Ode to Rothko #1
Ode to Rothko
#2
Critique Style Requested: Standard
The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
EDIT: ICM with vertical movement and both images rotated to portrait orientation.
After going to the Portland Art Museum for a lecture on Rothko last week, I found myself looking down at my yard, where an iconic bucket lay on the grass. Of course, I could not resist, so I grabbed my Canon 5DIV, popped a 4-stop filter on the end of the 24-105mm lens, turned off auto focus and stabilization, and put myself in position to capture this scene. Within 15 minutes, the conditions evaporated and the scene disappeared into a day of yard work.
And yes, that was a parody of the classic descriptive genre: heroic photographer capturing something that will never happen again.
Specific Feedback
I’m always up for any feedback you all can offer. In particular, I’m wondering with these two whether they are too dark, and whether they might work as a diptych.
Technical Details
Canon 5DIV with 24-105mm at 105mm with 4 stop filter
ISO 100, f/18, 2.5sec for both frames
Slight adjustment of bucket from one frame to the next and a 180 rotation of one of the images
Minor crop from the original 4x6 to 8x10 to make it less vertical
Marilyn, these certainly are “Odes to Rothko”! Love them!
Some questions: 1) Did you use ICM or just a slight movement to get the smooth surface. Or the bucket was smooth to begin with? That description was a little confusing for me. 2) On my computer I can see some smudgy white streaks and blotches on both images. You can play with the tools in Photoshop to get rid of those — if you create a curves layer and raise the shadows you’ll see what I’m referring to. I tried brushing in the colors, but wasn’t happy with what I got.
Again, very cool idea! Creative. 
Susanna
Hi Susanna,
I was ICM. At 2.5 seconds but also with auto focus off and the longest focal length, it came out pretty smooth. I debated getting rid of the white line on the one and little globs of lighter shapes on the other, but decided to leave them for now, get feedback and reconsider. Rothko’s abstracts sometimes have some stray lines, so I thought, eh, let’s keep it for now.
The bucket may have had some reflection or white lettering or the metal handle may have provided that strip.
ML
Interesting abstracts, Marylynne. That horizontal streaking on the first appeals to me a bit. It gives it something of the look of a very late, very rich sunset scene. The second image doesn’t resonate with me personally-a bit dark and somber for my taste.
Ah, I see. I thought it was ICM. Love that technique, but am focused on my B&W work now. You’ve inspired me to reconsider!
Btw, thanks for your comment on my B&W floral titles. It would be better to be consistent. I’ll work on that!
Someone replied to your post.
| Marylynne Diggs
April 8 |
Hi Susanna,
I was ICM. At 2.5 seconds but also with auto focus off and the longest focal length, it came out pretty smooth. I debated getting rid of the white line on the one and little globs of lighter shapes on the other, but decided to leave them for now, get feedback and reconsider. Rothko’s abstracts sometimes have some stray lines, so I thought, eh, let’s keep it for now.
The bucket may have had some reflection or white lettering or the metal handle may have provided that strip.
ML
I agree that the white stripes add interest to the image.
Thanks for the feedback, @Susanna_Euston, @Dennis_Plank, and @Igor_Doncov.
I did a few other frames. This one was quite bright, at 13 seconds, and looks to me like an aerial of a pink sand beach next to a green sea. I also have one that looks much like an Ireland flag, but I’ll save it for next March.:
I was able to darken and rotate the frame above, cropping it to 8x10 to get something more like Ode to Rothko #1 Above.
However, I like the reversal of red/green widths in the original pair, so I guess I have to toss that bucket in the yard tomorrow morning and give it another shot.
ML
This is very cool.
I love “Odes to Rothko #1”.
You really captured the essence of Rothko’s art, and it was beautifully conveyed and executed in this image.
Congratulations
The white lines in the first one caused my mind to see the image as a seascape. Personally, I think that’s a plus.
I’m envious that you thought of doing this and I didn’t. 
But now you can!
A few years ago with a broken wrist, sick wife, pandemic and wildfire smoke all around, I played with swatches of fabric (pillow cases, fleece throws, t shirts on the sofa or a leather chair). Anything with color juxtaposition is a potential subject in ICM.
ML
