10518 Filters

How could anyone need or use that many filters in a life time? But there is no need to use all of them, is there? Using a few choice favorites can turn your photos into some pretty amazing pieces of art.

So, where does one get access to these filters? FILTER FORGE. It is my latest purchase and I'm thrilled. Not just with all the creative filters, but because I hit an 80% off sale. WOW! What a fantastic deal.

Yesterday I submitted one of my pieces to be used in their Gallery. It was approved and here it is. I used the filter Angel Wash.

Let's look at some samples of filters I used on already created items.

Filter Used: GF Frame 4 in 1 Images or Photos

Filter Used: Sea Level 

Filter Used: Screed

This resource is definitely worth having.

Processing Ingredients

Doing something creative raises the level of enjoyment for me. Working with several software programs, photographs and digital scrapbooking materials open up a world of possibilities for artistic endeavors.

When cooking, a variety of ingredients go into coming up with an edible dish. Some people use a recipe and others just wing it.

When doing art, I tend to wing it, until I like it. But it takes several ingredients and various tries to get there.

Final Result:

Now for the various ingredients:

1. Created a background in ArtRage with the watercolor brush and the palette knife.

2. Did the remainder of the project in Photoshop Elements. Choose a texture from the many that I have. Especially like the ones from Lenabem-Anna J on Flickr.

3. Added a frame from OnOne software.

4. Decided which digital scrapbooking materials to use. I chose "Harvest Time" from Digital Scrapbooking Studio. Wanted a fall look.

5. Found a quote I liked. Then added the text. When all the ingredients are right, it comes together in an amazing way.

I like the variety of using various resources, but you don't have to go through all that to make a lovely, creative piece of art. See what you can do and have FUN!!!

Learning ArtRage Tools

Artists use a variety of tools to create their art pieces. Just so, in ArtRage there are several tools to work with. I have been experimenting. So far my favorite is the palette knife. It has five varieties of knives--flat, edge, soft, blur and wet. Then within each of those, there are a number of settings. The possibilities go on and on. And that is only one of the many tools.

I started with this from one of my scrapbooking papers. It had such nice fall colors.

With the palette knife, I was able to add texture. That is a look I especially like.

Then added some elements and created a couple of pictures.

Such fun!!!

ArtRage is the Rage

When I wanted to do some from-scratch painting or artistic things to photos, what was available? Didn't want a large and detailed piece of software. I needed something easy to learn and enjoyable to use. Yeah!! ArtRage!! 

It was the right thing for me. There are sooooooo many great features. 

Today I experimented with several of the tools. Wanted a fall-like look.

The Result

But of course, I couldn't leave it at that, so ended up in Photoshop Elements.

If you want more information, click the link above. You will be glad you did. Have lots of fun being creative. Also, look at the "Autumn" slideshow for some Fall beauty.

Summer??? Fall???

Labor Day has come and gone. For many people that means back to school, end of summer vacations, fall wardrobe, cooler weather, colorful leaves and other lovely things of the season.

Here in Florida it means more of the same--sandals, heat, shorts, beach, white clothing, palm trees, shrubs and other summer things.

However, the best beach weather is about to begin, lovely sunsets, no need for coats, whatever clothes you want to wear and fun in the sun.

But I do miss fall!!

Added an "Autumn" slideshow with music. Hope you enjoy it.

JixiPix Specials

Right next door to Robinson Reserve is the Palma Sola Botanical Park. Such a relaxing place to visit. Have been there three times and have taken lots of pictures. It is free, so can go often.

The park has collections of rare palms, fruits and flowering trees. Subtropical plants can be safely grown because of the protective environment. I like the lush, tranquil gardens and the three lakes.

Wanted to something special with the pictures. Thought I'd try using some of the JixiPix software--Moku Hanga, Artista Oil, Artista Sketch, Portrait Painter with a background done in ArtRage.

I like seeing all the variations!

Moku Hanga--What???

Is that another language? Possibly. It's actually the name of one of JixiPix's small, stand-alone apps. They have so many things to choose from. I have really enjoyed trying a number of their products.

I especially like combining things, so let's see some ideas.

One of my outings was to Robinson Preserve in Bradenton, FL. It has many walking paths and a look-out tower. The 487 acre preserve had undergone an incredible transformation from disturbed farmland to coastal and wetland habitats. I took a few pictures, but didn't have the necessary things to go hiking--walking shoes, water and sunglasses.

But here is the lake as you first enter the preserve.

Using Moku Hanga, Romantic Photo and Grungetastic produced this.

That was fun!!! But I couldn't stop there. Oh, No!

And the--one more

Variety is the spice of life, so they say. That's good because I do like variety. How about you? Are you into new things? Why not give it a try.

Creative Software

It is so amazing how the right software can allow for an abundance of options. I keep getting new resources. This came from a friend on Flickr (DesignsbyDeb). When she adds a piece of art she tells what software she used. So helpful. That's how I learned about JixiPix and their variety of artistic software. Very inexpensive and easy to use.

Have a peek at the kitten in his vase house done in a couple of ways

Original: How cute is this?

Done with Moku Hanga and Romantic Photo

Really like this combination.

How about sketching with a pencil. Didn't know I was so good. Well, not really.

Used Artista Sketch and Fold Defy

Now I went to Photoshop Elements and took it to another level with a texture, gradient mask and frame.

I'm really excited and having sooooo much fun. This is definitely taking photography to an artistic level.

Check out all the products available from JixiPix.

You, too, can become an artist!!

ArtRage Creation

When I was growing up, a new box of crayons was always an exciting time. Now it happens to be software--a little more expensive, however. But learning new things is something I really enjoy.

With the help of training videos, I have become somewhat familiar with my latest endeavor--a paint program called 
ArtRage.

The first thing I did was work with a photo and make some changes to it.

Today I decided to get adventuresome and try an original. This involved combining ArtRage and Photoshop Elements.

With all the new tools, the sky is the limit. Who knows what this will develop into. Just need to wait and see.