Adobe Photoshop

Karin Wells · 06-30-2001, 10:42 PM

Can anyone suggest a good "at home" instruction course so that I can learn Photoshop? Thanks.

Jim Riley · 07-01-2001, 01:58 PM

Karen,

About four years ago I bought "Classroom in a Book" that was published by Adobe and found it helpful in learning Photoshop. It came with a CD and images for each of the "lessons" found in the book. It gave me enough information as I needed to move figures, heads, and hands for better compositions and gave clients a "rough" look at my portrait target. Check www.adobe.com.

Cynthia Daniel · 07-01-2001, 03:20 PM

You can order this over the Internet thru Amazon by clicking below:

http://www.portraitartist.com/bookst...0201710161.jpg

Adobe Photoshop 6.0 Classroom in a Book (With CD-ROM)

Kyle Henry · 07-24-2001, 10:18 AM

Karin,

First, I would like to let you know that I admire your work. The way you add the name in the background (the one of the little boy named Grayson sticks in my mind) great stuff!

Ok, as for your photoshop question: In my opinion-the best way to learn is get in there, and experiment. I work in Photoshop for a living. I was fortunate enough to have some great people help me out along the way-that's how you learn. Books can be confusing and complicated (a.k.a. stereo instructions).

Photoshop is a powerful tool. First, figure out what you want to use the program for, then start by just learning what you need to know to accomplish that.

If you have any specific questions, I would be glad to help, you may e-mail them to me at work, and i would be glad to help.

Best wishes,
Kyle Henry

Chris Saper · 07-29-2001, 04:40 PM

Dear Karin,

As I am dreadfully technologically challenged, I took a beginning Photoshop class...2 days in length. I don't think I could have learned as much from a book (although I have Classroom in a Book and several others which are really good reference tools); if you can catch a class I really think it is a timesaver in the long run.

Check with Barnes and Noble or Amazon on-line retailers. I know that B & N, at least in the past, offered a free tutorial to buyers of one of the Adobe Photoshop books. Let me know if you want me to try to track this down further for you.

You will love this program once you begin using it.

One of the most helpful applications I have found is to assist with reference photos if I am using them. It's simple to enlarge detail for complicated areas, (especially hands or jewelry), and lighten dark shadows enough to see where you want to go. I have occasionally done some problem-solving on paintings in progress, by scanning in in image of the painting, any testing out "what ifs", particularly in backgrounds.

Good luck!
Chris

Jennifer Geary · 11-12-2001, 12:35 PM

I have been using Photoshop for 9 years and found that it is impossible to learn everything since it keeps getting updated every year! I have a great source for those who need photoshop help! Go to www.lynda.com, she has incredible books that are great for the beginner to learn from! Photoshop 6 and ImageReady 3.0 is her latest one. Her writing style is simple and easy to understand and there are lots of sample lessons to view. Her books have been a life saver for most of my students, and also for myself! Also very helpful for web portfolio help! If anyone ever has any questions about Photoshop, I would gladly help! Also, I use a CoolPix 990 for shooting my subject matter. It is a perfect marriage with Photoshop users!

Hope that helps!

Marvin Mattelson · 05-14-2002, 11:45 PM

My philosophy is to utilize whatever means possible to best create the finest paintings I can. I admire those who want to remain purists and eschew all technological advancements including, of course: computers, over 4 colors on one's palette, photography, electric lights and last but not least: indoor plumbing.

If any of the old masters were alive today, does anyone seriously believe they wouldn't use whatever means possible to improve their own work. Anyone who read David Hockney's recent book has to realize the idea of getting a leg up technologically is a manifestation of the artist's will to excel.

I want to clearly point out, however, this in no way supersedes the need to know HOW TO DRAW and PAINT!!!! This is most assuredly demonstrated by Hockney's feeble attempts to draw with a camera lucida when his drawings are compared to Ingres' drawings.

With this in mind I recommend "Photoshop College Techniques" by Gregory Cosmo Haun to anyone interested in getting a good grasp on how to use Photoshop. The subtitle is "Visual guide to creating collages and montages with Photoshop 4." Yes, even though it says Photoshop 4 and specifies collages it describes the basic techniques for compositing and manipulating images for ARTISTS!

This is one of the very best "how to" books I've ever read on any subject and I believe it is still in print.

Enjoy!

Lon Haverly · 05-15-2002, 12:13 PM

I benefited greatly from the book, "Photoshop for the Web" by Mikkel Aaland, published by O'Reilly. My mistake has been to overcompress JPEGs, which Photoshop can tend to do. The "Save for the Web" feature gives you four views to experiment with. It is worth playing with.

Jim Riley · 05-15-2002, 12:32 PM

Marvin,

Excellent post! I couldn't agree more with your comments regarding the use of modern methods as well as the need to learn and practice drawing skills.

I also went to your web site and want to congratulate you on your awards and excellent paintings.