FYI I spent 3 hours on each at least figuring out which filter combination gave the effect I wanted. I did them over and over comparing the results... So much so that I've had watercolor artists here think the prints were paintings. If you think its just clicking a button then you have no understanding of the process. "A real paintbrush in the hands of a real artist" makes you sound like just another who feels photography is not an art form and never will be because we do not use a brush. To say what I do is "merely applying a filter" shows me that your mind was already made up about my work since you have no understanding of the digital process and the time involved. Each filter has a myriad range of settings that can be adjusted infinately. Those who do not understand something are the first to dislike it. Since no mention is made of my other shots I can see that you quickly made up your mind based upon your lack of understanding and total rejection of anything digital. Why not donate your camera to charity and do something soulful and paint something then? Dean -----Original Message----- From: owner-photoforum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:owner-photoforum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Bob Talbot Sent: Saturday, January 22, 2005 2:43 AM To: List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students Subject: Re: PF Galleries on 15 JAN 05 > Why is a paintbrush the first tool to try when we are talking about > photographs not painting here? Are you one of those photo purists that > cannot stand a photo being turned into something other then a photograph? > Not being defensive just trying to understand your perspective... Oh dear I thought I had been blunt enough. Here goes. 1) I thought the treatment presented LOOKED crap. That's where the message ends. Why does it look crap? The "painterly effect" filters just don't work for me, period. They look artificial, probably because they are automatic, that is they carry no artistic flair. 2) A real paintbrush in the hands of a real artist produces a totally different result for sure. But I am talking about photography, specifically about painting OVER a photograph. That does not need a real artist, but the level of skill/eye in all of us. The result is no longer predictable and automatic but has some of the "soul" of the author in it. Furthermore, and more importantly, the result would no longer look machine made and visually predictable. "Are you one of those photo purists that cannot stand a photo being turned into something other then a photograph" Possibly, but I prefer photos to be turned into something better. Merely applying a filter is not creativity. Bob
