for what it's worth, from eairlier in this thread - i'll pseudo quote myself..."If anyone is interested, I'd like to share the sources I found - share what inspires a chop for me - maybe give some insight as to how I searched for sources and the how and why."
here is the image...
http://209.125.88.56/john/flamers_s.jpg
and here is the splainin'....
When I saw the source I pictured the background as kind of woodsy - or in some deep clover.
The lower portion immediately reminded me of the surface of a mushroom.
When I saw the silver base of the wick, I had my idea. I thought they would make great wings for a fairy, sprite - or whatever they might be called.
Then I had to think of a use for the flame. I pictured them as wings of smaller creatures and the idea was ready to come to life.
So... I set out to find some sources.
The first image I found was the gills of the mushroom on google. I flipped the base of the candle and duplicated and blended it. (this was also done with the background) Then, I added perspective to the gills and set the min place.
I set some wings (silver base) about where I thought they should be and make them a shimmering gold color.
Next, I wanted to find the right face to get a nice glow that was believeable. That's how I found the boy blowing out the candles (getty). I thought the expression was right for seeing the little flamers.
Then I found the little girls arms with the strawberries (getty). This was the image that helped to bring the idea together. I left the strawberries in as some kind of tiny morsels - mini berries? I thought they would be something good to attract the little "flamers".
I added the armlet that I found on google.
I needed to complete the body, and was looking for something with tights that was in mid-air. Bingo! I found the girl jumping (getty).
Then lots of finishing touches. The curl of hair on the forehead, extended ears, the shadows, the extra "flamers", some bolder lighting effects and main shadow to complete the hovering/landing of the fairy.
Though I got my ass kicked and didn't connect on this one - it was fun! Good chopping all!