So here is a poll for you. :) Please have a look at the three versions of my artwork ‘The Pact’ in the comments. Which one do you like the most?

A comment explaining your choice would be hugely appreciated!

Thank you so much. <3

Version 1
30.8%
Version 2
30.8%
Version 3
38.5%
Poll ended at .
Version 1
@companyofwolves This version, for me, is more powerful. It depicts that this sentient (lover) has taken her heart, or she willfully, entrusted it to him; the outcome was anger, anguish, sorrow, and possibly regret. You can see the sentient is grabbing for her heart which she is displaying in torment. This version without the gate appears more “natural”. Although, the third version shows more of the characters, the narrative about the ❤️ is less evident as the ❤️ is on the ground.
@GrayStripe Thanks for your thoughts on this. It’s interesting how much the subtle changes seem to affect one’s interpretation of the artwork.
@companyofwolves You are very welcome. Thank you for the beautiful artwork that facilitates these types of inspection and thought. It does help one be away from the day to day stresses that is part of life. Know your work does provide respite and joy for people, even if it’s temporarily. 🙏
@GrayStripe Thank you. This is such a nice feedback and it means a lot to me. <3
@companyofwolves The most insane thing is - I totally see and feel mood from your photos. Magical work. Love it… 🖤
@companyofwolves This hits so hard. I've never seen a clearer rendering of anguish.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this poll. I really struggled with this artwork and couldn’t always put my finger on why I wasn‘t happy with the outcome (your feedback helped a bit with this). It‘s part of the creative progress and the artistic journey to try out different things, to tackle problems, to learn. However, it is nice to see that regardless of how I feel about them, all three versions seem to be almost equally appreciated. :)

@companyofwolves All three are valid.

Wild paranormal things in the forest don't care what people think of them.

@Wolfie_Rankin Haha, if I learned a thing from this poll then it’s this. I think your input is actually the one I’ll take to heart the most because I’ve ended up with the conclusion that all three versions where almost equally appreciated with v3 a bit more than the others.

@companyofwolves There's nothing wrong with Art, fill the World with it.

I just wish I could do it as well as you do.

@companyofwolves It's so hard to choose! 1 and 3 are very direct, but I chose 2 because the wide-screen view creates the feeling of stumbling upon something forbidden. It takes a moment to realize what's happening, but when you do, it's all the more powerful.

Beautiful work all around 🥰

@melindamagpie Thank you. :) I do like the space in 2 as well for the same reasons.
@companyofwolves I prefer the third for the portrait framing, more focused on the subjects and their interaction, but I like also the more detailed and “physical” version of the witch/spirit of the first artwork. Just my view 😉
@yunerart Thanks for your thoughts on this :). Yes, I also felt that focusing more on the characters was something I somewhat missed from v1 and 2 (amongst other more vague things) and therefore created v3.

@companyofwolves
I like the finality of 3, her heart is on the ground. I like the darker features of the creature in 1.

They are all good. Thanks for sharing.

@dogriley Yeah, I actually felt that I preferred the heart on the ground too. It’s not as direct but I feel it weighs heavier and makes the whole scene even more messed up.
Thank you so much for your input!
@companyofwolves v2 worked for me because of the depth in the frame, and the eyes on the spirit being small enough to look a bit more organic.
@cjbooker Thanks a lot for sharing your thoughts on this!
@companyofwolves I think the lighting in version 2 is far more compelling than version 1. I like version 3 as a close-up variant, but I think version 2 has a level of depth in the scene that I personally favor.
@SinEater Thank you. I appreciate the feedback! :)
@companyofwolves I thought version 1 was more natural. Version 2 felt more sci-fi with Spector coming from another dimension and version 3 felt incomplete compared with the other two. Just my thoughts, they are all beautiful.
@spiderwater Thanks for your thoughts on this. Yeah, it really looks like there is not one which is ultimately more compelling. It was a close call.
@companyofwolves I think version 3 is best as the firm factor allows us to concentrate on the involved parties 😄
@acid Cool. Thanks for the feedback. It’s well appreciated!

@companyofwolves For me the answer depends on how I’m viewing the piece. On a small screen, version 3 works well because the framing/aspect allows the characters and the story to fill the view.

Ignoring the medium, overall I like version 1 best. She’s holding her heart in her hand, offering it to the spirit, and I find this moving. The forest and the crows create a dark and haunted atmosphere. I like the mist from which the creature emerges…

@marvell Thank you so much for your thoughts on this. :) I can see that the format plays a role in one’s perception. I often do landscape oriented pictures which are not ideal for being viewed on a mobile screen.
@companyofwolves Version 3 has a nice notice/don't notice effect where background elements only pop into view after a few moments. They're all wonderful.
@jjj Thank you! Glad you like them!