All images copyright by the individual photographers

	Stay Wild Lisa Courtney-Holmes Lisa’s Gallery Pick, Stay Wild, is an innovative and captivating image that is part of Lisa’s series that combines photography with sketching, resulting in a layered composition that transcends traditional boundaries of visual art. Lisa deftly uses expressive strokes and a clever integration of photographic elements to evoke a sense of movement, emotion and narrative depth. Stay Wild has a striking interplay between the clarity of the flower photo and the fluid quality of the sketches. The photograph anchors the piece in a tangible reality, while the sketches provide an immersive quality. This duality invites the viewer to engage with artwork on multiple levels; the realistic elements provide context and familiarity, while the sketches inject a dreamlike, imaginative facet. Lisa’s layered approach provides a visual rhythm that guides the viewer’s eye through the artwork, as the contours of the sketches seem to enhance the shapes found in the photograph. The brushwork can be seen in wispy lines, conveying lightness and freedom, while heavier strokes evoke a sense of grounding. This contrast not only enhances the image but also mimics the ebb and flow of thoughts associated with the subject matter. In Lisa’s series, her photography and sketching create an interesting balance between realty and imagination; the subjects suspended in time, caught in the delicate balance between the concrete and the abstract. The layers in Lisa’s images might represent the complexity of the human experience, capturing emotions such as longing, nostalgia or joy. Her images prompt viewers to reflect on their own stories and associations, as the combination of the two media allows for personalization and subjective interpretation. Lisa demonstrates an impressive ability to integrate photography with expressive sketching, resulting in a collection that is both visually stunning and conceptually rich.  Whether appreciated for its aesthetic qualities or its emotional resonance, Lisa’s images are a celebration of creativity that pushes the boundaries of visual art. Congratulations, Lisa, on your Gallery Pick! By Marie Costanza
	Fledge Fright By Tom Knauss Fledge Fright is a striking image that captures the moment right before a juvenile osprey takes flight. Perched high on a tree, the young bird strikes a powerful pose, its beak wide open in what could be a call to its parents or simply an expression of anxiety and excitement as it prepares for its first big leap into the world. The composition is well executed with the raptor strategically placed off-center, allowing for a dynamic sense of movement. This placement creates a natural leading line with the branch on which it stands, drawing the viewer’s eye directly to the bird. The blurred background isolates the subject beautifully enhancing its prominence, while suggesting the lush environment it inhabits. The young raptor’s piercing gaze with its bright orange eye and open beak serve as significant focal points, conveying emotion and urgency. The detail and texture in its feathers is rendered in such a way that one can almost feel the softness and vulnerability of the young bird. As a viewer, one can’t help but be drawn into the raptor’s world, feeling a sense of empathy for this young creature on the brink of a significant life milestone. It encapsulates both the trepidation of adolescence and the thrill of discovery. Whether viewed by wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, or casual observers, this Gallery Pick resonates with anyone who appreciates the beauty and fragility of nature. By Marie Costanza