Indulgent Card Creativity

Hello again.
I'll be candid. Lately, I feel as if a love affair has finally come to fruition. That is, a love affair with photo shop! The more time spent with this magical repository of all things possible, the more impressionable it has become. I'm infatuated! I find myself doting, obliging, rejoicing at the possibilities of great things yet to come. Alas, all is not blissful. At times when it yields no comfort whatsoever, when fits of frustration abound, I want to throw the damn program out the window!! But really, it's my fault for lack of knowledge. I forgive it. A master photo shop nerd I'll never achieve. This said, I'll begin by introducing you to the newest imagery upon which my magical computer companion has transformed into cards for Junes Melange. Of course with any affair of the heart, it takes two to tangle. Haha.

First, the image above depicts my original artwork using mixed-media on paper.

Next, seen below are the original artworks transformed using photo shop.

Here, seen in card above, the background was originally painted with gouache. Then this was scanned, followed by photo-shop editing. I used various editing techniques such as layering, opacity, multiplying, and curves. It needs more tweaking. For instance, color is inconsistent with the silhouette of lady.

This one reveals a bit of retro in appearance. I wanted to use bolder colors and effects. The background seen in other image above is still there, yet with this one I decided to apply color overlay. Then used the ellipse tool to cut an oval shape. This was something new for me to try and so easy to do. Again, this will need tweaking too. As yet, it's not completely finished. Btw, the text except for the word fleur will not appear on the cards.

If you had to vote between the two, which one do you prefer? Your comments most appreciated.

On another note: below are some photo-shop tutorial links I like to visit. Granted, I have a long, long list of links in my bookmarks. Perhaps these few might be beneficial for you if interested. They certainly are helping me! If you know any you like, you're certainly welcomed to leave your thoughts in comments or just email me.

One of my favorites: Photoshop Roadmap

Graphic Design: Photoshop Tips & Tricks
Lynda.com Online Training
Adobe Press
Peachpit
Planet Photoshop

That's it for now. So as the wind howls and snow falls outside my window, it's back to indulging myself with photoshop.

Meanwhile, hope everyone is doing well. Here, another snow storm and freezing temperatures at night.

Cheers,
June

Comments

[Todd Smith]

Wow! Your creative spirit has been hard at work. I love the new card design, and it's funny that by adopting Photoshop you are able to give a retro look! Past and present certainly seem to meet in your creative mind. I'm a fan of Lynda.com too. If you ever need to bounce Photoshop ideas around, just let me know.

[June Parrish Cookson]

Thank you Todd. Enjoying the new retro design. Later, I'll show more.

Very interested to hear from you and get your feedback on how you utilize this great program. The possibilities for creative pursuits are limitless. Yesterday I started an entirely new design for my impending website. What a difference it is making!!

Cheers,
June

[Marianne]

I love your studio which is shown in Somerset Studio magazine (my absolute favortie). Your studio is very inspirational to me and I love your artwork! Thanks so much for sharing!

[karen]

I love the first one. And your studio is lovely, can't wait to go get that issue!
karen...
recycledrita.blogspot.com

[Juan Bielsa]

Very beautiful and romantic cards, June.

No doubt about it: your life is a life full of creativity.

Happy new year, June! Happy 2009!

Juan Bielsa

[Gumball Grenade]

So happy to have found you! Your illustrated cards in the prior post are simply lovely! Thanks for sharing your photoshop tips!