Gradient

[James Clark]

Curious about thoughts on the pebbles/shells in the lower left.  Might be a more pure abstract without them, but I feel like they add just enough context to ground the image (but maybe it shouldn't be grounded?)

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

I say keep them. It feels more balanced with the pebbles and shells, and a bit more interesting.
Nice shot.

[drmike]

+1

[Jeremy Roussak]

I agree. I don't think it's going to satisfy a purist definition of "abstract" even without the pebbles: it's too obviously identifiable as that which it is (and what it is is rather pleasing).

Jeremy

[francois]

Keep them. As previous commenters wrote, there's simply too many non-abstract elements to end up with an abstract shot.

[James Clark]

Thanks.  I think you are all are right on both the question and the comments re: identifiably.