My first smudge attempt

Mitchell

Let me first say that I am new to this painting technique. I am absolutely amazed at the talent some people have with the painting effect over photographs! Here is my first attempt with a portrait of my three children. All comments and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Here is the original:


Here is the smudge:

Travis

Good first attempt Mitchell. It looks like you used a hard edge round brush. It left some hard lines like the one to the right of your daughter's nose (the one on the left). I tend prefer smoothing to creating texture. If you haven't done so already, download Linda's Smudge brush (http://www.innographx.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=46443#46443) and Sara's Hair Brush (http://www.innographx.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3666) . Also checkout the tutorial at http://www.innographx.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18 .

I'm still learning myself but it is addictive when you get into it. You can see a couple of my attempts at http://owney.smugmug.com/gallery/3790130#218617662 . Nothing to put Monet out of business, but it was fun>

Icebear

OK, that's just wrong
Why would you mess with such beautiful children? My mom would have said you were trying to gild a lilly.

Mitchell

Travis wrote:

Good first attempt Mitchell. It looks like you used a hard edge round brush. It left some hard lines like the one to the right of your daughter's nose (the one on the left). I tend prefer smoothing to creating texture. If you haven't done so already, download Linda's Smudge brush (http://www.innographx.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=46443#46443) and Sara's Hair Brush (http://www.innographx.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3666) . Also checkout the tutorial at http://www.innographx.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18 .

I'm still learning myself but it is addictive when you get into it. You can see a couple of my attempts at http://owney.smugmug.com/gallery/3790130#218617662 . Nothing to put Monet out of business, but it was fun>

Travis, thanks for looking. Your painting attempts are quite good.

I've downloaded the brushes you suggested. They do help. My biggest problem was making that leap from photo to smudge painting. I added a texture layer in the end and needed to blend it a little better around their faces.

Mitchell

Icebear wrote:

Why would you mess with such beautiful children? My mom would have said you were trying to gild a lilly.

Icebear, thanks for looking! I love your comment. Photo painting is certainly not for everyone. Check out this guy's work.
http://www.mmkgraphics.com/album0.html

I'd love to figure out how he does this. I think even your mom could appreciate these versions of these portraits!

Travis

Thanks Mitchell,

It takes a bit of trial and error. The images on the website above are absolutely amazing. I wonder if some of the work was done in Corel Painter. Here is my latest that I did as a bonus for a client that contracted me to shoot their horse club's Christmas party yesterday. Clothes and hands are the two hardest areas for me to get right.

zacker

very nice... i like em both !

heres one i did with PSCS3..

Travis

zacker wrote:

very nice... i like em both !

heres one i did with PSCS3..

Sweet. Excellent image!

zacker

Mitchell wrote:

Icebear, thanks for looking! I love your comment. Photo painting is certainly not for everyone. Check out this guy's work.
http://www.mmkgraphics.com/album0.html

I'd love to figure out how he does this. I think even your mom could appreciate these versions of these portraits!

thats Brad.. I knew him from another forum... he is amazing. Buy his DVD if youre really into this look.. I think it was worth it although i STILL havent spent too much time on it. I mean, it doesnt make you a painter over night but it does offer tips and tweeks that will hep you out instead of figuring it all out as you go. And its ALOT easier if you have a tablet... its alot of fun to do if youve got the patience.

zacker

Travis wrote:

Sweet. Excellent image!

Thanks Travis!

jdryan3

Hopefully this isn't a hi-jack, but here is one I did.

zacker

nice.... we need a good Virtual Painting thread here at Dgrinn!! lol

Mitchell

You guys are really good with this stuff.

Zacker, I did buy Buttry's DVD and have watched it. He is simply amazing. Inspiring me to keep working on my technique.

Here's my daughter.

Travis

Now that one is awesome!

Icebear

Ok
That is one well-gilt lilly!

zacker

Icebear wrote:

That is one well-gilt lilly!

i second that!!

Mitchell

Icebear wrote:

That is one well-gilt lilly!

You cracked me up with that one!! Glad you all like.

Going to try printing this one on canvas.

Icebear

Great idea.
That's a home run shot. My wife (interior designer) has a client who has a high key portrait of her three kids, done when they were maybe 11-14 yrs old. It looks to me like it was done like that, but it's about 30x40". She paid $50,000 for it. No typo. Yours is better.

Plus your daughter's cuter than hers.

zacker

Icebear wrote:

That's a home run shot. My wife (interior designer) has a client who has a high key portrait of her three kids, done when they were maybe 11-14 yrs old. It looks to me like it was done like that, but it's about 30x40". She paid $50,000 for it. No typo. Yours is better.

Plus your daughter's cuter than hers.

does she need another done? ill do it for $40,000.00 not a problem.