When in doubt, paddle out.
So I’ve been going to town with my Photoshop lesson #2, selected at random to learn how to turn a photograph into an illustration. I have to tell you that learning new things brings new life into my previous (somewhat) mundane mood.
I watched a YouTube tutorial and literally followed along. I wanted to share the comparison, just for kicks. Below is zoomed in on the illustration so that the details are more apparent.
Below is the original, taken on what looks to be a very gray day! I shot it myself, so there’s no pirating here. hehehe.
Basically, a mask is created and the subject is all that you illustrate via a series of effects layers. The person on the other end was doing a face, so the changes were obvious, but since my surfer is small compared to the sea… it’s a little more subtle.
The background was left as a color in the tutorial, but that wouldn’t do for my surfer so I used my existing background but added a blue layer to liven up the water and make it look like a toss between an illustration and a photo.
I like how it almost looks like he was illustrated after the fact, to add interest to an otherwise boring sea photo.
Anyway, I know it could get old if I shared every new project that I do, especially if I do them on a daily basis, so I’ll TRY to be selective. No promises though. I also have an idea for a story and I think I may get going on that soon. I just love that I’m feeling excited again!
“The three most important things in life are surf, surf, and surf.” -Jack O’Neill
I was jazzed to find the above quote by Jack O’Neill, as I learned in the process that he opened the first surf shop in 1952. To top it off – he invented the wetsuit.
What an awesome thing to be remembered for! You just never know when the right idea can come along. I imagine his thoughts were “Damn, this water is cold! Hmmm, I wonder how I can fix that.”
It makes you think… when there’s a problem… there IS a solution! Never give up. Paddle out!
Anyway, HERE IS THE LINK TO THE TUTORIAL for anyone interested. Other than that, I think that’s all I have for now.
Thanks for reading (or looking), I hope you enjoyed something here!
Until next time,
Peace & Love.
a sprinkle of faith 
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