Source: http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2012/01/january-monthly-challenge.html
January Monthly Challenge
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Using HDR Toning in Photoshop to Create a Fantasy Forest Scene
In this tutorial I’m going to show you my process for utilizing the HDR Toning feature of Photoshop CS5 in combination with a few lighting effects to create a fantasy forest scene.
Here’s a look at the before and after images.
Step 1
First off we need to find a good forest image to use as the base. After some searching I came across this image of a foggy forest with a tiny bit of light coming through the trees. That’s perfect that we can see the direction the light is coming from. It will help when placing the lighting effects later in the tutorial.
Open the forest image in Photoshop and load the …
Source: http://wegraphics.net/blog/tutorials/using-hdr-toning-in-photoshop-to-create-a-fantasy-forest-scene/
Link Library with Melanie
Auto Express Envisage the 2014 Mazda MX-5
Auto Express? graphic artists have been hard at work imagineering what the 2014 Mazda MX-5 might look like based on information from within the company. According to Auto Express, the next generation MX-5 will be returning to the car?s original principles of lightweight and simplicity. The styling of the new MX-5 is influenced by the Mazda Takeri concept, a vehicle which was introduced for the first time at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.
Mazda?s engineers are reportedly hoping to cut a massive 20 percent of the cars current weight. 10 percent of that reduction will come from lighter bodywork, while the other 10 percent will come from lighter chassis components, including all-new suspension and steering systems.
Due to the weight reduction, Auto Express are logically surmising the next-generation MX-5 will be equipped with smaller displacement, more economical engine options. Possible engine options include a turbocharged 1.3 litre SKYACTIV unit, and a naturally-aspirated 1.5 litre engine.
Auto Express say the next-generation MX-5 could be unveiled towards the end of 2013, with sales commencing the following year.
Source: Auto Express
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/disenoart/~3/HdhfjEGwcqk/
On the 9th Day of Christmas: Kissing Balls
SWEET Holiday Weekend…
Boy, there is NOTHING like a holiday weekend to put me in a fantastic mood. I plucked my “little” sprout out of bed this morning and met some of my good friends out by the lake for a morning run (okay, I’m not cleared to run on the healing fracture YET but the walk was AMAZING.) Following the cardio, we had hard lunge workout led by our Ragnar Relay team leader. I was back home by 9:30 with my exercise already under my belt… what a PERFECT way to start the day.
On the art front, above is my finished vase painting. Yes, FINISHED. I have worked on that vase for what seems like an eternity, trying to get it right! And now it FINALLY feels “right.” Yippee!!!
After watering my plants down (we need RAIN!) I worked on my little bird paintings a little. I go through spells where I just get hung up on a subject. Maybe that little yellow bird that hangs around hubby’s sunflowers is my subconscious muse. Last week my brother came and took a couple of paintings of mine for his new house (yay!) and as a joke, traded an old license plate for them. So I took that old license plate and have started his Christmas present on it. Joke’s on him!
The idea for the above painting came to me as I was going into a state of delirium on the exercise bike at the gym. I plan to get a big cup of ice water, turn on my Enya playlist, go into a painting trance and try to get some work done on this one while I’m feeling inspired.
I hope you all make this a WONDERFUL day for yourself!
Renee 
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/RagtreePolymerClaySculpture/~3/JJP7fUbNmmM/sweet-holiday-weekend.html
Link Library with Melanie
Studio Saturday: Book Review – “The Art of Resin Clay” by Sherri Haab
Art Bead Color Palette #1
Halloween in July…
I’m really settling back into my old, crafty lifestyle since I’ve given myself a stress fracture from over-zealous training for all my autumn running events. When I first received the diagnosis, I was SO BUMMED, but then I just decided to regroup and tackle some little projects I’d started and never finished. Aside from being petrified that I’m going to gain a lot of weight, I’m rather enjoying the sloth that comes along with not being able to be on my feet.
Yesterday, I threw myself into a new painting that was such a terrible, ugly fail that I will not post pics. I have an idea in my mind of what I want to transform the supreme failure into so I will just save myself the public humiliation and paint over that stinker.
Secondly, I didn’t realize how many little unfinished clay people I had laying around. Above are three witch sisters in various stages of doneness. Like most of my “recent” people, they have Red Stripe beer bottle bodies over which I’ve applied Apoxie Sculpt (just got my new shipment in the mail! Woo hoo!) and decoupaged clothes from whatever paper I have laying around. The witch on the left has just had her clothes glued onto her. After she dries, I will paint her body and then maybe add the finishing details to all of them. I’m toying with the idea of getting back on ETSY, but more often than not, selling art takes the joy out of it for me. So these may be making a trip to Florida to live with my Mom’s Halloween decor collection. I haven’t decided yet.
Another thing that I’ve noticed since I’ve been on this “art break” is that it does not serve me well to look at others’ work because I inevitably compare myself, which then leads to some form of self-flagellation. To view other’s work also puts me on “sensory overload.” I start having so many new ideas that I shut down and don’t do ANYTHING. Is this just me? So I’m playing it safe and trying to focus and FINISH one project at a time, at least until I get all these little have-done sculptures/paintings finished. THEN I will go back to stalking all you talented artists out there!
It’s been a beautiful Sunday but honestly so darn humid that as soon as I step outdoors, my hair looks so much like a Brillo pad that I could clean my grill with it. I decided to take my son to see the last Harry Potter, underestimating the fact that it is opening weekend and that our showtime would be sold out. I should have been tipped off by all the children skipping around the parking lot in wizard attire. So we said “forget it” and ran to have ice cream instead. Yum.
Okay… I’m off to research ways to use all of the jalepenos that my pepper plant is producing without putting my family on Mexican food overload! Have a great one!
Renee
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/RagtreePolymerClaySculpture/~3/mVLRAzFjtqg/halloween-in-july.html