"Of Headstocks Seagull C12 and Lyon by Washburn 6" Corel PSP Pro X3

Seagull C12 and Lyon by Washburn 6

I got out our two guitars again for more photographs of them. I took this one on a Macro setting, a close up of the Headstocks of each guitar. I used my Canon Rebel XTI for the photographs I shot this afternoon.

I loaded them onto my computer and opened in Picasa 3.9 update. I used Corel PSP Pro X3 for my workflow. As usual I applied the Digital Camera Noise Removal first, then used the Smart Photo Fix where I increased some color and sharpened it a bit. I then went to Saturation and used the Vibrancy for punch to the colors.

I went to the Effects Browser and selected lighting and tried differing lighting effects. I chose Tungsten as it gave the whole image a golden look and feel. I added my copyright and name as for some reason my PNG of my 2013 signature file is not completely transparent. I will have to adjust this so I can use my signature. I feel that a signature is better with the copyright symbol and year date, it adds class to the images I create.

I have found that if I go into Corel PhotoPaint that my bitmapped photograph loses all EXIF data which I want to keep. So I did not use it to add the signature. PSP Pro X3 allows my adding a title and copyright date and artist information using the Image Information tool. This shows up in the EXIF data of the image, which would be lost in PhotoPaint.

"A Rainy Day at Peggy's Cove" Corel Painter 11 - Paint.NET - Filter Forge

A Rainy Day at Peggy's Cove

A challenge photograph from the Painter Talk forum. I downloaded the photograph and opened it in Paint.NET. There I used the Effect Ink Sketch with the color set to zero for a black and white image. I saved that and opened it in Painter 11.

I selected various Watercolor Brushes native to Painter and painted away at differing sizes. I used a Bristle brush for the Rain - like sky adding the yellow highlights and the reflections in the water. Saving that iteration at display size I opened from Picasa 3.9 update to Corel PhotoPaint.

Here I added my signature and used Filter Forge's Photo Effects Vibrance for punching up the colors. I saved that file to share here. Be sure to click on the image for the larger view. Thanks for your interest!

Listening to Eric Clapton Unplugged from YouTube.

"Seagull C12 Cedar 12-String Guitar Painted" Corel PSP Pro X3

Seagull C12 Cedar 12-String Guitar Painted

I angled this photograph, taken with my Canon Rebel XTI, to show the full dreadnaught body and length. I also like the colors of the Cedar top and it's Red plush case interior.

I opened the photograph with Corel PSP Pro X3 and used my beginning workflow, Noise Removal and Smart Photo Fix on it. I then went to the Effects list, selecting Art Media Effects, Art Brush Strokes, and applied the Factory Defaults to the image.

This gave it a painterly feel. I also applied the Effects, Texture Effect, Texture, selecting a noticeable Texture for the image. I used the Curves on it to give some depth to the colors.

I added a copyright notification to the EXIF information with Image Information tool and with the Text Tool on the image itself. I resized the image to display and saved that iteration.

"Of Guitar Bodies and Grunge" Picasa - Corel - Filter Forge

Of Guitar Bodies and Grunge

"Of Guitar Bodies and Grunge." Another digital collage made in Picasa 3.9 update from the Photographs I recently took. Here are four images in the collage. Three of our Lyon 6-String, at varying angles, and one of my Seagull C12 Cedar 12-String guitars.

I selected the photographs, taken with our Canon Rebel XTI, based on the bodies of the guitars. In Picasa I applied the Warmify feature for color. Then I used the HDR tool for Sharpening the image.

I was going to do an overlay of a Pencil drawing of the collage but did not like the end result so abandoned it. I decided to add texture the same way I did with my last collage of guitars. I used Corel PhotoPaint, and Filter Forge's Photo Effects Grunge. This gave me more of what I wanted and helped to make a second in a series of similar images.

I added my signature in white to the display sized collage and saved that iteration.

"Grunge 6 and 12 String Guitar Collage" Picasa - Corel - Plus

6 and 12 String Guitar Collage

Using my Canon Rebel XTI DSLR I shot a number of angled photographs of our two guitars. My Seagull C12 Cedar 12-String and my son's Lyon 6-String were both subjects. I was experimenting with angling from long end to end shots and close ups.

I put the photographs on the computer and using Picasa 3.9 update I created a collage of four of the photographs. Picasa creates large files with as much detail that is in the photographs as possible. I used the Warmify feature of Picasa to make a more unified color scheme. I then applied the HDR tool to the image.

I also used Corel PSP Pro X3 for some touch up and enhancement, saving the large secondary collage file. I resized to display size to use in Corel PhotoPaint.

In PhotoPaint I removed more noise from the collage as the HDR had made some hot spots on it. I opened Filter Forge's Photo Effects and applied the Grunge tool. This darkened the edges and gave the overall feel I wanted. I added my signature in white and saved again the display iteration.

I have playing my 12-String more often lately and today my fingers are very sore even for typing. I use a pick for strumming and playing leads to jam backtracks from GuitarTricks, which I have a complimentary 30 day subscription. I was invited to this offer recently and I am taking advantage of Acoustic and Blues Guitar lessons, with a touch of DADGAD alternate tuning lessons. It is very enjoyable, but some of the lessons are challenging.

"100 Thousand Pageviews - Milestone!" CorelDRAW

Created in CorelDRAW.


I wanted to add to this Page a NOTE that invites those of you whom come to his simple
page offering of thanks to peruse the rest of my blog offerings and not just bounce away
disappointed by the meager artwork here as thanks. I have much more to share here,
If you would take the time to look deeper into my Digital Visual Artworks.

Scroll down, view on the right Archive links and click on them. Also I have a tag cloud
at the bottom of the page you can select and view by topic. For Example click on 12_String for
additional Guitar Artwork, and select Older Pages for more!

It is my hope you enjoy my Digital Visual Artwork created to delight and leave
an impression on you. A Good One is my desire!

"Of Arches and Portrait" Corel PSP Pro X3

Of Arches and Portrait

Portrait of myself on a brisk day for photography, taken by my son Keir M. Gatzka. "Of Arches and Portrait," was taken using Manual settings next to the rusted drinking fountain and within an Arch.

I opened the photograph in Corel PSP Pro X3 and applied the Digital Camera Noise Removal, the Smart Photo Fix (increasing the color a bit,) I used the Saturation Vibrancy. I sharpened the image using Plugin KPT Collection Equalizer.

I added my son's copyright notice in text as I don't have his digital signature yet. The more he and I do photography walks I will try to get one made with his signature on my Wacom tablet.

I am listening to +Paul Platt on his YouTube Channel as I work on this post. He has a great style that puts you at ease and in a creative state of mind.

"Let It Shine" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bO6oUgUTgVY&feature=endscreen&NR=1

Have a listen!

"Of Tower and Arches II" High Contrast - Corel - Plus

Of Tower and Arches II

"Of Tower and Arches II," is a High Contrast version of my photograph of this amazing Park Warehouse. I used my Canon Rebel XTI to take this shot at the Park. I opened from Picasa 3.9 with Corel PhotoPaint, rotating the image to portrait.

I then applied the Local Equalization to it for the High Contrasts I wanted. I also used the Tone Curve tool to add depth to the image. Using the Filter Forge's Photo Effects plugin I applied Vibrancy to the image. I saved that large iteration.

I opened it with Corel PSP Pro X3 and used the Smart Photo Fix feature. I again increased the color and then applied the Saturation Vibrancy for more punch. I added in the EXIF information my title, the artist and copyright to it. I saved the full file.

I added my name and copyright to the image using the Text tool in PSP Pro X3. The last PNG of my signature created jagged edges on it so I have to attempt to make a transparent signature file again.

I resized the image here for display.

"Old Brick Building Behind the Tower" Corel - Plus

Old Brick Building Behind the Tower

The image for my selection today was another photograph of the Tower and the building attached to the back. I took the photograph with my Canon Rebel XTI on the standard settings. I am not as adventurous as my son just yet in my photography.

From Picasa 3.9 I opened with Corel PSP Pro X3 and used the Smart Photo Fix feature. I increased some color and sharpness. I used the Saturation Vibrancy set at 33 on it. Doing these steps made the gray brick somewhat greenish in cast. I saved this large iteration.

I opened from Picasa with Corel PhotoPaint and cloned out an electrical cable. I applied Filter Forges' Photo Effects Vibrancy for a lighter image. Some of the greenish cast was adjusted by this step.

I used the Tone Curve to add depth and some punch to the overall color of the image. Now not as greenish but back to gray brick with shadows. I added my signature in black and resampled for display size in PhotoPaint.

I used PSP Pro X3 to adjust the EXIF data, including my copyright and title of the photograph. I saved it again for display.

"A Twisty Tree" Corel PSP Pro X3

A Twisty Tree

Not much to say about today's photograph. Another experiment by my son Keir M. Gatzka. Using our Canon Rebel XTI with Manual settings he shot this photograph from the bottom of the tree. Clear focus on the twisting bark and the unfurled branches further into the depth of field.

I opened the photograph from Picasa 3.9 with Corel PSP Pro X3 and added my usual workflow: Noise Removal, Smart Photo Fix with emphasis on deepening the color. An application of the Tone Curve to deepen the shadows and color. A touch of Saturation Vibrancy for some punch to the colors.

I did all the Digital Processing on this great experimental shot. As I have mentioned before we are a good team. I added his name and copyright in PSP Pro X3 and re-sized for display here.

"Rusted Drinking Fountain Angled II" Corel - Plus

Rusted Drinking Fountain Angled II

One of the subjects my son and I selected to photograph at differing angles and in Manual settings was this Rusted Drinking Fountain. Keir M. Gatzka is the photographer, but I did the Digital Processing.

I opened from Picasa 3.9 in Corel PhotoPaint, I used the Local Equalization tool and then used the Tone Curve for color depth. I opened the Filter Forge Photo Effects plugin for Vibrancy to put some punch into the contrasting colors and the existing texture.

I applied the Color Balance and increased the red and green slightly. I had to copy the image and keep it's rotation to Portrait, losing some of the EXIF data.

It was taken with our Canon Rebel XTI DSLR with settings at ISO of 1600 and the equivalent of 30mm - 35mm film. I added the photographer and processor information and saved the large file.

I opened with Corel PSP Pro X3 and added copyright and title and other description to the adjusted photograph with Image Information. This improved the EXIF information. I adjusted to display size in PSP Pro X3.

"Of Broken Glass, Red Rafters and Arches" Corel PSP Pro X3

Of Broken Glass, Red Rafters and Arches
©2013 Keir M. Gatzka

"Of Broken Glass, Red Rafters and Arches" Corel PSP Pro X3

I am presenting another photograph taken by my son Keir M. Gatzka. The previous Tower and Arches photograph and processing, done by myself are somewhat duplicated here.

Keir took this photograph with our Canon Rebel XTI with settings on Manual. His focal point and angle is very creative here. I did only some basic adjustments on the original (see yesterday's blog entry.)

I think the two of us make a good team, and really enjoy sharing outings with him. We will probably make more visits to this Park as the season warms up and the foliage grows.

We live in an area near Metro Detroit, Michigan and have access to rural and urban subjects.

Today I spent some time working on a brochure for his Massage Therapy business: KMG Therapeutic. It came together late in the day so my post today is later than I would have liked.

He is an excellent Therapist and is striving to build clientele in Oakland County, Michigan. He does all forms of massage including Corporate Chair Massage. His website is at:

http://kmg-therapeutic.massagetherapy.com

email: keirgatzka@massagetherapy.com

Time to post and get on to the next step in my day Google+ streaming.

"Of Tower and Arches" Corel - Plus

Of Tower and Arches

"Of Tower and Arches," another photograph taken by my son Keir M. Gatzka. This was taken on April 1st, 2013. Using our Canon Rebel XTI in Manual focus, he set the focal point to the right hand side with depth of field more noticeable on the left.

I did my workflow in Corel PSP Pro X3 - Noise Removal, Smart Photo Fix, upped the color, Saturation Vibrancy set at 35. I added a KPT Collections LensFlare for the "sunlight" in the sky through the clouds.

I added full credit to Keir for this photograph, though I did the digital processing. I added his copyright and name using the Text feature of PSP Pro X3, and re-sized for display there as well.

As you can see this is a incredible old building with it's arches and tower. If it could only talk, the stories it would tell!

"Towering Tower and Pine Tree" Canon XTi - Corel - Plus

Towering Tower and Pine Tree

I am using the photographs from the Park to their best advantage. Today's photograph was taken by Keir M. Gatzka and processed by myself.

I opened from Picasa 3.9 the "Towering Tower and Pine Tree," this was taken in Manual setting, at an extreme angle. I used Corel PSP Pro X3 with some usual steps in my workflow: Noise Removal; Smart Photo Fix; Saturation Vibrancy; with a bit of sharpening.

I saved that iteration. You can notice the depth of field on the tree with more focus on the tower. This was the intention of my son's effort with the photograph.

From Picasa I opened with Corel PhotoPaint and added my signature as I am doing all the processing. But in the EXIF information the copyright is given to both my son and I. Only fair as he took the original photograph. I resampled for display here.

As you can tell this Tower and old building is a motif we are fastened on for the time being. Straight photography and simple processes being our focus. I have yet more to share.

"The Tower From Behind" Corel - Plus

The Tower From Behind

"The Tower From Behind," is today's photographic image. From our trip to the Park where we took numerous photographs of this fascinating old building, now a warehouse, I took this shot with my Canon Rebel XTI DSLR. 

I opened it from Picasa 3.9 as is my habit and used Corel PSP Pro X3 to adjust the image. I used my usual workflow steps, the Digital Camera Noise Removal and Smart Photo Fix. I increased the sharpness and the color in Photo Fix. I then further increased the Vibrancy in the Saturation tool set at 50.

I saved the large iteration and opened with Corel PhotoPaint. There were some electric cables strung to the building. Using the Cloning tool I cloned them out of the image. I added my signature and saved that large iteration.

I re-opened in PSP Pro X3 and added the Title and Artist, copyright information with Image Information feature. When I zoomed in I could see my cloning and am not truly satisfied with it. But I am allowing myself some leeway there as I am making the display version smaller. I adjusted to display size in PSP Pro X3 and saved it.

"Brick Building - Broken Windows in Peak" Corel - Plus

Brick Building - Broken Windows in Peak

An additional Broken Window photograph from our trip to the Park. I opened from Picasa 3.9 with Corel PSP Pro X3. I applied the Digital Camera Noise Removal and the Smart Photo Fix features. I attempted to straighten the photograph but it cut off the Peak of the roof and so I discarded that tool.

I saved that large iteration. from Picasa I opened with Corel PhotoPaint. From PhotoPaint I selected the Fill tool and it's tile fill Load. I found a sky and cloud image and selected that for the fill tool at full size. Back with the photograph I selected the Wand tool and masked the white cloud filled sky. I used the fill tool now to add the Blue and partly cloudy sky. Then I removed the mask.

I then used Filter Forge's Photo Effects Vibrance on the image to give depth to the colors. I added my signature and resampled to display size after I saved the larger file.

After I saved the medium sized image I used KPT Collection's Projector to straighten the photograph just a bit. As It was take from the Ground Looking up I thought it was a bit off.

I used my Canon Rebel XTI DSLR for the original photograph, each photograph I took I'll take credit for and give credit to my son Keir M. Gatzka when he is the photographer.

After processing the photographs I'll add a my signature with the copyright date, as I am doing all the processing myself.

"Opportunity Knocks - Open the Door" Corel - Plus

Opportunity Knocks - Open the Door

A quick Post today. Photograph by Keir M. Gatzka and Digital Processing by Kirk Mathew Gatzka. Using Picasa 3.9 I opened the photograph in Corel PSP Pro X3. I applied a simple workflow and saved that iteration. I opened it with Corel PhotoPaint and added the phrase and my signature. I resampled for display.

I will write more about future posts, I am just behind today! Thanks for looking!

"Old Rusted Drinking Fountain" Corel - Plus

Old Rusted Drinking Fountain

At the nostalgic building we took photographs of this rusty old, out of use "Drinking Fountain." We took many angles of it and I will probably share some more. My son Keir M. Gatzka is an adventurous photographer and loves to shoot in Manual on our Canon Rebel XTI.

I opened from Picasa 3.9 with Corel PSP Pro X3 and first applied the Digital Camera Noise Removal tool. I also used the Smart Photo Fix tool and adjusted the sharpness. After this I applied the Saturation Vibrancy tool for color depth to highlight the red and green, and rust on the Fountain. Using the Picture Frame feature I gave it a simple black frame and saved that iteration.

I opened with Corel PhotoPaint to add my signature and resample to display size. I have yet to create a PNG file of my 2013 signature to use while in PSP Pro X3, I'll do that soon.

As this building is in a public park we tried to imagine it's uses. It would have made a great music venue, or a place to have large gatherings or parties. Now it is the parks Warehouse. Such a shame, for it is a unique structure with an obvious full past.

"Warehouse with Broken Glass Window" Corel - Plus

Warehouse with Broken Glass Window

It is sunny but cold yet here in South East Michigan, but spring is upon us. My son Keir M. Gatzka and I took a trip to a local park on Monday and took photographs of an old nostalgic building there. It has a wonderful tower and arches and differing color brick.

I took this photograph of the back of the building  It shows the bricks, boarded up windows and the top window with the broken glass.

I opened this with Corel PhotoPaint from Picasa 3.9 and applied the Local Equalization tool for high contrast. I also used the Tone Curve tool for some depth to the colors. I saved that iteration.

I opened it with Corel PSP Pro X3 applying the Digital Camera Noise Removal to it and it took out some of the graininess. To punch up the colors I used the Saturation Vibrancy feature on it set at 33 percent. I also used the Barrel Distortion tool set on High for the slight distortion of the Canon Rebel XTI lens. I added a Black Gradient frame to the image and saved again.

I re-sized for display and Increased the Color Depth and saved that iteration. Back in PhotoPaint I added my inverted signature and saved again.