Using Color Overlays

I have found that certain pictures can really blossom when I apply a color overlay.  This berry picture started out delicious, but with a few layers, it transformed into something too good to eat. :)

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1) A creamy overlay (I used #fde4ce, soft light) lifts the shadows and mid-tones, but keeps a juicy contrast, overall. I would have been happy with this, but then I tried a midnight overlay

2) The midnight overlay is just a dark color I chose to try to compliment the rich berry color. I chose #14081d, and set the mode to soft light (after experimenting with a few others.) It did make the picture a tad darker and muted the background a bit more, but it needed that for the next step.

3) The final step was adding a texture overlay. Shadowhouse Creations has lots of lovely FREE textures that I love to use.  This one is called "Used Canvas." Again, set to soft light, and adjust opacity.

Both versions work, but I was going for a more antique, delicate, artistic look. If you want a natural, green, no-filter look, don't add filters!

Blessings,

Alyssa 

Wild and Wonderful

Outside, looking around, wondering about all the beauty in this wonderful world.

These pictures actually inspired me with some thoughts as I looked through them. Why do I take pictures of wild flowers? Why is water so beautiful? 

 

I've been enjoying my summer here in the Wild and Wonderful West Virginia.

Blessings,

Alyssa

F is for Fawn

Illustrating such simple cuteness on the computer is what I call fun. Like I said, I drew this on the way to Kentucky. Beautiful scenery, by the way.

Blessings,

Alyssa

Project Botanical: Rhododendron

Between moving, mini vacation, and a kitchen remodeling project, I've been lacking in creative output. I did manage to draw another illustration in route to Kentucky, but then the kitchen took over...

 

So, yesterday, I decided to start a project that I have had in the back of my mind for a while. Botanical prints.

I want to gather pictures of local flowers and plants and take scientific-like photos of them for reference. Maybe, in the winter, when things slow down again, I can whip out some botanical prints for my home decor and some shop items.

The first flower on my list is the rhododendron, West Virginia's state flower.

So, I did a quick pen sketch, trying to focus on the quality of line the petals made.

Blessings,

Alyssa

Mamma Goose, Daddy Goose, and Seven Little Juniors

I like watching our neighbors, the Goose family. I think I should do something.

A painting?

Drawing?

Vector art? (like the cute little fox)

Anyway, at least I shot a picture that I can pull up if I ever do want to draw my own little goslings.

Blessings,
Alyssa

Foxes and Strawberries for Retro

Yesterday, Photoshop's shared a tutorial link on their Facebook page. I couldn't pass up those little fox eye's and I had to try it out.

The colors seem bolder when I exported it as a jpg. I'll have to look into that.

I had so much fun creating this; I hope I have inspiration to do similar things in the future. My problem is trying to make something too realistic, unless I have something to go off of. What do you think? Realistic, or cartooned? They each have their place, I suppose.

Here is the link to the tutorial, if anyone is interested.

http://design.tutsplus.com/tutorials/how-to-create-a-retro-fox-illustration-in-adobe-illustrator--cms-20733

Blessings,

Alyssa

Spring Visitors

I've always enjoyed photographing bumble bees, but yesterday, they kept me moving. The little creatures love my honeysuckle bush (I don't blame them!), and go from bloom to bloom faster than I can focus! I finally caught on and capture this little cutie.

What called me to get my camera in the first place was this lazy butterfly. It preferred the sweet nectar of the lilacs. I thought the purple blossoms complimented well his yellow garment and black trimmings.