Category Archives: Photograohy Training

Creativity with Nik Software

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When I am working on a photograph or when I know I am going from a photograph to a painting, I have a very definite workflow which includes NIK software.

I find this first image – warm  and loving. Nik Color Effect’s filter Dynamic Skin Softener has been applied. We could stop there – but NO!

In the second image, I have applied the filters Detail Extractor (one of my absolute favorite filters) and Tonal Contrast have been applied, but the contrast is moved toward the  left to, the negative, to decrease rather  than to increase the contrast. With both filters appliedI have both detail and a broad range of color intensity. I like this rich warm look as a starting place, particularly when I know I want to create a portrait painting.

In the image below, I have applied Nik Color Effects 4 Bleach Bypass filter.  When back in Photoshop, I applied the Nik filter layer  in  the lighten blend mode  to  really “pop” the highlights of the image only.  I have enough shadow detail.

Below, I have taken the image into Corel Painter and started to apply brush strokes.  Quite honestly, I like this version and it could have been he final version. But “NO”.
I continued to paint in Painter. I wanted a very painterly feel to the image and wanted to add some complimentary colors with my blue tones.
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This is the final image,  I enjoy creating personal art for my clients which I know they will treasure forever.

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Winifred’s Nik Recipes

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Winifred Whitfield’s Nik Software Recipes

I created this image with a recipe  made in using Nik Filters in Nik Color Effects  Pro 4.

I will be exporting my recipes for your use. Please sign up to receive my Blog in order to receive them.

Florence, Italy 2009

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Winifred Whitfield Displays Portrait Paintings at Port Ludlow Bay Club

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Winifred Displays Portrait Paintings

This is a display of 30   large  beautifully framed portrait paintings. the display opened November 10th and will remain on exhibit until December 2nd.  It has been very well received with many visitors being curious about the process of creating digital art.  The fact is that they cannot discern any difference between my portrait paintings created electronically and those created with traditional media.

The following are some of the newest pieces to be included in my collection:

Friends

Beggar in Italy

Mother and Child

Here’s to You

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Winifred Whitfield Host Webinar – X-Rite – Nik Software

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Winifred Whitfield Host Webinar Sponsored by Nik Software and X-Rite

I am passionate about the creativity and quality I bring to my images. However, I cannot accomplish this through sheer will alone. Color management is critical to producing images which have the color and density which I envision and can see on my monitor.  X-Rite for all of my color management  needs. Likewise it is essential to use  software which supports my creativity.  I use Nik Software.  I use Nik filters to  enhance paintings and photos alike.

Photo with a Custom Blend of Nik  Filters  Applied

By using X-Rite color management tools, I am able to create custom white balance for my camera,  a custom camera profile consistent with specific lighting conditions to optimize the colors in my images. For this, I use the Colorchecker Passport.  I use the i1 Pro Photo to calibrate my monitor,  projector and printer.  If I am traveling, I use the ColorMunki Display to calibrate my laptop or a projector if I am conducting a workshop. The ColorMunki Display is a simple to use wizard driven device and it is indispensable.  If you print, I would recommend the ColorMunki Photo as a simple way to create custom profiles which will match your display to  your printer.

On November 16th, I will conduct a  live webinar  sponsored by Nik software and X-Rite to discuss how I use Color Management and Nik filters in my workflow.  I will post the webnar link as soon as it becomes available.

A 15% discount is available if you purchase  Nik Software online.

Enter the Code: wwpainter

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Sunflowers for Always

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I have finally gotten around to painting my sunflowers.  Sunflowers are very high on my “favorites” list. Like many if my favorite images I just hold onto them until they tell me how they want to be portrayed.

This is the first one that I painted using new impasto brushes I downloaded from Skip Allen which he calls “Bristle Dabs”.  These electronic brushes are free and available to use without restriction.  It was the first time I painted with impasto styled brushes which give the great texture and loft to the brush stroke.  I love the texture throughout the image.

I followed this painting with a painting of a different sunflower – a little more “Charlie Brown” looking but  I enjoy it also.

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Winifred Whitfield in LONDON 2011

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Winifred in London

I traveled to London January 12, 2011  to  conduct workshops at the annual Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers Convention and trade show.

Exciting enough as that was, it was also the day that I finally closed on the sale of my Poulsbo, Washington farm.  It had been a 3 year process.

I guess London was what you might expect  –  beautiful and raining.  On this trip, however, I ventured

a bit further from the convention center than I had the prior year.  This trip was special because

Michelle Rumney met me and guided me on my adventure. Michelle is a fine artist painter and has a coaching business

Room at the Edge. She currently lives in London.

Michelle Rumney

Portrait painting of Michelle Rumney, lit by natural light coming from the courtyard of the Westminster Abbey,

London. January 13,2011 She ask me what I wanted to do. I told her that on this brief trip, if I could only visit

Westminster Abbey, I would be happy. So, that was our point of destination.

Westminster Abbey

Armed with my Canon G9, I also set about taking photos like any self respecting tourist.

It was painful to be in the magnificent Westminster Abbey and not be allowed to take photos.

Hence, I tried to soak up the experience with my thoughts, my feelings – my soul.

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Lunch at Westminster Abbey

It was special at the end of our tour and headed out of the Abbey to see this long row of

school  children in uniform eating their lunch.

I knew instantly that ti would make for a interesting fine art image.

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London Bus

An image of a big red London bus was a must have. The vivid colors were inspired by

a workshop I took from fine art  digital artist Marilyn Sholin – which is one of her trade marks.

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SILENCE

I saw thss display in a small park and was fascinated by it.  these figures are made of stone and

the  display is called SILENCE

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Ferris Wheel in London

You have no idea just how high  this ferris wheel loomed in the sky.  it was stunning!

~~~~~

As I returned from London, I was in the Vancouver BC Airport when suddenly before me

was a large tank of brightly colored Jellyfish. I think they were performing a ballet.

~~~~~~

I also got to visit with other friends in London, David Hunt, a very talented internet media designer and

who designed this very website  OKSO.com and also  and Claudia Crawley, owner of  Winning Ways Coaching.

It was s solidly good trip which I thoroughly enjoyed.

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Winifred Whitfield Demonstrates Corel Painter to Port Ludlow Art League

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Port Ludlow Art League – January 19, 2011

Corel Painter is professional digital software engineered to simulate painting with traditional paint media.

On January 19th Winifred displayed many of her large painted canvas portraits and

demonstrated how she used Corel Painter to paint then.

Winifred  solicited the assistance of Derick Gundy, who paints in several media, to experience painting digitally.  Using a stylus and WACOM tablet he created an image.

There was a great deal of interest from both photographers and traditional media painters following this demonstration.  Winifred was ask immediately if she would be available for a second presentation.

This was part of Winifred’s art work on display  for the Port Ludlow Art League

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Image and Artistry Workshop

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NEW YORK     |     SEATTLE     |     KITSAP COUNTY

Winifred Whitfield,  along with  Patrick Ciatto,  co instructor, conducted a  two day, hands on training session in  Seattle/ Poulsbo  area,  May 11th and 12th.  Day One included camera and lighting fundamentals taught by Patrick.  Day Two,  Winifred introduced Adobe Photoshop  camera raw work flow and creativity tools.  The day was sunny and warm and we had two beautiful women as models.  It was one of the most content rich photographic workshops  which has taken place  in the Seattle area.

DAY ONE

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DAY TWO

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