At the beach... Create an artistic look with Topaz Labs Simplify

Creating an artistic look with a photo can be as easy as using a filter or plug-in for Photoshop, Elements or Lightroom.  With this seagull and beach scene, I used Topaz Labs Simplify, a very creative plug-in for creating brushstrokes of color. Simplify removes some of the detail, which in turn creates a more artistic image. The colors can be accentuated as shown with the seagull photo above. There are quite a few presets for Simplify; BuzzSim, cartoon, various painterly looks, color sketch, underpainting which is great for creating a base to further paint an image, woodcarving and more!

With the seagull image, I used BuzzSim which is one of my favorites of the Simplify presets. This preset removes some of the detail and softens the image, accentuating the overall colors. Removing some of the detail creates a more tranquil look which works nicely for this beach scene subject matter. I like the pastel look the preset created, just the idea I had in mind for this image!

To enhance the artistic look, you can use a canvas background to create a little texture. Try using one of the textures found in Patterns in Photoshop (Artist's Surfaces) and use a Blend Mode to blend the two, such as Overlay or Multiply. You can also use your own texture, my favorites are from Flypaper Textures! As a finishing touch, I used an edge treatment from OnOne Photoframe that resembles canvas and brushstrokes.

All links and promotional codes to software can be found by clicking on my Plug-in page.
If you would like to join me for a little creativity, my online classes for this month are just getting started! Click here for more information on Enhancing Images online at BetterPhoto.com. Have fun creating an artistic look with your photos! ~ Deb

Artistic Imagery - Removing detail and getting creative with Topaz Labs...

These colorful and graphically patterned boats in Las Terrazas, Cuba were the perfect choice for creating a more artistic image.  Removing some of the detail rendered the image more artistic and creative, a easy task using Topaz Labs.  To start with, the boat image was filtered twice through Topaz Labs Simplify Cartoon to remove the larger parts of detail in the image. To follow up, I used Topaz Simplify to give the image a little more definition and color. To finish the image, I added a single layer of texture for a painterly look, a wonderful new Spring Painterly texture from Flypaper Textures called Gelato Ice using a blend mode of Vivid light. Experiment with your photography, and see "what happens if!" ~ Deb

PS... If you are interested in artistic techniques with your photography, I'll be at Florida's Birding & Photo Fest next week, don't miss my presentations! Also, I'll be giving an Artistic Imagery presentation and demo to the Orlando Camera Club on July 25! Hope to see you there!

PSS...Use this link for Topaz Labs and the code for anything Topaz is my name deborahsandidge.

Artistic imagery with Topaz Simplify...

With Topaz Labs Simplify, you get to be an artist creating beautiful imagery that blends the line between photograph and painting! With Simplify, you have quite a few choices for artistic effects such as my favorite, the traditional Buzsim which softens an image creating a painterly look, along with Cartoon, Sketch and more.

Here's a tip:  In the layers palette, right click on the layer and choose Convert to Smart Object. This sets up the layer with a layer mask, which allows you to brush in any details, and lets you go back to the filter interface if you want to alter the filter effects.

Thank you to over 1000 great photographers that have signed up for todays webinar!  I'm excited to share some photos and ideas, and I hope you'll be inspired by the very cool and creative plugin, Topaz Labs Simplify!

PS - Coupon code deborahsandidge for anything Topaz Labs!

Lorikeet fun! Artistic touches with Topaz Labs Simplify...

These colorful lorikeets are so much fun, and amazing to watch! They have brush tongues that sip nectar, and they are the most outgoing of parrots. They're not afraid of anything, and will land on you if they think they'll get a nectar treat. I love their colors, and personalities! To create a painterly look, I used Topaz Labs Simplify to remove some of the detail, making the image more artistic. Thanks those who already signed up for my Friday fun webinar on Topaz Labs Simplify! See you there!

PS... I'll be giving a presentation/demo on "Artistic Imagery" for the Orlando Camera Club on July 25th, covering my favorite tips and techniques for creative fun in Photoshop!