magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Brave Dame Mary valiantly defended her home, Corfe Castle, against Parliamentarian forces for several weeks in 1645 but was eventually defeated due to the efforts of a traitor. After the sacking of the castle she was presented with the key in honour of her bravery. I don't think she ever looked as depicted here in my fanciful image! Mostly my own elements and textures but one or two modified borrowings as well. Your critique most welcome as I learn these techniques.

(Download)

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

Very creative.

Jim-Pops Loc: Granbury, Texas

I like this because of your creativity and your excellent blending. I have wonder what section we should post to when doing creative art from photos. Interested in what program you used and how many layers did it take? I like the two different color cast that are in the picture the moon color and the blue-teal color, works well for this image.
If I find any fault in this piece it would be the shadow behind Dame Mary. I think you added it? The top of it looks like a man with a top hat.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Thanks Richard. I've been looking at it for too long now, so will be interested to see the comments.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

All done in photoshop Jim, around forty layers.
I think the 'shadow' you spotted is actually the crack in an archway - just happens to be a funny shape. Blame the Parliamentarians for that one! Any shadows in the image are part of the blending, I didn't actually add shadows. Many thanks for commenting Jim.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

Dame Mary looks suitably dramatic, but her headdress is more showgirl than femme fatale.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Very eye-catching! I particularly like the contrast between her glowing, shiny apparel and the dark, flat light of most of the rest.

kenievans Loc: Dallas

I have to say it is a bit Liberace meets Edgar Allen Poe and I love it. You have done an awesome job and I am envious. I am taking baby steps in that direction and this piece just inspires me to go further.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Perhaps that’s the way Sir John liked things RG. You know what politicians can be like - nothing’s changed much since the 17th Century has it?

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

I spent two hours digitally ‘ironing’ that shiny apparel Linda!

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

A very apt description Keni. It is great fun to mess like this, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. Thanks for your comments.

artBob Loc: Near Chicago

The "story" and composition seem fine to me. The cyan/blue color is quite saturated and overall the colors do not seem to work together.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Hmmm, my feelings too. I started with a blank blue canvas and built onto it. I’ve changed the colour once so could do it again (thanks to layers), and that may be worth another try. I’ll think on it. Thanks for your thoughts Bob.

Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

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Egad! That really is Corfe Castle, isn’t it? Was it actually rendered a ruin by Cromwell and his minions...or just by random Parliamentary minions?

y’ve an incredible and awesome visual imagination, Dave. You leave us wanting...more!

Dave

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Yes, it’s Corfe Dave. The silhouette was taken from the ‘Santa Special’ on our local heritage railway - drawn by steam of course. Sun was low, carriage windows were filthy, but it was worth the shot. The ruined archway was also taken around Christmas time, when the castle is illuminated at night.
You will find the full story of its ruination on Google - and there is a good account of the struggle to defend it in a book titled Brave Dame Mary. Her husband was away keeping the king company at the time and she was besieged in the castle - and may have triumphed if it wasn’t for a traitor within.
Fortunately it was so well built quite a lot survived, the attempt to destroy it completely, albeit in ruins, and it remained in the Bankes family until the 1980’s, when it was given to the National Trust in a deal to avoid crippling death duties, along with many other properties on the Isle of Purbeck. So technically, as an NT member, I must own a bit of the castle and several other more desirable properties!
Just in case you’re wondering, the young lady in the picture is not the wife but one of the performers at a burlesque shoot! Thanks for commenting Dave.