So how the _____! do I fix this?
08:30 Posted In Art Edit This 0 Comments »
Yes, when an item is scanned in black and white the program used automatically desaturates any and all colour. Both paintings were made form the same palette as I had mixed up a large amount of tinted greys at the start. To look at the scanned images you would never think they were painted with the same paints. Since they are going together on the same CD pakaging they need that continuity.
The second major issue is that the back cover painting is washed out - too much light has effectively wiped out a large portion of my light and middle tone greys. This flattens the image and robs any sense of depth and form.
Granted, I have very little 'schooling' in image manipulation. I can clean up my photographs to a point and I know the basics about layers. I tried playing with the tools that I know - graphs to adjust levels of tone and colour. I tried layering these with commands that adjust contrast / brightness. I was trying to make the black and white image look like the colour image and it just didn't work.
Having no other choice, I started to play. I worked through different commands in the menus to see how these options would affect the image. Thank heaven for thecommand! Eventually I found a combination of layered comands / effects that I could live with. I regained my midtones and lighttones. I recovered my texture. Of course the colour is still off.
Next step, convert the colour image to black and white (except for the rose) and apply the same steps to bring it in line with the black and white image. If I can't pull it one way, I have to push the other way.
Looking back on it now there are probably a few commands and steps I could do differently to make things easier. Looking back on it now, I think over-explaining things to the person who does the scanning would be the way to go. This way we are both on the same page!
And finally, if I undergo another procedure that requires pain meds or anything like it - I should just take the day off!
The second major issue is that the back cover painting is washed out - too much light has effectively wiped out a large portion of my light and middle tone greys. This flattens the image and robs any sense of depth and form.
Granted, I have very little 'schooling' in image manipulation. I can clean up my photographs to a point and I know the basics about layers. I tried playing with the tools that I know - graphs to adjust levels of tone and colour. I tried layering these with commands that adjust contrast / brightness. I was trying to make the black and white image look like the colour image and it just didn't work.
Having no other choice, I started to play. I worked through different commands in the menus to see how these options would affect the image. Thank heaven for the
Next step, convert the colour image to black and white (except for the rose) and apply the same steps to bring it in line with the black and white image. If I can't pull it one way, I have to push the other way.
Looking back on it now there are probably a few commands and steps I could do differently to make things easier. Looking back on it now, I think over-explaining things to the person who does the scanning would be the way to go. This way we are both on the same page!
And finally, if I undergo another procedure that requires pain meds or anything like it - I should just take the day off!
Lessons Learned
08:30 Posted In Art Edit This 0 Comments »
Play is a wonderful thing, and in terms of programs like Photoshop that is the best way for me to learn. Of course, the crunch of an impending deadline combined with some initial errors in judgement can do wonders for inspiration. Yes I have manuals but that is only really usefull when a) you have the time to go through them and b) you know what to do, just not how to do it. When faced with "how the ____! do I fix this?!", play begins in earnest.
I am conveniently choosing to blame the errors of judgement on the pain medication. Last Monday I had a procedure to break up a large kidney stone. To say it is uncomfortable and painful is an understatement. As such the doctor gave me some sort of pain medication via the IV. I felt fine after I was released: I was not fuzzy or sleepy or confused. But I did have some difficulty using my cell phone, clue # 1, and I was under strict orders not to drive for 24 hours, clue #2. It was in this state of being that I took my paintings to a digital art company to get scanned.
All of the paintings are essentially black and white, with the exception of the rose on the front cover. As such the gentleman doing the scans said he would scan the one image in colour and the other two in black and white. I agreed to this plan, with no twinge or thought that this might not be the way to go. So there is error #1.
When I received the call a few hours later to pick up the paintings and the disc I was shown the digital images on his monitor. Despite having stared at these paintings for the better part of a month, I did not pick up on what was wrong with the back cover image. At the time everything looked fine and I did not compare the on-screen image with the original. There is error in judgement #2.
It was not until several hours later (at which time the scanning shop is closed) that the problems were reconized.
Can you spot them?
I am conveniently choosing to blame the errors of judgement on the pain medication. Last Monday I had a procedure to break up a large kidney stone. To say it is uncomfortable and painful is an understatement. As such the doctor gave me some sort of pain medication via the IV. I felt fine after I was released: I was not fuzzy or sleepy or confused. But I did have some difficulty using my cell phone, clue # 1, and I was under strict orders not to drive for 24 hours, clue #2. It was in this state of being that I took my paintings to a digital art company to get scanned.
All of the paintings are essentially black and white, with the exception of the rose on the front cover. As such the gentleman doing the scans said he would scan the one image in colour and the other two in black and white. I agreed to this plan, with no twinge or thought that this might not be the way to go. So there is error #1.
When I received the call a few hours later to pick up the paintings and the disc I was shown the digital images on his monitor. Despite having stared at these paintings for the better part of a month, I did not pick up on what was wrong with the back cover image. At the time everything looked fine and I did not compare the on-screen image with the original. There is error in judgement #2.
It was not until several hours later (at which time the scanning shop is closed) that the problems were reconized.
Can you spot them?
Spring cleaning!
12:36 Posted In detox , life Edit This 0 Comments »
Ok, even though the weather sucks and it feels like January instead of March I am still determined to get some good cleaning done in preperation for the warmer weather. I find the closed in space and the clutter are grinding on my nerves.
The idea is not just to clean but to pull out the stuff that I no longer use or need and get rid of it. Some will be donated, some could be put in yard sale (if I have enough to warrant one). I know, it is not warm enough for a yard sale yet so I need a spot to put all of this stuff in the interim. Right now the stff is sitting on my couch until I find a better option.
And while I'm at it, it is a good time to have a dietary detox as well. Unlike previous detoxes I am going to skip on the herbal supplements and just work with the meal plan. Basically I'm going to cut out processed / refined foods and dairy for 12 days. I will start this once certain groceries have run out. I hate wasting food!
The idea is not just to clean but to pull out the stuff that I no longer use or need and get rid of it. Some will be donated, some could be put in yard sale (if I have enough to warrant one). I know, it is not warm enough for a yard sale yet so I need a spot to put all of this stuff in the interim. Right now the stff is sitting on my couch until I find a better option.
And while I'm at it, it is a good time to have a dietary detox as well. Unlike previous detoxes I am going to skip on the herbal supplements and just work with the meal plan. Basically I'm going to cut out processed / refined foods and dairy for 12 days. I will start this once certain groceries have run out. I hate wasting food!
Yes, Spring is on it's way
09:15 Posted In life Edit This 0 Comments »
In typical Calgary fashion the weather has been jumping through hoops again. Yesterday was clear, sunny and warm - to the tune that people were shucking their heavy jackets on the patios. This morning we woke up to heavy wet snow rendering the streets and sidewalks a slushy mess and we are back to aforementioned jackets. Galoshes would not be a bad idea either! It is days like this where I am reminded that I really do need new tires on the car. Do you ever get that urge to find a huge expanse of completely empty parking lot and play slip & slide with your wheels?
