Digital Photo Art: Transform Your Images with Traditional & Contemporary Art Techniques

by Theresa Airey

Explore the limitless possibilities of digital printmaking. Combine the latest computer-based methods of image manipulation with traditional art techniques to take your basic photographic prints to new levels of artistic expression. This unique blend of the classic and the new results in eye-catching images that incorporate painting, printmaking, photography, and digital art. Every magnificent page displays exciting and groundbreaking ways to utilise...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1579905803
• ISBN13: 9781579905804
• Release Date: May 2005
• Publisher: Lark Books (NC)
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 1.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 8.5" x 11.0"

Customer Reviews

A How-To-Make-Fine-Art Book

This is a great book. I have used this book for a couple of years now and was surprised at a few of the comments of other reviewers. For the reviewer that said there was some Photoshop in it, but was disappointed that it wasn't an in-depth how-to Photoshop book: Yes, it is fine art oriented, not a Photoshop class. Some Photoshop techniques related to fine art are explained well and clearly so you can use them without difficulty. The book uses Photoshop tools well, but it isn't a Photoshop book. For the reviewer that said it was dated: In spite of it being published a few years ago, almost everything in the book is still up-to-date, with the exception of some references to Studio Artist. If you want completely up-to-date, get Airey's Beginner's Guide to Digital Photo Art. Don't be fooled if you are not a beginner -- this book is still for you. The techniques are clearly explained, so a beginner can follow it well -- but the techniques explained are wonderful things that an experienced fine art photographer will enjoy thoroughly. I believe it works well WITH this book, but if I had to get only one, it would be Beginner's Guide.

Fantastic!

This is a fabulous, creative treasure chest!!!! She gives step by step instruction for each of her works. Each one turns out uniquely different from the original photos. They become one of a kind art pieces. She lists all of the products she uses, the vendors & what each product does in detail. Artwork by other digital artists are sprinkled through as well. It's a great resource that generates inspiration & creativity!

a wonderful compendium

In summary, this is a very insightful book, which works well on several different levels. First, it is clearly intended to be inspirational - to draw its readers into new avenues of image making and creativity. In this respect the book is wonderful, since it not only contains many intriguing and appealing images (and sets of ideas) worked through by the author herself, but also showcases work from other artists (many of whom have established high and worthy reputations in their own right). It's a digital visual feast! Secondly, the book is also intended to be instructional; to deal - essentially - with artist toolkit issues and specific project guidelines. Here the biggest depth of detail is centered on what will likely be the most unconventional of approaches to the majority of readers. For example, more information is provided on alternative physical media involved in many of the projects and categories of work - covering "non-standard" print media, materials for image transfers, pencils, fixatives, paints (including encaustic forms), etc. Photographic technique and imaging software procedures are covered less comprehensively (in any event, and despite the comments of an earlier reviewer, this is not a book about Photoshop expertise). Finally, the book is also a little bit of a memoir. The author describes herself as an image maker rather than a photographer; but, nevertheless, she includes little pieces of information on the context of the original photography - what she was trying simply to record in that place on that day. So, altogether, a splendid book - highly recommended.

Ideas for Everyone

There's almost no one in the world of graphics or photography who wouldn't benefit from this book. It's up-to-date, innovative and of a high standard both in its content and its production. Plenty of large colorful images and enlightening text make for a comprehensive journey through much of what's possible in the digital image world today.

Far Beyond Digital Photography

Ms. Airey says that she isn't an artist but an image maker. She has definitely made the switch to digital photography, and is a master at Photoshop. But she goes far beyond this. She sometimes uses traditional art techniques to take the basic photographic digital prints to a new level of creative expression. For instance she may decide to color the image herself using traditional paints and a brush. Perhaps she prints the image on canvas and uses this only as an outline for the painting she wants to do. Perhaps she wants an old fashioned appearance, complete with aging caused discoloration or a sepia tone. There are a lot of books on using Photoshop to produce special effects. And what you can do with Photoshop is truly amazing. But what you can do with some special attachments such as infrared filters is far more. This book adds an entirely new dimension because when you get right down to it, the whole world doesn't have to be handled digitally.