My FIRST try

[Shari]

OK - between phone calls - 12 today (how frustrating when I am trying to concentrate on PS the most important thing in my life - to be asked how I am feeling and invited out by friends!!!) I tried to follow the tutorial that Su posted. Su - I know this is not a great effort and I did not get the angles right at times but I have to thank you because that tutorial gave me such a good idea about where some things are in PS2 and how to use the tool. I do have some questions that I will save for now AND I downloaded the site she mentioned Flaming Pear. So I learned a lot today. Here is my effort -
http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1PDdefV0uEwz1lXoFl7BpGd6qugaE0_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1PDdefV0uEwz1lXoFl7BpGd6qugaE0)

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1CAUosYx2QO9cm9svGpPTG6eEDSMN4_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1CAUosYx2QO9cm9svGpPTG6eEDSMN4)
Shari

[grammom]

It beautiful! I like it better than the original.
I was just reading your thread about having a crazy day and was going to comment that I'm still having that kind of day. Then I saw this and knew I must comment here instead.

[Ellen]

Shari - that's really beautiful. Is that smudge painting? What tutorial are you talking about if you don't mind my asking.

[kroberts]

Shari,

Your first try is gorgeous! Well done!:)

[smiles]

Oh, it's beautiful! Love this technique, do you mind sharing? Great work!

[Shari]

Here is the link. Su (Grammom "My before and after") posted this link earlier today http://www.nikoncafe.com/tools/tutorials/lisa2/Untitled.html
I learned a lot from it. If anyone figures how to turn up the volumn I would appreciate it. Otherwise there is so much information. She mentioned a good download plugin. I didn't know what the Diffuse Anisotrophic filter was or that it was there. I didn't really even know about the lightening and darkening. I am sure to to people would be much much harder. I just realized I forgot the last step to add the grain. I will try it again tomorrow if I get a peaceful day. Thanks for the compliments.
Shari

[GaryK]

Shari

That is great.

I will admit, I thought all you done was change the colour until I clicked on the thumbnail and saw the big version.:)

[Shari]

Thanks Gary - yes you have to see a bigger version. I just printed off in 4 x 6 and it does not look good. I have a LOT to learn but I will have fun doing it.
Shari

[Robyn]

VERY NICE Shari! I like it a lot.

[Pauline]

Shari, turn on your answering machine next time. :)
Great job on the tutorial. The darkening and lightening she is talking about is just like using the blending modes. It the same kind of idea only it's for brushes rather than the layers.

[Wendy]

Oh very nice !! :)

Wendy

[nkeevers]

Looks great Shari! Lovely flower!

[Chuck S.]

Shari, that's terrific! Where do I find the tutorial you used? Title?

Thanks!

[John L Gray]

Shari,

The image is beautiful. What a great technique.
Thanks for sharing.

John

[Shari]

Hi Chuck - thanks - here is the link - have some fun -
http://www.nikoncafe.com/tools/tutorials/lisa2/Untitled.html
As I said I was not as pleased when I printed the photo and then today my sister came over to pick some cards for her MIL and wanted me to make the rose into a card. You never know do you!!
Shari

[sharlmitch]

Shari,

Very nice! I love that effect, I'm going to have to give it a try! Great job! :)

Sharon

[hukari]

Shari, that is really nice. :):D

I am assuming you mean "CS2" and not "PS2", right? I can see doing this in PSE5, but the only difference is the "Soften edges" bit. Does anyone know what I can use in PSE5?

Shari, if I get anywhere close to yours, I will be thoroughly satisfied!!!

[Chuck S.]

Shari, thanks! My CS2 doesn't have the presets for the Smudge tool. Are they buried on the CD somewhere or do they need to be downloaded from the Exchange?

[Pauline]

Reka try a soft edge brush or use a soft airbrush.

This technique is great. One thing to remember is to keep the strength setting low and follow the contours of whatever you are painting. Also have 'finger painting' turned off. It does make a difference.

[uniqcrafts]

What a great effect!! Love the picture.

[Shari]

Sorry Chuck - I didn't get your question in my email so did not see it. No, those presets don't seem to be in CS2. I am not sure how to add them either. Sorry.
Pauline - when you say to use an airbrush. When I go to the basic brushes airbrush is faded and I cannot get into it. Also, I cannot find anything about fingerpainting to turn it off. I will try to look up in my book but if you get this could you please clarify where these things are in CS2 for me.
Thanks. By the way - love you aging - you are sooo talented.
Shari

[Pauline]

Shari, airbrush is just in your basic default brushes. When you use the smudge tool it uses brushes. You can switch to the brush you want to use. Also when you have the smudge tool selected you will see the new tool bar at the top and there is a pointing finger. Just make sure it's unchecked. That would be finger painting.

Now to save a brush as a preset, just get the brush you want to the size, etc that you want and then where the presets are click the little fly out triangle and you'll see the option to save. It will then let you name it and it's now saved in your presets.