pontiac1940
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Post by pontiac1940 on Nov 27, 2020 3:53:36 GMT
This post evolved from the triptych thread, so in keeping with that I made a shadow box. Lillias and Helen mentioned watercolors from one of my previous lives. I painted a bit 20 and more years ago. (First art class outside of school was about 45 years ago!) I have most of my original items (some have been donated) so took a few photos this evening and worked them into a four-window shadow box. Clockwise from upper left are: - Hexagenia limbata, North America's largest mayfly – watercolor
- Humpy fly – watercolor
- Gold-ribbed hare's ear wet fly – watercolor
- Rainbow trout – pencil drawing
These were done between 1999 and 2001. Perhaps you can comment in the off white "paper" and other things. The rainbow trout paper oval is too dark. BTW, all were done on different papers and none are white. Thanks for the encouragement. I'll play with this some more. Clive  |
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Post by Lillias on Nov 27, 2020 10:37:58 GMT
I painted a bit 20 and more years ago He humbly says... I’ve just looked at these on my large monitor and...Wow Clive they are wonderful. The detail in each is fantastic. The transparent effect in that first one is perfect. I had an Uncle who was a fly fisherman and he used to tie his own flies...he would have loved to have seen these. I hope you will consider taking your paint brush up into your hand again as it would be a shame to let a talent like this lie dormant for more years. Thank you so much for sharing these with us. |
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Post by hmca on Nov 27, 2020 15:10:05 GMT
Nicely done, Clive. I especially like the detail in the lure on bottom left. Your shadow box presentation works well.
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pontiac1940
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Post by pontiac1940 on Nov 27, 2020 16:12:06 GMT
Thanks all. It was fun to take photos of the old paintings and make the shadow box in PSE. (Easy.) Bit of a side note. I tied flies for years (and still do on occasion) and painting them was "natural" in they they are paint almost how they are tied. However, it is difficult for me to get animals (for example) "right" .. I have no sense "body form." If I run out of things to do this winter perhaps I should buy some fresh paints.  Clive |
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Post by ritage on Nov 27, 2020 17:35:16 GMT
Wow Clive, paint me green - with envy that is. If I could draw or paint a fraction that well, I doubt I'd ever have looked at Photoshopping.
Rita
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Post by cats4jan on Nov 27, 2020 17:52:30 GMT
Clive - those paintings are fantastic. Hope you pick up the brush again.
As for the shadow box. I like how you've 'cut' ovals from your paintings. It's a great way to showcase photos in shadow boxes.
However, I'm not a total fan of how dark the shadowing is around the matting edges. You can get depth without such heavy shadow. I know shadow boxes are typically deeper than plain matting is - and you have achieved that look - but there's something 'forced' about the look. Sorry, I can't offer advice on how to fix what I perceive as a problem - it's just that it bothers me because it takes away from those wonderful paintings - drawing the eye to the black lines instead of the drawings.
I don't think the trout background is too dark - it's an integral part of your painting, so it is an asset
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pontiac1940
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Post by pontiac1940 on Nov 27, 2020 18:24:35 GMT
However, I'm not a total fan of how dark the shadowing is around the matting edges. Thanks all. Janice, thanks for that suggestion and now I see it. Shadow opacity was set at 100%. It is easy to reduce in the Edit layer style >> Drop shadow opacity. Will try it and post. Thanks Clive  |
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pontiac1940
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Post by pontiac1940 on Nov 27, 2020 18:31:18 GMT
Ahhh...so tried that cats4jan Thanks. I agree that the shadow is better, but now the overall appearance might be too light and I might change the background (behind the paintings) to perhaps a pale olive drab or ? That will be tonight ...  |
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Post by hmca on Nov 27, 2020 18:49:24 GMT
I always find getting shadows to look right tricky. I like the change you made as a result of Janice's suggestion, Clive.
I don't know that I think it looks too light....but I look forward to seeing what you come up with if you do make a change.
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Post by cats4jan on Nov 27, 2020 18:57:18 GMT
the overall appearance might be too light Instead of changing the background, how about trying some different colors for the shadow box However, one can 'play' forever and still not be satisfied. Sometimes it's best to step away to get a new perspective. I've come back to projects and have totally gone in a new direction, too. |
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Post by jackscrap on Nov 27, 2020 19:37:54 GMT
These are all fantastic Clive, have to agree with all the above comments, and you are way too modest about your beautiful paintings. Sort out your painting requirements now before the snow season.
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Post by Lillias on Nov 27, 2020 21:26:58 GMT
I thought I'd try this...I put a radial gradient on the shadow box frame and then added some noise from the Filters menu to provide some texture. I also reduced the shadows to 55%.  |
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moss
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Post by moss on Nov 28, 2020 0:21:40 GMT
Wow Clive, congratulations it seems that you are not only ultra talented in your beautiful photography but also with a brush ...... oh how I wish I could do that, but sadly it was the one subject that I failed miserably at school. Please pick up your brush again.
Lilias I love your shadow box, the colours blend so well and it makes a very warm and comforting picture .......I can see this hanging on your lounge wall. Thank you for explaining your method.
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Post by kdcintx on Nov 28, 2020 1:20:01 GMT
Clive, I like the colors and the detail. Very well done. Maybe you will be snowed in and can paint some more.  BillieJean, the radial filter with the added texture ties the background color and the frame color together very nicely. |
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pontiac1940
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Post by pontiac1940 on Nov 28, 2020 3:39:09 GMT
Thanks to all for your comments and suggestions. I am messing with some more paintings but it could take a day or two. Shall see. Clive Added a canvas texture to the painting. Done for now.  |
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