This photo is by a friend of mine, Bryce Button who works in the film industry, behind the camera, which is why he's got such a great eye. It was taken in Vietnam.
I love the pattern made by the smoke and the angles of the incense sticks. That red shape on the side seems intrusive, but put your hand up to cover it and the feeling of the photo changes immediately.
When working with this photo to develop a painting, I'd probably start by eliminating that red shape but rather trying out some extra strong colors in the smoke, or perhaps just red and white (see 'Incense Smoke in Red').
I love the pattern made by the smoke and the angles of the incense sticks. That red shape on the side seems intrusive, but put your hand up to cover it and the feeling of the photo changes immediately.
When working with this photo to develop a painting, I'd probably start by eliminating that red shape but rather trying out some extra strong colors in the smoke, or perhaps just red and white (see 'Incense Smoke in Red').