"Garden Lady Colored Pencils" Corel - Canon

Garden Lady Colored Pencils

My son was rearranging a closet for us and found a case with some of my older Freehand Drawings and Paintings. "Garden Lady," is one of those. I got out my Canon Rebel XTi and took some photographs of the artworks. This one is the first one I worked on for display here.

I copied my Medium sized photographs to the Hard Drive and viewed them, deleting a few that were very poor quality (operator error.) I opened "Garden Lady," in Corel PSP Pro X3. I did some cropping, and used Saturation Vibrancy and Color Curves on the photograph. I imported my signature PNG file, which unfortunately it had some pixelization to it.

I added a Polaroid frame and a border to the image. I saved the iteration with Image Information including Copyright, Title, Artist. I then resized for sharing here.

I have a few other images to share in subsequent posts.

"Concerts in the Plus Danni Rossner, Sonia Rao" Corel - Plus

Sonia Rao

Danni Rosner

I've been ill a few days so I am a little behind on my "Concerts in the Plus" postings. Today I wanted to share with you "Danni Rosner and Sonia Rao," images. Again these started out as screen captures from the Concert on YouTube. Max Lugavere was included but I have already done an image of Max from a Spotlight in the Plus hangout on Google+.

I opened the bitmapped screen captures taken with Picasa 3.9 in Corel PhotoPaint. There I cropped and converted to jpg file format to work with for display.

I opened them with Corel PSP Pro X3 and adjusted to display size. I applied Digital Camera Noise Removal and Smart Photo Fix on both, making differing adjustments to each according to need.

With Sonia Rao I upped the color and softened the skin texture. then I used the Art Media, Brushstrokes on the image. I added my signature using the Visible Watermark tool. I then applied a 1965 type photograph filter in the Time Machine tool. This gave me a frame and then I added a black border to it, saving that iteration.

In Picasa 3.9 I then opened Danni Rosner's image capture. I applied the workflow mentioned above for Noise and Photo Fix. Using the Unsharp Mask tool for some details. I used the effects, image effects, Seamless Tiling on it for a bit of duplication of forms. I also applied the Saturation Vibrancy tool for color depth. I added my signature then using Picture Frame I added the frame.

If you missed the Concert go here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qw0rx13sTlE&feature=g-user

For Sonia Rao: http://soniarao.com/

And for Danni Rosner: http://www.dannirosner.com/

"Two Alaskan Landscapes" Corel PSP Pro X3 - Plus

Above the Clouds

Alaskan Forest

I searched some of my Alaskan photographs on my external drive. I liked this one "Above the Clouds." I opened with Corel PSP Pro X3. I first applied the Hue and Saturation tool Vibrancy, which gave me a bit more color.

Then I applied the Curves tool to lighten it a bit, as it was taken late in the day. I wanted a painterly look and feel so I used the Art Strokes tool set with the density at 33 and stroke length at 10.

I added the signature with the Visible Watermark tool. I looked for an appropriate framing in Picture Frame, selecting the rough edged Photo mount frame. I saved that iteration and resized for display.

I wanted to use Corel PSP Pro X3 as my program of choice for this photograph's enhancement. So I stayed in PSP using it's tools to complete my digital manipulation.

The Second image is also an "Alaskan Forest," landscape. I opened this with Corel Painter Photo Essentials 4. Selecting the Classical Oil Painting auto paint I applied the Random Sketchy Circle strokes set at 80% for size and 40% for Amount.

Saving the file I opened with Corel PSP Pro X3 and added Vibrancy to the colors. The using Picture Frame I added the mat and gold frame. I saved that iteration. I added my signature in Corel PhotoPaint and resampled for display saving that file.


Listening to the Boats on the Lake and Grass Being Mown

"Art Nouveau Grunge" Digital Collage - Corel PhotoPaint - Filter Forge - Dover Clip Art

Art Nouveau Grunge

Earlier today in my workflow and posting. Using Picasa 3.9 I browsed to my Dover Publications Sampler folder and looked for some Art Nouveau clip art. I found a great floral background and opened with Corel PhotoPaint. I adjusted the size by increasing to 128dpi and used that for the background.

I browsed some more and found a couple of pieces, one of a woman's face in a circular style, and the second an embellishment, both Art Nouveau. I copied and pasted them and used the property Multiply on them for transparency. Then I applied Replace Color on both using a purplish or puce color.

Before I merged them I applied Filter Forge's Photo Effect Grunge variation changing some of the settings to enhance the stain, lessen the grunge. I merged all pieces and added my signature. I saved this large file and opened with Corel PSP Pro X3.

Here I added a wooden like mat and the golden frame using the Picture Frame feature. I saved that iteration and then resized it in PSP for display here.

Listening --- Rusty Truck --- Cold Ground

"Jack Jack" Enhanced Photograph - Corel PSP Pro X3

Jack Jack

A great photograph taken by my son Keir M. Gatzka of their dog "Jack Jack". He is a Rat Terrier and is a bundle of high energy. To get him to sit still for a few moments took training. And he is well trained as you can see in this photograph of him.

My Canon Rebel XTi is what was used for the initial image. I opened it in Corel's PSP Pro X3. I enhanced the color with Vibrancy and increased the saturation also. I used the Sharpening tool on the photograph after I had Removed Digital Camera Noise.

I like the way Jack is offset from the very center of the photograph. I also like the enhanced colors of this piece.

I used the Picture Frame tool for the transparent frame. This added some more interest to the offset and entire image.

Listening --- CSNY --- Wooden Ships

"Ingenuity of Youth" - Corel PhotoPaint - PSP Pro X3 - Filter Forge

Ingenuity of Youth

Here is an image of my Grandson playing with his family's iPod. He is only about 18 months old and he knows how to turn it on, find the games and play some of them. I'll admit that I don't have one and he knows more than me!

I took this photograph with my Canon Rebel XTi and opened it in PhotoPaint. I cropped it some to make him the focal point, especially his hand above the iPod. I applied the Local Equalization to it and used the Tone Curve for depth. Then using Filter Forge Photo Effects Vibrance twice I saturated the colors. I also used the Frames for a light film frame.

I saved this large file and opened it with PSP Pro X3 to add the Picture Frame Cyanotype and a ten pixel black border. I did an iterative save and reopened in PhotoPaint. There I added my signature and resampled for display.

Listening --- C S N & Y --- Teach Your Children

"Beauty and Decay II" - PSP Pro X3 - PhotoPaint

Beauty II

Decay II

Browsing in Picasa 3 I found these two photographs, the first one taken by myself and the second by my Son, Keir M. Gatzka. I opened the sunrise over Bald Eagle Lake with PSP Pro X3 and used the Brushstroke effect for a painterly look. I also applied the Vibrancy tool and upped the saturation a bit.

I browsed through the Picture Frame section and selected a frame, which I later added a border to while adding my signature in PhotoPaint.

This second one received much the same treatment in PSP Pro X3, the only difference is that it was posterized prior to my enhancing it more. I used the same frame and border tools as I did with the first image. With this one I applied Local Equalization and the Tone Curve for depth in PhotoPaint, then used PSP.

I saved the larger files and then resampled for sharing here and saved those iterations.

Listening --- The Beach Boys --- Good Vibrations

"Beauty and Decay" - PSP Pro X3 - PhotoPaint

Beauty

Decay

I used some photographs taken by my Son, Keir M. Gatzka for enhancing. Both photographs were taken quite some time ago, with our first digital camera, a point and shoot small camera. So I did some searching in Picasa 3 to these older folders (yes I am a digital pack rat!) and found these photographs.

I opened with PSP Pro X3 and applied the Smart photo fix to each as an individual photograph. Then I upped the saturation quite a bit. I browsed the Picture Frame feature and found a Polaroid frame and used it on each as well.

I saved the large files and opened with PhotoPaint to apply the Tone Curve, lightly, to add depth to the images. Then I added my signature, as I am the enhancer of the photographs, and resampled for display here.

Both of these photographs were taken in and around our surrounding area, though the old machinery has been since cleaned away.

Listening --- Santana --- Moon Flower

High Contrast Custom Cars Images - PhotoPaint - PSP Pro X3 - Filter Forge

62-63 Custom Chevy

Red Roadster

Custom Chevrolet

I have so many good photographs from the Woodward Dream Cruise I have to share some. I applied my High Contrast workflow to these photographs displayed today. I used PhotoPaint, PSP Pro X3, and Filter Forge to create the images.

My workflow for these High Contrast images has been reiterated many times on this blog. I refer you to the Tag Cloud to click on High Contrast for other examples of this style.

I did use PSP Pro X3 for texture and framing with the film like frames, and added some grunge to the frames with Filter Forge's Photo Effects Grunge while in PhotoPaint.

I have large files of each and I resampled for display online, per usual.

Listening --- Led Zeppelin --- When the Levee Breaks

Custom Cars from the Woodward Dream Cruise - PhotoPaint - PSP Pro X3 - Filter Forge

Custom Hudson

Cobra Pipes

55 Chevy

Some additional photographs given the High Contrast treatment in PhotoPaint, framed in PSP Pro X3, and color punched in Filter Forge's Photo Effects Vibrance. These are more of my photographs from the Woodward Dream Cruise at the Pontiac, Michigan location of the Cruise.

I applied the Local Equalization and the Tone Curve for texture and depth in PhotoPaint. I also added the Vibrant coloring with Filter Forge's Photo Effects while in PhotoPaint. I experimented with the framing while in PSP Pro X3 and applied the Time Machine feature with Edges selected.

Listening --- Beth Orton --- Stolen Car

Digital Collage - Change of Face - PhotoPaint - PSP Pro X3

Change of Face

Late last night I was up so I worked on this digital collage. I scanned in some pieces from old magazines, using my Canon MP495 All-in-one. The dpi was at 300 for each scan, so they were very full of color and texture. I also added a butterfly clip art piece from Dover Publications Clip Art and a vector "dance" piece I did in 1996. So, old parts new collage.

I opened them all in PhotoPaint and cut and selected the pieces to place. I used a peacock as the background and added the face and the differing eyes and mouth. I endeavored to make an interesting image, as I do so enjoy digital collage creating. The title comes from my altering the facial features with differing pieces, thus: "Change of Face."

I saved the file in iterative saves at differing sizes. I opened the last save from Picasa 3 with Corel's PSP Pro X3. Here I looked for something delightfully digital. I found the framing section and found this classic museum like frame. I added it and it gives the image a distinctive flare. I did resample in PhotoPaint for the final image to show here on the blog.

Listening --- The Temptations --- Smiling Faces Sometimes

Within Walking Distance - High Contrast - PhotoPaint - Filter Forge

Click for Larger Image

Click for Larger Image

Click for Larger Image

Click for Larger Image

Click for Larger Image

Less words and more images, all these photographs were taken today. I grabbed my Canon XTi Rebel DSLR and took a walk. All of these images were a short walk from my studio. I applied my High Contrast images workflow to these, as has been described in previous posts, if interested look for "High Contrast" in the tag cloud and select it.

Listening --- Children playing, boats and jet skis on the Lake --- Wonderful day

Design for Life - Art Deco - Digital Collage - PhotoPaint - CorelDRAW

Part of my Design for Life series I am sharing another Art Deco based image. Art Deco Designs by Edouard Benedictus is the source of the background design of this image. I scanned in the main background which looked jungle like. In PhotoPaint I cropped it.

Still in PhotoPaint I used the Tune Blur on it smoothing out the colors. Applying the Tone Curve for depth and increasing the saturation a bit for color.

I browsed my Dover clip art folder in Picasa 3 and selected the Lion, Rabbit, Butterflies and Birds. I opened each one individually, and used the Wand tool to select the white backgrounds, then inverted the mask and copied the color clip art to the clipboard. I then pasted and resized each according to need, placing them on the Art Deco background.

I copied the merged piece to the clipboard and opened CorelDRAW, pasted and added the frame. I used a gradient and selected the larger line size for completing the frame. I placed it to the back. I then placed the type Design for Life onto the gradient selecting the line color differing from the text color. I placed that type to the front.

I grouped the pieces all together and Converted to Bitmap and copied to the clipboard and reopened it (New from clipboard) in PhotoPaint to add my signature. I saved the large file first then resized for the web and saved the iteration.

Listening --- Bruce Cockburn --- Wondering Where the Lions Are

Grunge Golden Shadows - PhotoPaint - Filter Forge

Simple image of a High Contrast nature for today's post. I opened this photograph in PhotoPaint and cropped it, losing some wainscoting on the bottom. I used a similar technique for my high contrast images as in recent posts. Local Equalization for the contrasts and the Tone Curve for depth.

Filter Forge's Photo Effects for a color boost. Which gave a lovely golden cast to the right hand side of the photograph. I really like the shadows on this piece. I used my flash diffuser of which you can see some reflection, but it is not overwhelming, and the shadows are more subtle.

A film frame from Filter Forge's Frames finished the image. As you can see they are Van Gogh fans in this household, with two prints of his paintings on this wall arrangement.

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Now playing: Pink Floyd - Another Brick In The Wall - Part 1
via FoxyTunes

More Luminous Landscapes - PhotoPaint - Filter Forge's Freepacks

This derelict barn coop was one of the photographs I received recently taken by a relative. I scanned the photograph in at 300 dpi, and opened it with PhotoPaint.

In PhotoPaint I applied Tune Blur directional smooth to soften the image. I then upped the saturation for the color boost to the image.

In Filter Forge's Photo Effects I used Vibrance for additional punch to the piece. Then I added a Filter Forge film frame to it. Saving that file, I resampled for display here.

I applied the same basic techniques to the second, barely there barn image, for similar results.

These photographs are both intriguing and great to work with. I thoroughly enjoyed creating a look and feel for them. I have a few more to share next post.

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Now playing: Henry Mancini - Peter Gunn
via FoxyTunes

Luminous Landscapes - Paint.NET - PhotoPaint - Filter Forge's Freepacks

I was given some photographs taken years ago by a relative to enjoy and to digitally enhance. Here is a barn-like shed with a silo water tower together with trees and grass.

I scanned the images in at 300 dpi and opened them in Paint.NET to apply the Ink Sketch tool. I lightened the ink and boosted the color all the way up for these pieces.

Saving each, then I opened with PhotoPaint and used Filter Forge's Photo Effects Lumo on the first for the combined frame and increased luminosity. I applied the Tone Curve to it and upped the saturation by 15 for a depth and color boost.

I used Filter Forge's Vibrance Photo Effect on the second image and a film frame instead of Lumo and a grunge frame. Here I also boosted depth and saturation.

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Now playing: Carbon Leaf - Life Less Ordinary
via FoxyTunes

Grunge Acoustic Electric Guitars - PhotoPaint - Filter Forge

I recently purchased a new Canon Pixma MP495 Photo Inkjet printer.(only $49.00 at Walmart.) It has the scanner copier feature and wireless for our laptop. It prints great photographs. But unfortunately it uses the black ink up quite rapidly, a disappointment to be sure. I printed out one of these High Contrast Guitars images and really like the results. It's vibrant and has great color depth.

I also printed out a few of my grandson for my wife and I, brag photographs! I did one of the paintings in watercolor, of my grandson, that I had done in Painter 11 and it also was a great print. I would recommend this printer with a warning about the excessive use of black ink. But, 4"x6" photographs look fantastic, and the scanner works great for color scans. It comes with software as well so it makes printing, scanning and copying a breeze.

I chose to create another high contrast Acoustic Electric Guitars photograph from Motor City Guitar. I first cropped the photograph to focus on the group of guitars. I used the same tools in PhotoPaint and Filter Forge's Photo Effects Vibrance and frames. This time I selected a watercolor frame with the color black for that Grunge appearance. I adjusted the width of the frame to allow more of the image to shine through.


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Now playing: JJ Cale and Eric Clapton - Danger
via FoxyTunes

Racks of Acoustic Guitars - High Contrast - PhotoPaint

Racks of Acoustic Guitars - High Contrast

A short post today. I did another in my series of high contrast guitar images. I selected this photograph taken at Motor City Guitar. I opened with PhotoPaint and used the Local Equalization tool for the contrast.

I applied the Tone Curve for depth, and increased the saturation for a boost to the color. Using Filter Forge's Photo Effects Vibrance I applied for even more contrast. Then I finished with Filter Forge's film frame and my signature. I saved the large file and resampled for display here.

Listening --- The Beatles --- A Day in the Life

Pink Floral - Still Waiting for Spring - Painter 11 - Paint.NET - PhotoPaint

Pink Floral - Waiting for Spring to Come

It appears we are still waiting for Spring here in Michigan. It snowed last night, no accumulation but still Snow? So I browsed my folders in Picasa 3 for a bright floral photograph. I opened with Paint.NET and applied the Kuwahara Filter Modified for a painterly feel.

Saving that file I opened with Painter 11 and did a quick clone with an ocher background then applied the Auto Van Gogh cloning with the Auto Van Gogh brush selected. Saving that I opened in PhotoPaint to apply Filter Forge's watercolor frame, adjusting the width of the framing.

I saved that file and reopened in Painter 11 to add texture using the Image Luminance for showing the brushstrokes and texture of the watercolor framing.

In PhotoPaint I added a 40 pixel black border and my signature. I also resampled the image for display. I adjusted the Tone Curve for depth and the saturation for a color boost.

Listening --- Kirk Mathew Gatzka --- Silent Spring Instrumental Double Drop D

Ovation Guitars - Camel Oils Painting - Painter 11

This image started as a photograph of a grouping of Ovation Guitars at Motor City Guitar. Ovation Guitars are unique with many differing soundholes and configurations. These are just a few.

I opened the photograph in Painter 11 and using the quick clone with an ocher background I selected Camel Oils brushes to paint them. I used various sizing's but kept the opacity the same. I applied the Image Luminance texture to the brushstrokes.

I saved the large file and opened it in PhotoPaint and used the Tone Curve to add depth. I applied Filter Forge's frames watercolor frame for a painterly border and added a 20 pixel black border using Image> Papersize> to finish. I resampled for display here at a reasonable size.

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Now playing: Ian Anderson - A Raft Of Penguins
via FoxyTunes