Stained Glass window

[angelize]

The inspiration for this piece came from a plastic coaster that sits on my desk. The coaster is made to look like lace and I simplified the pattern for the window. The reflection uses a technique from this month's Xara Xone tutorial Discussion

[wizard509]

looks good Frances

[Rik]

The stained glass part is brilliant , but, I'm not sure about the frame.

[angelize]

Thanks Larry and Rik.

What is it that you don't like about the frame Rik? Any thoughts about how I could improve that part of the composition? Perhaps maybe if the wood wasn't quite so rough?

[Rik]

Firstly, I can't decide whether the frame is supposed to be wood or metal or what.

Secondly, I think the real problem (for me) is that the light and dark shading is all wrong on the frame.
The top and the bottom sections have dark shading at the top - indicating that light is coming from the bottom.
But, then the left and the right sections have the dark shading on the right - indicating that the light is coming from the left.
So, for me, it just feels wrong.

[angelize]

Thanks Rik, Here is a version with a new frame. I felt that the weathered wood frame was taking away from the compostion rather than adding to it. This time I toned down the roughness of the underlying wood texture and added a flaking paint overlay. this overlay is done with a seamless bit map fill and a fractal plasma transparency.

[Rik]

Hi Frances.

It's all personal tastes and likes.
But, for me, this is a lot better.

My attention is not drawn to the fact that something look wrong with the frame.
And I concentrate more on how good the stained glass is.

I think you are also right in saying that you felt that the weathered wood frame was taking away from the composition rather than adding to it.

[wizard509]

Yeah Frances, It's a lot better for me too.

[angelize]

Thanks both of you

[Ron Duke]

The stained glass effect came out great, Frances. Great job!