We are just back from a fantastic weekend at the American Airshow at the IWM Duxford.
The American Airshow 2016 was a good event. There was lots of great flying (well the bits I got to see were very impressive). It seems the crowd numbers were down – a result of the advance ticket policy? I know a lot of people without tickets were turned away from the gates.
From our perspective it was a successful weekend despite the low crowd numbers.
We had a blast chatting to those visiting our art stall. Many became customers and bought something – its great to see your own personal work leaving for a new home.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ess_grid alias=”gdmk-images-art-stall-american-airshow-duxford-2016″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Ted Gets a C-47 Dakota Flight
The highlight of the event for us was Ted making a new friend called Loon. Loons guardians, Andrew and Geraldine, dropped by the stall when they saw a black and white picture for sale on our stall. It turns out it was a picture of their steed for the weekend – C47A Dakota N147DC. After a lovely chat, they invited Ted to fly in the Dakota during the display on Saturday! Well what could we say? Before we knew it Ted was off and away for his VIP trip. I am sooo jealous of that little bear!!!!
July 2016 Update – little did we know that Ted would go one better at flying legends by getting a date with B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B!![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ess_grid alias=”ted-goes-flying”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Interesting Discussion Generated
My Vulcan digital art picture is always a popular picture wherever I go. As this was our first airshow, it was particularly interesting to listen to the knowledgeable airshow photographers who stopped by. Much discussion was had on whether it was a photograph or art. Even more discussion focussed on its merits as art. Some questioned why someone would sell a badly blurred photo. Others were commending a stunning piece of aviation artwork. It was very entertaining overhearing the banter between friends when opinions differed!
I’m glad the picture does exactly what art should do – generate debate! I’ll side with those customers who bought the picture. Several versions were bought including framed, on canvas and on a wooden block, those people obviously know their art!
What are your thoughts on the picture? Leave your comments below![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ess_grid alias=”vulcan-bomber-and-new-spitfire-digital-painting-pictures”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Orders and Upcoming Shows
For those who placed orders, I can confirm that your orders have been processed and submitted for production. You should be hearing from the couriers over the next 10-12 days with delivery slots.
For those who missed my aviation art display, you can check out and order online from the full Aviation Gallery.
Our next airshows are
19th June Cosford
2nd & 3rd July Flywheel Festival
9th & 10th July Flying Legends
We are at various shows every weekend. We will be at Bradgate Park this weekend with a general art stall. Following this we will be taking our railway art display to the North Yorks Moors Railway 70s and Diesel Gala on 17th & 18th June.
If you will be at any of those events, come along and say hi. We love to chat!
In the meantime follow #tedontour on our social media channels to see what Ted gets up to in between shows!
Thanks for reading and please feel free to leave comments below, we love to hear from you!
All the best for now
Gary[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”sky” el_width=”80″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Subscribe to GDMK Images” txt_align=”center” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Sign me up !!” btn_custom_background=”#0098da” btn_custom_text=”#fffffd” btn_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fstaging.gdmkimages.co.uk%2Fsubscribe-gdmk-images-newsletters%2F|title:Subscribe%20and%20never%20miss%20an%20update|”]Subscribe and stay up to date with all the latest GDMK Images news![/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
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I have been fortunate enough to secure wall space in another great retail outlet.
My new outlet is located within the Sandiacre Antiques Emporium which is above Glorious Homes at 50a Station Road in Sandiacre.
Within the emporium you can find same great gifts including Antiques, vintage, clothes, jewellery and collectibles such as Dinky and Corgi toys.
I currently have a wide range of scenes on show which you can buy directly from the shop. You can also collect any web purchase from here and save on P&P![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ess_grid alias=”sandiacre-antiques-emporium-1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I’d like to thank Tyna for this great opportunity and hope you drop by as there are some great things to see and buy in her shop.
If you have any questions about buying from my retail outlets then please contact me
Thanks for reading
Gary[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”sky” el_width=”80″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Subscribe to GDMK Images” txt_align=”center” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Sign me up I want to save 10% on my purchase!” btn_custom_background=”#0098da” btn_custom_text=”#fffffd” btn_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fstaging.gdmkimages.co.uk%2Fsubscribe-gdmk-images-newsletters%2F|title:Subscribe%20and%20save%2010%25%20off%20your%20next%20wall%20art%2C%20phone%20case%20or%20t-shirt%20purchase!|”]Subscribe and save 10% off your next wall art, phone case or t-shirt purchase![/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
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New Classic Car Pictures Available to Licence and buy as Wall Art and Gifts
I have added more classic car pictures to my portfolio. The new classic car pictures are from the recent Classic Car Show in London.
The London Classic Car Show is a great event with so much to see, its difficult to get around in a single day. This was my first visit to this show and it turned out to be quite surreal. There was a Comic-Con event on in an adjacent hall and there were hundreds of extravagantly costumed people walking around! I dont know if the events are usually on at the same time, but it was a great unexpected surprise. The lengths some of these guys n gals go to emulate their heroes has to be seen to be believed!
Anyway, back to the classic cars! As with a lot of these events, the halls were heaving with people. As mentioned earlier, you really need two days if you want to see everything. I loved talking to the owners in the Owners Club hall. Some of the restorations are an absolute credit to their owners and I love it when they want to engage with photographers and tell their story. Perhaps that is the reason I need two days to get around cos I spend too long gassing!
Many of the pictures from the show will be used as base material for new digital art pictures (see below for more details) with a selection made available to licence via Alamy.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
British Classic Cars
Some classic British car designs including Jaguar, Aston Martin, AC Cars and Gordon-Keeble[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ess_grid alias=”new-british-classic-car-pictures-1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
American Classic Cars
Here are a selection of some classic Corvettes and a great Chevrolet pickup.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ess_grid alias=”new-american-classic-car-pictures”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Classic Car Digital Art
I have recently been working on some digital art pictures featuring various classic cars. The two digital art pictures below have just been added for sale to the wall art and gift collection.
The first is a Marcos Mantis followed by an Austin 16/6. Alongside each picture is a closer in view of the finer details of the digital art effects.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ess_grid alias=”new-classic-car-digital-art-pictures”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]More classic car digital art pictures will be added over the coming weeks so why not subscribe to the newsletter to hear first about the updates? If you are interested in licensing any images then follow the link to see my full classic car portfolio on Alamy.
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Fill That Void in Your Home or Office With A Unique Picture From GDMK Images
Everyone has that void in their home or office. That certain somewhere which just needs a little lift.
Fill yours with a gorgeous piece of wall art from my portfolio and transform your void into something a little bit special.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Within the picture galleries are images suitable for everyone in the family.[/vc_column_text][ess_grid alias=”cool-art-to-fill-that-void-in-your-home”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Buying Pictures Online is So Easy!
Buying any product from GDMK Images is as simple as 1, 2, 3 ….
Its as easy as that![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”top” overlay_color_opacity=”100″][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1493655762291{border-radius: 2px !important;}”][vc_column_text]
Use the form to ask about any aspect of your potential purchase. I am more than happy to discuss the different products and gifts, which pictures look best on which finish or any other question you may have.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Thanks for looking and reading
Cheers for now
Gary[/vc_column_text][contact-form-7 id=”14″ title=”Ask GDMK Images about wall art pictures and gifts”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”sky” el_width=”80″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
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Hinckley finally has its brand new shopping centre. The concept of a rejuvenated bus station and shopping area, has been on the cards for Hinckley for a long, long time. Talk of a bus station redevelopment with a supermarket at its heart has been around since at least the mid 1990s.
I wanted to record the existing buildings, their demolition and the new building works. My decision to do this was partly as an attempt to ‘document’ a large scale project on my doorstep and also as a record for future generations.
At the end of the article are links to my Alamy lightbox of licensable pictures from this article. Following this is a review of the project from a photographers point of view. Here I discuss what I learnt and provide tips on how to go about planning your own similar project.
So here we go – a picture essay of the building of The Crescent shopping centre in Hinckley.
The development involves a piece of land bordered by Brunel Road, Rugby Road, Lancaster Road and Station Road.
Rugby Road Shops and Businesses
Below are the shops and businesses that existed along Rugby Road taken shortly after being fenced off.
Starting off we have the row of small units along Waterloo Road. The shop on the corner was Punctillios Model spot. I bought many an Airfix, Tamiya and other model kits in my distant youth. There was also a launderette, the old Wainfleet Bus booking office (long since closed) and a few others. I do remember there being one of the first computer shops in Hinckley here. Again many a mis-spent hour poring over the latest Spectrum game releases! Moving onto Rugby Road was the Catalogue Shop, which was the final incarnation of this building that had seen occupants as diverse as various bars and nightclubs through to a childs soft play centre.
The Sawasdee Thai restaurant was next to this followed by Bennetts Hosiery factory. The final affected building was ‘Hinckley Dry Cleaners’ that did nothing to hide its previous existence as a garage.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_masonry_media_grid style=”lazy” item=”9524″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1510601948069-03ee52ea-b503-10″ include=”9449,9456,9506,9450,9457,9455,9451,9453,9454,9452″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Station Road Businesses
On the Corner of Lancaster Road and Station Road was Appleton House which was home to various accounting businesses. Moving along station road were a number of units that had mixed occupants. Unbelievably, I somehow managed to miss out the Volvo dealership on the corner of Station Road and Brunel Road. Not sure how that happened but there you go.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_masonry_media_grid style=”lazy” item=”9524″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1510601948080-4b33c990-978c-7″ include=”9448,9447,9446,9445″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Brunel Road Businesses
The only businesses in Brunel Road were the Sainsburys and Iceland. These were located in the short stay carpark on the Right hand side of the road when looking down the hill.
The Volvo dealership ran down from the corner of Station Road and behind this was a gym and another couple of units. In front of these units was another short stay carpark and the bus station itself.
On the Left hand side of the road looking down the hill, was an old car repair centre, the St Johns Ambulance Building and a long stay car park. The garage sign is shown below where you can see the cleared concrete pad of the St Johns building directly behind with the long stay car park in the far distance.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_masonry_media_grid style=”lazy” item=”9524″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1510601948086-3b3b71a4-154e-7″ include=”9444,9443,9442,9441,9440″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Clearance Work and Demolition
Here are several different views of the demolition and clearance works.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_masonry_media_grid style=”lazy” item=”9524″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1510601948091-ef9f3754-9fbd-5″ include=”9507,9501,9502,9462,9439,9503,9505,9461,9504,9512″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Views From Hinckley Bus Station
Looking towards Rugby Road from the road through the Bus Station.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_masonry_media_grid style=”lazy” item=”9524″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1510601948099-a6b8b60e-6966-3″ include=”9458,9459,9460″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
The Crescents First Shoots Start to Show
Building work starts in earnest as the land is cleared of demolition debris. The first signs of the ironwork and superstructure are appearing.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_masonry_media_grid style=”lazy” item=”9524″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1510601948103-8060f618-248d-8″ include=”9469,9463,9464,9466,9467″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Construction Machinery and Vehicles
There was plenty of impressive hardware to see during the construction. I like my man-toys and gadgets and always find the machinery on show interesting.
Along with the usual diggers and dumpers, there were some impressive piling machines, drills and cranes. Always impressive to see when at work.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_masonry_media_grid style=”lazy” item=”9524″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1510601948107-cbfbfd73-aaaa-0″ include=”9475,9472,9468,9470,9431,9433″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
New Buildings Familiar Sights
I always like to try and include something familiar in these type of transition shots. Including something old against the new build helps people to relate to familiar landmarks. Sometimes if the familiar is omitted it is hard to orientate where the photo is taken from and how it relates to the exisiting and known landscape. These photos help to prove Hinckley is still there in the background![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_masonry_media_grid style=”lazy” item=”9524″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1510601948112-98aa56ca-fa3e-2″ include=”9471,9474,9432,9469,9483″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Construction Well Under Way
It doesn’t seem to take long for the superstructure and internal framework to take shape. Here are various views of the superstructure and ironwork.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_masonry_media_grid style=”lazy” item=”9524″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1510601948118-8b31e8fa-cd57-0″ include=”9482,9481,9479,9434,9478,9477,9435,9480,9465,9244″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
The Crescent Is Almost Ready
And so we have it – almost. All the major construction is completed. Sainsburys and Cineworld are open with the other units being fitted out for their new occupants.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_masonry_media_grid style=”lazy” item=”9524″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1510601948125-823cc895-1db8-10″ include=”9484,9485,9486,9438,9437,9436,9487″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”editorial-pictures”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
I think this kind of long term project is valuable for photographers for many reasons.
Documenting change over time requires a certain amount of self discipline to revisit the same place over and over again. Your first couple of visits to the scene will be pretty easy as you are ‘setting the scene’ so to speak. These initial visits are basically documenting the scene as it exists prior to any change.
Over time though, especially during multi-year projects where nothing seems to change from month to month, it can become harder to get scenes that have an element of interest (both for you and any potential future viewers). This is particularly true if you pass the site regularly. Seeing the site repeatedly makes it harder to judge the incremental change.
This project started off as a casual project with the main aim to simply record the changes. The timing was not perfect (is it ever?) as I was dealing with some pretty intense personal circumstances. The project was a form of therapy to allow me to simply chill out whilst doing something constructive.
Looking back, I realise how valuable such a project can be to develop a photographers skills, particularly those skills that are not needed to use a camera.
If you decide to try a similar project here are a few pointers I think you will find of use.
I recommend setting up a timetable that splits the project into a timeline. Try to find out as much as possible about the project. Establish the planned start and finish dates as a bare minimum. Also, try to get some inside ‘gen’ on any other key dates. Events such as when large or unusual machines are expected on site, local dignitaries are booked to visit etc will provide many photographic opportunities. Try and find out project phase dates (demolition phase, land clearance phase, construction phase etc).
Armed with this info you can build a rough schedule and slot in appropriate potential dates to visit. Review the schedule and build yourself a shooting plan. Your shooting plan should include both regular visits, to capture the phased changes, and ad-hoc dates that include the projects key dates. Creating a shooting plan is one thing – sticking to it is another. This is where self discipline is vital. How frequent your regular visits are is entirely up to you. For a year long project you might decide fortnightly or monthly visits are appropriate. Remember, the more frequent the visits the harder it is to stick to the plan. Conversely, the less frequent the visits, the more likely you are to miss something of interest. Less frequent visits make it more likely you might forget or lose interest.
Before each visit, review your pictures from previous visits. By doing this you will refresh your mind on areas of interest. You will also see the step change since your last visit – even if very little may seem to have changed to the untrained eye.
Even if little does change, you will find over time that different viewpoints become available. This allows you to capture the work from a different angle which in itself can reveal further scenes of interest.
This is particularly useful when you are trying to include existing landmarks into the changing scene. Existing landmarks are useful because it allows people to orientate themselves within the scene.
All these pictures were taken from outside the perimeter of the building site. Going forward I would like to get the necessary permissions to enter a site. This will allow some real insight into what is involved and allow access to the real essence of the project.
Reviewing this project, I realise I learnt so much that will be invaluable for future projects. More importantly I realise how much I missed.
I hope you have enjoyed this snapshot of history and my thoughts about planning a similar project. I enjoyed tracking the development of this building project. Its surprising how quickly once familiar scenes can completely change.
Please let me know what you think of these tips. It would be great to hear about any similar projects you have undertaken and what you learned.
Feel free to ask me any questions about this article.
Thanks for reading and all the best for now
Gary[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”sky” el_width=”80″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Subscribe to GDMK Images” txt_align=”center” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Sign me up I want to save 10% on my purchase!” btn_custom_background=”#0098da” btn_custom_text=”#fffffd” btn_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fstaging.gdmkimages.co.uk%2Fsubscribe-gdmk-images-newsletters%2F|title:Subscribe%20and%20save%2010%25%20off%20your%20next%20wall%20art%2C%20phone%20case%20or%20t-shirt%20purchase!|”]Subscribe and save 10% off your next wall art, phone case or t-shirt purchase![/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
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Whilst out and about on business, I recently passed one of the largest railway depots in the UK.
Toton yard and depot is a huge location and is home to the DB Schenker Rail (UK) heavy maintenance facility. DB Schenker is part of the Deutchse Bahn German national railway operator.
The size of the yard reflects the one time massive flows of coal from the Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire coalfields to the Midlands power stations.
As the British coal industry declined, so did the fortunes of the yard and associated loco fleets based there.
Add into this mix the privatisation of the British railway network and the ensuing rationalisation of freight flows, the yard is a shadow of its former self.
There are still dozens of locos to see, but the sheer volume of trains, and operational yard space has declined significantly.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Abandoned Class 60s
One of the first things to strike any viewer at this location is the massive line of disused diesel locos slowly rusting away.
In the title picture there are 31 disused and abandoned locos in the line.
These class 60 locos were built by Brush Traction at Loughborough for British Rail between 1989 and 1993.[/vc_column_text][vc_masonry_media_grid item=”2915″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1454863871415-791a16c7-980a-0″ include=”9411,9409,9408,9407,9405,9406″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Somethings Got To Be Wrong?
Seeing this long line of disused locos gets me thinking that something has to be wrong with the British railway method of operation.
Simply seeing all these locos rotting away juxtaposed against the non stop flow of heavy lorries witnessed on the M1 not 10 mins prior begs many questions.
I am just a photographer and document what I see, but something has to be wrong.
Too many lorries on the road and loads of locos laying idle is not right. The relevant costings and bureaucracies must need amending to ease the load on our roads.
Why aren’t these locos being offered to other operators that may have use for them. Surely in a truly ‘competitive arena’ such as a privatised railway, companies shouldn’t be able to sit on dozens of unused locos. If they are not needed they should be offered to others that could use them.
Is the ‘competitive arena’ of British railways completely broken? Is there any ‘real’ competition at all?
Is this scene reflective of the actual reality of Britains privatised railway? A large rail operator with an ability to sit on dozens of unneeded locos could easily prevent smaller ‘competition’ from winning any new traffic.
This may make business sense for the company involved but is it in the National Interest?
I’m not sure but, looking at the bigger picture, something is broken with British railways.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
More Railway Editorial Pictures
Anyway, enough of the politics I’m getting a headache!
The full set of pictures taken on this visit are available to view and licence on Alamy. If you are interested, follow the link to my full railway picture collection. Alternatively you can view my latest editorial pictures.
Thanks for reading and feel free to leave your views
All the best
Gary[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”sky” el_width=”80″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Subscribe to GDMK Images” txt_align=”center” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Sign me up I want to know about new pics and articles!” btn_custom_background=”#0098da” btn_custom_text=”#fffffd” btn_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fstaging.gdmkimages.co.uk%2Fsubscribe-gdmk-images-newsletters%2F|title:Subscribe%20and%20get%20first%20shout%20about%20new%20pics%20and%20articles!|”]Subscribe and get first shout when new articles and editorial pictures are added![/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
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Over Christmas I spent some time working through Photoshop. I wanted to push the limits of my Photoshop knowledge by learning new techniques for producing digital art. Here is a summary of the process I went through and a step by step guide to creating your own digital art!
When you start diving into the depths of Photoshop you start to understand just how complex this software is.
I think many beginners struggle with Photoshop simply because its features are so vast and configurable. It can be hard to know where to start.
One of the important things to keep in mind is that any sort of art is a process.
A painter builds up an image through layers of their chosen medium be it pencils, paint or whatever. A musician takes different instruments and overlays them to produce something special (or not, if you listen to the charts these days).
As photographers we manipulate the rendition of light and time to produce our art.
Digital art is very much the same in that you blend layers of images and effects to produce an overall final picture.
I spent a lot of time working with all the filters, playing with their settings and merging them together on different layers.
There are so many effects possible it is hard to know what you can create – here are a few of my digital art pictures using vastly different techniques.
Another important thing to remember is to make notes of every step you take.
I frequently forgot to note the settings that would enable me to go back and recreate the effects! Many times, in my excitement, I found myself 7 or 8 steps ahead of my notes before realising I had got carried away with various settings.
Its all very well creating a technique, but totally useless if you cant remember how to recreate it. Please remember to make notes of each step as you go!
You will learn the three key elements of digital art are filters, layer blending and layer masks.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Photoshop Filters and Layers
I dont intend to make this in any way a tutorial on how to use Photoshop or specific techniques for digital art. Both subjects are so vast I could never dream to do either full justice.
What I do intend to achieve is to set out what I found useful, and give some pointers, for those who want to push Photoshop further than simple photo editing.
The first lesson I learnt was that starting with a blank canvas didnt cut it for me. After an hour or so I came to the conclusion that creating a colour palette from scratch was way too complicated, and to be blunt, tediuos.
I realised that I had thousands of ready made colour palettes available in my photo collection!
To save yourself some grief, and time, look through your photo collection for an image that has a palette featuring the key colours you want. Remember the chosen picture doesn’t have to be a masterpiece – it only needs to contain the colours you want.
I started with the image below because I liked the strong blue and red colours.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”3632″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” title=”Before”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”9079″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” title=”After”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Layers Blending Modes and Layer Masks
If you want to keep your adjustments under control then understanding the basic layers system of Photoshop is essential.
You are going to use filters and layer blending modes that, when taken in isolation just look a mess. Once these filters, blending modes, layer masks and adjustment layers are put together something beautiful (hopefully) could be revealed. But then again you might just get a mess!!
Layers, blending modes and layer masks are probably already familiar to you from your photo editing work. If not, hold on tight this could get bumpy!
Seriously, if you are not familiar with these features now is the time to start. Below is a very rough and ready quick intro to start you off.
Layers
Layers are an essential Photoshop feature and you need to be familiar with their use.
Without turning this into a full blown layers tutorial, a ‘layer’ is a container overlaid onto the ‘layer’ below it.
Your start image is usually at the bottom of the pile and labelled as ‘Background’. By adding further layers with different contents, filters or settings you affect what you see as your final image.
Layer blending modes
Blending modes affect how the chosen layer interacts with those below. Some blending modes completely obscure everything below that layer. Some allow certain colours or elements, such as lightness or darkness, to show through or be blocked. Some blend colours to produce different colours.
Layer Masks
A ‘layer mask’ allows you to restrict the effects to distinct parts of the layer. A layer mask is usually white which signifies that the whole image, filter, effect or settings of the selected layer interacts with the layer below.
Alternatively you can make a layer mask all black which means the layer has no effect on the layer below.
This becomes very useful because you can make the mask 50% grey (or any value between 1 and 99). This, unsurprisingly, means that the effect on the layer below is affected by half (or the percentage you state).
Even more useful is the ability to paint on the layer mask. You can paint over certain bits to restrict the affect on the layer below. An all white layer mask affects the whole image except for the bits you paint out on the layer. A completely black layer mask has no effect on the layer below except for the bits of white you paint onto the layer mask.
Get really complex by using grey colours to reduce the affect – but now we are getting too much into the mechanics of Photoshop and away from the main topic. You get the idea though?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Filters
I really wanted to get to grips with some of the filters and see what each could do in respect of digital art.
There are so many filters within Photoshop, it is hard to know where to start. When you add in each filters settings and options then you can be excused if you start to feel your eyes glaze over.
Some filters have amazing effects whilst others appear to have no effect whatsoever. Have a play yourself, and see what the various filters can do. I have highlighted those I found useful below.
The very first thing I will state to anyone starting out and hoping to knock up a digital art masterpiece in two minutes is simply – good luck kiddo!
At all stages, keep in mind that your masterpiece will only reveal itself once you have several images on layers that might be described as ‘how on earth did I get that’, ‘what the …’ and ‘hmmm do I delete or duplicate’.
Dont get disheartened early on when your initial steps resemble an incoherent mish mash of random colours. Trust me, it will all come together in time.
Once you have selected your photo containing the colours you want, the first step is to deconstruct that image so it is no longer recognisable.
To do this, make a new layer – it is good practice to leave your master picture as the background and work on new layers as you add effects etc. Dont worry, you wont see any of the background image.
I found the following filters useful in deconstructing my pictures
Distort
Ripple
Wave
Zigzag
Pixellate
Crystallize
Mosaic
Pointillize
You can use one or more of these filters for your deconstruction. Try to keep each effect on a different layer. This way you can easily remove an effect or use the blending modes to fine tune the destruction and resulting colours.
If you really want to get creative try using Liquify for your deconstruction. If you enable the advanced settings you can happily spend hours just playing with the Liquify effects!
Step 2 – Smooth Out The Mess
The next step involves trying to bring a bit of order back to the mess you have created.
Before this step make a new composite layer by using SHIFT-CTRL- ALT-E.
This takes all the layers you have created and makes a new base layer for the next step. This makes it easy to go back to your main deconstructed image if you dont like how your adjustments are working out. Trust me you will be going backwards and forwards between layers to fine tune or completely change things.
I found these filters useful to smooth out the tones
Blur
Motion Blur
Radial Blur
Shape Blur
Again use these either individually or mixed on different layers.
You are defining the smoothness of your final colour tonality in this stage. Run your chosen filter only once or twice to have a chunky tonality. Run the filters 3, 4, 5 or 6 times (more if you want) to create silky smooth tonal graduation.
Step 3 – Bring The Digital Art to Life
Create another new Composite Layer. Duplicate this composite layer so you have two identical layers sitting on top of each other.
On the first composite layer run a filter such as Zig Zag or Wave.
On the duplicated composite layer, run the same filter, but crucially, reverse the settings. By this I mean if you ZigZag the first layer at 90 degs then ZigZag the second layer at -90 degs.
Now we get to the Frankenstein moment when the resultant mess is transformed into something special.
Select the top layer and click on its blending mode. Scroll through the blending options. You will be presented with some absolutely hideous results, but mixed in there will be some beauties – well hopefully!!
Below is a selection of the new Digital Art pictures I created.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”9075,9074″ img_size=”large” title=”New Digital Art Pictures”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Taking Your Digital Art Further
There are literally no limits to the creativity possible using these techniques. To go further why not add different filters to each of the last two layers before blending?
You can go on and on and on …..
This last digital art picture was worked through with many different layers and effects blended together and finally reworked in black and white.
I have condensed 3 or 4 days solid tinkering into a few hundred words and barely scratched the surface of what is achievable. One useful side effect is the experimentation with layers, masks and blending modes will be extremely useful for your photo editing!
I hope you have enjoyed this article and found it useful. I would love to see your results if you decide to have a go yourself.
It would also be great if you shared your thoughts on what I have written.
Do you have any alternative processes or techniques?
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Today has been one of those non-descript grey November days.
After getting todays orders sorted, I felt like today was a black and white day.
After going through my archives I found a number of pictures that I thought might work well with a black and white treatment.
I selected three pictures of BR Standard Class 9F steam loco 92214 at work on the Great Central Railway in Leicestershire.
The first picture shows steam gently engulfing the loco as it stands at the end of one of its runs.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”18140″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” add_caption=”yes” link=”https://gdmkimages.co.uk/shop/railway-pictures-and-gifts/railway-wall-art/class-9f-92214-steam-loco-wall-art-prints/”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Next a powerful head on image of the giant 9F steam loco.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”18107″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” add_caption=”yes” link=”https://gdmkimages.co.uk/shop/railway-pictures-and-gifts/railway-wall-art/black-white-9f-92214-steam-loco-wall-art-prints/”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Lastly I have a side view of the powerful locos running gear with a LMS Ivatt Class 2 gently steaming in the background.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”18108″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” add_caption=”yes” link=”https://gdmkimages.co.uk/shop/railway-pictures-and-gifts/railway-wall-art/class-9f-92214-loughborough-wall-art-prints/”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The 9F locos were a powerful and successful class of steam locos. The Class 9F locos were the last of the British Railways Standard Designs. These powerful locos were designed for heavy, long distance, freight trains and were one of the most powerful steam locomotive types ever built for use in Britain.
Of the original 251 9F locos built by British railways, 9 have survived into preservation. Of these 9, several are operational at various preserved railways around the country.
If steam trains are your thing, you won’t need much encouragement to go and see one of these fine machines in operation. If you are a casual railway fan, then I do heartily recommend you take the opportunity to see one of these enormous relics from the age of when Britain was good at making things.
While you are there, consider chucking a handful of change in any collection buckets, as these mighty machines cost a fortune to keep in working condition.
Thanks for reading my post, these pictures are available to buy from the GDMK Images online shop. Please feel free to leave your comments below
Cheers for now
Gary[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”sky” el_width=”80″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Subscribe to GDMK Images” txt_align=”center” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Sign me up I want to save 10% on my purchase!” btn_custom_background=”#0098da” btn_custom_text=”#fffffd” btn_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fstaging.gdmkimages.co.uk%2Fsubscribe-gdmk-images-newsletters%2F|title:Subscribe%20and%20save%2010%25%20off%20your%20next%20wall%20art%2C%20phone%20case%20or%20t-shirt%20purchase!|”]Subscribe and save 10% off your next wall art, phone case or t-shirt purchase![/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Share news of these new black and white steam train pictures with your family and railway enthusiast friends …. thanks!
