Dear Forum Members

Here are the results of the Forum’s November photographic competition.

This month the theme was “Abstract” and by virtue of the wide parameters this suggests, it has been the hardest to judge. Indeed, as usual I canvassed the views of AP’s art editor Mark Jacobs and for once we almost had two completely different selections, whereas normally we just might be one adrift. So, although I have made the point in the past that the winners are always my personal choice, I think this time it is even more subjective.

Anyway, this month I have awarded five Highly Commended and one Winner — they are as follows.

Highly Commended: Northener — Volcano

I have no idea what this is, but I do find the shapes and colours intriguing. Although it is an abstract, there is a central focus that draws the eye and I hope that Northerner can enlighten me as to what exactly this is an image of! Either way, well done, most interesting.

Highly Commended: Daft biker — Addictive Fun

There was some disagreement between Mark and I as to whether this is really an abstract or not. However, I think it is clever, extremely amusing (I can’t look at it without smiling) and well executed. What do the forum members think? Is this a genuine abstract?

Highly Commended: Pompysnapper — Southsea pyramids

Wow, the pyramids of Southsea — one of the seven wonders of the world! I assume that this is some sort of local building or artifice that has been cropped, but I have no doubt that Pompysnapper will enlighten us. Still, it has made for a really nice mono image with a lovely range of tones — a very nice atmospheric picture.

Highly Commended: Fen — No parking

I guess Mark would not see this as an abstract either and without the curving yellow line it is simply some street cobbles or odd brickwork. However, I love the curved shape and the way the yellow line takes the viewer from the top right hand side to the bottom left. It probably looks very good from a distance as well.

Highly Commended: Badgerman — Red Raffegi

A simple and logical subject for an abstract, but simply and nicely done. It could sit comfortably on most people’s walls.

Winner: Ian_g — Nautical Shapes

An intriguing, almost painterly composition of shape and colour. This is very easy on the eye and could work very well if enlarged considerably. As a finished piece of art this is certainly the best picture submitted this month.

Conclusion:

So, as usual a big well done to everyone who took part — great to see so many mind-boggling images. The next theme is Breaking The Rules, which will be my last AP Forum Comp as judge and I think the most interesting theme yet. So, I will look forward to judging your rule-breaking images at the very beginning of 2008. May I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year

All the best

Garry C-W