Creative interpretations: Portrait - Paula

[crex]

Photoshop 7
1) Art History :: Brush 2px :: Normal :: 100% :: Tight long :: 10px
2) Desaturate, Luminosity
3) Paint Daubs

[Neve]

Outstanding and inspirational results

When I opened this image in Painter I had no idea I was going to finish up with a sketch? Since I'm still new to Painter, experimentation is what it's all about for moi.

Painter 8.1.

Cloning...
Goache/Fine Bristles 30 - Default
Started on hair, liked the result and tried for a pencil sketch.
Reduced size to define outlines.
Then attempted shadows using a zig-zag motion.
Filled in the face trying to keep to contour lines.
(increased the brush size for that....)
Didn't like the result......

so opened image in PSP8.1. Copied and pasted as new image,
minimzing this copy. Back to the original....

I Smudged her face and skin areas entirely making sure not to interfere with defining lines. Decolorized for grayscale.
Copied this original grayscale layer - Multiply Mode.
Merged all layers - duped that layer
Mode Soft Light on 2nd Layer.
Merged all layers.

For the colour sketch:-

Maximize image done in Painter.
duped the bottom layer.
2nd Layer - Screen Mode 85% Merged.

I placed this image as a second layer over the grayscale image.
Blend Mode Soft Light 100%
I added another Multiply layer - reduced opacity.
Merged all layers.

There's a lot of room for improvement of course but spent enough time on it...

[Janet Petty]

I LOVE being ecclectic. That means I get to adore and appreciate all different kinds of work and styles. That is what makes this forum so exciting and packed with learning. Everyone and I mean everyone has such a wealth of experimentation, learning, and knowledge that it is truly a privilege to be associated with ya'll.

That said...

Great job all on a terriffic model. I'm duly impressed, honored, and humbled. Thank you for your contributions.

Janet

[jaykita]

Originally Posted by jaykita

Thanks C.J.
Janet, very well done! Btw, my husband mostly says "wasting your time as usual". Some men, sometimes, can be real "pigs", grunt or no grunt!!
Here's another one of my poster art.

I'm overcome by waves of guilt, folks. Hubby is a sweet, caring man, a great father and provider. If he says "wasting your time" read that as "how about u spend more time with me"! Its true, thats the complaint these days. Oh Well, I blame it on a great, addictive site called retouchpro.com. LOL!!

[JustChecking]

wunderbarful stuff people!

and jaykita - that poster one is just awesome



i've been trying out the art history brush (for the first time), so it got pretty messy and uncontrolable

but it sure was big fun

[jaykita]

Originally Posted by CJ Swartz

I tried to paint in between the lines like Jaykita, but I am NOT going to post my results .

Here's what I used as a guide. Jaykita, there are things that PShop and PSP, etc. can do for us, and there are things that require the skill of the artistic -- I appreciate your stylistic images even more now.

Thank you so much, C.J., from the bottom of my heart! I realize that i enjoy doing those images, very very much.
Danny asked me to put up a tutorial (in another thread called jennifer) but i was terrified at the prospect. Honestly, i would love to, Danny, but i do think i need some time. And when i do, C.J., you'll see that its not so difficult. And dont be afraid to let yourself go!

Just Checking, I thank you, as well, for the appreciation.

[byRo]

Originally Posted by jaykita

Danny asked me to put up a tutorial (in another thread called jennifer) but i was terrified at the prospect. Honestly, i would love to, Danny, but i do think i need some time.

jaykita, I have always admired your posts and the "poster" one really stands out.
Writing a tutorial only hurts the first time (I took about two weeks writing and re-writing).
Suggestion: Send a "mock-up" in Word to a friend and ask for opinions / comments.
I am, of course, volunteering here.
Rô

[DannyRaphael]

Originally Posted by jaykita

Danny asked me to put up a tutorial (in another thread called jennifer) but i was terrified at the prospect. Honestly, i would love to, Danny, but i do think i need some time.

Let me add to the well-deserved kudos, jaykita, on this interpretation. It's truly wonderful.

re: "Sometimes" and "some men"
I sincerely appreciated the use of the qualifiers on your assessment of some men's behavior. Well done.

re: Spousal support
I can sure relate to the (near) addiction to this hobby. Given the choice between this and most other tasks, chores, responsibilities -- it's almost no contest. 98% of the time I'd prefer to tinker with Photoshop, Painter, Impressionist, Buzz, Virtual Painter, write actions and be inspired by the incredible artwork all of you create.

Being of the male gender, I can relate, too, to the need for some TLC from my spouse. If Lisa spent as much time on "a hobby" as I do on this, I would feel a little neglected if she didn't come up for air once in awhile. I make sure she (and my kids) get lots of hugs and attention from me each weekday and we do family acitivies on the weekend. I've got reminders set for important dates, e.g. birthday, Valentine's day and send her flowers "for no reason" (except as a reminder of how important she is to me). I remind her once in awhile, too, that photo-art is a pretty inexpensive hobby compared to other diversions that are popular with many men, e.g., frequently going to professional sports events, cars, golf, boats, ski trips, hunting, woodworking, etc. -- and it definitely keeps me home vs. going out all the time "with the guys." (On second thought, maybe she'd prefer my hobby took me away from the house, ya think? )

I think the bottom line is: Do what it takes to make sure those most important to you genuinely understand they are more important than your hobby (and mean it, I don't mean fake it). It doesn't hurt to talk about it now and then, just to reinforce priorities. I tell her how much I honestly appreciate her understanding of the time I spend "futzing around on the computer."

But when you're online, play your brains out!

re: Tutorial terror
I think Ro's suggestion is a great one. Draft something and send it to 2-3 people you trust. The feedback will help you make it even better and build your confidence. We want you to succeed.

To get over writer's block think "function over form," that is, don't get hung up on grammar, spelling, formatting, etc. Give it your best shot and let your RP friends help you out.

Most books have editors, who help authors in this regard. That's what we can do. We want you to succeed in a selfish way: Your success = we can learn from you. It's all good.

When the time's right, you will find open arms from many who will be more than willing to help. When you're ready, we will be, too.

~Danny~

[Neve]

I have viewed your poster presentation here so many times Jaykita because I know I am looking at something which uniquely portrays creative flair, a happy flamboyant use of colours and natural talent. I'd hesitated from saying so simply because I didn't trust myself to adequately find the right words to praise your effort. My hubby of 41 years will tell you that for me to be struck dumb is a rare event! Well done lass, it's a pleasure for me to participate in the same group.

[jaykita]

Rô, Danny, Neve....what can i say...words fail me! Thank you for the help offered, the advice, encouragement, appreciation. Thank you for making me feel I have something special to give to you. This site has indeed given me so much, it's pay back time, and why not. Isnt that what life's all about anyway? And while i'm at it...top of my list of priorities is someone who's been waiting patiently, so guys dont mind if you dont hear from me for sometime...

[PamSav]

Here's my result with the beautiful Paula. Sorry, I was having too much fun playing with channel mixers, blending modes and masks to note down what I did, but it was all done with PS own filters apart from one layer adjusted with Virtual Photographer Hollywood mode.

[DannyRaphael]

Originally Posted by PamSav

Sorry, I was having too much fun playing...to note what I did...

It's OK... Everyone gets a freebee once in awhile, Pam. You've earned this one.

[Steve1053]

Originally Posted by catia

Nice photo Danny and a couple of interesting versions.

I opted for a soft approach. Cloned out the green and brown background, then duped the BG. Ran Smart blur normal at radius of 4. Smudged the hair a bit. Added a mask and painted the eyes and mouth back in. Added a custom texture faded to 50%.

Catia

Catia

I do like your work especially the techniques you applied to this image - absolutely stunning!

I'm a new boy here, what programme do you use?

Steve

[DannyRaphael]

Originally Posted by Steve1053

Catia

I do like your work especially the techniques you applied to this image - absolutely stunning!

I'm a new boy here, what programme do you use?

Steve

Hello, Steve...

Welcome and thanks for jumping in with a question.

Catia hasn't been around for a while. In case she doesn't reply, she used Photoshop based on the description.

Keep those questions coming. That's how you learn!

~Danny~

[Ant]

I THINK I'M IN LOVE.

Originally Posted by Mig

I'm glad I don't have that filter because it produces ugly results.
All these contributions, except perhaps one of Catia's, are horrendous. I should say I'm sorry to have to say this, as if, "I'm sorry to have tell you guys this, but..." I can't - they're awful and that's the truth.
Really, why bother explaining how you did these? Who would want to know? You could run this picture through any filter at randon and in a less than a second get a better result.
Even if you want to get 'creative' about it, the idea is to make her look good.
I feel sorry for this girl. She's supposed to be beautiful.

Mig