Well done, sir. Srry I missed it earlier.

Great work. The blend is superior.

Nice work, old friend. Best of the bunch so far.

Nice work here too, author. Nice blend, very realistic. I notice some "stubble" on the man's neck - you might consider adding some to her chin area as well?

Great entry, should do well. Perhaps subbing out the background for something a little more "interesting"? Shouting kids, loud music, something.

Nice work.

I see the red tones mentioned and should be an easy fix, just a bit on the left side of the neck. Overall a superior blend here, author. Best so far.

Well done.

This is good, and probably will win. The construct is superb, the blend also - and it is perfectly on theme.

MANY excellent points expressed here as well, most personal pov - yet all with merit. The jury is still out on whether this is the appropriate forum; however. I believe there is something in the rules regarding that? At least there were.

Agreed: VOTE and FLAG should carry the bulk of your statement. Water seeks its own level - and one "opinionated" or "controversial" comment - begets another.

That said, this is much akin to television programming. Don't like what's on? Turn the channel. Although there is some sort of rating system the forewarns of "mature content", ultimately it is personal choice that dictates what we do or do not view. Period.

Another "mature content" entry might be found in the NEON LIGHTS contest. The entry is quite popular, highly viewed and much discussed - yet does it not appoach the boundaries of "mature content" and being a little "suggestive"?
I certainly am not complaining, just offering a BIG observation.

It appears we as a community possess a penchant to blur the "regulatory line" regarding content and "THE RULES" when the image is more socially accepted yet clearly regulated here.

Excellent piece. NostraBIGmus says: First place.

attention to detail is superb. I especially like the way the "heat" rises off of the flame of the torch and "distorts" your palette.

Excellent touch, author.

Great work.

@Drivenslush: I think the blur is indicative of submersion.

cooool. Especially love the water displacement.
Well done, author.

this is great. Excellent work, author.

superior entry. Best so far.

very cute ; )

I soooo like this one.

The blend is excellent here. Very well done. Follow ARCA's suggestions about adding depth to this image, it will help to make an already great image even better!

great mood. Love it.

uh,............ I think you meant BRIBED . . . . .

This is very well done. LOVE the water.

strong image, very well contrasted. To me, though - the light source is PREVELANT - reaching all the way to the arm chair, casting a shadow on the dog . . .the clock does cast a shadow . . . but the intensity of the light at that point, would wash it out some on the left (IMHO) Really great work here, author.

really glad I'm not in this one . . . . . . . EXCELLENT work, author.

CONGRATULATIONS!! Well deserved, sir. Excellent work.

"SanCtuary" . . . . . .

very creative. beyond my abilities.

the reconstruct on the wall and door are superior. Excellent perspective work on the door as well. Well done.

spooky image. should make a brush out of this one.

maybe a cool blue photo filter??

very well done. Quite realistic. Love how the bottom part of the door appears to be "water logged". Top marks, author! (I think the "submerged" bits are actually reflections??)

nice choice of colors. All is quite sharp save the monk - perhaps blurring everything to match his depth of field?? Just an idea - great work here.

that's cool - very creative. I wish I had the vision to create somthing like this. Great piece, author.

excellent use of the source. Agree with on the lighting angles, I missed the leaf, but the brick behind the twin on the left's right hand (if that makes any sense) tells the story. Excellent work here, author. Top marks. (with the "confirmed" lighting angle, I'm not so sure the shadow of the "winners" katana would be present on the blade of the fallen twin - but I am a beginner, so use your best judgement.) Great work.

when is a door not a door . . . . . when it's ajar. (is the light on the door from the left - and the flowers cast shadows to the right? Or is it just me . . . . . .?)

funny entry. Great blend, rooster's shadow is exemplary. (shouldn't the pig have one as well? either on the ground or cast upon the wall??) just an opinion.

perhaps it's a fitting . . . . used to add grease or other lubrication.

The blend is fantastic. Perhaps her face is just a touch too bright. Check the mid tone levels for that layer. she's really not that "caricature -ish" but great result none the less. Really outstanding authentic looking piece. Great Work, author!

Very well constructed. I love it . . . . great job on the sketch, the warping, excellent work author.