January - Abstract

By Wendy Meade

This week’s title “Abstract” is one of several titles this year offering a wider choice for creativity. Seen as a whole, the displayed images were magnificent with such a variety of shape, colour and ingenuity. Some were abstract by nature and others were images that had been subjected to editing and by the end of the critique members were left wondering if something had got into the water!

In fifth place Gill Harrison’s great image entitled “Hot Water” appealed to many of the members. Onlookers could see individual pictures within this vibrant and flowing graphic photograph. Simple and highly effective, and point on the league table Gill!

Terry Guerin foxed us all with the subject matter of her image. She shared equal third place with her “Water World” which was an image of coloured oils on water. There were delicate tones with strong abstract shapes all placed in a very pleasing composition. Olivier Dorey also came third with his “Red on Blue” A very well spotted and fiercely cropped image of a ship’s hull superimposed on what looked like The Condor fast ferry. This was well up to the standard that we have come to expect from Olivier and I have a feeling that once more he will feature well in the prize list at the end of the year.

However! Helen Glencross was on a roll this week and managed to gain both second and first place with her outstanding abstract images. It was clear that Helen had thought a great deal about the subject and was rewarded with her effort. Sometimes as members we get lucky with a “grab shot” but there is nothing quite like good preparation and thoughtful planning to obtain the sort of successful images like Helen’s winning photographs.

Her untitled close up shot of three metal screws was so dynamic and powerful, yet because of the colour treatment was also quite beautiful. I am sure that the winning shot was voted for by most members. It was simply stunning and definitely a shot with the “ I wish I had taken that one” feel to it! How can three pieces of paper look so abstract and highly attractive? I do believe that the treatment was paramount in this case and with Helen’s sensitive editing skills she produced an elegant and truly beautiful winning shot.