Textures question

[lcramer53]

My sister asked me if I could turn her daughter's 8th grade graduation photo into something like an oil painting. I said that I'd try (I know that I'm not as good as so many of you here, but I keep on trying). I did my best with the different filters, layer adjustments, etc.. and then applied a brush texture to the image to replicate oil painting strokes. I didn't like it so I cropped the picture to the bustline and I liked it a lot better. I felt that you could better see the intended illusion of the brush strokes and even printed it out to print-size (20x24) and was pretty happy with it (she eventually wants this printed onto canvas).

Anyway, she didn't like it, she wanted the whole photo of my niece in her long dress to be done in that style but printed at the 20x24 size, no bigger. I told her that if she wanted those brush strokes to show up in the uncropped version, she would have to go to a larger print-size.

Was I right or was there another solution to this problem?

I'm attaching a similar-type before and after photo from sxc.hu (original http://www.sxc.hu/browse.phtml?f=view&id=526243 ) to give you an idea of what I'm talking about, my sister won't let me use my niece's photo here.

Also, any tips on emulating textures to look like heavy oil painting would be most appreciated. I've already checked out the thread where pstewart had links to some textures that she created, but wondering if there is any more good information that you could suggest.

Thanks,

[Swampy]

Achieving realistic brush strokes in a painting is something I have been experimenting with. In the sample below, I first pushed pixels around to simplify the photo. When I got something I liked, I saved as a Pattern and Painted back with the Pattern Stamp Tool over a 'canvas' layer of light brown.

I painted on several layers and added custom styles to each painting layer. Drop Shadow and Bevel & Emboss, or in combination gave the best simulation.

After painting I did a "Stamp Merge" and on a duplicate of that then did a High Pass with the HP layer set to Overlay blend mode.

Hope this helps.

[lcramer53]

Swampy, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, you are terrific! I'll be experimenting and get back with my attempts.

[Swampy]

Here's the same basic technique applied to the photo you provided.

[lcramer53]

Oh, that's great Swampy, now as I'm practising, I've got a direction to go toward, especially since I hold your talents in extremely high esteem, really!! Thanks again.

[Swampy]

Thanks, Susie! Just play and enjoy 'cause it's so much fun!! :-)

[lcramer53]

You're welcome Swampy, may not get back to that today, going to install CS3 upgrading from CS2.

[petersolano]

You could also try TOPAZ SIMPLIFY BUZSIM, it gives very realistic "oil paintings" from digital photos. You can download a demo from their website. http://www.topazlabs.com/

[DannyRaphael]

Originally Posted by petersolano

You could also try TOPAZ SIMPLIFY BUZSIM, it gives very realistic "oil paintings" from digital photos. You can download a demo from their website. http://www.topazlabs.com/

Welcome to RP, Peter. Great suggestion on Topaz plugin/setting. I like that one a lot, too.

- - - - -

Excellent advice as usual Swampy. You are a treasure.

And how 'bout those #1 FL Gators???

- - - - -

Susie... Here's another one to chew on created with the Akvis Artwork plugin.

Good luck with your project.

[Swampy]

Danny

>>And how 'bout those #1 FL Gators???

Uhhh, My vote went to Utah. :-)

[DannyRaphael]

Originally Posted by Swampy

Danny

>>And how 'bout those #1 FL Gators???

Uhhh, My vote went to Utah. :-)

And mine to USC!