more of the same Matt, no shadows ( might be better backlite if you dont want shadows,), windows need a few holes (broken, ) as Matt said just a few blades of grass that show that survival is difficult here, the over all look is a cut out because there is no gaussian or the lines are too harsh on the pump, there are no lines in the 'real' world, only shades, the tree might do with very minimal highlights, or just a creeper feel in general, boards on the houses too new (no holes or cracks, remeber those immortal words of mikes in one of his free tuts, the dirtier it looks the more real) ) the door might hang more, whats that bright spot on the house to the left, a highlight ??What ever it is it makes the house visable, the ground doesnt know if it is sand or cracked earth (it is the only thing with shadows but according to the highlights on the pump and bucket the shadows come from the wrong direction but i think you may have hand painted this and in that case it is incredible work)) ) bucket is floating on the ground, maybe it could be dug in ever so fractionally , cant see the bike can you backlight it somehow (themeatically it is very important) or maybe just a subtle shade (or lighten the wood with a highlight, , i love the how the lines of symettry piont toward the city, maybe you could give it a little more forced perspective, have you thought about the rule of thirds or did this come naturally, the main thing is the pump looks flat and cut out. the highlights are too strong for such an overcast or smoggy day (the windows look perfect and the bucket needs them left as they are to stand out from the scene.., as does the hand)

whats the theme and how can you show that more with a couple of simple changes,, dead grass, (dead person) flat tire on the bike??is the ball a little new?? take the theme a little further if you can. check the framing, sits well with you..?? fine!

fantasic colour combination. very warm, i wonder what it would look like with cold colours?? has a very apocaliptic look at the moment, rather than a nuclear winter.

overall it is incredible.


remeber, all this is just an opinion and not to be considered at all unless you agree, just food to make you think and contend with in your own way. remember; if one person says something take it with a pinch of salt, two say something.., just maybe there is something to it, if three say something than best go back and check it out