Tutorial 1A

The Posterizing Effect

If you have a photo management program on your computer, then you have a handy little tool that will tell you a lot about a photograph.

Here is a photo I snapped in New England last year.  The day was overcast and mellow, therefore, without bright sunlight this scene is tranquil and subdued.  I can envision a swan swimming on the quiet water. 

Now, find the option called "Posturize" and click on that in your photo management program. 

A little box will appear that asks you how many colors you want to reduce this picture to.  I chose 4 for this view.

This will give you the basics and help you understand what's going on in this scene in regard to color and value.  It is an extreme view.

Now choose back it up to the original photograph again.

Click on Posterize, but this time choose 7 colors.  You'll get a softer look, but the result will still show you decided areas of color.

I would paint the scene as the original photograph shows, and just use these "posterized" photos to help understand the structure of things.

If you would like to see how to paint this scene, check the "How to" DVD page.  This scene is on my list to paint.   When I do that, I'll film it so you can see how it's painted, step by step. 

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