Loxuru
Graf von Kreuzigung
Considering the scenery and the outcome...Are those his invisible hands playing the piano?
Don't shoot the piano player!
-
Sign up or login, and you'll have full access to opportunities of forum.
Cruxton Abbey
- Thread starter Wragg
- Start date
Don't shoot the piano player!
The Imaginarium of Jollyrei
What dreams may come to those happy few that live or stay for an extended period at Cruxton Abbey. They say it might be haunted, although that's likely just a rumour that started when Lord Wragg left the dungeon door open by accident and a few screams were heard in the bedchambers of the south tower. Ms. Prudely, recovering from her recent ordeal, and having been given some exciting and probably illicit medications by Lady Wragg, followed by a good portion of a bottle of Riesling provided by Barb, dozed off into a fitful slumber. Ms. Prudely's dreams were somewhat outside her normal type, possibly the result of Jollyrei, who was at that moment experimenting with his dream amplifier...
What dreams may come to those happy few that live or stay for an extended period at Cruxton Abbey. They say it might be haunted, although that's likely just a rumour that started when Lord Wragg left the dungeon door open by accident and a few screams were heard in the bedchambers of the south tower. Ms. Prudely, recovering from her recent ordeal, and having been given some exciting and probably illicit medications by Lady Wragg, followed by a good portion of a bottle of Riesling provided by Barb, dozed off into a fitful slumber. Ms. Prudely's dreams were somewhat outside her normal type, possibly the result of Jollyrei, who was at that moment experimenting with his dream amplifier...
Quite the compelling image with an ethereal dream like quality, very nice
Well, I was going for surreal.Hmmm … Surreal? Mystical? Carnal?
If you've never watched "The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus", you should give it a go. It's quite unusual.
Loved that movie!Well, I was going for surreal.
If you've never watched "The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus", you should give it a go. It's quite unusual.
Rieslingal?Hmmm … Surreal? Mystical? Carnal?
And I thought it was only Barb suffering from an overdose of Riesling...
Seriously, Cruxton Abbey goes surreal and what's not to love?
Whilst heavily defocused, the house remains a familiar sight, with its asymmetrical central tower. Whatever else may seem disorientating, this is indisputably Cruxton. The leaning wine bottle emerges from the ground with several degrees of instability, and is also treated to a blurry, possibly alcohol-induced haze.The Imaginarium of Jollyrei
What dreams may come to those happy few that live or stay for an extended period at Cruxton Abbey. They say it might be haunted, although that's likely just a rumour that started when Lord Wragg left the dungeon door open by accident and a few screams were heard in the bedchambers of the south tower. Ms. Prudely, recovering from her recent ordeal, and having been given some exciting and probably illicit medications by Lady Wragg, followed by a good portion of a bottle of Riesling provided by Barb, dozed off into a fitful slumber. Ms. Prudely's dreams were somewhat outside her normal type, possibly the result of Jollyrei, who was at that moment experimenting with his dream amplifier...
In spite of these details, the composition is balanced and symmetrical, the wine bottle and foreground nude providing a contrast between a hazy inclination and a relaxed, upright pose. This figure is the only one in focus, emerging from the long blades of grass, and illuminated by the sunset. Her red hair compliments the bright green of the grass. As viewers, we identify with her and share her viewpoint, although none of the figures meets our gaze. They are not aware of our presence.
The distant figure, posed as a crucifix, resembles the character from a previous Jollyrei signature strip. She is not the only reference to classical art or Roman posing, however. In the centre, what appears to be a large, spiked candlestick, presents its needle in perfect equilibrium whilst the intermediate girl perches on the edge of the dish. She makes a direct reference to the ancient Roman bronze figure of a boy pulling a thorn from his foot (third century BC, artist unknown) which has been emulated by numerous later sculptors.
If there is a message being conveyed in this dreamlike state, it warns of large volumes of wine and the need to tread carefully in the dark, especially in the proximity of large spikes or nails. Nice work, Jolly!
Thanks Bob, that's a fun analysis. In my normal manner, I think I was conscious of about 3/4 of what you described, but certainly I was going for a kind of symmetry. There is also a sort of line down from the bottle to the spike on the one side, countered by what I hoped was an eerie sort of shadow from the house (where a long shadow shouldn't really be. That's the nice thing about surrealism - you can throw stuff in just because it should be there, and reality can go hang.
But I also recall Salvador Dali, when asked what inspired his Playboy performance art piece (some strange structures, a bunch of naked "bunnies", and a large egg), responding with: "They paid me a lot of money." So I think I'll just stick with, it seemed like a good bit of fun and turned out to be a good and enigmatic image (although if people want to send me money, I won't object. No pressure. )
That's actually a thumbtack on the ground. I got that and the background from a screenshot of the movie "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus", so thanks again to Terry Gilliam for the imagery. I translated the oddity of a dreamscape to the CF and Cruxton Abbey themes. The upended thumbtack might be ominous, reminiscent of impalement, or perhaps it's just generally odd (as well as being large, sharp and pointy). I thought of doing the picture without the wine bottle, but that left a hole that I didn't like, so I put it back in, and this seemed to work. Someone else can explain to me why the half buried or emerging skewed bottle should relate at all to the thumbtack. And yes, the tack is supposed to be that large in relation to the two girls. It's surrealism, you know.
Now that's interesting in interpretation. I know the stories, of course, but I wasn't actually thinking of that. I wanted a slightly relaxed nude (in contrast to the ominous setting), and Eva Lunia (again) provided a workable pose. This made her look like she fit into the dreamscape (rather than trying to escape) and contrasts the more active pose of the other girl (unknown model, but you're right, I have used her before) which also links to the crux theme of both Cruxton Abbey and the forums. Maybe that's art - when people can find different meanings or ideas within the picture, and if so, I am pleased and gratified.
But I also recall Salvador Dali, when asked what inspired his Playboy performance art piece (some strange structures, a bunch of naked "bunnies", and a large egg), responding with: "They paid me a lot of money." So I think I'll just stick with, it seemed like a good bit of fun and turned out to be a good and enigmatic image (although if people want to send me money, I won't object. No pressure.
)
Last edited:
I really love @bobinder ’s analysis of manips, so deeply thoughtful and no details seem to escape his Eagle eye- well except thumbtacks, which I honestly thought was some sort of boat missing it’s sail!
Really excellent piece, @Jollyrei
If you provide me with a Salvador Dali original, I’m willing to send a crisp $100 note!.
But I also recall Salvador Dali, when asked what inspired his Playboy performance art piece (some strange structures, a bunch of naked "bunnies", and a large gold egg), responding with: "They paid me a lot of money." So I think I'll just stick with, it seemed like a good bit of fun and turned out to be a good and enigmatic image (although if people want to send me money, I won't object. No pressure.
Naraku
Draconarius
Lady Wragg instructed Anya to 'just sweep around the house,' and so she did...
View attachment 1553779
The effects of magic spells at Halloween seem to last for several days at Cruxton.
Bob has been very kind to many of us, providing pointers and advice on photo editing and manipulation over the past number of years. And, depending on your familiarity with the technique, and your experience, this image looks nice, and one might be tempted to think that it's reasonably simple. But let's just pause for a moment and look at the overall composition. We have Anya on her broom (held in the style of Goya's witches, with the bristles at the front end - the style I always feel is correct). She is in sharp relief, as is the raven (we don't know the raven's name, but it could be Quoth, in the style of Terry Pratchett's storiesLady Wragg instructed Anya to 'just sweep around the house,' and so she did...
View attachment 1553779
The effects of magic spells at Halloween seem to last for several days at Cruxton.
). This stands out in front of a beautifully diffuse aerial shot of Highclere Castle, which is now traditionally used to represent Cruxton Abbey. So, you say, a nice background, a girl, a broom, and a raven - great 4 layers - and you would be wrong.The joy of looking at one of Bob's manips is that many of them are a simple concept. They are easy on the eyes. But I am here to tell you, gentle readers (I'll use Wragg's phrase, because my choice of "tiny mortals" sounds impolite), that they look simple precisely because they are not. Anya is a carefully created composite figure featuring no less than 8 distinct layers, and getting her naturally on that broom is an exercise in patience and care. I defy you or anyone to point out anything that would show how Bob put Anya together - there are no obvious seams or breaks. Then the image is edited with various colour and lighting filters and masks to ensure that we get the stunning 3 dimensional effect that we are curently casually enjoying. The overall effect is better than photographic - it's almost a 3D panorama in 2D. In short this is a masterwork of photo manipulation.
And this, good people, is why Bobinder is the professor of manips.
(I personally think that the raven "makes" this picture - not to detract from the lovely Anya, of course.)
E-DigitalFantasy
Tribune
Wonderful Bob!Lady Wragg instructed Anya to 'just sweep around the house,' and so she did...
View attachment 1553779
The effects of magic spells at Halloween seem to last for several days at Cruxton.
What a magnificent picture! I don’t have @Jollyrei ‘s knowledge nor eloquence but I have seen enough manips to understand quality when I see it! This is a damned-fine example, imho.Lady Wragg instructed Anya to 'just sweep around the house,' and so she did...
View attachment 1553779
The effects of magic spells at Halloween seem to last for several days at Cruxton.
From that casual resting pose of the deliciously naked vixen witch (Anya) to the details of the Raven’s feathers all inserted so crisply above a quintessential Cruxton Manor backdrop to perfectly complete a delightfully fulfilling vision of lascivious darkness! Another masterpiece, @bobinder , thank you!
Bob has been very kind to many of us, providing pointers and advice on photo editing and manipulation over the past number of years. And, depending on your familiarity with the technique, and your experience, this image looks nice, and one might be tempted to think that it's reasonably simple. But let's just pause for a moment and look at the overall composition. We have Anya on her broom (held in the style of Goya's witches, with the bristles at the front end - the style I always feel is correct). She is in sharp relief, as is the raven (we don't know the raven's name, but it could be Quoth, in the style of Terry Pratchett's stories
The joy of looking at one of Bob's manips is that many of them are a simple concept. They are easy on the eyes. But I am here to tell you, gentle readers (I'll use Wragg's phrase, because my choice of "tiny mortals" sounds impolite), that they look simple precisely because they are not. Anya is a carefully created composite figure featuring no less than 8 distinct layers, and getting her naturally on that broom is an exercise in patience and care. I defy you or anyone to point out anything that would show how Bob put Anya together - there are no obvious seams or breaks. Then the image is edited with various colour and lighting filters and masks to ensure that we get the stunning 3 dimensional effect that we are curently casually enjoying. The overall effect is better than photographic - it's almost a 3D panorama in 2D. In short this is a masterwork of photo manipulation.
And this, good people, is why Bobinder is the professor of manips.
(I personally think that the raven "makes" this picture - not to detract from the lovely Anya, of course.)
Thanks very much Jolly, E-DF and LCS for your kind comments. 'Quoth the Raven' is also Poe's harbinger of endless mourning, although I was aiming for a more cheerful and lighthearted image. The bird has made frequent appearances in previous Cruxton Halloween pictures, and is usually nothing more sinister than Ariel's airborne metamorphosis.
In this new picture, the bird helps to define the elevated 'foreground' and reinforces the idea that Anya is also airborne. As noted, the aerial view of Highclere/Cruxton is suitably defocused and slightly desaturated to evoke a sense of distance.
Anya has made previous appearances in manips, including several by @mvalim and she is a regular muse of @cypher , but this is the first time she has featured in my own work. The original pose is derived from the MPL series, 'Tour de Force', the restoration of her left elbow, knee and foot resulting in a composite figure, with the addition of a smiling face and windblown hair.
I have a 'favourites' folder and that picture is in it!
@Jollyrei has captured a lot of the technicalities of it, but the other element that earns Bob his professorship is his ability to imagine an image and then make it happen.
He certainly made that one happen!
American Thanksgiving in the Cruxton Abbey Kitchens
“Elspeth dear, I believe our American cousins are celebrating Thanksgiving this weekend.”
“I don’t know, Reggie, ever since that nasty revolution, they can’t seem to get the timing right. Even the Canadians manage Thanksgiving in October.”
“Yes, I know. Americans always have to do things their own way. But I thought we might just do something to celebrate here at the Abbey, what. You know, any excuse for a whatsit.”
“I thought you might say that, so I’ve got a bunch of the kitchen girls working up something as we speak.”
“Capital idea, old thing. And we can invite some people.”
“I thought perhaps the normal bunch, you know Eulalia, Messaline (as long as she only brings one or two amazons with her), Mr. Phlebas, Bob, of course, perhaps Apostate, and that friend of yours that always wears black, even at Christmas.”
“You mean Jollyrei?”
“Yes, he’s odd, but you know, I do think our Miss Prudely has a thing for him. She jumps every time someone says his name. It’s really quite sweet.”
“Well, I do hope she’s as good at cooking as she is at romance, eh? She is, Isn’t she?”
“Isn’t she what?”
“Good at cooking.”
“You know, Reggie, I really don’t know. I should have asked. She always seems so organized, I just assumed… I’m sure she’ll be fine.”
“Elspeth darling, does Miss Prudely know that there is a strict no clothing rule in the kitchens. She’s quite shy.”
“She’ll be fine. She’s a grown woman and very organized and capable.”
“And usually meticulously and austerely dressed, if memory serves.”
“Well it may be a surprise for her, but I’m sure she’s quite capable of coping.”
“And the kitchen staff – they know she’s going to help? You know how particular they are about who they work with?”
“Reginald Wragg! Who runs this household?
“I believe you do, my little Kommandant.”
“Correct. And I daresay the kitchen staff will adjust admirably and welcome Miss Prudely as one of their own.”
“Hmmm. A day of surprises then. I’ll just check the wine cellar, shall I?”
“Elspeth dear, I believe our American cousins are celebrating Thanksgiving this weekend.”
“I don’t know, Reggie, ever since that nasty revolution, they can’t seem to get the timing right. Even the Canadians manage Thanksgiving in October.”
“Yes, I know. Americans always have to do things their own way. But I thought we might just do something to celebrate here at the Abbey, what. You know, any excuse for a whatsit.”
“I thought you might say that, so I’ve got a bunch of the kitchen girls working up something as we speak.”
“Capital idea, old thing. And we can invite some people.”
“I thought perhaps the normal bunch, you know Eulalia, Messaline (as long as she only brings one or two amazons with her), Mr. Phlebas, Bob, of course, perhaps Apostate, and that friend of yours that always wears black, even at Christmas.”
“You mean Jollyrei?”
“Yes, he’s odd, but you know, I do think our Miss Prudely has a thing for him. She jumps every time someone says his name. It’s really quite sweet.”
“Well, I do hope she’s as good at cooking as she is at romance, eh? She is, Isn’t she?”
“Isn’t she what?”
“Good at cooking.”
“You know, Reggie, I really don’t know. I should have asked. She always seems so organized, I just assumed… I’m sure she’ll be fine.”
“Elspeth darling, does Miss Prudely know that there is a strict no clothing rule in the kitchens. She’s quite shy.”
“She’ll be fine. She’s a grown woman and very organized and capable.”
“And usually meticulously and austerely dressed, if memory serves.”
“Well it may be a surprise for her, but I’m sure she’s quite capable of coping.”
“And the kitchen staff – they know she’s going to help? You know how particular they are about who they work with?”
“Reginald Wragg! Who runs this household?
“I believe you do, my little Kommandant.”
“Correct. And I daresay the kitchen staff will adjust admirably and welcome Miss Prudely as one of their own.”
“Hmmm. A day of surprises then. I’ll just check the wine cellar, shall I?”
Well, I had all these pictures of nude cooks and things, and decided I should really do something with them.Love it Jolly!!! Priceless!
With an added request that anyone who has a decent resolution image of Lilit-Ariel covered in flour, please send me a link.