First Post - First Attempt at Sketch

[VanDorn]

I've tried out Akvis Sketch on a photo of an outcropping of rocks. I used the basic settings from their tutorial here.

It turned out rather well. :-) I've attached the photo.

Any ideas on how I could be more creative with it?

[0lBaldy]

VanDorn, welcome to RetouchPro. Have a look around and enjoy your stay. Looking forward to seeing some more of your work

Which photo editor are you using?

[VanDorn]

Thanks

I'm using Photoshop Elements.

[VanDorn]

Here are some more rocks. I tried settings for more of a water color effect, as here.

[DannyRaphael]

Originally Posted by VanDorn

I've tried out Akvis Sketch on a photo of an outcropping of rocks. I used the basic settings from their tutorial here.

It turned out rather well. :-) I've attached the photo.

Any ideas on how I could be more creative with it?

Welcome to RP, VanDorn. Akvis Sketch is my 2nd favorite plugin -- right behind Impressionist.

You might try combining Akvis rendered layers with those rendered by Elements' Colored Pencil or Find Edges filters.

Couldn't resist taking your pic and giving it a go in BW. Blue skies converted to bold darks = a lot of drama.

Hope you enjoy your time here at RP... Have fun!

[VanDorn]

Thanks :-)

I'll try combining the filters as you suggested - should be interesting.

And your version of my photo - very impressive!

[VanDorn]

Another experiment:

1. I used Colore Pencil (Underpainting) to add some texture and blur the colors, lowered opacity of the layer, and then

2. Rendered a layer below that with Sketch to add detail and merged the layers.

Oh, and I forgot to ask, DannyRaphael, how did you create the black and white effect?

[Gilbert]

I Like it VanDorn my only reservation would be the line where sky meets top of trees seems too even....other than that....GREAT

[VanDorn]

Thanks :-)

Yeah, I'll tweak the settings a little bit, and see what happens.

[VanDorn]

Used Smudge Stick instead of Underpainting - a little more uneven now.

[Gilbert]

A lot more 'natural' now (to my eyes anyway) Keep experimenting and enjoying.....

[DannyRaphael]

Originally Posted by VanDorn

Oh, and I forgot to ask, DannyRaphael, how did you create the black and white effect?

I use Photoshop and am not familiar with Elements. When it comes to converting a color image to BW I do know that Elements "has its own ways" depending on which version one is using.

For some ideas, check out articles like these:
* http://www.peachpit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=667506
* http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/t...2/PSE2_BW.html
* http://tutorial.jcwcn.com/2D-Graphic...6-24/9234.html

I hope these get you started...

[VanDorn]

Thanks, I'll take a look....