Save on the filters now!

When you check out be sure to put in the coupon code:  msholin

Here is a portrait as a finished original file:

Next I started playing with the filters in Photoshop. I did NOT change any blend modes or opacity even though I did work on a layer. So what you are seeing is the full effect unaltered in Topaz Adjust4. First Topaz4 filter is CLARITY next is CRISP.

Last is SPICIFY (one of my favorites!) to play with especially controlling the settings and use this on a layer and try out the blend modes.

This gives a good idea of what the Topaz Filters can do for images. When you watch the video, you will learn how FAST they are! Especially watch the close ups in the video of the little girls curly hair and the amazing results for details that Topaz4 filters give in controlling how much details are visibile.

Next sample is one of my paintings. When I finish a digital painting it’s never done until I play with it and see what other effects I can get. This is just an idea of the versatility the filters provide. From one painting I can get many paintings and all with different choices of what to emphasize.

Here is my original of Chinatown Rain and to the right using  Topaz4 COLOR BLAST next is PORTRAIT DRAMA and last SPICIFY

It’s easy to see why I love these so much. The interface is incredibly easy to use. I am all about EASY! Below is a screen shot to show more details on the interface.

The Topaz BUNDLE will give complete control over your images.  Take a closer look to see how all the filters can help your photography and paintings quickly and easily.

Save on the filters now!

Check out with the coupon code: msholin

Straight out of the iPhone 3G

After resizing it and cropping it I used Nik ColorEfex Pro Complete using the PRO CONTRAST filter which is awesome and lightning fast to fix color on any photos.

Nik Color Efex PROCONTRAST filter

Next I tweaked the color with NIK BICOLOR filter. I love this set of filters and usually scroll through all the colors until I see the “AHA!” moment where it hits me.

Nik BICOLOR filter to tweak color

Next I switched to the TOPAZ Filters to add some more details and tweak it further. This is the TOPAZ DETAILS filter set and I chose the CREATIVE DETAIL setting.

Topaz DETAIL filters using CREATIVE

Next I switched to the TOPAZ ADJUST filter set and chose SIMPLIFY. This filter set adjust Exposure, Details and Color.

TOPAZ ADJUST filter using SIMPLIFY

Now that I had the image prepped in Photoshop I opened it in COREL PAINTER 11 and painted it using mostly a brush I created from the standard Sargent Brush using adjustments to it to my taste to create the Mar SOFT SARG brush for myself. It’s a tricky brush to use but I get great results with it.

Painted in COREL PAINTER 11 with MAR SOFT SARG Brush

After I finished painting, just to be sure I was happy with it I opened again in Photoshop and opened the NIK FILTERS again. I ended up playing and checked the PRO CONTRAST setting again and I loved it. So the final painting was adjusted with that filter and here is the finished painting.

Final Painting final adjusment with Pro Contrast Nik filter

I really like the colors in this one and the details versus the soft background gave real separation to the entire painting. I love using the filters to change my original reference images to make something special out of them. Both of these filters are incredibly easy to use and the best part is you can SAVE MONEY on buying Nik and Topaz filters by using the codes I have for them. Go to TOPAZ FILTERS and when you check out put in the coupon code: msholin

Go to NIK FILTERS and put in same discount code when you check out:  msholin

These codes work for ALL the filters they both sell. To find more of my discount codes and more info on resources check out my blog page RESOURCES for ARTISTS and PHOTOGRAPHERS

Original Capture

Now I needed to open it in Corel Painter 11 and I painted it with artist oils brushes looking to get as much of a brushstroke as possible into the painting. While I used the photo as photo reference it’s clear all the changes made to the painting as it is transforming into a painting.

After Painting in Corel Painter 11 with Artist Oil brushes

Next I felt it looked a little dull and needed some punching up. Opened the image in Photoshop and tested out a few TOPAZ FILTERS on it and ended up using something in TOPAZ ADJUST. This gave more detail and also punched up the colors. When I was finished with that I opened NIK SHARPENER 3.0 and did some sharpening on the painting to pop more of the brushstrokes so I know it will print well. If you want to check out these filters use the links to TOPAZ and when you check out put MSHOLIN into the coupon code and you will get a discount. Same with NIK filters. Coupon Code: MSHOLIN gets a discount on them.

Below is the final digital painting. Next step will be to add acrylic paint to the canvas. I will update this post and show the before and after paintings:  the digital file vs the acrylic painted canvas. Final version will be Pigment Inks with Acrylic Paint.

Topaz Filters and Nik Sharpener Applied

You can find more discount codes and my recommendations on resources HERE

Here’s a little clip from it: “Portrait Painting:
The greatest challenge is not learning to use Corel Painter 11 software, it is in the artists struggle to paint portraits and create their own style of portrait painting. There are those that would like to be Picassos and paint the paintings as mere references to the physical person, but more often than not the photographers struggle is to balance themselves on that thin line between looking “too photographic” and attempting to have the portrait still be “painterly”.
READ MORE!
Come and join us there August 16-20. You will leave knowing how to paint with Corel Painter!

Was working on another one to use for new avatars and business cards and more and after three days of working on the other pose…trashed it to the “look at later” folder and started a totally different pose and painting and this one just flowed along easily. I am going to finish up some tweaks and details on it but wanted to get it out there to be seen!
Always remember that its okay to not finish if it’s not flowing…another day, another painting may just grab you and run!