Using Photoshop to Improve Your Reference Photos

While I love the idea of plein air painting, I'm more of a studio painter. I do go out and take my own reference photos, and have recently learned how to use the photomerge command in Photoshop Elements (I'm using an older version, 2.0, without a lot of bells and whistles). I've always struggled with the fact that the camera is limited in what it takes in, but by taking a series of shots and then combining them into one, I can come closer to recreating the feel of the location, the scale, the light, all those elements that make a difference. The image above is the result of about 4 or 5 photos merged together.

Red Pears on a Plate

Collected

Red Pears on a Plate
6 x 6, oil on panel
@Sue Smith 2009

I really like this painting.

The still life paintings have been very popular, the landscapes, not so much. That's okay. Paint and learn.

I started buying from artists on eBay, too, finding small pieces that I like. I'm not ready to trust the *genuine artifact, authenticated old Roman pottery shard for $5.00* claims on some things, although if they were genuine, that would be neat. Maybe.

If you are thinking about selling on eBay, spend time looking at what is available, what people are actually bidding on, and what you can do that would work. I've learned that small is good. Good art is good. Free shipping is good (necessary!) Low prices are good, although there are a few artists selling LARGE (what exactly is large?) paintings. I have to wonder though if they are making any money after materials and shipping. Some probably are making it in volume and there are a few artists who really can command prices over $100.

I'm not there yet - over $100. Mine sell between $30 and $60.

But I intend to be.

Consistency. Finding what works. Regular posting. Building a following. The right pricing.

This is what seems to work.

Studio Tip for December

Don't you just hate putting gesso on raw canvas? Well, here's a tip that really works for me.

I started using a 3 inch foam rubber roller. It comes in a kit that includes a tiny plastic tray that doubles as a storage container. You'll find it in the house painting section of your local home improvement store - the one I found is made by Rubbermaid but there may be other brands available.

After putting a small quantity of gesso into the tray, I roll it on the canvas or board. It's so quick you'll actually enjoy the chore, and the best part is that you get very even coverage without the annoying brush marks -- unless you want brush marks, that is. I usually do two or three thin coats, alternating the direction each time. Then, if I want more texture, I'll use a gesso brush for the last layer.

Clean up is easy, the roller lasts a long time, and replacement foam is available.

I can tell you, this really saves my shoulder when preparing a large canvas.

One warning, though -- this method splatters gesso around, mostly on your hands and arms, so be sure you protect any surfaces that are in the line of fire. Those little dried specks of gesso are a real bear to clean up...