Saturday 7 September 2013

Photo Art Friday, 6 Sept 2013

I had a great time working with my chosen photos this last week and love the theme of water.  I tried out quite a few filters and techniques that I don't normally use and I always find that very inspiring.  

This first piece was originally a very linear photo of a water vessel docking platform that I find very peaceful and calming (see below).  I love how the pinching and twirling effect I used creates a wave of water in the centre.  That and the more intense colours adds a sense of adventure, even danger perhaps . . . totally changing the emotional aspect for me.

"Wavy Wharf"

The next two pieces both feature rain and that was quite the common theme around here these last few days.  After a summer that broke decades long records for length of time between rainfalls, we have had more days with rain than without this past week and I am lovin' it. My dear sister posted a photo on Facebook just yesterday that had the definition of those who love the rain . . .

Pluviophile: (n) a lover of rain, someone who finds joy and peace of mind during rainy days.

This poppy piece was achieved by doing some initial edits with the standard tools that came with my Windows 7 photo gallery.  I then brought it into my Serif PhotoPlus X4 program and used an offset filter that cuts the piece in quarters and shifts them around so that what was in the centre is now in the corners.  Next I applied Bonnie's pdpa Light Canvas texture. I then brought a second copy of the poppy into the program and ran it through the cut-out studio and then layered the full cutout poppy onto the offset image. I am really pleased with the way this turned out.

"Poppy Talk"
This really goes to show how a ho-hum image can be transformed into something quite beautiful.
I am not so quick anymore to delete something that I am not initially smitten with.

Okay, this is definitely my favourite of this rain series.
A 'through a rainy windshield shot' that I saw potential in.  Starting again with basic edits (contrast, brightness, saturation) then into PhotoPlusX4 for a fine art watercolour filter.

"Rain Tree"

This final piece has nothing to do with the theme of water but is another example of why I am not deleting so quickly.  I loved the emotion of this shot of my nephew and his baby girl, but the quality of the shot was not great  . . . a little blurry, not the best composition, etc. I tried a lot of my usual tricks to improve the image and make it a keeper but nothing was making me smile.  Then the idea of a texture came and I just randomly picked this one from my file of Bonnie's generous freebies, "pdpa Artist". 
And then the magic happened . . .


I know this is long but I have been posting so seldom lately that I wanted to make worth your while to visit.
I am linking up with Bonnie and an amazing group of digital artists at . . .
Pixel Dust Photo Art

15 comments:

  1. I love the edits. The poppy is my favourite. Valerie

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  2. I still don't know what you did to that poppy, but I love it! It is always worth my while coming here. Your heart is in every photo, every line, every bit of space. Hugs.

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  3. Theese were worthwhile waiting for, the Wavy Wharf is really intriguing and my favorite.
    All the best.
    Mormor :)

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  4. Oh, they are all so very creative and beautiful! You've inspired me a lot! In addition to that, I learnt a new word - pluviophile - and I'm actually one of them! I enjoy rain.

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  5. Nice editing.
    I love the "Rain Tree".

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  6. All the photos are stunning. I can't say which is my favourite.

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  7. Wonderful edits! I think my favourites (I couldn't pick just one!) are the Wavey Wharf and Rain Tree.

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  8. lol, you made a meander of the first one. Love it.

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  9. These are really gorgeous images, Andrea. You do such lovely editing.

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  10. My favourite from this wonderful collection is the "Wavy Wharf". The blue and grey swirls become grain of an weathered piece of wood that could in fact have come from an old wharf.
    Of course the photo of Jon with daughter is a classic too.

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  11. Hi Andrea - I left a comment sent from my iPad, but had a feeling it might not have reached its destination. So glad I came to check, because your images cannot go without comment!

    Your images are just exceptional!!! Each one took my breath away. They are all so different - which just emphasizes the degree of talent you bring to your work. If PAF had a 'prize', you would surely be the winner this month. Bravo!

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  12. indeed magic! I would love to be so able ... meanwhile I just enjoy the beauty as it flows through you...
    the last is my favourite~ it is in the eyes and the touch

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  13. Great job, love much
    http://retrieverdog.skynetblogs.be

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  14. Andrea, your photos are gorgeous! I am visiting for the first time, from the Fisher Lady's blog. I really love what you've done here. Thanks for explaining what you do.

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Thanks for stopping by . . . appreciate your comments.