I recently posted two versions of the same image. One is called The Yellow Brick Road, and the other is called Her Yellow Brick Road.
The original, Her Yellow Brick Road, can be found here:
And the alternate, revised version is this one:
When I originally made this piece, it was intended to be a very melancholy type image. Something that spoke of a poetic longing. A journey in progress, or perhaps even a life left behind for whatever is beyond in the unknown. That is why I specifically left the ‘Emerald City’ out of my original. Most of the time, we never know where our ‘Yellow Brick Road’ is going to lead us. It is different for everyone. I put a dark, tea-stained texture on it as well… giving it a feel of age. Well worn, long traveled, then…or now. It doesn’t matter. Timelessness…. or at least how I envision it.
When you look at the revised version, it is very straightfoward. My girl is running for her Emerald City. It can still be left up to interpretation, but still… it is more defined. The colors have shifted, the aged weariness has been eliminated. It is now primarily an uplifting piece, though not necessarily as thought provoking.
However, considering that the alternate image was for greeting cards, ‘thought provoking’ isn’t really what they were after. They needed something eye-catching, something that someone would snag off a shelf and purchase in a moment of reverie. But I still kind of miss that delicate, haunted feeling of the original.
Tell me what you think!
Steve Farr
I believe you are absolutely correct! Actually I seen the “Emerald City” version first. Its a nice piece. Very cheery, purposeful, hopeful and predictable. The original, however is much more interesting and intriguing! There exists quite an air of mystery as she meanders down the path into a not so certain future. The ominous clouds seem quite the contrast to the non-threatening blue skies of the alternate image. Bravo and thanks for sharing these great pieces!!
~Steve
Aimee Stewart:
Thank you for your thoughts Steve! I’m always intrigued by what people see and feel when they look at my art, but it is rare to be able to present two versions. I love what you wrote!
CiannaRose
Each is beautiful, and I am drawn to both for different reasons… One is youthful, magical, joyful, colorful and filled with delight… running to her desired destination, one gets the sense of a journey completed, a goal about to be achieved. The other seems more like a journey into the unknown, hopeful in mood, but still hazily undefined… as all possibilities yet lie ahead of her, just over the next hill, around the next bend… Wonderful pieces, love them both A! :)
Aimee Stewart:
Thank you Cianna!! Your take on both pieces are absolutely lovely. Very much in line with how I feel about them as well!
izzybeth
I want to start by saying I do like all of your art very much. I think it is interesting the way you have presented the two with the critics scrutiny of “what will sell.”
I love both for different reasons.
I think the first one is beautifully serious. It is moody and stark. I see the subject climbing a hill and there is no sign of what is beyond the horizon. I like it very much, it is a little like not knowing the future, but the journey is what matters most.
I think the second image is whimsically optimistic. I mean it reminds me of a wedding cake… so beautiful and hopeful. Do I dare say sweet? The colors are clean and crisp and the city is within reach… I do see it as eye catching, and I bet it appeals to a huge audience. If I was wearing my WHAT WILL SELL HAT, I imagine the second one would be a safe purchase because of the innocence portrayed in it… hmmmm… idk is it the pink dress or the butterflies? look! the sky is a bright blue, not grey!
Now I want to go back to the first image… I like it the best. I like it the best because it reminds me of real life. I know that sounds strange but it nudges me to remember that all really is not a “walk in the park.” It is still beautiful, but serious…
Aimee Stewart:
What a fantastic comment!! Thank you!! And I totally agree. So fun to see what strikes a chord with people. It has sold very well (the 2nd one), and I’m sure for the very reasons you noted. A lively, optimistic piece with bright colors! But I think perhaps for wall art, people may very well be drawn to the other.
Bec Schopen
Oooooh very hard to comment on this as both are just beautiful, commercially I can see what they were after with the second design but i love the first one very much and shall go and add it to my favs.
Aimee Stewart:
Thank you Bec!! Means a lot to me to know you like the first one!
frankula49
I had to laugh when you said you tried to do melancholy……No Aimee! Melancholy is just not your style….All of your Images are filled with colour light and Pure Magic! I for one would never have Melancholy hanging on my wall……stay as Sweet as you are You Wonderfully Inspiring Artist.
Regards
Frank
Aimee Stewart:
Ha!!! I adore you, Frank – that will keep me smiling all week!!!! <3 <3
Veronica Schultz
I like both, but I absolutely love the first one.
Victoria Jostes
am seeing the first as a joyful rush into life, with a readiness to embrace whatever is encountered, while the second is a purposeful, goal-oriented approach. each is quite beautiful & most appealing for different reasons.
xx,
v
Mark Ramstead
I prefer your original because of the detailed and and aged brick. The Emerald City, while you created a wonderful version of it, is probably best left imagined, like a city of our dreams… I rarely make things that people buy… or even try to, but do try to make what I want to see, but I have yet to find…
That may change when I retire… ; )