Arthropods with Artistic Editing Effects

This image is quite different than my other top picks, but I really liked it for two reasons. First I am aware of how difficult a shot like this is to capture, having attempted to get a shot like this with ladybugs before! Wow what fantastic skills and patience this must have taken to capture! Second the painted effects, on the background, the shell, and head are really well done. They are very subtle and very effective! Great lighting and wonderful contrast. I just really like the overall moodiness of this image. It feels very serious and strong for such a tiny little bug that is likely overlooked by passer-byes. Great glimpse into the life of a ladybug!

This is so creative! This image is very beautiful and mysterious. Mysterious because I can't figure out how it was made. It could totally be an actual painting, but there is some camera info in the details so there was at least one photo involved but what is a combination? I don't know! That's the fun and beauty of this image, it makes me question what I'm seeing, what does it mean? How was it made? Delightfully intriguing. Thank you for the wonder!

I really like the genuine painted look of this image. It appears as if actual paint was applied to a canvas for this image and yet we know that's not the case. I love the bold pinks here and the sweet little bee within, just dwarfed by the beauty all around. Really nice job!

The thumbnail for this image is very deceiving! When it is small it seems no paint effects are present, but when viewed at full size I was delighted to find such a wonderful digital painting! The painting skills on the wings and entire body are very well done. I can't tell for sure but it appears hand painted to me rather than filter generated. The treatment of the flower is also excellent and quite beautiful. There is sharpness and blur in all the right places and the lighting is just right! Wonderful job! What a pretty image!

Congratulations on 1st place! The moment I saw this image I loved it! I wasn't sure at first what position it would get, but in the end it had to be my 1st place.

Here's what I love about it:

• It fits the brief perfectly, very creative application of the watercolor effects, extremely appealing to look at, it's bold, and colorful!
• There were quite a few other images that also met the brief in this way too, but this one stood out to me because of its strong focal point. I find my eyes go straight to the butterfly's eye and tongue, which are highlighted most excellently by the orange paint splash, then from there travel out to the wing, the feet the antennae, and the various paint effects all very leisurely and happily, but always drawing back into the eye and tongue.
• The color palette is very pleasing and has nice dark and light areas where it should to aid the focal point and not distract from it.
• The composition with the butterfly on the left side was a great choice and works really well as I find my eyes can drift to the right for a break before going back to enjoy the subject.
• There are a lot of little artsy details that I appreciate and aid to the painted look. Such as the little paint splashes (especially on the left side) the rough spots above the wing and below the back foot, and various little tears and intentional imperfections that all add to making it feel more like a genuine watercolor painting than a photo.

Once again, well done and thank you so much for entering the contest and sharing your beautiful work with us!