The White Rose Of Scotland

[Rob MacKillop]

The rose of all the world is not for me.
I want for my part
Only the little white rose of Scotland
That smells sharp and sweet—and breaks the heart.

- Hugh MacDiarmid




DP3M. Nik Silver and Colour.​

 

[Rob MacKillop]

I'm still in two minds about showing the thorn on the right, or painting it all black...the thorn is important, I feel, and it's shape echoes the rose's a little.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Is everyone on holiday?

 

[Bob Jarman]

Lovely tones and texture, but I find myself drawn to the thorn.

Bob

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Yes, Bob, I'm torn about that. It would be easy to get rid of the thorn, and maybe I should. But something about it gives a different meaning to the image.
Thanks for the comment, Bob.

 

[Ivar Dahl-Larsen]

I think I would have left the thorn to itself, 'cause it feels so nice to enjoy the rose and its beauty and not being reminded that there are thorns

 

[Rob MacKillop]

But life is not like that, Ivar, as you must know. "Never the Rose without the thorn". I'm not interested in taking pretty pictures, though I do that as well. But I'm really in two minds with this one. Therefore, for myself, I have two versions...

 

[Ivar Dahl-Larsen]

I know Rob, but sometimes we live a little happier without remembering the thorn all the times.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

You old Romantic

 

[Beth Carter]

beautiful tones on the rose. i find the right side around the thorn a little distracting, but otherwise a gorgeous image.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Cheers, Beth. It is meant to be distracting. Oh well, it seems no one appreciates that. As I said, I'm also in two minds.

 

[Paul Lange]

There is a pun in there somewhere - thorn - side?

You're an old romantic daftie, Rob. IMO I think it looks better with the right side cropped off.

 

[Tom Dinning]

Now thats a shot worth looking at,Rob. I was a bit taken by the distraction but I thought you might have left it there for some reason. It is a distraction. Loose it!

 

[Rob MacKillop]

 

[Milan Vjestica]

It is a distraction Rob. However, I like it as it adds another dimension and a pointed reminder that a Rose is more than pretty.

 

[Glenn Clabo]

Life is full of distractions...which sometimes cause you to go the way you were supposed to. I like the thorn...but I do have the attention span of a gnat.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Thanks, lads. Always interesting to get feedback. I have a nice print of it now, without thorn. Very happy with it.

 

[Pete Askew]

My first instinct was also the lose the area at the bottom right but when I put my hand over it I found the isolation of the bloom too much for some reason. Anyway, I love the soft textures here. Stunning stuff.

 

[Pete Askew]

Actually, the thorns add a lot I think.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Finally, a man of supreme intelligence and aesthetic sensibility! Welcome home, my friend!