Photoshopping

Photoshopping: It's like Cowtipping, but with more photos and shopping. And less cow poop. Usually.

I've been putzing around in photoshop, reaquainting myself with the program. I havn't really done much digital painting in the last several years (with a couple exceptions, such as when Giullaume gave some lessons a little while ago), and before that I was using Paint Shop Pro. So it's learning-curve time, playing with the different tools, learning about all the masks and levels and brushes.... I'm challanging some rules I had in my head, that basically said using tools is cheating. As though using computer manipulations is just a crutch. Well, it can be, but it also can be an opportunity for expanding what's possible. I'm also taking on my "never ever use photos for anything" rule, and am starting to manipulate and use pictures I've taken myself. It's crazy how years of drawing with the same methods can build up such a list of do's and don'ts, that creativity can be severly restricted. Man, I used to think texture and pattern was a lazyman's game, but now I'm just nuts about it's potential. And collage: it's fun! Neat!

And now, "The Lab Results", featuring "New Experiments" ie. "Having Fun with Visuals"






The last illustration's my favorite. I love it's lack of slickness.
And now, the most awesome picture I've ever taken. I love everything about it, the colors, the odd composition, the content, the washed-out-ness... I can die happy now. My artistic purpose is fullfilled.

Final note: I very much want to get a copy of Painter. I've wanted to use that program for years and never have got my grubby impoverished little hands on it.