Creating Watercolor via Computor
A quick understanding of my computer technique. I begin by lining up the guide-lines on the image to avoid errors of over site, -an “Old Masters” trick. On a separate layer I draw a line to guide the image’s tilt away from the center line and a second line for eye placement. Once the eye-dots are placed, I create a transparent layer of mass color that becomes the base of my painting. Once I see I have a reliable form, I delete the help layers and work with confidence. Working with layers of transparent paint, I begin to push the color using the smudge tool. At this point I feel much like I’m working in clay, pushing the color where I want it to land and making corrections when needed. Layers get merged or flattened to simplify. But I keep the shadowing on its own layer, that gives me a lot of control, often it’s the shadow that forms the images contour. The background is also kept on a separate layer, till the end; that allows me to try different options for the best final look for my watercolor portrait. View on YOUTUBE
Albatross Island displaying on-line at:
Pet Puree displaying at:About Me -with links to very early work:
I sold my first bit of art in high school FACES of EVIL ($150). The second sale came a few weeks after. It was PARTY GIRL ($75) acrylic on the wood-backing left from a broken mirror. That produced a 7 ft professional easel on the porch off my bedroom. I painted large & often no matter the weather. First art job was at a posh department store photo studio, using a three-hair paint brush I dabbed out unwanted dust appearing on portrait photos. I attended Cooper Art School and fell in love with WATERCOLOR (Street Scene). I also landed the “privilege” of designing two of the city’s motor-buses, that routed directly to the zoo. “Tail me to the Zoo”, & “Monkey around at the Zoo” involved donated elbow grease. At that time I worked in Gray Drug’s Art Department creating Sunday supplements. My skills broaden at KSU with a sculpture minor that landed a JC Penny’s window display job. Sadly lost that job to returning Vietnam vet. In my dismay for skills unused, and the "go-away-quietly" bonus from Penny’s, I had a semester of dental school. Found that disagreeable but enjoyed the LAB WORK. It taught me metal casting, molding, porcelain build, and acrylics, not to mention detail, and subtle countour. Developed that craft for 15yrs. Then a computer delivered to my home, courtesy of my new employer, came with a message, ...learn or find another job. I learned. DOS was standard. My days for using my creative skills doomed until Windows came to play. I DESIGNED for GAMES. Windows, Art, and Learning have developed my skills to today's level.
Today I struggle with toggling commercial to fine. I want to keep it fresh but want the detail to be important. I’m working on it. I do love painting pretty things that make walls and people feel good. And now is my time for that. I’m also fond of other peoples pets, especially when portraits are requested.
In December 2023 I pulled out my watercolor block to rekindle my classic art skills. When I finished, Louie lacked the sparkle that my computer art offered. I transferred the watercolor, using my phone, into Photo Shop and gave a finishing touch to Louie. I now begin my watercolor technique in Photoshop, so suitable to transparent color.
Decades ago I reluctantly went from DOS into Windows. Windows won me over when I recognized its creative ability. Photoshop, when it was free, was my program of choice. I am wounded when it is assumed that I have processed my subject with drop-down choices. I do paint my subject using computer tools. I have created a style not governed by "process"
I hope you appreciate my style enough to frame a pet for your own.
