digital flower power
This little digital painting is based on the photo below.
I like the photo, but I thought it might make a good base for some digital play.
I did this all in Photoshop, not going into Painter. I first painted brighter colors over the flowers and played with various filters.
I then blended the painting into the background. While I like the look, it’s a bit flat for what I was looking for.
I then punched up the color.
I added more color to the central area.
And added a bit more color to the flower area.
At times I’m asked how I get from idea to a finished work. This is it. That is, I start with one idea, in this case a photograph, and I start experimenting. In the above case, I have other variations. I then print out some of the versions, dating them and noting the file name. The prints go into a sketchbook with additional notes. The digital format is put within a folder on my computer, within another folder for designs for that particular month/year.
When I’m looking for ideas for a new project, I tend to flip through my sketchbooks with fresh eyes. I sometimes add tracing paper and play around with more ideas. Or, I’ll print out a version larger, add more color, and photograph it to push it farther. At times some of the file sizes become huge. I’m working on a design now that was over 4 gigs in size. When it gets that large, Photoshop or whatever program chokes and gives a message saying it cannot save the file. Ugh. Then I need to figure out how I’m going to break it up int a couple files. Eventually when it comes together, I work out the final size and create a new document with flattened artwork in the size I want to print. And, that’s how I do it.
I’m thinking about doing some online classes on digital-related stuff. I’m wondering about if there would be any interest. It’s one of those things peculating.
August 31st, 2010 at 9:46 am
I am very interested in online courses, manipulating photos
August 31st, 2010 at 11:36 am
Hello Gloria, I would be interested in a digital class using Elements…I have your book but haven’t worked through it yet.
August 31st, 2010 at 2:04 pm
Hi Gloria,
I would be very interested in online class from you. I do have your book “Digital Essentials”. I am relatively new to photography and would like to explore options for moving photographs into the realm of fine art. I am beginning to understand blending modes, and I enjoy working with filters but I need guidance in continuing my explorations.
I am also exploring ways of incorporating digital images into a quilt surface.
So the short answer is YES, I do hope you pursue the idea of online classes.
Sherry
September 1st, 2010 at 8:52 am
I would certainly be interested in an online class. I love the flower image and what you have done with it.
September 1st, 2010 at 9:09 am
Thanks for the interest in an online class. I will give it serious thought. I am hoping to make a short video on how to resize an image for digital entry. Many people struggle with it, and I believe a quick explanation and seeing it done will make the light bulb go off!
September 4th, 2010 at 8:04 am
I would be interested in online classes for things like you have in this post, I only have photoshop elements 3 though, I have played around with it and did a quilt from manipulated images,
because of where I live I have not seen a copy of your book yet, does it have info about the type of manipulation in this post? I don’t like buying books unseen I know your book will be/is good but don’t know if it is what I am looking for,
September 4th, 2010 at 3:52 pm
Absolutely Gloria ! In fact, I had been hoping you would do just that. I would sign up in a heart beat.
September 4th, 2010 at 3:52 pm
Hi Gloria! I do all of my digital work in PSP but would be interested in any digital classes as most instructions for Photoshop can be applied to PSP. I found your book “Digital Essentials” very useful!
September 6th, 2010 at 2:14 am
Thanks for the interest in a possible online class. I’m encouraged. :)
Frances, Digital Essentials does not have information on photo manipulation. There is a table of contents on the book page of my site.
Julia, I’m glad you found the book useful. :)
September 7th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
I would definitely be interested in online classes with you Gloria.
September 8th, 2010 at 7:54 pm
Gloria, I would love an online class with you. Hope you decide to go ahead with the project.
September 12th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
I’m glad to hear of the interest in an online class. I’ll try to plan something later in the year (that sounds so strange — later in the year; they seem to whiz by!).