I'm new to the forum and to doing digital touch-ups. I'm trying to learn as much as I can as a stay-at-home-mom-hobbyist. I currently only use Photoshop, so those are the tutorials I'll be searching for. I do a little bit of touch-up work for a photographer in NC. She'd love for me to learn how to do those stunning watercolor portraits for her. (The really soft, smudgey ones...not the impressionist style, which is nice, too.) From what I've seen, perhaps Photoshop is not the best for that, though?

I'll be zipping through the forum while the kiddos are napping...there is so much to see and enjoy. I am in awe of the amazing work you all do!! Thank you for sharing so openly!

(And I really appreciate how friendly and supportive everyone appears to be. What a refreshing website forum!)

Have a fabulous day!
Heidi
Dumfries, VA

I haven't been here very long either, welcome.

I to am a newbie, Welcome! One thing I have found since I have been working with photoshop is you can make anything it is only a tool used by the artist.

You might look at this thread for resources that are out there on the net about smudging (click here) (http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/photo-art-resources/20346-smudging-resources.html)

Thanks so much! I'm reading that many folks use a wacom tablet. Any suggestions on purchasing one of those? Heidi

I just took a look at the list of resources for smudge painting--wow!! There is so much out there...where to begin? I'll enjoy looking through these.

You are quick... I was still searching for more resources for you to add to my other post..

Photo to Watercolor Tutorials (Click here) (http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/photo-art-resources/2970-tutorial-link-watercolors-haye-island-myjanee.html)

Wacom Intuos (click here (http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/hardware/1335-wacom-tablet.html))

BTW... Welcome to RetouchPro!
Enjoy your time here, look around lots and feel free to post your works for critiques while they are WIPs (work in Progress), if you want..
Glad to have you aboard

I just tried posting this message in the Tablet Thread you recommended...but it wouldn't post because the thread was from 2001! Should I just start a new thread? -Heidi

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Okay...so I'm thinking about buying a Wacom Tablet for learning smudge painting, and this thread was suggested to me, and I'm so thankful! However, I see Aug 2001 as the last post date! Is this information still valid?? Any newer suggestions?

Circuit City has a "Wacom Bamboo Electronic Tablet and Pen" right now for $69.99. Since I'm a newbie and since money is definitely an issue, will this be an okay purchase? Or will I regret it?

Specs:

• 5.8" x 3.7" active area
• Pressure sensitive
• Battery-free pen• Precise control
• Ergonomic design
• PC or Mac

Thanks!!
Heidi

I would start a new thread here:
http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/hardware/

Hello and welcome all three of you
Glad you have found the smudge resources useful
Ob has found you some great links there, and there are more dotted around the forum just jump in have a go, look through old threads there is a lot of info there, ask any questions you like

Cant be much help for you on the tablet front mine is a none wacom cheap one but it does for me

Palms