Critiques - - Colorization

LonK · #1 10-19-2006, 09:43 PM

I'm still working on my colorization technique and have been trying to apply all the extremely helpful knowledge I've acquired since coming to RP. I still use PhotoImpact as my editor. I purchased PSP X since (haven't really used it, though), but am leaning more and more toward making the advantageous and financial leap to PS.

I'd appreciate your feedback on my most recent effort. My self-imposed task was to isolate the woman, retouch and colorize her.

The first attachment is the photo (actual size) I had to work with. The photo was used as a newspaper clipping (in 1957) and included this brief description, "The bride wore a mauve wool jersey street length dress, a white satin hat and a corsage of white rosebuds." I also knew she was a redhead with a very fair, pale complexion. I had no clue as to other colors so I relied on intuition. I did do some manipulation, primarily moving her eyes, as she seemed to be gazing off camera in the source.

cardmnal · #2 10-19-2006, 09:56 PM

Well done LonK!! Your blending of colors is superb and the way you create the impression of contour around the cheeks and chin is great. The only thing giving me pause is the corsage which almost looks to be made out of plastic....but that's just me

LonK · #3 10-19-2006, 10:17 PM

Thank you, cardmnal.

I agree about the corsage, and for that matter, all of the clipped white highlights in the source (the hat...). I did what I could with a D&B layer to paint in some detail, but I came up a bit short as far as being photorealistic. My painting skills are quite lacking. My biggest concern was applying just a slight hint of color to these areas as I'm not yet quite sure how to treat "white" in a source. I've been told NOT to leave any pure monotones. Perhaps someone will chime in with a remedy?

pepperspray · #4 10-19-2006, 11:28 PM

It looks gorgeous to me. Lovely colours. Though I might try to tidy up her lip line a bit.

What technique did you use, LonK?

Doug Nelson · #5 10-19-2006, 11:53 PM

One useful technique I use is to make a new color layer and paint with a quite vivid red on all protruding areas (end of nose, chin, edges of ears, cheeks, etc.) then change to color blend mode and reduce opacity down to almost nothing. It just gives it that "alive" mottling that we all (hopefully) have.

BillFrey · #6 10-20-2006, 07:12 AM

Hi LonK,

I've been practicing colorization also. I hope you don't mind, I added a little more color variation on your lovely work.

BillFrey

Edit: changed picture