Monday, February 22, 2010

Mixed Media Photography by Guest: Andy Mars

Mixed Media Photography
Tips for Hand-Coloring

by guest photo artist ANDY MARS

List of recommended supplies: Chalk Pastels (Prismacolor Nupastel)
Pastel Pencils (preferably Conte)
Kneader Eraser
Acrylic Paint
Watercolor Paint
Gouache Paint (pronounced gwash - opaque watercolor paint)
Sharpies
Pigma Micron Archival Ink
Paint Brushes
Matte photo paper (Highly recommend Epson Radiant White Watercolor paper- absorbs colors well)

The materials I use in hand-coloring an image depend on the subject matter. For example, shooting
flowers using a slow shutter speed or shallow depth of field to create blurred soft images can become
a one-of-a-kind piece of art work using pastel chalk and watercolor. Outlining a sharp image with a
sharpie will define the image and add contrast, thus creating an interesting effect in the outcome.
Sometimes I'll overexpose a print so I will have more control on how much I will "hand-color" it,
sometimes with bright acrylic paint, other times with just a touch of watercolor. I also may achieve
what I want by using a combination of materials including acrylic & gouache paint, pastel chalk
and/or pencils. Your photograph is your palette. The rest is up to you!
Andy Mars also gives private lessons - in the New York City area.     amarsphoto@aol.com
amarsphoto.googlepages.com
See her blog for a great creative promo piece idea as well at :  http://andymarsblog.blogspot.com/

Sunday, February 21, 2010

LESSONS FROM A DOG'S LIFE


I found this old newspaper clipping and felt it worth reiterating the simple message it told.  "Dogs have the right idea.  They know how to enjoy life and they appreciate the simple things, like good food and a cozy place to sleep".  If only we humans could learn from these lessons. Sad to say, I do not know the source.
"1. Offer comfort to those in need.  Sit next to them silently and listen to what they have to say.
2.  Go outside at least once a day and let the fresh air rejuvenate you.
3.  Run and play every day.
4.  Find joy in taking a long walk, perhaps with a friend.
5.  Eat when you're hungry, sleep when you're tired, and stretch before you rise.
6.  If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
7.  Be loyal to people you love.
8.  Be true to yourself.
9.  When loved ones visit, rush to greet them at the door.
10. Take every opportunity to do something that brings joy to others."

February is Heart Month.  Share your life with someone.  Be a best friend. Love what you do.
http://www.jmonteferrante.com/
http://www.swansongart.com/

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Februrary Assignment on Flickr

February assignment is SHAPES!  Starting with circles, explore simplifying an image into one of the key elements: shapes.  Log onto the flicker group to add images to this group for review.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/1327670@N23/


How does color add to this image? The odd number? Background?


Monday, February 15, 2010

High Pass FIlter

http://strobist.blogspot.com/2010/02/after-light-high-pass-post-production.html

  
With Hi Pass

A good review by Stobist of the High Pass Filter in Photoshop to add pop and mid range contrast to your photos. After making a background copy, you will find this filter under filter; Other; High Pass.  I use overlay or soft light (instead of hard light) to merge these layers and then adjust the opacity for the effect I want.