Photo-art Mini-challenge #105 – Catarina

[jrolinc]

Sounds almost like the Photoshop Applied Image tool. That gives you a wide variety of choices with "merging" documents...including what you mentioned, Add/Subtract, etc.

I've been playing with this a bunch lately and have had some spectacular results. So maybe something to try Jeff.

[DannyRaphael]

During my recent "getaway," I was reading about Painter 8 (Painter 8 Creativity, by Jeremy Sutton. It's simply an excellent intro book, especially if you're into (or trying to be into) portrait-type photo art.) and wanted to try a couple things.

I decided to dredge up another Mini-challenge that's been idle for awhile...

The base image was prepared in Photoshop (Smart Blur/Normal, Posterize), then closed and opened in Painter 8 where brushstrokes were applied using Blender brushes. One of the things I picked up in Painter 8 Creativity was the concept of limiting the number of colors in a creation. One way to achieve that is to utilize the posterize command, a common function in many image editors. A Photoshop alternative is the Cutout filter.

I kind of liked how this turned out brush-texture-wise. Unfortunately the background got pretty muddled up and I wished way too late that I'd removed it at the beginning, but "Oh, well." Live and learn.

Anyway, it made for a fun afternoon.

~Danny~

[didofate]

This looks a bit tame after Danny's strong work of art

Barry

[DannyRaphael]

Hi Barry:

Welcome to RetouchPRO. Congrats on taking the leap and posting a pic. Give yourself a big HIGH 5 for that. The lurker to participant ratio for this forum is about 550 to 1 at last count.

Thanks for your kind words, but don't ever worry that your pics will be compared to mine or any one elses. While that may be the culture in some venues, it's not that way here. What's way more important is trying new techniques, experimenting, sharing ideas and methods, and having fun. Fun + learning = a great sport.

Don't ever feel that you need to apply X degrees of manipulation in order to meet minimum qualifications. In many cases "subtle" changes/manipulations are just right. You're the artist. You make the call.

In any event, glad you jumped in. Hope to see more of your creations in the future.

~Danny~

[kpower]

Catarina is certainly a charming subject - Here is my very much beginner's attempt . I *endeavoured* to follow Stephen LeQuier (aka Trimoon) excellent impressionist tutorial however I can't blame him for the outcome.

I had some difficulty getting an attachment to stick...Thanks to Danny for sorting me out.

Keith

[DannyRaphael]

Congratuations, Keith!

I know how hard you've been working to get Impressionist installed, plus working through the Trimoon tutorial and finally getting over the tech. glitch in order to get attachments working.

Well, I'd say for a first-time effort you've done a terrific job. I admire your creativity and determination.

Here's to many, many more in the future!

~Danny~

[Joy_CA]

This is the first time I have posted a photo, hope I'm doing this right...

Catarina ia a doll...

Joy

[DannyRaphael]

Originally Posted by Joy_CA

This is the first time I have posted a photo, hope I'm doing this right...

Catarina ia a doll...

Joy

You did just perfect, Joy. Hope to see more of you in the future!

~Danny~

[jch71566]

Joy,

I like what you've done. Care to share your technique?

-Jeff

[Joy_CA]

Jeff, I'm not sure I can tell you exactly, but, I'll try to get close (I use PSP8).

First, I open the image and close the original. Then I duplicate, so, I have two or three copies (minimize the extras).

I make a pencil sketch of one, that will be the base layer.
I smudge the lines on the pencil sketch.
I wrote a Script that makes lines from the image (that's sort of like a PS action).
I add the lines image as new layer (changing the opacity and smudging the lines, if needed). Some times the lines are added last, depending on the photo.
I do a lot of hand work, smudging/dodging/burning etc. (especially the hair).

Last, I copy one of the images (no changes other than any corrections that are needed) and paste it as the top layer.
Lower the opacity until it's as pale or colorful as you want.
Some times more hand work is needed.
Sharpen a little with USM, or, just sharpen the eyes with the Sharpen tool.

Some where, along the line, I softened the background with the soften tool.

The problem is, I do each one different and sort of as I go. I have trouble remembering the sequence or exactly what I did.

I posted one under Mountain-man, I used the lines on it too, but, as you can see, it came out much different.

I hope this helps...
Joy

[shariwb]

Wow! This is a popular picture and what great renditions from everyone. I am always trying to improve the oil paint look and this is what I came up with:

Shari

[jaykita]

One more from me.

[jaykita]

A watercolor creation by me.

[JustChecking]

that's a great stuff, people!



-----
i guess i got something half way from palette knife to dry brush

2 layers (copies of original)
bottom - Impressionist->Pencil Sketch->Detailed Col 100,100,86; USM 100,2.6,0
top - Amphisoft Simplifier, Ormente Fluorizer, Dry Brush 2,8,1; blend-hardlight

[chipmunk]

Jayikta...
I really like your posts of Catrina, especially the watercolor effect. Could you share how you did it? I've been lurking a while and am on the lookout for any help I can get with watercolor effects.

Thanks so much for sharing.