kenievans Loc: Dallas

Several months ago I signed up for a free tutorial by Sebastion Michaels and I just recently completed it. The tutorial didn't show me any new skills in Photoshop. It was actually more of a tease to get you to purchase his complete course but it did open up my mind to new creative possibilities. Unfortunately the free "tutorial" is no longer available but he does give free access to an online magazine with artwork created by students that have completed his "Awake" course. Here is a link to the magazines.

https://www.myphotoartisticlife.com/pages/magazine

In the tutorial he showed some of the completed artwork in Photoshop and walked you through the different layers showing how they effected the final image. On its basic level it was really all about layering, masking, and textures but the the level of detail in these pieces was just incredible. The sky could be a combination of 6 different layers. The headdress on a woman could be 10 layers with only a single small little doodad on one of them. All of these little details add up to create such depth in the image.

I was inspired to create The Dance. I was able to download some very cool texture files from the tutorial and used one of them in this image. If you would like copies of the files PM me and I would set them up in my Dropbox. I realize I have a long way to go to reach the level of the images in the magazines but that takes time and practice and I need to learn how to shoot live models.

I will get there.

(Download)

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

This is very unique, Keni. It would be easy to come up with stories to go with this creation. Well done and very imaginative.

artBob Loc: Near Chicago

Strong image. Simple center of interest, yet fine, subtle detail (opposites behind the mist, the color of the railing picking up other, similar colors). A viewer could spend a lot of time because of the imagery and detail. I might suggest some more study of mist/fog. Putting a semi-opaque layer on top of or within an image does not look real, as things shrouded in mist have different relative values, those closer being a bit more intense, those furthest away nearly disappearing.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Do not clean your glasses, you are doing very well with the fog and surreal photos.

I went to the link, and then clicked on one of the editions, amazing we can go thru the magazine for free and see the amazing works of the artists in the surreal world.

nanaval Loc: Cornwall

Very good Keni...

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

Very cool! I like the processing. Seems like you're well on your way.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Yes, Sebastian is inspiring despite, or perhaps due to, his ability to talk and talk and - talk! I jest, he is undoubtedly talented and has a serious ability to enthuse others. I have his Awake course, as do one or two others here, and when I’m lacking inspiration either pop back into it or peruse one or two issues of the magazine. Mostly, it’s not my preferred style, but there is such a mix of students there’s always something to interest me - and even if an end-result isn’t my cup of tea, the skill in achieving it is usually quite inspiring. Your journey has been very enjoyable to watch, as I’ve said previously Keni, and you’re now an accomplished artist yourself. I love seeing your work. ArtBob is my favourite critic - always worth listening to his advice. Missing Linda though!

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

What a wonderful image, I have run out of superlatives. Everything just fits and the depth of the of the image is amazing. I can't wait for the next one.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Keni, keep on posting! Your progress is very encouraging. Watch out, at this rate you may be tempted to quit your day job.

kenievans Loc: Dallas

Thank you Carol. Now I have to get out and take more photos.

kenievans Loc: Dallas

I appreciate Bob. I didn't see it really as mist or fog but more of a surge of power or energy and a veil between two dimensions. She is using power to keep the two worlds from merging. Would a magical veil controlled by sorcery act the same as fog? You did make me think about it though and I can see where I could add something to give it more a sense of maybe moving energy (?). Not sure what to call it. But I have a few things in mind to try. As always you keep me on my toes and moving forward.

kenievans Loc: Dallas

Thanks Don. The art work is pretty spectacular. Some day...

kenievans Loc: Dallas

Thank you Val!

kenievans Loc: Dallas

Thank you so much! I do miss Linda but Bob has been great with his suggestions and help. I really appreciate his knowledge and expertise. You by the way have done some awesome work too and have been a big inspiration to me as well.

kenievans Loc: Dallas

Thank you Jack! I have gotten so much inspiration from those magazines but as I told Carol I really need to get out and shoot specifically for this type of work instead of combing through what I have for something that I can use. Unfortunately the Irish and the Renaissance festivals are not until the spring so I have to come up with some ideas for getting folks in costume. I don't want to continue to rely on internet downloads although this one was perfect for what I had in mind.