This is Lynda Logan's grandaughter, Hope. With Lynda's permission I'm posting this because I think it's a darling picture.

I'm betting there will be some terrific interpretations of this one.

Thanks Lynda! AND HOPE, TOO!

~DannyR~

Generated using a variation of the technique described in this tutorial (http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4376).

I twisted this a bit by using the Texturizer filter instead of the usual Gaussian Blur on the Inverted Color Dodge layer...then manually dragged that layer down and to the right a bit to get more contrast and definition. (See - you CAN teach an old dog new tricks!)

Added some grain and a Hue/Sat adjustment layer set to colorize to get the sepia effect.

Good idea to use texture, Danny. I personally think it's a bit heavy for this particular subject, but for a man it would be great. Guess I just think little girls should be soft and delicate...at least on their pics! :)

I have to ask why you put this here instead of in your mini-challenges. If you have given yourself a limit on how many of those you post, I think you should do away with the limits and just post away as you find nice pics. We don't want to wait for new pics anyway...why torture us?!

Well, you inspired me to look at the PDF again and try some new things with it. In this one, I used dust'n'scratches for the blurring, then added in some hair with the blade of grass brush (forget what PS calls it). Added some noise too, as suggested in the tutorial.

Phyllis

This is a pastel version on gray paper.

Here I started with the same sketch as above (without the noise), added a rough texture to the sketch and overlaid it on the original in luminosity mode to add some color. Next duped the original, ran rough pastel filter on it, colorized it to a golden peach, then made it the top layer in multiply mode with reduced opacity. May be something else in there, but I can't recall. I really like how it turned out.


Phyllis

Last in this batch, a watercolor version on textured paper. Also started with same sketch.

Phyllis

Phyllis and Danny..both have submitted great sketches of this cute little model..Here is my try at a painted vinyette..

Jerry :D

Very cool, Jerry.

Excellent frame too.
* Action?
* Auto/FX PhotoGraphic Edges?
* Freehand?
...curious minds want to know. :D

Phyllis - 20/20 hindsight, I shoulda put this one in the mini-forum. Maybe I'll move it in a day or so.

- - - - - - -

I can't get enough of this image. I think it's just phenomenal.

Here's another that started out with Mike Finn's Amateur Painter .atn then I went from there.

Screen shot of the layer's palette follows. I'll add a little more "how to" detail later.

Gotta catch Frasier!

~DannyR~

Here's the layers palette for the step-by-step details.

Note: The image was downsized to 75 ppi before applying any effects.

Phyllis, I like the pastel version the very best, it is really great.

I seem to be stuck in a gray area.

Ok I’ve added come color.

Danny, great effect...Mike Finn comes up with good stuff doesn't he.

Jerry, I too want to know the secret to that cool frame!

Trimoon, really nice sketches (love the color version!) but is that a different picture or did you distort her face on purpose to make it look like someone else?

Phyllis

I got the tip from Chuck..Paintshoppro which I never use has a framing command..I used that..No magic here..

Jerry

Phyllis, I really like the two with the texture added. Wonderful job!

Lisa

A couple of versions - similar yet different. I couldn't decide which I liked best, so...

I was GOING to reference a challenge I did (a seascape, with a family walking on a beach) that I used the same technique on as I did here, but I can't find it. Edited - found it (thanks Phyllis!)HERE (http://www.retouchpro.com/challenge/art/challenge1/challengeA1_sampson.html)

:wavey:

The other one.
:wavey:

Originally posted by Blacknight
A couple of versions - similar yet different. I couldn't decide which I liked best, so...

I was GOING to reference a challenge I did (a seascape, with a family walking on a beach) that I used the same technique on as I did here, but I can't find it.
:wavey:

I especially like the first one with the soft focus. I have downloaded it for my keeper file! I would really like to know how you did this...it's a marvelous effect! Love the way her hair fades into the background.

I couldn't find it either. It SHOULD be on this page:

http://www.retouchpro.com/challenge/art/challenge1/index.html

But I don't see Blacknight listed. Did you use a different name back then perhaps? I'd really like to see that seascape. If it got deleted somehow, please resubmit the challenge #1 entry, okay?

Phyllis

Phyllis - try Phil Sampson (or just click on my edited post above, whichever's harder!)
:wavey:

This pretty little girl with the puckered expression has brought out some wonderful renditions.

I think she appears skeptical or quizzical, so decided to give her something to look at -- here she peers thru a screened window at a little visitor.

Okay, I know I am slow joining this challenge, but here it is. One thing I can tell you about my granddaughter is that she has a million expressions.

I used the same steps as this link for Hope. Although no texture in this one.

http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=40437#post40437

I call this Photo enhancement.

On Dpreview LIsa Neal posted this as a pencil drawing but i consider it a B & W conversion that adds a softness to the photo. It can also be used with similar effect with color.

Lynda grand children are wonderful and she is adorable.

I did this for mine.

Also, gosh when they do not want there picture taken, they give you that hey lets get this over with look.

Those challenges make me practice like I've never done before. I think I'm starting to understand a bit of that 'big' brother of Elements (the one I used up to a couple of months ago). Thanks

Now, I would like to be able to track all of my moves like Danny (I'll have to take some notes and work with a bit less enthousiasm and a bit more method).

As I remember, I used four layers with a bit of many filters and blending options : Smart Blur, Semi-e, Paint dubs, Hue/Saturation, Texture/sand. That's about it... I think.

Mikl:

Really glad to have you join us at RetouchPRO. Like DPReview, lots of nice folks here who are willing to help and there is plenty to learn.

Nice job you did on this interpretation. Keep doing these mini-challenges. We really appreciate it when new members jump right in on these!

Again, welcome aboard!

~Danny~

Retpmikl

Wow......Your colors were something. As the pix unfolded, half expected the little one to say "hello!" Hope to see more of your renditions of our different posts.

Welcome......

MIki, very nice job and welcome. Hey the fun is in the enthusiasum ( I think I spelled it wrong) About half of what we dream up we can't remember. Just have fun. these guy have taught me eons.

CJ and Lynda very nice but its not hard with a great subject.

My whole house is pictures of my six grandchildren. I love being a Poppy. When I am down I think of them and my day is great again.

I know what you mean, Phil. My granddaughters light up my life. I just wish I lived closer so I could spend more time with them. I know this is Hope's forum, but I just have to throw in a picture of Anna too.

That is really nice, thanks for the info, hope you start recording the info like Danny does, yours are really great to share.

Fantastic picture. Very dramatic approch and cute granddaughter.

my sketch

Lynda, Anna is lovely and your treatment of the pic is awesome. How about giving us the original to work with?

Creativo, another great piece of art!

Here are two...the first is a very simple look.

I think Hope looks like an angel, so I emphasized that quality in this second version. :)

That deserves the 'Angel' title. Very nice.

Thanks pstewart, the angel is very nice.

Beautiful child,

Some really interesting entries.

Thought I'd place emphasis on her eyes and softly darken the rest of the image.

Everybodys submissions are just awsome but I have go to say Phyliss your angel is super and so is your Looker.
Very nice

Just fantastic everyone. The sketches are awesome!! I tried forever to produce a sketch, but wasn't happy with any of them:(

Phyllis, she reminded me of an Angel too, glad to see I'm not the only one. Lynda, thank you so much for this image, she is just adorable.

I painted her in Painter Classic, and surrounded her with angel hair (frame). Added texture. Sure wish Painter Classic supported layers. EEK.....I'm so used to them now using PS 7 I can hardly do without them. My contribution

Wanda

Wanda thats just beautiful. What texture did you use.

OK I call this one Photoenhance. It combines soft focus with highlited skin tones. A kind of angel effect

Wanda,

indeed, that's very beautiful. You surely do some nice things with that Painter Classic.

Fantastic work as always Wanda!! :bigthmb:

Is the "angel hair frame" part of Painter Classic? Or where can I find it?

Thanks, Jeanie

Wanda just beautiful, outstanding, awesome.

Phili, thank you:) The texture is Paper Texture found in Painter Classic, called Basic Paper. I adjusted it to 47% amount 23. I really like your Angel effect, very creative!

Retpmikl, thank you so much for your kind comments:) Still haven't come up with a good sketch though:(

Jeanie, Thanks:) The frame can be found in PhotoImpact under Edge Frame Gallery. It really doesn't have a name, it just reminded me of angel hair, you know that stuff we used to put on our Christmas trees. I use this frame a lot, one of my favorites, I really like the subtlety of the no edge frames. Thanks, everyone:)

pjb, what a nice compliment, thank you so much:) I found this adorable little girl by accident yesterday. I couldn't resist that sweet angelic face:D

Thanks for the tip on PhotoImpact Wanda. Yet another software package to get... :(

Jeanie

Looker, great job with the shading/lighting treatment...really does emphasize that wonderful face.

Phili, just adorable!!! The ruffles are perfect for a little girl.

Wanda, wow...that's really beautiful. You continue to amaze!

I just love this picture and can't stop working on it. I hope Lynda will give us Anna's pic also. :) I'm taking a break from my new toys Paint Shop Pro and Paint Engine because frankly they make everything too quick and easy, and I miss the challenge of finding new tricks for Photoshop to perform.

This painting effect was done with KPT pyramid paint and PS spatter filters, a layer mask with brush set to PETAL CRYSTALS for the smaller brushstrokes, and an overlaid pattern adjustment layer using the CRYSTALS pattern set in the 700's to make the larger brushstrokes.

Phyllis

I have to say THANK YOU to everyone. I sent my daughter the link to this thread and she loved it. Everyone has done such beautiful work on this challenge. I run to the computer everytime I hear an email arrive to see if another version has been posted. You guys and gals are great.

You are not the only one. Thats what I love about this sight, the work is so awsome every time you open it you find another version and they keep getting better.

Originally posted by pstewart
This painting effect was done with KPT pyramid paint and PS spatter filters, a layer mask with brush set to PETAL CRYSTALS for the smaller brushstrokes, and an overlaid pattern adjustment layer using the CRYSTALS pattern set in the 500's to make the larger brushstrokes. Phyllis, I really like the effect you got, but can't quite figure out how you got there from your description. What did you use the layer mask for? I assume you hid something and used the Petal Crystals for the edge between the black and white of the mask, but not sure what you were masking. Also, is the Petal Crystals brush one of the PS presets? And the pattern adjustment layer was changed to Overlay blending mode, right?

Thanks, Jeanie

Originally posted by jeaniesa
Phyllis, I really like the effect you got, but can't quite figure out how you got there from your description. What did you use the layer mask for? I assume you hid something and used the Petal Crystals for the edge between the black and white of the mask, but not sure what you were masking. Also, is the Petal Crystals brush one of the PS presets? And the pattern adjustment layer was changed to Overlay blending mode, right?

The layer mask was over the merged layer after running the filters etc. I filled it in with black then painted on it with white using a large petal crystals brush to remove it gradually (completely on the face, less on hair, and still less toward edges). The petal crystals brush is from Adobe and came with Photoshop 7...don't know if it was one of the extra brushes in the goodies bundle I got with it or if it was already installed.

As for the blending mode in the pattern adjustment layer, I may have used overlay, but seem to recall using hard light with lowered opacity, since hard light shows up the texture better than overlay or soft light...guess you just have to try all three to see what you like. I AM sure however that I also lowered the opacity of the pattern.

Phyllis

Thanks Phyllis.Originally posted by pstewart
The layer mask was over the merged layer after running the filters etc. I filled it in with white then painted on it with black using a large petal crystals brush to remove it gradually (completely on the face, less on hair, and still less toward edges). Just so I'm sure I understand the layers you were working with... At the point you added the layer mask, you had the background original photo and a layer above it which was the merged filter layers. Then you added the mask to the merged layer to let some of the original photo show through on the face and fading outward? If not just the two layers, then what was showing through after you added the mask?

Jeanie

Sorry...this was wrong: "As for the blending mode in the pattern adjustment layer, I may have used overlay, but seem to recall using hard light with lowered opacity..." Turns out it was SOFT light, not hard light.

As for your new question, I understand the confusion now. Yes, there was a second layer under the merged one...sorry I forgot to include that. It was a darker version (I recall using a blend mode on a dupe that made the layer too dark) so I did the layer mask partly to lighten it up or vice versa, blending the two together in a blotchy fashion with the petal crystals brush. I liked the result of dark vs. light, which looked like paint strokes to me.

I tried to duplicate the method today on Snowleopard's new member challenge called "lotus blossom." I put the steps I used there, which might help to clarify the confusion I caused here. :) The effect is different of course since the picture was quite different, but I think it has promise as being a rather quick'n'easy way to fake a watercolor. I'll have to work on it more and see if I can perfect and/or streamline it.

Phyllis

Thanks for the clarification Phyllis! I feel a little better, because it sure didn't look like that was the original picture showing through. ;)

Jeanie

The little lady with a Million expressions..... Lynda, here's another ..


Wanda...WoW.. Your's was just outstanding......

A watercolor effort with many layers & opacity levels.... followed a couple of different tutorials, Cricket's & pen & ink.

Wow Wanda... you've done a wonderful job. I absolutely love it!

Lisa

Here's my attempt at a charcoal sketch.

Lisa

Goldcoin, I love that texture...it shimmers. The "strokes" in the hair look just like watercolor...nicely done!

Lisa, your charcoal sketch is superb! Just the right amount of detail in the face, which is often hard to do in a sketch.

Phyllis

Had to give it a try
first did sketch
colored eyes lips and skin
on skin I used art history brush did each one on a seperate layer
on seperate layer put a lighting effects (lighting pencil) action.
did a feather

Pjb.....Like what you did for her eyes... geat shade of blue


I'm experimenting with textures, can't find the texture brush????
Where is it? Have both 6 & 7Ps.... What are presets? Can one reset tools on 7?

A Textured look.....

Goldcoin, you made Hope sparkle! I like the simple lines too.

In PS7 the texture brush is found in the edit menu, where you can choose to FILL a selection -or- make a brush from the pattern/texture instead. Presets are included with PS. To access them turn the triangle in the upper right corner of the tool windows. You can add your own (brushes, etc.) to the lists also as you make new ones you like.

Phyllis

This is where my wanderings took me. Or maybe I should say, this is where Reindeer Games' Adapt.Equalize filter sent me. I ran this filter as the first step, and it changed the look of the model so much I became intrigued. But it also created lots of very extreme noise. So the rest of the process was trying figure out how to cover up the noise.

If you run that filter on the orginal you will see what I mean.

I'M BREAKING MY OWN SELF-IMPOSED GUIDELINE
As a general rule I don't use "non-Photoshop" applications or plugins to generate example images. This time I'm setting that guideline aside.

WHAT'S UP?
Ran out of hard drive space, so while I was in "delete mode," I ran across a program I hadn't touched in nearly three years:
Microsoft PhotoDraw 2000 v2.

Back then I had no idea the number of built-in effects (and options within each effect) this application has.

Fired it up and WOW! It's positively amazing what this program can do artistic filter-wise. For the "brush stroke challenged" like yours truly, this is a dream come true.

(If you've ever heard of the Microsoft Impressionist .8bf plugin that was floating around on the net a few years ago, PD2K has that functionality built-in - and is much easier to use.)

HOW THIS IMAGE WAS GENERATED
I used two PD2K filter effects on Hope that I thought looked arty, saving each and subsqeuently opening them Photoshop. I did some selective blending using layer masks. Finally I generated a Find Edges layer from the original image and applied that with layer blend mode Overlay to bring back some edge detail.

BOTTOM LINE
It takes a lot to impress me these days when it comes to "arty" effects. PD2K lit me up like a big time firecracker. Really.

If you've got PhotoDraw 2000 sitting around doing nothing, you might want to take another look.

~DannyR~

I found this image tonight, and when I started playing, I couldn't decide what I liked best. So I hope you will be patient with me, as I have 5 different versions to show you.

I started by playing with the layers, with a negative/dodge layer, and merging those and then playing with the blend modes over the basic image. Then I also added color layer and played with its blend modes. Once I got the basic color images, I then applied different filters.

This was one of the first, and I just liked the simplicity of it, so I only used a simple texture over it.

Tyeise

This time, I used the difference blend mode, and liked the uniqueness of it. So I applied the mosaic glass, but with the settings gentle enough that it didn't distort things too much.

Tyeise

When I tried blue as the overly, it changed the tone of the image so much that I added the tear. The blinds seemed the most appropriate filter for this one.

Tyeise

With this one, the blend mode is saturation. It looked a bit harsh, so I softened it a bit with edge preserving smooth.

I liked the way the colors effected the image so much that I decided not to use any filter over it.

Tyeise

This one is without any color overlay, and with very little color showing thru. So I used the change to target/color to add a bit of color to her lips and eyes, and then softened it considerably.

Tyeise

I want to show the work - simulating a color pencil. It is all it is made in Adobe PhotoShop 7.
:rolleyes:

Tyeise:

I see this image caught your fancy, too. It's one of my favorites. Some creative interpretations, here. You sure make Paint Shop Pro turn cartwheels! Very nice effects. Well done.

- - - - - - -
Alexdem:

You pictures are amazing! What program(s) are you using: Photoshop? Painter? Paint Shop Pro?

- - - - - - -
Chuck:

You're right about PhotoDraw 2000 not being produced anymore (it may have been superceded by Picture It! or the like) and I should have mentioned that.

PD2K is readily available through "used" channels such as eBay, however. A legit copy sold for $30 recently.

RE: MSFT impressionist plugin
I've read this was originally part of an early MSFT product (perhaps MS Publisher v1.0?). Since it was an .8bf, it could be (and frequently was) ported to other applications that supported plugins. It used to be available on various sites for not completely aboveboard downloads, but sources seem to have dried up. If you run across it, check it out.

~Danny~

Danny, wow! I just love what you did here with PD2K!

Tyeise, you acheived a nice simple outline. I like all your varieties but prefer the "touch of color" one, I think.

Alex, nice work with PS7 on your colored pencil version. Just one suggestion: You might want to erase the double nose line.

You guys inspired me to take another look at Hope. Here's a new color sketch.

Phyllis

Alexdem, your color pencil version looks like an artist's rendering. It's hard to believe it came from a photograph. Very nice work.

Danny, thanks for the compliments. It's easy to make PSP 8 do wonderful stuff. Part of why I enjoy it so much. :)

Phyllis, I appreciate how you always have something nice and helpful to say to everyone. And I always look forward to seeing your many different versions of images around here. You are part of what makes this place special. (Touch of color is my personal favorite as well. :) )

Tyeise

Several layers - from bottom up...smart blur, blend mode to multiply. Curves, blend mode to Luminosity. Underpainting, blend mode to Darken. Flattened, did an auto Curves (wow - what a change that was!) and a final levels adjust.

First of all - my apologies to everyone who posted on this thread - I really haven't had the opportunity to look at all the pics (this darn work keeps getting in the way of my fun!). Here is my rendition - done in stone. I really did not get as much detail in the hair as I hoped (working in granite is tough!)
Bill

BK, Bravo! That's breathtaking! LOVE IT!

Bill...WOW! Another great result with your lifted outline technique! You really have to write up a tutorial on how to do that. I am assuming it's done with selection modifications and selection to new layer, but then do you do something else to it?

Phyllis

Thanks for All ! :wavey:

Danny :

I use now in my work only Adobe PhotoShop 7. :)

pstewart :

It is absolutely unsuccessful initial photo for my imitation and it not best my work :depressed

tyeise :

I very well know painting and I use a photo only as model :ditsy:

Below I show the work where it was necessary to pick up suitable photo for imitation of a color pencil :eek:

Here is my version of Linda Logan's Hope.
Done with sketching (my secret sauce) and Virtual Painter.

David

Just playing with Redfield Bas-Relief, Diffuse, noise reduction, Motion blurring (though you wouldn't tell) and Blending/Fading modes.

Peter

nice sketch, peter.

i had a go at this too, using my new technique/style.

When you see baby pictures you realize why actors never want to work with children or animals....big scene-stealers.

Steve C.

yup, she's a scene stealer. nicely done, steve :)

I know; I know. I just like stippling. Wanted more dots this time. :)

I know; I know. I just like stippling. Wanted more dots this time. :)


Aghhhhh Black & White Measles??????


Peter

Better black then red Peter. :tongue:

:)