A couple weeks ago, I was playing around with some vacation photos. My goal was to use what I had learned here and, without following anything step-by-step, improve on my original (weak) photoArt efforts. I got very caught up in this, staying up way too late several nights running. But, one of those nights, I produced some images I was very pleased with, discovered a new sketch technique I haven't seen anywhere, and created a (filters only) oil painting method I liked better than the (filters only) oil tutorials I've seen. :D While still having much to learn, and usually feeling humbled by most of the Creative Interpretation threads, I've nervously ventured out to post in the other PhotoArt forums. As such, I feel it's time to "graduate" from 101 (a few months early).

Before I go, I want to share a couple things with other newbies, current or future:

Try to understand how the various PhotoArt methods (for sketches, watercolors, etc) work. Then, when you have an end result in mind, you'll have some knowledge or intuition for what steps will take you there. Also, try lots of different techniques. Soon you will find yourself combining old ideas in new ways, blazing your own creative trail.

The BEST of PhotoArt & Tutorial forums are great. But, there are great ideas in the other forums as well. Here are some very useful or thought provoking threads I selected from the main (top level) forum:

Improved posterization (www.retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8997)
Using GraphicsPen filter (www.retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8781)
Cataloging filter behavior (www.retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8692)
Discussion on oil-like art (www.retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2736)
Modular PhotoArt_01 (www.retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5852)
Modular PhotoArt_02 (www.retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6233)
Smudge tool how-to (www.retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6114)
Embossed brush (www.retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5004)
Fun w/ sharpen tool (www.retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4943)
Custom brushstroke patterns (www.retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4839)
Montaging fun (www.retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4279)
Uses for difference mode (www.retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3343)
Expanding texturizer filter (www.retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3337)
Discussion on watercolor effects (www.retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2970)
Kalidescope effects (www.retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2738)
Posterization thoughts (www.retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2746)
Controlling stroke angle in PS filters (www.retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2878)
Stained glass effects (www.retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2864)

Finally, a last 101 image to share with you all (using Elements 2 w/ HPT):

A: BG - One of the photoshop artsy filters applied to an original photo - my photoArt end product before discovering this site. I forget which filter it was. Maybe paint daubs? Actually, for a single filter effort, it was pretty effective.
B: copy BG. Turn it into a WC using this method (www.retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4337)
C: copy BG. Add a mask, fill w/ black & paint to let the BG show through some. Basically trying out this idea -- this idea (www.retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=40867) from Phyllis Stewart
D: Levels to brighten the image
E: Stone pattern. Overlay mode, 100% Opacity
F: Copy BG, turn it into an outline sketch (pick your favorite method). Multiply mode, 31% opacity. Maybe goes better between layers D & E.

Hope to see other new folks show up here or join me outside the "sandbox." Keep on creating & sharing.

-Mark

Mark:

You've sure unearthed some of the best of the forum. The topic links are greatly appreciated.

You are very deserving of your PA 101 Graduation Diploma and I'm honored to present it to you - virtually! :bow:

~Danny~