This is going to stomp the crap out of the photo illustration/advertising/design community. If you don't buy the new version when it's released, you might as well close up shop...
to all that light on the balcony), I've been working on my 'art doll' ATC swap submissions. Have been wanting to do something fairy themed, so I chose to focus on flower fairies (in part because Joann's was having a wicked cool sale on all things Spring-faux-floral). Have also wanted to make some pieces not 100% digital, so this was a nice change.
so I went trolling on the WWWeb for inspiration. I've
always loved Rackham's illustrations, and I found a pose I liked so I cribbed the 
nicely to the 3D effect I was looking for. The trial run went to Jenn (aka Blueskys
unburn) as a thank you for another swap I was in. Can't believe it's been almost a month since I posted!
A lot happened at the evil necessity that must be endured (aka Work) that interfered with Art. Crossing fingers and hoping it settles down.
I'm learning several new drawing programs, several of which are free, the rest are free for older versions:
Project Dogwaffle is seriously cool. The top pay version has the neatest programmable brushes - you can actually load multiple images to use with it...the best use of this is in landscapes... the only drawback is that there are no layers, just good old traditional slap it on top of what's already there. We'll see if I plunk down the dineros for this one!
Art Weaver, from Germany, is one awesome piece of software, completely free. The interface is very Photoshop-ish, so I was able to jump in and create the following in my first session:
I have to go back and see if there is a donation 'button'...it's worthy of showing some appreciation!
The third application I'm looking at is Pixarra's TwistedBrush. Can't say anything about it yet...stay tuned!
All this started when somebody recommended Ambient Design's ArtRage to me in the WetCanvas! Digital forum. While I was able to quickly work up a piece that was acceptable, it's got more of a "kiddie" interface with stencils and virtual glitter. Art Weaver's interface is so much more sophisticated and flexible, that I really think it's going to be my core app.
More as it happens, or when Life stops interferring with Art! (whichever comes first!)
...Run in Circles, Scream and Shout!
Geez! I gotta wonder if some peeps don't need to up their meds or something! The soap opera at (the site which must not be named) is like that bunny, going and going and...
While one group continues to negotiate/plan a new site/whatever they come up with, it's fine by me - on the other side of the coin there's been finger wagging, tongue wagging, recriminations, shouting matches, general snarkiness... it's like Thanksgiving with the family! (Sherri, if you read this I'm just kidding, really, I didn't mean it... ah nuts!)
So we wait and see, see and wait. Meanwhile, I've been playing with Photoshop some more...click on my Flickr slideshow and go have a looky-loo. Go ahead, I'll wait while you take a look!
Fun, huh?
Oh, and Ski is doing better, but I still have to pill him to keep him eating. Worrysome, that.
One last item...my package FINALLY arrived in Ketanning, WA, Australia! It only took a MONTH! Honest, I mailed it 1/16!
It creeps me out. Really.
This time, I'm reading a graphics tutorial on the WWWeb, Ski in lap, and BAM out of nowhere this intense feeling that I've been in exactly this position, doing exactly this same thing, before.
(Que the Twilight Zone music)
Ski's appetite is down again. Rats.
Oh, and I figured out what I did to my foot...I have a habit of resting the middle (2nd Metatarsal) on the base of my task chair. Shoeless, that equals a sore spot! Mystery solved, now I just have to break that habit.
Playing with Photoshop some more and finally learning how to use the graphics tablet I've had for several years. Serious coolness has ensued!
