Monday, August 31, 2009

Week 2 Oil Painting Effect




This is my attempt at this weeks assignment of transforming a photograph into an oil painting effect using Photoshop. I found the process of recording the steps to creating an oil painting and then saving them as an action allows you to convert any additional photos to oil quickly and easily using a simple shortcut. It was fun to experiment with several different photos to determine which one best represented an oil painting. I chose this photo of the Arizona desert because I felt the colors were best complemented using this effect, plus I enjoy the landscape that the desert offers. I've included the original photograph along with the oil effect to show the difference between the two.



this is "Checkmate" by Rick Simpson. He received his MFA in Fine Art Printmaking from the University of Oregon. He worked with lithography, watercolor, etchings, woodcuts and oil painting, lived in Germany for 12 years (where I found out a lot of artists go to), traveled a lot, but came back to USA and lives in Seattle.
Rick Simpson calls his work Fantastic Realism. He thinks that his work is "a venture in self-discovery". It is entirely digital, full of fantasyand humor. He says that his work involve personal and social issues with the elements of realism and imagination. Comparison of incomparable, as I would call it. As he stated, "The individual viewer’s vision, imagination, and experiences shape the interpretation of each image".
I liked that image a lot beacause I think it represents a contemporary religion perception of life.

Sunday, August 30, 2009


I chose Lily Smernou because her creativity is amazing and makes you want to see more. Lily Smernou moved to the USA in the 1980’s to finish her doctorate in psychology. She uses computers at length and technology tools to express her visions. Her work is done is the style of realism, her images incorporate architectural elements showing us her architectural background. Lily has created images with narrative qualities, allowing the viewers to project their own worlds into her works.

She really caught my attention because she is uses computer with art a lot and uses the study of arts and science to show her work. Most of her work takes a long time to finish her average time to finish one piece is about two hours. Please visit her website

Hello everyone,

My name is carol this is my 2nd year in the ADP program here at Albertus Magnus. I work full time and go to school full time.

Art has always been a big part of my life, and I love the fact that I could take art classes and learn more during my college years. I'm hoping to learn a lot about art and computers together, since at work I do a lot of designing projects for all different programs. My goal is to gain knowledge with computer and art. I'm glad to meet you all.

Dominic Rouse is an Englishman who started his career at the age of 16. He took press photographs for a while in his early years but did not find the job demanding and did not like the fact that there is no imagination involved in that type of photography. He left the press world behind and started working as a commerical and advertising photographer. He found working with art directors difficult because he believes that you can not direct the art - that it directs you. He opened his own gallery with his own work and has found this to the be the most rewarding of all the jobs he has worked.

His influences come from both Romanism and Renaissance painters and from literary minds such as Kafka and Nietzsche. He believed painters from those times in history had a better sense of light than modern day photographers and he strives to take the words from writers, poets and philosophers and turn them into images. He uses a combination of lenses from cameras 25+ years old then scans them into his computer to blend them together. He does not use photoshop, but I could not find what program(s) he uses. Described on the MOCA website, "He describes his art as "attempts to convey anger, heartache, confusion and hatred (that most potent of emotional cocktails) and their antidotes: obsession and desire, the highest forms of which, despite the prison of our existence, somehow manage to prove that what will survive of us is love.""
On the homepage of his website is this quote: " To see the light we must first acknowledge that we are in the dark."

Biography


Hi All! My name is Amanda Gavagan and this is my fourth Mod at AMC. I live in Guilford and am currently working temp jobs to make my way through school. I graduated with my Associates Degree from Gateway in 2007 and enrolled in the ADP program because it provided a unique experience to working adults who want (and in most cases need) to further their education. I am a Humanities major and plan on getting my Masters in Medieval studies - although I do not know from where yet. In my free time when I don't work or have classes and homework, I am learning German.

I took this class because I have had versions of Adobe Photoshop but never knew how to use them. In this digital day in age with blogs, videos, and personal websites, I think it is important to know how to use photoshop to create images that relate to you and express who you are to whomever is looking. I also think that it can have practical implications when I start teaching in the future. I look forward to the class and have no idea what to expect as I have never taken a class like this before. I'm a little anxious but hopefully, in the end, it will turn out to be a lot of fun.

Note on the picture - I am 26 years old and have dreamed of seeing Cinderella's castle since I was old enough to comprehend what it stands for. I finally got that chance this year and I took about 10 pictures of it just trying to capture the moment forever.

Last Supper


Thomas Demuth is a 3d artist from Germany. Demuth was born 1965 near Hamburg. He uses 3d rendering software to create photo-abstract images based on polygon mesh structure. He calls his style "Polygonism". His themes range from religion to anthropology to terror in the modern world. I chose this picture and artist because this piece reminded me of the last supper. The Last Supper is a 15th century mural painting in Milan created by Leonardo da Vinci. It represents the final days of Jesus. In my opinion the television monitors represent the modern world of technology mixed with 15th century art. The picture I chose blends old imagery with new ideas.

Week 1 Museum of Computer Art



Top image is Jason Kelly 0145jggg




Bottom Image Jason Kelly CS26jnfg

Hello everyone, I found these photos on the Museum of Art website, and it was extremely hard for me to choose 2 although this was decided as a coin toss. This artist had no information listed as to the type of software used to create his work. I can only assume that these were digitally created and enhanced.

What I really can appreciate is the clean, crisp appearance. It is almost surreal. The first photo caught my eye as it appears to be an underwater image, yet can pass for a 3D Disney film in the making. The second photo was my absolute favorite, as it appears to be a man steering a boat while the captain (up top) searches for land. While viewing this a second time, the would be captain also looks like a fish head. I was really captivated by all of this artists work. I can only hope that he will respond
to my email inquiry.

The artist, Mr. Jason Kelly extended a reply to me along with additional photos. I am attaching those as well. He uses the photoshop application and begins with an idea something as simple as the inner ear and he reshapes, adds layers, and resizes his photos. He likes manipulate the lighting and images while creating varying degrees of shading.



Thank you for lending your eyes and ears.
Dawn

Saturday, August 29, 2009


Peter Mc Lane, is a Frenchman, born in Chamonix, France, in 1945. He uses the program Painter for his digital art work. He had his first digital art show in Paris in 1994. According to McLane his work is created through his imagination, no scanned images are used. McLane begins with a white screen and the use of stylus and a Wacom Tablet like a painter.
The work is entitled Normandy. There was no write up about this so I'm not sure what it is about. To me it takes me back to WWII. The ship and the plane in the image look like that time period. What does the peacock represent? I don't always need to know the story behind the image to like it.
hi everyone,
My name is Iryna Khrapava. I am a senior at ADP. I was studing in Belarus than transfered to USA to finish my degree in marketing.
I am looking forward to learn something new. Honestly, I am not really good in computer art, actually not good at all. So, excited to learn .
My fotothing name is iriskasun. http://www.fotothing.com/iriskasun/

Friday, August 28, 2009


Forgot to say that my Fotothing name is plongley. One more image from this summer.


Hello everyone,

My name is Pamela and I am an Art Education major. I am and ADP student in my junior year. I have 2 sons and husband that keep me very busy. I also work as a special education aide during the school year. This is my second class with Jerry. I have learned so much in my first class and I can't wait to see what is ahead! This image I have posted is from my vacation to Block Island this summer. I came upon this rock that looked like a heart and loved it!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Week 1


I enjoyed viewing the works of artist Jeff Alu. Jeff is a photographer that is best known for creating images that exhibit texture, strong graphic lines, and contrast. Alu focuses mainly on photographing the landscapes and deserts of Southern California, and has written that his work depicts how he is “constantly searching for his real home by journeying out into the desert.” The photo that I found most interesting is “Shack 2” which was taken at Southern Salton Sea in Southern California. Alu’s technique includes utilizing a Kodak DC-280 digital camera, in which he then converts the images to black and white using Photoshop. The most important process in the creation of his art is adding contrast by making the dark areas darker, and the light areas lighter with burn and dodge brushes. Alu then adds unsharp mask to help emphasize specific features in the image and intensify the overall impact of the photograph. Alu’s use of these particular methods of enhancement provides dramatic effects to many of his works.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Bio

Hello everyone,

My name is Dawn and I am now a sophomore here at Albertus Magnus. I am married and have a 12 year old daughter who is much more creative than I. I am taking this course as a General Educational Requirement. I have no artistic background and I too would appreciate any artistic criticism of the work that I submit. I value and respect the opinions of others.

I wish everyone well in your future endeavors and look forward to learning something new.

Dawn Langston www.fotothing.com/langdawn

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Week 1 Bio.

Hello everyone-
I am Danielle, and this is my third year in the ADP program at Albertus. I recently received my Associate’s degree this past May, and I am working towards my bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in child development and mental health.

I am married and have two amazing sons, age 13 and 11 that keep me VERY busy with their sports and activities; as well as a pug named Rocky who brings a lot of fun and entertainment to my family’s life. Currently I am employed at a fitness center in the childcare department where I work with children from age three months to twelve years old, and I have to say that it is definitely interesting working with all of the different little personalities!

Art has always been of interest to me, which was the reason behind me taking this course. Over the years I have informally worked with paint and clay, and although I enjoy all types of art, I am least familiar with computer art. I am looking forward to learning more about this topic, as well as working with everyone to gain a better understanding of computer art.
http://www.fotothing.com/Danielle383/



Week 1 Assignment
The website for the Museum of Computer Art is fascinating to browse. (I am the typical "I don't know much about art, but I do know what I like" person. ) One artist I particularly liked is Teddynash, a German who reportedly uses Photoshop 7 and Picture It 3 (according to MOCA). Per his fotocommunity page, he also uses Vue and Apophysis, of which I have never heard. His exhibition is labeled "Photoart". Teddynash says, "Important is not perfect artworks, but expression of emotions."
The bottom picture is Teddynash's # 240. It is whimsical and really appeals to me. Above is Teddynash's # 171. It looks more like a science fiction illustration than something I would have thought one can create with a computer. I would hang this one up at work!
Lastly, I don't know what the distinction is between "photo-based" versus "photo-manipulated" (I understand the latter; that's like using Photoshop to enhance or modify existing pictures.) Are they actually the same thing?

Museum of Computer Art- Week 1


I found a fabulous artists by the name of Antonio. Antonio is italian and started creating his digital work in 1996 on geocities. Now, he has a website which he calls "his eye to the world". I encourage all of you to visit http://www.village9991.it/. Antonio's art consists of photomosaic, lettering, and digital collage. The particular piece that I selected to share uses tiles from the fonts available in his PC. He uses those tiles and layers them to create the iconic image that I've uploaded for your pleasure. I'm not usre what software was used, but with this simple yet complex technique, Photoshop or even Word could be used. I hope you enjoy!

Hi All


Hello Everyone. I'm excited about taking the Computer Art class. I've taken Digital Photography with Jerry before, and loved it. Can't wait to get started. My fotothing name is gcalloway. Add me as a friend so I can see your stuff. See you on the blog! :) Oh, this picture that I attached is one that I took with my fiance. I edited it in photoshop (LOVE IT). We're getting married in May. YAY! I hope you like it.

Week 1 "Bio"


Hi everyone,
My name is Allen Gillette, I am currently employed with Pratt&Whitney. Don't know for how long if you have been watching the news. Anyway, this is my last class to finish out my Bachelors degree. I have taken digital photography 1 with Jerry and it was very interesting to learn how a digital camera should work and how to take advantage of the ultimate opportunity. I'm looking forward to this class and sharing my experiences with everyone.

My passion other than my kids are motorcycles. I enjoy riding my motorcycle, that is my stress reliever.
Stay tuned for more!

Monday, August 24, 2009

Week 1- "bio" assignment

Hi everyone!
I am an Accounting major taking this class to fulfill my Arts requirement. I selected Computer Art because it is online but also because it's something I might actually use in the future. (I enjoy digital photography, but until now, could never figure out how to use the accompanying software!)

I am an accountant for Bob's Stores (apparel & footwear, NOT furniture) since 1987. I am married and have a very tall seventh-grade son.

It is safe to say I have no artistic background whatsoever, so I will appreciate your constructive criticism and advice. Thanks and good luck to all!
Katherine Despres wwww.fotothing.com/Katdes4

Welcome to Class!


Hi Everyone!

To get things started, let me tell you a bit about myself.... I have been teaching full time at Albertus Magnus College for the past 30 years and am grateful for the opportunity to spend my life working with students who want to learn more about art. I've been married for the past 34 years, and have 2 wonderful sons, 26 and 30. My older son is married and has two sons.... (All living with us!) ...a 2 year old and a 3 month old. He works for Disney as an Art Director and Graphic Designer in their book division.

My main interest is photography and I earned an M.F.A. in still photography from Rochester Institute of Technology. At Albertus I teach not only Photography but a range of other courses which include Digital Photography both online and face to face, Foundation Design (2-D and 3-D), Graphic Design, Ceramics, Intro to Computer Art, 20th Century Art History, and a new course I developed, The Museum Experience.

To learn more about me, take a look at my web site,
http://jnevins.com. You can find a statement of my teaching philosophy (very student centered), syllabi form my other classes, a resume (called a Curriculum Vita in academic circles), tutorials on digital photography issues, portfolios of my work and more.

I look forward to working with you!