"Red Chair HDR Lomo" Picasa 3.9 - Corel

Red Chair

Scanning through my external archives I ran across this photograph of a Red Chair taken in a retail store. I opened it in Picasa 3.9 and close cropped it of extraneous information that added little to the composition. I liked the experimental angle the photograph was taken at.

I next applied Picasa's HDR feature, adjusting the strength and radius. I then added the Lomo feature for more depth and shadow play.

I took the image into Corel PSP Pro X3 to add Image Information and my signature. I did that and saved the large file. I then resized for display here.

Off the beaten path for my posts and images. But I am still enamored of the grain of wood, and this image does have that.

"Thunderstorm and Internet Outage - Seagull C12 Digital Collage" Paint.NET - Corel

Digital Collage Seagull C12

Had another Thunderstorm and the power went out. I was offline and had powered down my system before that so I spared my equipment some electrical harassment. But after the storm passed - now - no Internet from my ISP! The travails of the current age.

So I drank a cup of coffee, half decaf and half regular and settled in at my workstation. I plugged in my External drive and browsed the folders in Thumbnail view looking for guitar photographs.

Finding some I made my selection, my Seagull C12 sideways (horizontally.) I opened the file with Paint.NET and applied the Ink Sketch with no color and a setting of 28 for the ink pen. I Then saved this large version to my local workstation.

I opened the file with Corel PhotoPaint and began creating some Masks that allowed some pasting of a skyline and a blue gradient into the piece. I also used a woodgrain fill for the guitar body mask. I played around with pieces of the guitar making an unusual looking instrument.

Selecting another photograph of my guitar I cut it out with the lasso tool and copied and pasted it into the collage. I applied curved feathering to the object selection and duplicated it in differing sizes for balancing out the composition.

I saved that iteration to my workstation and opened with Corel PSP Pro X3. Here I increased the Saturation using Vibrancy upping the color threshold. I applied my signature with the Visible Watermark tool. Then I selected the Picture Frame Cyanotype and framed the image.

I saved that iteration and resized for display in PSP Pro.

As I post this my Stereo Amp died a popping death! Now using old OEM Speakers, Can't use my Toneport for recording or playing back, it is unplugged. Bummer!

"That Show with Billy Wilson" Guest Singer Songwriter Meri Amber - Picasa 3.9

Singer Songwriter Meri Amber

Meri and Her Dad

I used Picasa 3.9 to edit both images of Meri performing, and her Dad singing with her. I cropped the images from the Screen Captures and applied the Warmify tool.

I then used the HDR tool set low for effect. After which I used the Lomo tool for the vignette. I added the Museum Matte and frame to finish off both of the images.

I did not go outside of Picasa's tool for editing at all. I kept the steps simple and hopefully effective.

TSBW can be watched on YouTube at this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Wrne27lf3yA

The Show also was featuring photography and Meri plays at the end of the show.

"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.

"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 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!

"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!

"Vintage DeSoto" HDR Watercolor - Corel Painter 11 - Plus

Vintage DeSoto HDR Watercolor

I like the older style cars and I got some good photographs at the 2012 Woodward Dream Cruise in Pontiac, Michigan. I opened from Picasa 3.9 this photograph of a Vintage DeSoto with a close up of the Grill. I used Picasa's HDR tool on the photograph, pushing the settings up.

I saved that large file and opened with Corel Painter 11 and painted a clone of the original HDR image. I used various Watercolor Brushes that come standard with Painter. I selected some of the colors with the eyedropper and painted with those. I left the majority of the grill untouched for the focal point. I saved the digital painting with a differing name.

I opened it again with Corel PSP Pro X3 and applied the Saturation Vibrancy tool. Then I used the Smart Photo Fix and Sharpened it and deepened the colors. I added the Rose mat and the Gold Picture Frame. Saving that iteration I then resized for display.

I opened with Corel PhotoPaint and added my signature and saved the final iteration.

"Grunge 78 Travis Bean Artist Guitar" Corel PhotoPaint - Filter Forge - Plus

78 Travis Bean Artist Guitar

"Grunge 74 Travis Bean Artist Guitar," also taken from the Guitar Photographer site mentioned in my last post with link. I created this grunge image using both Corel PSP Pro X3 and Corel PhotoPaint along with Filter Forge's Photo Effects and Frames.

I had much to do today so this post is very short with little explanation of the workflow. I am still working towards the goal of 1,000 posts for gatzkART!, 957 and counting.

"Hot Rod Pickup at Night" Corel PSP Pro X3

Hot Rod Pickup at Night

This photograph was taken by my Son, Keir M. Gatzka Friday Night at the Woodward Dream Cruise 2012 in Metro Detroit, Michigan. He is learning how to use the Manual settings on our Canon Rebel XTi.

I did some post processing in Corel PSP Pro X3 to deepen the foreground. His photograph was blown out in the grill and headlight area. I used the Remove Digital Noise feature and also gave the depth using Brightness/Contrast Midtones/Shadows/Highlights.

It is a great night time image with the blown out street lamps and the dark blue sky.

This photograph is ©2012 by Keir M. Gatzka.

"High Contrast Sandbox" Corel PhotoPaint - Plus

Sand Castle

Look!

We sat with my Grandson today and I was able to get a few Photographs. The family bought him a turtle shaped sandbox and some colored sand. As he played in it Grandma was right with him.

I took the photographs with my Canon XTi, and opened them with Corel PhotoPaint. I wanted to create some High Contrast images with bold colors. I applied the Local Equalization first to the images. This gives great contrast when set high.

Then for the color depth and punch I applied the Tone Curve to both of them. I finished the images with a Film frame from Filter Forge's Frames. This workflow is simple and straightforward and makes for High Contrast High Color pieces.

Listening --- Neil Young --- Old Man

"Musical Owl" with Vintage Postage Stamps - Corel PhotoPaint - Plus

Musical Owl

A short post today. Here is an image featuring and Owl from Free Vintage Digital Stamps, Music from Dover Clip Art. I also included some Vintage Stamps from my Cigar Box Collection.

I Acquired the scans into Corel PhotoPaint of the stamps. But I used Corel Painter Photo Essentials 4 to create an Impressionistic background from a photograph of paint peeling off of wood.

I assembled the Digital Collage in Corel PhotoPaint. Saved the large file and resampled for display along with my signature.

I am enjoying incorporating some of the Vintage Stamps into my current work. If anyone is interested in a particular stamp go to my Art for Sale page and email me personally. Thank you!

"Two Fish More Fish" Art Deco - Vintage Stamps - Corel PhotoPaint

Two Fish More Fish

I discovered this great Art Deco pattern in Edouard Benedictus' Art Deco Designs of Two Fish and Water. I scanned it in with my Canon MP495 as the basis for this piece. I opened Corel PhotoPaint and Acquired the scan and then applied the Effects, Tune Blur, Directional Smooth a few times.

I opened Picasa 3.9 and browsed my Dover Clip Art folder for some fish and nautical themes. I copied to the clipboard and pasted the fish and rowboat onto the background. I used the Property, Color Burn to make them transparent, placing them for a pleasant composition.

I also Acquired by scanning four Vintage Egyptian Postage Stamps to place in the four corners of this piece. These of course, come from my Cigar Box Collection of Vintage Postage Stamps. I copied and pasted these and used the Feathering tool on them, reducing the amount of white space around them each.

I added my signature in white and saved the large file, resampled for display and saved that iteration.

Listening --- Widespread Panic --- Fishing

"Money" Digital Collage - Art Nouveau - Corel PhotoPaint

MONEY

I am following up on yesterday's image with another Digital Collage. This time for the background I selected an Art Nouveau pattern from the book, "Art Nouveau Patterns and Designs by R. Beauclair." I scanned this in with my Canon MP495 into Corel PhotoPaint.

There I applied the Tone Curve and Filter Forge's Photo Effect Vibrance to give the colors some punch. From there I began to add to the background bits and pieces of scanned material. I used the theme, "There's More To Life Than Money."

I kept the Digital Collage simple and straightforward. After I merged the pieces all with the background I ran the Tune Blur, Directional Blur twice to smooth out the image.

Still in PhotoPaint I went to Image, Paper Size and added a 40 pixel brown border to frame the image. I saved the large iteration with my signature added, and resampled for display.

Listening --- Kirk Mathew Gatzka --- Draw Closer