How to Create a Painting from a Photo

I am using Adobe Photoshop CS3.  Click on examples to enlarge.  Copy photo to new document.  Go to Filter>Distort>Diffuse Glow and adjust arrows to give a glowing contrast.  Next go to  Image>Levels and adjust the middle arrow to give even more contrast.  If a softer look is desired go to Filter>Blur>Glaussian Blur and apply a touch of blur.  (My photos are usually blurry without any help!)

Select a mask that has soft edges and clip to photo.  Merge the two layers together.  Use a very soft brush and lower the opacity to erase around the edges and soften even further.  At this point you may want to duplicate the page and set it aside should you want to start over after applying the next step.  Choose a grunge type brush and carefully erase into the photo adjusting the opacity accordingly.   Be careful not to get too carried away.  

Choose a antique, splotchy background paper and place on layer below photo.  Go to Layer>New Adjustment Layer>Selective Color and check box that reads Use Previous Layer to Create Clipping Mask.  You will now be able to adjust the reds, yellows, etc. to blend with the hue of your paper.  As you can see, Nicholas’ skin tone needed more yellow and I adjusted the cyan slightly.  I did touch up his cheek on the original layout but I left this example as is.  He had been bitten on the cheek at school by his best friend on the previous day.  I think it hurt me more than it did him!  Now you are ready to flatten layers, print and frame.

Products used:  

Thao Cosgrove_Lifes Canvas Paper

Brandy Vanenzuela_BrushSet_Worn Threads

Brandy Murry_BrushSet_Junk Trunk

Erica Hite_Brush_Set_Chalkboard Fill
Inspiration from layout designed by Shalae Tippets

This is the third set of Photo Templates designed by Butterflies & Bluebells.  I had never used templates until Catherine made these lovely sets available.  To my pleasant surprise, I am hooked.  I can put a page together in less than 10 minutes and feel so very accomplished.  I love the simplicity of the design therefore putting the emphasis on the photographs themselves.  There is just enough space allowed for the title and journaling to add a little more interest to the page.  The Decor Templates each have different masks that are gorgeous.  Try them. You will love them. . and they are on sale until April 13.

Catherine's (Butterflies and Bluebells) latest Collection, Tender, includes all one would need to design a knock-out page.  Although it is monochromatic, it is filled with scrumptious textures and versatile elements that would adapt to a number of themes. 

Here's our little heavenly gift, Nathan.

And Catherine's 5 week old precious Nicolas, who surely must have inspired this Collection!

 This lovely frame with cluster is FREE.