Both are wonderfully done.But the first appeals to me more because the composition is so much more balanced and therefore striking.The image is divided by a diagonal,which separates light and dark,while each has a round shape within.Almost like a percent sign,(%).There is a beautiful symmetry in it.

I was under the impression that 'surrealism' was a form of art where reality is exaggerated or distorted.I would also include images that look real but are somehow more than real, that have an artificial quality that makes it super-real or ultra-real.I have seen images like this in the gallery.Maybe even some of them have become surrealistic without realising it! But authentic surrealistic art,such as that of TedZ(is it Brian?), requires a real artistic need and talent,and a great deal of skill and planning that goes way beyond the level of achieving a quality capture.To ask why there is not more surrealism is to ask why can't everyone draw. That said,I do not find,as some have stated,that the gallery is all nature shots,etc. I would not like to think anyone views my work as such, and I have seen many,many artistic visions that go way beyond that generalisation. TedZ,I believe you were being facetious in your initial question.I don't believe for a minute you will or would ever stop doing what you are obviously so gifted at doing.And believe me,no one would want you to.I admire your humor and enjoy your images immensely. Just my thoughts...

O Pascale how wonderful!!!!!!Congratulations!!!!I could try to take the pic for you.I don't live near the city but not terribly far either.And if I can't I also know someone who possibly could.Don't worry.Somehow you'll get a pic of times square.Loved that pic by the way.Immediately recognised it.Congrats again! YIPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Definately the second one Sheila!Hands down.Lovely wallpaper,LOL.(So happy for you things are easing up.)

Sheila,Honey, they are multi-paned french doors.Heavily gridded,(18 glass panels).Not the single pane of glass that so spells the end for so many lovely birds.I do know about those stickers but I think in my case it wouldn't help.And surely I can't have a sticker in each pane!Sometimes the glare affects them I think.In any event it's heart-breaking to see so sweet a life end.And even more heart-breaking to stand by helplessly. But then that's life... isn't it? Standing by helplessly...

What a bizarre coincidence...Right in the middle of my posting here in the forum ,the cutest little yellow chested bird,one I've never seen before, flew SMACK into the glass doors of my kitchen.I was hoping he was just stunned but knew better.What turmoil that is...knowing this small being is suffering its last moments and being powerless to help.I am hardly the 'bullet betweeen the eyes' kind of person,and I am sure there are people that could easily put an animal out of its misery,but I couldn't do it,even if I knew what to do.At last,when he ceased to move,which felt like an eternity,I looked at this poor sweet fellow.How beautiful he was.And for a moment I thought to photograph him.But I was overwhelmed and couldn't bring myself to do it.So yes, Tom,I understand completely.

Thanks David. Yes I guess I am committed now.Photoshop can be daunting but after my initial fear I just decided to try to have fun with it.And I have plenty of 'mucking up' days.More often then not! LOL.Nice to meet you.

Thank you davidy,(is it David?).I do like the reflection on the veranda,too.I didn't realise I lost much detail on the eaves.I suppose I could have left the trunk alone.It was just something I wanted to do. As I've said I have much to learn and all the comments I've received have been very helpful.I have never thought of myself as a photographer.I think I just get lucky sometimes.But one day I'd like to think I can take a decent pic.Right now all I do is find the crop that pleases my eye, play with what I get in PS and hope I get something worthy of sharing. :)

I know exactly what you mean about the angle and the water.Mine all came out awful.I might have gotten a good one if I knew they sold koi food there...I think I stood at that exact spot!That's where I 'caught' that little black bird.Just to the right.Thanks for sharing! :)

Thanks Michelle.

Not at all,Kort.I just answered your question in the gallery but why would you go back there,that was silly of me. As far as the teahouse having green and blue on it ,if I was doing a pastel or a painting those colors would have to be there to make the teahouse 'live' in it's environment.I don't know how to explain it but I see the colors in the shadows and reflections of things.So this naturally looked right to me.I darkened that tree trunk on purpose.I see many were not fond of that, but my goal was to balance the dark lines of the teahouse.The pic didn't feel balanced to me with the trunk so light.As I stated at the top of the page,I am very very new to photoshop,(less than 2 months).There is much I have to learn.But I am enjoying myself immensely playing with it and discovering the different effects I can create. I was visiting my mom in Del Ray.So no, we are not neighbors.And I do have more shots of this teahouse but like this pic,I don't love them.I really just like the two humorous ones I already posted.Did you see 'It pays to be flexible'? That's much more my style. Thanks for the input everyone.Next time I want real critique and advice I know just where to go.You were all so kind and helpful.. :) PS. Kort have you any shots of the koi?

Thank you Pascale.You're such a sweetie.LOL, Ooh is it off topic to tell you that? LOL!

Thank you Gerhard! I needed that.HUGZ!

Is it possible it only looks good on my computer?Maybe I'm not seeing it the way you guys are. I've always wondered about that....

Well I did say I could be a bit of a color freak!Especially after working on B&W's for a while!