BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

CC welcome.

DavidT Loc: Maryland

Nice warm colors and interesting patterns. I personally find the lower part with the items a little distracting and would have cropped the image to include only the stairs and railing. I'm curious why the background wall changes colors between each vertical railing.

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

David, the background colors changed because I added color to each area between the vertical wood........and that is why I used the word "playful" in the title! Thanks for your opinion and thoughts David.

Nightski

Brent, what story are you trying to tell with this photo? What do would you like the viewer to take away from it?

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

Nightski, it's not so much of a story but more of a visual enjoyment treat that I am trying to share.......with the subtle colors between the vertical pieces of wood and the simple clean lines of the image along with the harmonious colors.

dooragdragon Loc: Alma , Arkansas

Wanna know the funny thing ? I have actually saw wall paper of that pattern and colors before.

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

dooragdragon, are you talking about a vertical wall paper with subtle colors like that? Amazing! lol

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

I think you are close Brent.
Simple form and function.
Lines.
And the wooden bird for curvy contrast.
But the feather/pine tree ornament bottom left, and the picture frame on the bottom right intrude on the image and take away from its simplicity.

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

Thanks lighthouse for taking the time to analize this image and give your input. It's interesting that each individual has his or her take on how to improve this image but they are different from each other.

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

I really like this. I like the light on the stairs. I like the contrast of the horizontal stair treads and the vertical balusters. I agree with David about the cropping. I think the items at the bottom distract from the patterns. Now maybe if it was a row of birds along the bottom....

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

THanks so much Country's Mama for your thought about this image and the positive comments.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Brent

In addition to the previous comments, I would suggest toning down the bright riser and right-hand tread. Don't tone it down much or you'll lose some of the "happy little highlights" (I know, that sounds live the PBS painter Ross); cut it just enough to lose the glare.

Chuck_893 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska, USA

I like the picture. I like Graham's "rule" that if you linger long over a picture, it's probably good. I agree with cropping it. I'd crop to make all the balusters equidistant, i.e. slightly from left, and from bottom because I agree the items on the shelf are maybe distracting, BUT I'd keep the knothole and clone out the tip of the tree. (Whew!)

Here's an oddity that may be just an optical illusion: I think you can measure the perfect plumb of the thing, but for some reason it looks to me to be cocked just a hair to the right! :?:

Country's Mama Loc: Michigan

I agree the knothole has to stay. Crop right at the bottom of the board the knot hole is in.

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

Chuck, I like your saying...."I like Graham's "rule" that if you linger long over a picture, it's probably good." Sometimes I view a photo or painting and pass it by only to quickly return to looking at it more and try to understand why I like it and had to return to looking at it.

I'm not seeing the "non plumb" look of the image but you may be right if it's off by a hair or two.

The tip of the tree is a little distracting now that you point that out. As far as the other items on the shelf, I like them there. Try this: Squint your eyes while looking at the image. Notice how the bird and photo in the bottom right seem to go away? They are rather subtle but still add a little interest. I especially like the bird.

The idea of making the balusters equidistant may have merrit too. I am adding to this thread some of the changes that you have suggested to compare with the original post. I also toned down the sunlit areas on the treads and took out the picture in the lower right. I like the idea of the bird being more of a focal point now. What do you guys (and gals) think now?