photograph. The lady appears to have let go of a balloon and is rapidly moving away from it. She is looking back to make sure that the prevailing winds are not pushing the balloon in her direction. She has taken her hat off to gain more mobility just in case the balloon was following. But alas it is moving away from her, so there is no more worry.

Best,

Jason

jonsommer Loc: Usually, somewhere on the U.S. west coast.

Hi Alissa, it’s not often that I look at a photo as long as I did at this one before I could offer a suggestion that might offer an idea for improvement. I’m not going to comment on your symbolism which has been thoroughly discussed by many others. I actually like the hint of hand writing in the upper portion of the photo, it might be interpreted as ‘snippets’ from your friends diary. My suggestion for improvement comes from my experience as a published illustrator and painter, and since your background has very much a watercolor wash (or glaze, if it was acrylic paint) look and feel to it, I’m going to comment on what I would call your paint application, as if this really were a watercolor painting. Most artists, as they start to work with watercolor have a tendency to lay on a wash, then not be completely satisfied with the change in color from wet to dry, apply another wash to attempt to correct, and after several washes, the colors become ‘muddy’ in watercolor-speak. In the upper corners your colors look muddy to me. Also, throughout your photo they look like they are splotchy and unevenly applied giving your background a beginning watercolorist look. I’m not saying they need to be perfectly even and consistent, I’m just suggesting that toning down some of the muddyness and moving toward a smoother paint application would clean up the background. One final comment is that you don’t need to fill the background with paint, I would suggest that the perimeter be much lighter than the area immediately around your figure.

I think your work is a direct reflection of who you are, it reflects a soft and tender personality who loves life, loves her friends and family. It is the work of a compassionate, conscientious, thoughtful and caring individual. There is no bluster or false front, you are what you say you are and you do what you say you will do. How absolutely refreshing that is, and not only that but you have figured out a way to project your personality consistently in your photography. I certainly wish I had both the skill and confidence to do what you do so well.

alissaspieces Loc: New York

Jon, I am so sorry for the delay in replying after you spent such a long time writing your thoughts.
I really appreciate the feedback about "painting" and muddy colors because I find that is the hardest part about color toning these photos..not to make them muddy! I agree about fixing this one. I have never worked with watercolors but am taking oil painting classes. I started out taking oil painting to learn more about art,
color theory, etc to help with my composites. But it turns out that I enjoy painting too!! I can paint apples and pears quite well lol! I am envious that you are a published illustrator, I always wished I had that talent!

Thank you so much for what you wrote about me personally. I feel quite honored that you have perceived all of that through the work I share here. I am quite flattered.
Hope you have a great day!!