what i lack is the artistic fines.
Whilst the internet can be a fantastic source of simple technical advice and solutions, getting good advice on artistic issues isn't so easy, especially so for three dimensional art like wood turning or sculpture.
There are precious few contributors in forums who will take the time and effort to write detailed and helpful critique on complex artistic issues. As we've seen here it can often be misunderstood and taken offence at. It's difficult for commenters to know whether the person asking for comments is simply after some positivity to boost their confidence or if they want a full blow by blow examination of their work and are prepared for a properly critical assessment. Even in face to face situations this sort of artistic critique can be painful and it's easy to cause offence, just watch programmes like the Big Painting Challenge or the Great Pottery Throw Down to see how even experts can get it wrong.
Three dimensional work like turning presents an extra challenge as much of it's impression on a computer screen will depend on how well it is photographed and it's tactile quality can be very difficult to imagine.
i decided to remove the beads and re turn another disc. they are just laid in place at the moment but hope this is better than i initially did
It's better in places. I don't like the stars, I think they devalue and distract from your craftsmanship on the actual turning. The plastic disk is better than the purple geometrics as it's more organic patterning is more harmonious with the figuring in the timber, but it's not a choice I would make.
For me, and I know this isn't very fashionable at the moment, but I like my woodturning to be just that, made of wood. If you're determined to copy Nick's work I'd like to see it enhanced by just using a contrasting timber for the additions. You wouldn't need much, but a dark contrasting timber of a similar tone to the darker figuring in the main piece would be ideal. Something with tight fine grain that would take a high gloss finish to contrast with the texturing would work well; Walnut, laburnum heartwood or even an exotic like Wenge or African Blackwood.