You probably already know I use Photoshop to manipulate photographs, etc. Also, you are probably already familiar with Puerto Rico's famous children's book author, Vanessa Seijo, who also posts on Open Salon. Vanessa was using a snapshot taken at some dinner party for a user image. She'd cropped it, but the shoulder and arm of her escort was still showing in the image. That is the kind of thing that inspires me to make something out of it.
How it Was Done:
1) Remove the background, the shoulder and arm of her escort.
2) Lighten where shadows no longer make sense.
3) Smooth out the pixelation that comes with enlarging a small photo, and turn it into something approaching a brush stroke painting.
4) A quick search for some medieval tapestry to use as a frame, and here you have it:
image © diana ani stokely 2011
all rights reserved
click on image to see at full size
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nilesite
M. C. S.
Deborah Méndez Wilson
MedianPerspective
Joslyn Hamilton
Maureen Andrade
Salon.com
Comments
oh, dianaani, i am verklempt
this is a gorgeous gift, and you have been kind to me beyond imagining
thank you truly, thank you, thank you, thank you
(deep curtsy)
Linnnn, it makes me smile every time I see your own avatar, I'm happy you like this one, too.
Kasia, the old photo on my banner? That was taken when I was 12, we have a big family. Thanks!
Vanessa! I knew that word would catch you, but I stand behind it. You aren't just a pretty face! I am so glad you are pleased with my gift to you.
Joan, Kate, Muse, you all shine like pretty stars here, I bask in your glow, and know that Vanessa is a big draw .... Ha!
She is nothing but the jewel of the nile.
bravo!!!
rated with hugs
A girl named Pam tried that on me in the 8th grade.
♥R
I didn't know she's a famous children's book author! ...but not surprised. : )
I love how your artistic talents keep popping up in different areas through these months of reading your posts...
Thanks, Matt, for the lovely remarks. I'm pleased that your're still talking to me ... :o)
Hello, Vivian, and welcome. I may post some before-and-afters just for you, thanks!
designanator, you are entirely welcome.
thanks, poppi, she is a pretty face AND a brilliant mind.
hey Linda! like Cleopatra? that's cool!
Ah, Con, you caught me again. When I write sentences like tha, I think of you, ya know.
Thanks, trilogy, she's a cutie.
Mission, glad you came by. Talent _may_ be a part of it, but mostly it is sheer determination, and lots of practise. It helps that I love to do it.
Just Thinking... I worry about being lazy with writing, but falling back on art is just too tempting. I appreciate your coming by all these times. Vanessa just pubrlished her first children's book, and is getting some attantion. She is a devotee of all things medieval too, so you were right about the appropriateness of that tapestry frame.
rita, she surely does have a bright and happy smile. thanks for visiting!
The tapestry was a stroke of genius.
Steve, I know! She's not just brilliant, she's lovely too! I should be so shy.
I had no idea she is famous children's author. How cool.
She has a great face . You did it much justice with your mastery . Brava dear diana ani.