Corel Painting Essentials

February 8, 2014March 19, 2014 Nicci Art school

Avila Beach, painting

February 6, 2014March 19, 2014 Nicci Art school

Santa Cruz light house

This is one of those images that is way, way more beautiful rendered as an “oil painting.” I took this photo on my photography outing with my sister in mid-January.

December 20, 2013March 20, 2014 Nicci Art school, Australia, Travel

Impressions of Australia 10

The 12 Apostles

December 16, 2013March 20, 2014 Nicci Art school, Australia, Travel

Impressions of Australia 9

From Otway in Victoria, Australia.

December 15, 2013March 20, 2014 Nicci Art school, Australia, Travel

Impressions of Australia 8

Otway, Victoria Australia, Great Ocean Road.

December 14, 2013March 20, 2014 Nicci Art school, Australia, Travel

Impressions of Australia 7

From Otway, Victoria Australia, Great Ocean Road.

December 13, 2013March 20, 2014 Nicci Art school, Australia, Travel

Melbourne, looking down at the top of the first floor lights in the mall connected to the Sofitel on Collins, rendered in oil via Corel Painting Essentials. I need to comment that the only reason I took this picture was because I had spent the day hanging around Leanne Cole. My only artistic objective in tagging around with her was to have her “eye” rub off on me. I didn’t seek any technical instruction, which was good, given that I forgot the battery charger for my DSLR and so was just using the compact.

Here’s Maggie Island (I think) shot from the boat on the way back from our Great Barrier Reef tour.

December 10, 2013March 20, 2014 Nicci Art school, Australia, Travel

Impressions of Australia 5

A digital oil painting of Townsville. I am back to my Bamboo digitizer. I was able to use the pen so this has some more of my own “touch”.

August 30, 2013August 30, 2013 Nicci Netherlands, Travel, Writing

Goosed! Rijksmuseum series 4, give-away, and 5 more author questions

If you’ve been following my blog, you know I’m going to start using a tripod for my museum photos with a goal of doing a lot better job for you. But check out this magnificent painting at the Rijks:

When I was in Amsterdam, I spent a lot of time on the houseboat doing digital painting (using a Bamboo digitizer and the Corel Painting Essentials software that came with it.) Here are the window I gazed out at from the dining room where I worked, my notes on the RGB numbers for the painting I was working on and the life drawing pose from the e-book of poses I bought.

Painting, digital or otherwise is what I would call very difficult. (In the department of understatement, that.) I’ve abandoned all hope but my friends gave me a very unique suggestion that I never would have thought of on my own. Do art and piano as a way to relax, have fun and creatively rejuvenate. Instead of having goals. Wow. Okay, after hearing this alternative approach, I must admit, I’m excited to start fiddling around with these things again. I don’t have to achieve anything; I can just enjoy myself.

Here’s an example from a grand master. Check out the eye in this closeup of Rembrandt’s The Night Watch.

I answered questions 15 – 18 today at Long and Short Reviews. What is something you’ve lied about? What are 4 things you couldn’t live without? Which mythological creature are you most like? Create an ice cream flavor. What’s it called? Have fun, and good luck with the raffle!