Rats saving the world

This is totally off topic of art, but I thought it was so cool. There is an organization in Africa training rats to find landmines, and detect tuberculosis. They can do both of these things many times faster than any other method already in existence, and making the world a safer place. I thought it was really fascinating! You can learn more, or support the rats at www.herorat.org

More digital portraits completed

I have been continuing to work on more digital portraits. I really enjoy doing these. Sometimes, even when you think the original photo is fairly clear and in-focus, when you enlarge it and look at it closely, it is surprising what information is assumed, rather than clearly presented when you look at a photo. Of course, when I draw and paint (digitally), I have to make judgement calls about what these unclear/muddy areas should actually look like. When I work for several hours on a piece, and the final product just looks so sharp, and just like the subject in real life, it's a great feeling!

I've been working hard on some gift portraits for Christmas. (No peeks at those ones yet!) I have ordered the prints for those now, and I can't wait for them to arrive! The great thing about working on several of these portraits over a short time span, is that I am getting to know the functions of my computer better. I am streamlining my process, at the same time as I am adding new capabilities and increased detail.

Here is an example of something I can do with digital portraiture that is very challenging to do with just a photograph. This client wanted a portrait of her with her cat. Unfortunately, she had a very hard time getting a photo where they were both looking where they should be, and looking good. I liked her cat's expression in this first photograph, and I asked if she had another photo of herself in a similar position, where her face could be seen better. Thus came picture 2. Below those, you can see the final product, where I combined both images to create one portrait with the best of both worlds.

Treasuries are fun

Today I once again got a treasury on Etsy. There are so many great items on Etsy! I love choosing a theme and seeing what kind of a collection I can make out of it. Today I finally got to make a circus treasury. I've been waiting on this one for a while, but was never at the treasury when it opened up. Get a closer look at these great pieces here.