gatzkART!

"Blocks Tower and Grandson" Corel PSP Pro X3

noreply@blogger.com (Kirk Mathew Gatzka) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:28:00 +0000

Blocks Tower and Grandson

Blocks Tower Alone

We have been very busy watching our Grandson lately, as my Daughter works part time. He is 3 and 1/2 years old and loves to play hard, all boy! What I am sharing today comes from that play. A photograph of him with his Blocks Tower, big blocks of course. And a shot of the tower itself.

I used our Canon Rebel XTi for the Photographs and took a number of different poses as well as the Tower itself. I opened the photographs in Corel PSP Pro X3 and did some adjusting.

First I applied the Digital Camera Noise Removal and then the Smart Photo Fix on both images. I adjusted the sharpness a bit and kept the color much the same as the originals.

I added a colorful, playful frame to both using the Image Picture Frame feature in PSP Pro. Then I added my signature using the Visible Watermark tool, using a PNG of my signature. I saved the large iterations and then resized for display.

Being a Grandparent is an enjoyable thing! I get so much more exercise when he comes to visit that he wears me out, but it is so much fun. We also had some Bubble blowers from a Grad party we attended and we blew Bubbles for hours! He really enjoyed that. My wife got some video on her phone video camera of him popping the Bubbles that were floating near his head, so he would smack his forehead to pop them, hilarious.

Years ago had no idea that being a Grandparent would be so much fun and at his age right now is the cream of the relationship. We read to him, share DVD's with him, draw with him and generally have a wonderful time!

Love is a Great thing isn't it?

"Infrared 12-String and 6-String Guitars" Corel PSP Pro X3

noreply@blogger.com (Kirk Mathew Gatzka) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 20:38:00 +0000

Infrared Guitars

I was browsing my folder of Guitar photographs. I selected this one as it is a nice representation of our two guitars. My favorite Seagull C12 and a Lyon by Washburn 6.

I opened from Picasa 3.9 with Corel PSP Pro X3. I wanted a simple, straight forward approach to processing this photograph. I selected the feature or tool Photo Effects Infrared for a simple black and white exposure. I picked the setting Clean and processed.

I then added my signature using the Visible Watermark tool. I picked the Picture Frame Polaroid for interest. I saved the large iteration and resized for display.

I have been really busy with my Grandson lately and I have not been able to keep up with a post a day. Even today I am busy but I wanted to do a simple photograph of our Guitars. I hope you enjoy this straight forward approach to processing. I do so enjoy PSP Pro X3!

"HDR, High Contrast 12-String Guitar" Picasa - Corel

noreply@blogger.com (Kirk Mathew Gatzka) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0000

HDR High Contrast Seagull C12 Guitar

I shot this photograph of my Seagull C12-String Guitar with our Canon Rebel XTi. I am trying to leave the EXIF data available for this photograph. I enhanced it in Picasa 3.9 with some of the tools there available.

I used the Saturation tool turned up as high as I could take it. Then applied the HDR tool for more contrast. I used the Glow tool for adding more light to the HDR. Then I applied the Vignette tool for framing.

I opened in Corel PSP Pro X3 and added my title, Artist's name and copyright to the EXIF info with the Image Information feature. Using the Visible Watermark I placed my signature in the upper right corner for clarity of marking. To finish the image I added some Texture to it using PSP's Effects Texture tool.

If you examine the image closely you can see pick scratches on the front of it below the soundhole. Also some wear on the soundhole surrounds themselves. Some say, as this comes from playing the guitar, that it adds Character to it. I like that idea, not a pristine underplayed guitar but one that has seen its licks and strums.

You can also clearly see my Etching of the Bird and Florals on the Pickguard that I added to it freehand. More Character? Perhaps. But it definitely is MY guitar and has my marks on it! It's my best musical Friend!

"Abstraction Guitars Multiplied" Corel - KPT Collection - Plus

noreply@blogger.com (Kirk Mathew Gatzka) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 21:40:00 +0000

Abstraction Guitars Multiplied

I opened Picasa 3.9 folder of my recent guitars shoot and selected a portrait styled photograph. From Picasa I opened with Corel PSP Pro X3. There I applied the Digital Camera Remove Noise and the Smart Photo Fix. I increased the Vibrancy in Hue and Saturation. I saved this image.

I opened the image with Corel PhotoPaint. Using the capture rectangle tool I selected a portion of the image from the center of the photograph. I copied and pasted, removed the mask, and placed the cutout, in effect dualing the Guitar necks for three pieces and aligned them. I pasted one more and turned it on it's side, placing it on the bottom.

Using the same cutout I pasted and resized the piece and using the property Difference I reproduced and lined them up along the bottom of the image.

I used the Circular capture tool and created the using the property Invert a number of the round circles. At full size I applied the Art Strokes Effect Crayon to the entire flattened image.

I then used the KPT Collection Equalizer and adjusted the transparency. I also adjusted the tiling in KPT Collection, which created the vertical texture of the image. I inverted my signature to white and placed it using the Property Add. I saved that iteration.

I have enjoyed playing my Seagull C12 today in the Open G Tuning. I tuned the strings to the following "DGDGBD." As you strum the open strings you have the G chord. Finding some open chords and flatpicking I strummed and picked the tuning to my delight at the tone of the 12-String Guitar. A creative day indeed.

"Acoustic Guitars Hyper Tiling" Corel - KPT Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Kirk Mathew Gatzka) — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 22:36:00 +0000

Acoustic Guitars Hyper Tiling

Another photograph of Guitars I've taken, recently manipulated. I opened my folder in Picasa 3.9 and grabbed this photograph of our Seagull and Lyon guitars.

I opened in Corel PhotoPaint and applied KPT Collections filters to create this image. I used Hyper Tiling for the duplication of the strings and sound holes. I adjusted the transparency to allow the Tiling to show through.

I then used KPT Collections Equalizer for an HDR effect. And I added a Lens Flare to the image as well. So the entire image was manipulated with KPT Collections filters.

Here I demonstrated that the use of filters for Manipulation can be rewarding and enjoyable. Sometimes a simple approach to a creative image can yield decent results.

"Abstract Guitars Digital Collage" Corel - Paint.NET - Plus

noreply@blogger.com (Kirk Mathew Gatzka) — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 03:00:00 +0000

Abstract Guitars Digital Collage

I have used more of the photographs of our 12-String and 6-String Guitars to create another Digital Collage. I browsed in Picasa 3.9 to my folder of a recent guitar shoot and selected three photographs separately for this collage.

I opened the first two with Paint.NET and using the Ink Sketch tool I made them into pen and ink sketches. I copied them to the clipboard and then pasted as New from Clipboard into Corel PhotoPaint. I fit the images together with merging them with the Multiply property. I used the wand tool and selected large dark areas of color and then filled them with a blue gradient with the fill tool.

After I did that I copied to the clipboard the third photograph of the guitar necks crossing each other. I opened as New from Clipboard and applied the Local Equalization tool. Then I used the Art Strokes tool Conte Crayon on it. I copied to the clipboard again and pasted upon the other merged pen and ink, gradient guitar image. I merged those and saved that iteration.

In Picasa tools I applied Warmify to the image for color warmth. I saved that image with a new name. I then used the plugin from Filter Forge Frames film frame to add a light frame, adding my inverted signature to the whole piece saving one more time at the larger size. I then resampled for display size and saved that.

For a finishing touch I ran Filter Forge's Photo Effect Vibrance on it to add some punch to the colors.

I ended up with a very Abstract Composition of Guitars Digital Collage. I enjoyed the process. I hope you enjoy the results.

"Let's Talk About Music with Guest C Bret Campbell" Corel - Plus

noreply@blogger.com (Kirk Mathew Gatzka) — Sun, 26 May 2013 18:12:00 +0000


C Bret Campbell

"Let's Talk About Music with Guest C Bret Campbell"

I watched the show on YouTube and did a full screen capture. I opened it in Corel PhotoPaint and applied the Local Equalization to the image for High Contrast. Using the Tone Curve I added depth to the colors.

I then used the Effects Art Strokes Watercolor with light settings for a watercolor look and feel. I then deepened the colors with the Saturation tool. I used Filter Forge's Frames Film frame to darken the outline of the image.

I did this while listening to the program on YouTube enjoying Bret's music and the chatting of the other guests.

Catch the Show here at this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=3tMPIQDbqJ0#!

"Art Nouveau - Gypsy Muse Young Lady" Mayang's Textures - Paint.NET - Corel

noreply@blogger.com (Kirk Mathew Gatzka) — Thu, 23 May 2013 21:02:00 +0000

Art Nouveau - Gypsy Muse Young Lady

I was able to get an image of a "Gypsy Muse Young Lady," and decided to use this image as Digital Art.

I opened from Picasa 3.9 with Paint.NET and applied the Oil Paint effect on the image. Setting the paint brush size up and the coarseness setting up for texture in the strokes.

I went to my external hard drive folder for Mayang's Textures of an Art Nouveau floral. I rotated it and fit to size to the Young Lady image. I used Corel PhotoPaint to do this. I also used the property Multiply to add transparency. I adjusted the Opacity to let the Young Lady show through. This added much with a Art Nouveau texture.

I used Filter Forge Photo Effects Vibrance to add punch to the colors and applied the Tone Curve for depth. I added my signature in white and resampled to display size.

"1,100th Post! Grunge Guitars" Paint.NET - Corel - Plus

noreply@blogger.com (Kirk Mathew Gatzka) — Tue, 21 May 2013 21:20:00 +0000

Grunge Guitars

For today's image I selected a photograph of our two guitars upright, leaning on the couch. I opened from Picasa 3.9 with Paint.NET and used the Ink Sketch tool on the photograph. I ended up with a pen and ink, black and white, image.

I browsed to my Pictures folder on my external hard drive and went to Mayang's Textures. I selected a metal rust texture and loaded it as another layer. Still in Paint.NET, I resized the texture to fit, used the layer property Multiply, and merged the layers, saving that large iteration. I opened the file in Corel PhotoPaint.

I next went to the Internet to find some fonts of paint splatters that I could use for adding to the grunge look and feel. I found Split, Splat, Splodge and WTC Rhesus TT fonts for free use. I applied the paint splatters, and used the Distort, Wet Paint tool for the drippings. I changed the opacity of the splatters showing the background through them for effect of aged splatters.

I used the Filter Forge Photo Effects plugin for Vibrance to add some punch to the colors. Added my signature in white and resampled for display.

I played my 12-String Seagull last night and practiced for a couple hours. Some new chord progressions and a few tunes. Green Day's "Warning," Coldplay's "Clocks," and Emerson, Lake and Palmer's "Lucky Man," (without the synth.) As I get older my calluses don't take long to begin hurting after only a short time, well I blame it on age and FMS.

All in all I really enjoyed my practice on the guitar, and the singing, too.

"Let's Talk About Music with 'Paul Platt' as Guest" Picasa - Corel - Plus

noreply@blogger.com (Kirk Mathew Gatzka) — Sun, 19 May 2013 19:55:00 +0000

Paul Platt

I watched the broadcast on YouTube as I missed the live show while playing with my Grandson yesterday. I opened Picasa 3.9 and did a few screen capture's.

I manually cropped one capture. I then applied the Warmify tool and then the HDR tool in Picasa. I used the Boost feature for some punch to the colors, slightly lightened the standard setting as I have a lot of contrast in this image.

I added the Museum Matte frame with a warm color for the matte. All the while I worked on this I was enjoying the concert, listening as I created.

Paul Platt is one of my favorite Singer Songwriters that I have been introduced to on Google+. I really like his 'Storybridge,' song, it's smooth and mellow with a rhythm that takes you along with him on his musical travels.

You can catch the show here at this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=sEalpTvlOBY

Wait a little while till they get him full screen as they had some technical difficulties at first. Worth the wait!

"Let's Talk About Music with 'Tom Baillies' as Guest" Picasa - Corel - Plus

noreply@blogger.com (Kirk Mathew Gatzka) — Sat, 18 May 2013 19:50:00 +0000

Tom Baillies Playing his Dobro

I watched the YouTube version of "Let's Talk About Music with 'Tom Baillies' as Guest" Tom was playing his Dobro guitar and played some slide style as well as sang. It's his guitar of choice for song writing.

I opened Picasa 3.9 and did a screen capture. From there I cropped the image manually in Picasa. I applied the Warmify feature for color.

I used the HDR feature for effect, and then applied the Lomo tool. I then looked at Cross Processing but did not like that so I reversed it to the Lomo image. I then selected the Museum Matte frame and altered the matte color to a warmer color.

I saved the file and opened with Corel PhotoPaint and added my signature saving again.

Here is the link to the YouTube HOA:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_yWcd-jOok&feature=c4-feed-u

A fine show!

"Gypsy Woman Digital Collage and Linux Experiment" Corel - Plus

noreply@blogger.com (Kirk Mathew Gatzka) — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:28:00 +0000

Gypsy Woman Digital Collage

Recently we received a Dell Latitude X300 throwaway laptop from the garbage. It's screen is broken with an "S" sized crack that blacks out part of the screen.

It had a password protected Bios and Windows 2000, also password protected. I was able to go to Linux as a way to break into the OS.

I made an Ubuntu boot disk, LinuxMint boot disk and a PuppyLinux boot disk and all failed with a PAE kernel failure. With some consultation with a friend I got SnowLinux Non-PAE E17 boot disk made and it booted and took a few hours but I finally made the laptop HDD bootable.

I also had been given a VGA flat screen monitor, that I plugged in and it worked so I could see all the screen. The only drawback is that the battery does not work and the AC adapter is from my wife's laptop, which has no battery! So I have to share that adapter!

I am still learning SnowLinux and it's capabilities. But It did take me away from creating for my blog.

Today I have time to create. I took two ladies faces, one a free Vintage Gypsy, and another a Steampunk image from Dover Publications Sampler. I merged both as the central focal point in Corel PhotoPaint. I added two dressed women, a flapper and well-dressed lady.

Also from Dover Clip Art I used a mandolin, matching the Gypsy aspect. And a butterfly and a corner Victorian sample to the upper corners.

In PhotoPaint I made it into a quadtone and then converted to an RGB image. I took KPT's Collection Pyramid Paint and painted the image with a blue tint.

Saving this image I opened it in Corel PSP Pro X3 to add the cloud and sky frame. I added my signature to the image using the Visible Watermark and a PNG file.

I saved the large iteration and resampled for display.

So after my adventures with Linux (which I am still learning) I had time to create this double faced woman's portrait for your enjoyment.

"That Show with Billy Wilson" Guest Singer Songwriter Meri Amber - Picasa 3.9

noreply@blogger.com (Kirk Mathew Gatzka) — Mon, 13 May 2013 01:08:00 +0000

Singer Songwriter Meri Amber

Meri and Her Dad

I used Picasa 3.9 to edit both images of Meri performing, and her Dad singing with her. I cropped the images from the Screen Captures and applied the Warmify tool.

I then used the HDR tool set low for effect. After which I used the Lomo tool for the vignette. I added the Museum Matte and frame to finish off both of the images.

I did not go outside of Picasa's tool for editing at all. I kept the steps simple and hopefully effective.

TSBW can be watched on YouTube at this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Wrne27lf3yA

The Show also was featuring photography and Meri plays at the end of the show.

"Pillow Talk" Corel - Plus

noreply@blogger.com (Kirk Mathew Gatzka) — Fri, 10 May 2013 19:15:00 +0000

Pillow Talk

Another angle of our two guitars the Seagull C12 and the Lyon 6, taken with my Canon Rebel XTi with Manual settings. I used only the light coming from the nearby window. I cropped the shot in the viewfinder, leaving a portion of the couch and floor visible. Both guitars are crossed at the upper neck balanced on the pillow, thus "Pillow Talk," is the title.

From Picasa 3.9 I opened with Corel PhotoPaint and began by applying the Local Equalization tool to the entire image, for High Contrast. I used the Tone Curve tool to add depth to the colors. I then used the plugins from Filter Forge: Photo Effects Vibrance and the Film Frame for a punch to the colors and a dark frame.

I like the warm bronze and browns of this image. The High Contrasts jump out of the dark frame. Leaving a warm and interesting result.

"Bright Petunias and The Bridge" Corel Painter - Paint.NET - Corel PSP Pro X3

noreply@blogger.com (Kirk Mathew Gatzka) — Tue, 07 May 2013 20:35:00 +0000

Bright Petunias

The Bridge

I began this image with a Dover Publications Sampler of Petunias in black and white. I opened in Painter 11 and selected the Camel Watercolors Brush and painted the Floral. I selected unusual colors for a punchy effect to the image.

I then used a Gouache Cover Brush resized for the solid colors in the background. I saved that iteration and from Picasa 3.9 opened with Corel PSP Pro X3. I upped the colors with Saturation Vibrancy. I added my signature with the Visible Watermark tool.

I then proceeded to experiment with differing frames for enhancement of the painting. I selected the black and white scroll work and then I added the ornate frame, still in PSP Pro X3.

The second image is from a Challenge photograph on Painter Talk Forum. I manipulated the image in Paint.NET, using the Oil Paint effect. I saved that iteration and opened from Picasa with Corel PSP Pro X3 and added Brush Strokes and some Vibrancy to the colors.

I simplified the colors using Posterize for an even more painterly feel. I then added a Paper Texture to the image and saved, then resized for display, added my signature and saved..

Two Painterly Images today! Click on them for more detailed views.

I had time to practice my guitar playing yesterday and worked on the finger calluses on my left hand. I did play some Blues lead with a Backing Track as well as played chord progressions and some songs. I ended up with a gravelly throat for I was really punching out the choruses! Sore fingers today but a satisfied inner self.

"Grunge 6 and 12 String Guitars Digital Collage" Picasa - Corel

noreply@blogger.com (Kirk Mathew Gatzka) — Mon, 06 May 2013 18:09:00 +0000

Grunge 6 and 12 String Guitars Digital Collage

With today's digital collage I started with Picasa 3.9. Using the CTRL key I selected individual photographs of the 6 and 12 String guitars photos. I used Picasa's Collage maker feature and selected a mosaic of the photographs. The touch of red comes from our dining area that is a sittings area now. and I used the couch as a background for the photographs.

I saved the collage automatically in Picasa and then opened with Corel PhotoPaint. I applied the Local Equalization tool, for the High Contrast with a full 255 setting. I then used the Tone Curve tool for adding depth to the colors.

I like what I had but decided to add just a touch more Grunge to the image. I saved the original large iteration, resampled to a display setting, adding my signature. I used Filter Forge's Metal Rust to that. I used a rust addition that added only a small amount of metal rust to the image. I saved that digital collage.

With this collage I have just about used up the 28 or so photographs I did with my recent Guitars Photo shoot. I may use them in other images but I think it's time to practice on my 12-String, I could use some practice!

"High Contrast Guitars" Corel - Plus

noreply@blogger.com (Kirk Mathew Gatzka) — Sun, 05 May 2013 00:12:00 +0000

High Contrast Guitars

From my recent photo shoot of our two guitars, I used my Canon Rebel XTI DSLR to take these. I opened Picasa 3.9 and browsed the photographs, I selected this one of the full bodies close up, with just a small gap between them.

I opened with Corel PhotoPaint and applied the Local Equalization, for the High Contrast. I used the Tone Curve to give depth to the image. I like the wood and lines that are emphasized.

Using the Filter Forge plugin I added a slight film frame deepening the color of the edges. Keeping the color dark and contrasting I saved the image with my signature and then resized for display.

"Waiting to be Played Today" Corel PSP Pro X3

noreply@blogger.com (Kirk Mathew Gatzka) — Fri, 03 May 2013 19:44:00 +0000

Waiting to be Played Today

I really should practice on my Seagull C12 12-String today, it is my favorite guitar, of our two. Here is another photograph taken with sunlight coming from the right hand side of the image with darker shadows to the left. I laid them out on the brown couch, the C12 on it's side and the Lyon 6 on it's back.

I opened Corel PSP Pro X3 and selected this photograph to adjust. I am enjoying the workflow I have done recently on the other Guitar photographs. Noise Removal, Smart Photo Fix, Saturation Vibrancy, Color Balance Tungsten and High Pass Sharpen. This really warms up the image and shows off the deep wood tones of both of them.

If you look close you can see my etching on the 12-String's pick guard. I selected a Hummingbird instead of a Seagull. It being a smaller bird and the addition of some floral touches. Just above the pick guard you can see my playing scars on the soundhole, this guitar has seen many years of stylized rhythm playing and now some scale playing. It's hard to bend two strings at a time when playing lead. But it is rewarding to play a little Blues in pentatonic scale with a backtrack.

The Lyon 6 is my least favorite guitar. If it were a higher priced Washburn I would be happier with it's tone, but unfortunately it sounds more muddy than I like. Lesson learned when it comes to guitars spend a little bit more to get a better guitar! It is my son's guitar and he has a hard time pressing on the fingerboard as it is a narrow one and his hands are on the large side. So he is trying to learn to play his Yamaha Portable Grand Piano. He likes it much better.

"Of Crossed Guitars Seagull C12 and Lyon 6" Corel PSP Pro X3

noreply@blogger.com (Kirk Mathew Gatzka) — Thu, 02 May 2013 20:23:00 +0000

Crossed Guitars Seagull C12 and Lyon 6

From my photography session the other day. I crossed the two guitars to contrast them and their differences. I used a brown couch and a patterned pillow to prop them up at the crossing point.

I opened from Picasa 3.9 update with Corel PSP Pro X3, I recently reviewed Corel's newer X5 version, very nice implementation.

In PSP Pro X3 I applied the Digital Camera Noise Removal, and the Smart Photo Fix with an increase in color. I wanted a sharp warm image so I applied the High Pass Sharpen tool and the Effects Color Balance Fluorescent Warm. I then increased the Saturation with Vibrancy to punch up the colors. I used KPT Collections Equalizer for some additional Vibrance, turning up the settings.

I added my copyright and name and saved the large iteration. Then I resized for display and saved with an new iteration name.

Today is a busy day so to even have time to do this was precious time. Glad I could do it!

"Of Headstocks Seagull C12 and Lyon by Washburn 6" Corel PSP Pro X3

noreply@blogger.com (Kirk Mathew Gatzka) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:40:00 +0000

Seagull C12 and Lyon by Washburn 6

I got out our two guitars again for more photographs of them. I took this one on a Macro setting, a close up of the Headstocks of each guitar. I used my Canon Rebel XTI for the photographs I shot this afternoon.

I loaded them onto my computer and opened in Picasa 3.9 update. I used Corel PSP Pro X3 for my workflow. As usual I applied the Digital Camera Noise Removal first, then used the Smart Photo Fix where I increased some color and sharpened it a bit. I then went to Saturation and used the Vibrancy for punch to the colors.

I went to the Effects Browser and selected lighting and tried differing lighting effects. I chose Tungsten as it gave the whole image a golden look and feel. I added my copyright and name as for some reason my PNG of my 2013 signature file is not completely transparent. I will have to adjust this so I can use my signature. I feel that a signature is better with the copyright symbol and year date, it adds class to the images I create.

I have found that if I go into Corel PhotoPaint that my bitmapped photograph loses all EXIF data which I want to keep. So I did not use it to add the signature. PSP Pro X3 allows my adding a title and copyright date and artist information using the Image Information tool. This shows up in the EXIF data of the image, which would be lost in PhotoPaint.

"A Rainy Day at Peggy's Cove" Corel Painter 11 - Paint.NET - Filter Forge

noreply@blogger.com (Kirk Mathew Gatzka) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 21:27:00 +0000

A Rainy Day at Peggy's Cove

A challenge photograph from the Painter Talk forum. I downloaded the photograph and opened it in Paint.NET. There I used the Effect Ink Sketch with the color set to zero for a black and white image. I saved that and opened it in Painter 11.

I selected various Watercolor Brushes native to Painter and painted away at differing sizes. I used a Bristle brush for the Rain - like sky adding the yellow highlights and the reflections in the water. Saving that iteration at display size I opened from Picasa 3.9 update to Corel PhotoPaint.

Here I added my signature and used Filter Forge's Photo Effects Vibrance for punching up the colors. I saved that file to share here. Be sure to click on the image for the larger view. Thanks for your interest!

Listening to Eric Clapton Unplugged from YouTube.

"Seagull C12 Cedar 12-String Guitar Painted" Corel PSP Pro X3

noreply@blogger.com (Kirk Mathew Gatzka) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 21:03:00 +0000

Seagull C12 Cedar 12-String Guitar Painted

I angled this photograph, taken with my Canon Rebel XTI, to show the full dreadnaught body and length. I also like the colors of the Cedar top and it's Red plush case interior.

I opened the photograph with Corel PSP Pro X3 and used my beginning workflow, Noise Removal and Smart Photo Fix on it. I then went to the Effects list, selecting Art Media Effects, Art Brush Strokes, and applied the Factory Defaults to the image.

This gave it a painterly feel. I also applied the Effects, Texture Effect, Texture, selecting a noticeable Texture for the image. I used the Curves on it to give some depth to the colors.

I added a copyright notification to the EXIF information with Image Information tool and with the Text Tool on the image itself. I resized the image to display and saved that iteration.

"Of Guitar Bodies and Grunge" Picasa - Corel - Filter Forge

noreply@blogger.com (Kirk Mathew Gatzka) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 20:30:00 +0000

Of Guitar Bodies and Grunge

"Of Guitar Bodies and Grunge." Another digital collage made in Picasa 3.9 update from the Photographs I recently took. Here are four images in the collage. Three of our Lyon 6-String, at varying angles, and one of my Seagull C12 Cedar 12-String guitars.

I selected the photographs, taken with our Canon Rebel XTI, based on the bodies of the guitars. In Picasa I applied the Warmify feature for color. Then I used the HDR tool for Sharpening the image.

I was going to do an overlay of a Pencil drawing of the collage but did not like the end result so abandoned it. I decided to add texture the same way I did with my last collage of guitars. I used Corel PhotoPaint, and Filter Forge's Photo Effects Grunge. This gave me more of what I wanted and helped to make a second in a series of similar images.

I added my signature in white to the display sized collage and saved that iteration.

"Grunge 6 and 12 String Guitar Collage" Picasa - Corel - Plus

noreply@blogger.com (Kirk Mathew Gatzka) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 01:47:00 +0000

6 and 12 String Guitar Collage

Using my Canon Rebel XTI DSLR I shot a number of angled photographs of our two guitars. My Seagull C12 Cedar 12-String and my son's Lyon 6-String were both subjects. I was experimenting with angling from long end to end shots and close ups.

I put the photographs on the computer and using Picasa 3.9 update I created a collage of four of the photographs. Picasa creates large files with as much detail that is in the photographs as possible. I used the Warmify feature of Picasa to make a more unified color scheme. I then applied the HDR tool to the image.

I also used Corel PSP Pro X3 for some touch up and enhancement, saving the large secondary collage file. I resized to display size to use in Corel PhotoPaint.

In PhotoPaint I removed more noise from the collage as the HDR had made some hot spots on it. I opened Filter Forge's Photo Effects and applied the Grunge tool. This darkened the edges and gave the overall feel I wanted. I added my signature in white and saved again the display iteration.

I have playing my 12-String more often lately and today my fingers are very sore even for typing. I use a pick for strumming and playing leads to jam backtracks from GuitarTricks, which I have a complimentary 30 day subscription. I was invited to this offer recently and I am taking advantage of Acoustic and Blues Guitar lessons, with a touch of DADGAD alternate tuning lessons. It is very enjoyable, but some of the lessons are challenging.

"100 Thousand Pageviews - Milestone!" CorelDRAW

noreply@blogger.com (Kirk Mathew Gatzka) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 01:26:00 +0000

Created in CorelDRAW.

I wanted to add to this Page a NOTE that invites those of you whom come to his simple
page offering of thanks to peruse the rest of my blog offerings and not just bounce away
disappointed by the meager artwork here as thanks. I have much more to share here,
If you would take the time to look deeper into my Digital Visual Artworks.

Scroll down, view on the right Archive links and click on them. Also I have a tag cloud
at the bottom of the page you can select and view by topic. For Example click on 12_String for
additional Guitar Artwork, and select Older Pages for more!

It is my hope you enjoy my Digital Visual Artwork created to delight and leave
an impression on you. A Good One is my desire!