I thought we were going to have a lack of entries that called for more then one judge, so I didn't ask anyone to join me. So, even though there are 24 entries, I'll still be the only judge. And as before, I'll give general thoughts as well as my favorites.
Before we get started with the
Picks Of The Week, I wanted to tell all of you who have participated in the last four challenges that I'm very proud of the entries and how they've come out, especially for the Masquerade contest. You're showing creativity with true individual images, not doing a "cut and paste" job or coming up with ideas that look so much like the others.
I'm trying to give you a true "challenge" with each new theme, and several of you are taking the challenge, running with it, showing no fear, and send it in to be posted where his peers and anyone who happens by the club can see it.
Those of you who are still wallflowers, get off that wall and jump into the swimming pool! Ok, so I've mixed my metaphors, but you know what I mean.
I once wrote that I was disappointed with the entries, and I no longer am. I hope you all continue to "raise the bar" when you're coming up with concepts for the challenges and better executions when it comes to putting it all together.
And, now a critique of the "Jump" Challenge entries.
Beginners:
First of all, I do see a couple of deviations that do not belong in this category. I think everyone should re-evaluate themselves as far as what they can and cannot do, because if you place yourself into a lower category then you belong, it makes sense that you're winning challenges and contests time and again. And that's not fair to the true beginners.
So with all that said, I'm picking out my favorites. Keep in mind that I do love fantasy, surrealism, and I have a quirky sense of humor.
I basically like the first image and I think it's a good one for a beginner. What I'd like to see is more pulling away for the "typical" or "cliche" fantasy theme image and coming up with something that is unique for them.
I like 4th image for it's simplicity in theme and it's subtle sense of humor. And, of course I love the next deviation due to it's good execution of a very surreal image. And lastly I like the deviation in Challenge D because it's so different.
Intermediates:
All of the intermediate entries definetly belong in this level, but a few are really ready to move up to advance as a beginner in that level. I see several really good deviations, so it will be difficult to come up with two or three that stand out the most.
The first one is absolutely gorgeous. If you have not seen this deviation up close, you really should. The fifth and sixth deviation, Challenge C and D, are very creative use of the challenge stock and their own choices of stock, textures and brushes really emphasize the deviations. And what can I say about the only entry under E other than the member did an excellent job of creating a completely new image. It's the best of the bunch if you ask me.
Advance:
Once again, it's going to be the humor or the true creative deviation that I will be attracted to in this level.
And that brings me to the first deviation. It reminds me of a picture from an vintage children book, and it's so whimsical, how can anyone not like this?
The second entry is really a mix media and I shouldn't have let it in because although it's a digital image, we deal with only photomanips in this club. However, I let it through because it is mostly manipulated with stock, it's fun to look at, and it IS different.
The fourth entry, the one after the entry above, has a very interesting concept. Members who added more elements to their deviations truly are the ones who gave the challenge a good try and that's what is happening in this one.
If your deviation was mention above, you're invited to send us a deviation from your gallery for us to feature in our gallery and on the front page.
Congratulations to the Picks and thanks to everyone who participated.
TheFantaSim
Also.. My first contest to enter! ^^ 
Judge's Choice: "Jump" Challenge 
Optimism
CURRENT ENTRIES
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First of all, I know you're eager to know the winners to our Masquerade contest. Well, in order to find out you must visit our news article 
