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Unfinished

© Mary N C. Taitt

Unfinished

Uploaded: August 25, 2007

Description

This is a photograph I made of myself making a smudge painting of Echinecea from a photograph. You can see the original photo down in the lower right in the layers palette.

I use the smudge brush set on a high setting and turn the saturation and other option on and off for more colors and textures for a "painted" look.

I am very sorry I've been unavailable and that I will continue to be for some time. I'm headed off to California and will be incommunicado while I am there. I miss you all but it can't be helped.

Comments

Murry Grigsby August 25, 2007

Very clever and creative image Mary! Pop in when you can and good luck in California!! #722773

Gail Vitikacs level-classic August 25, 2007

So creative Mary...you are missed! Have a super trip in CA! #4695683

Mary N C. Taitt August 25, 2007

Thanks so much Murry and Gail.

I won't have access to a computer or internet in California--I'll be WAY out in the sticks!

I appreciate your kind comments! Mary :-D #4695708

Melissa G. Meiselman August 25, 2007

I agree..this is a very creative and clever image so well executed, Mary!! #4695815

Nikki McDonald level-classic August 25, 2007

Enjoyed this image, the process it depicts, and your explanation, Mary. Do enjoy your vacation. #4695870

Mary N C. Taitt August 25, 2007

Hi Melissa and Nikki, thanks for your sweet comments.

I do hope I enjoy my trip, Nikki, but it's not exactly a vacation. I am helping a friend move to California from Jackson MI--and her computer will be gone from Jackson but not arrived in California, which is why I can't get on line. #4695912

Dianna Hauf August 25, 2007

Wow, Mary! I love th explanation as well as the very well presented descriptive image!! My give it a try myself, although I am sure it will take more than one try for me!! Thanks for sharing and have a safe trip!! #4696382

Mary N C. Taitt August 25, 2007

I could give a more detailed explanation if you like.

Start with a photo you'd like to make into a smudge painting,and DUPLICATE IT--don't work on the original. Make two duplicate layers.

Then make a new layer over the top.

In the new layer, use the SMUDGE BRUSH set to use all layers and--well--here's where a little experimenting comes in--try different strength setting and see what you like. I use different ones for different purposes. Use a lower setting to brush over the parts of the picture you want in the painting. Then turn off the picture layers and use a high setting to spread the color around. Hint: Use the "find edges" filter on one of the layer copies of the original and then trace or copy those edges for an outline to know where to spread the color to with the smudge brush when the lower layer is turned off. Keep any layers you're not currently using turned off. #4696427

Mary N C. Taitt August 25, 2007

Let me know if you need help with this--but remember I'll be gone a while and incommunicado.

Thanks for the good wishes. #4696431

Mary N C. Taitt August 25, 2007

I forgot to mention that the "normal" setting works best for spreading color--you can really paint with it. But switching to the other setting when appropriate gives more color, variety and texture. You have to experiment a little 'til you get the hang of it and remember, you can always undo.

Also, if you create a saturation layer above the work layer and turn it on and off while smudge painting, you can get some interesting color effects. #4696449

Debbie Fleri August 25, 2007

Awesome shot and great originality...: )

I think it is the future look of artistic works...: )

What do you think Van Gogh and people like that would think??? hahaha...

And what would Mister Eastman about the digital camera...: ) #4696855

Dianna Hauf August 25, 2007

MARY! You are a doll! Thank you for taking the time to explain in further detail! I really appreciate that LOADS!! I can't wait to try my 'hand' at it tonight! Seriously, thanks so much again. I always love trying new things and experimenting! Be safe while moving and I hope it all goes well and without any complications! :) Dianna Keeler #4697050

Dorann Weber August 26, 2007

What a creative photo, and equally creative smudge painting...LOVE it Mary.. #4701910

Kate Jackson August 28, 2007

I can't wait to see the finished version Mary. What an amazing progression you have made since the days of the beagle. And now you are inspiring others. A good lesson! #4711371

Roxanne M. Bubar August 30, 2007

Outstanding Mary. #4723989

Husain Akhtar September 04, 2007

Superb work, Mary! wonderful!
Sorry, I have not been able to comment for many days because of some pressing circumstances! Will catch up! #4743974

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