Courting Tigers - Initial Cut

[MikeDingas]

Pattern turn out well. Maybe too well. Had trouble with some of the finer detail. Also had a weak area that broke loose that I'll have to fix in the pattern.

Comments welcomed. I don't like the blank background. I've got an image of Kilamanjaro that I'm going to try later. If it works, I'll go another cut and post for comments.

8x10, 1/8" BB

[Gill]

Kudos to you, Mike. I admire you not only for having shown us a shadow portrait that took some cutting (there's some fine bridges and intricate detail) but for also being self-critical. I think you're right - a bit of vague background as relief against the detail of the tigers in the foreground would improve the picture no end.

Can I also suggest you look at the tigers' eyes again? To my mind, eyes are one of the most critical features in a portrait of living creatures; in this design I'm finding it difficult to distinguish the eyes from the animals' markings.

A lot of people would have settled for a nice portrait. It's a delight when you encounter a scroller who has the ambition to turn a good design into a great one!

Gill

[Greenfield_Bob]

Nice cutting Mike.
I like wildlife cuttings

Bob

[MikeDingas]

Gill, Thanks for the input. The females eyes are squinted nearly shut in the original as is the males right eye. Only his left eye is fully open and the pattern nearly matches it. I'll try to work on it though. Do you have any suggestions of what to do with her eyes?

[DukeNukem]

What a beautiful cutting Mike, I wouldn't do anything except sign it Love is forever.

Jerry

[Dragon]

Fine work and beautiful pattern.
Diane

[Gill]

Hi Mike

Would it be possible to create a bit more space around the eyes so that they can be clearly identified? Alternatively, it might be possible to add more detail to the actual eyes to make them stand out from the rest of the markings.

I hope you don't mind me making these suggestions - I do like the portrait as it is and think you've already done a good job.

Gill

[PuzzledMoose]

Looks like you've got the foundation of a great pattern, Mike.

Interesting about the eyes - I immediately realised that the left hand tiger (looking at the pic) had it's eyes half closed and it wa one of the elements of the pattern I like. Our cat has a similar expression if you rub her head ..lol

I do agree with Gill about the right hand tiger though - its eyes get a little lost ..

Whilst I agree with you that maybe a hint of some background might be good perhaps Kilimanjaro might not the best - since tigers aren't native to Africa - maybe a hint of the Himalayas instead?

[MikeDingas]

Gill, I've taken that suggestion. AND, I appreciate the input. I'm new at this and don't have the experience to feel my work is beyond reproach. Valued input is what this message board is all about!

Ian, I tried Kilamanjaro and couldn't find a suitable pattern anyway. Instead, I've incorporated a stand of bamboo to fill the background. I definitely like it more. Makes it look more finished.

[Neal Moore]

A great example of what different people see in the same piece of art. I personally think the eyes in this one capture the mood of the moment so to speak. I wouldn't change that. I am in agreement that a little something in the background would soften the total composition. Just my opinion and I'm not attempting to "knock" that of others. I really like it, especially since the big cats are some of my favorite subjects for segmentation.

[MikeDingas]

Neal, thanks for the input. I doubt anyone thinks you're knocking the opinion of others. Differing view points is one of the high spots on this board and merely give one more options or roads to travel. I really appreciate everyone taking time to offer comments.