I get asked this question frequently, and after stumbling on ten beautiful blooming Irises yesterday in my yard, I decided to finally figure out the answer!  Flowers are not my normal subject matter.  Of course, when I see a pretty one, I always take a photo or two, but I'm mainly a wildlife photographer and am focused on subjects with fur and feathers rather than petals when it comes to my photo art.  I couldn't pass up this opportunity when I saw these Irises, however, so a new project was born -- let's explore all of the collections and see what are the best choices to use with flowers one might casually photograph outdoors during the spring season.

Out of the group I saw, this pair was the one I decided to focus on.  The lighting was decent, but the background was questionable...that white plastic fence doesn't look very artistic.  My first goal was to brighten the flowers a bit, and then mask away the boring background.  Then I saved the image as a PNG file with a transparent background, enabling me to then place it on different textures from many collections to see what transpired. If I liked the result, I duplicated the texture layer and placed it on top of everything, and set it to soft light layer mode with an opacity of 30-100%. I followed the same process for each one of these images.

Below are my examples using these flowers, created with 30 different collections -- all of which have been placed on sale until May 31, 2025 during our May Flowers Sale:

The Abstract Adventures Collection is huge!  This collection of 190 textures is a fusion of muted neutrals and a stunning palette of matte-finish greens, blues, pinks, reds, oranges, and yellows. At the heart of Abstract Adventures lies a refined balance between boldness and subtlety. The neutral tones of ivory, grays, whites, blacks, and browns serve as the foundation for the vibrant splashes of color that punctuate the collection. These hues possess an understated elegance that seamlessly melds with a multitude of subjects and themes. 

Honestly this was not my first choice when thinking of flowers, but now that I've used it, I see an amazing amount of potential with this collection to create some very unique and interesting flower art.

The Morning Background Collection offers you 12 softly painted texture backgrounds to showcase your subject in the various shades of color present in the glow of the early morning hours, helping you to create a light and airy morning look for your subject. 

This is a small collection filled with beautiful morning light which can create some amazing floral art with your favorite blooms.​

The Opal Collection features 10 gorgeous background textures filled with the amazing colors present in opal gemstones, with little bits of interesting texture and light. 

If you love color and an ethereal look, this set is one to look into.  Like the Ascend collection, the Opal Collection offers amazing background textures for your floral art in gorgeous color and tone.​

The Possibilities Collection features 10 painted background textures, filled with natural tones and an ethereal, fluid feel. 

If you like to keep natural tones with your flower art, but add a bit of mystery and excitement, consider this collection for your creations, as it will blend easily with all flowers.​

The Reborn Texture Collection features 79 textures with various shades of neutral, warm, and cool tones as well as energetic thick paint brush strokes here and there. 

This is another collection I hadn't thought of much with flowers, but OH MY!  Look at that image!  I was pleasantly surprised here, and this will definitely be a consideration with future floral art pieces.​

And there you have it!  My top 30 texture and background set recommendations for your flower art.  Of course, you're not limited to these with flowers -- you're the artist and can choose anything you like!  If you'd like to shop the May Flowers Sale, and grab some of these collections for your stash, just click the button below.  I hope you've found this post helpful!

​I printed some more of my art pieces, as well as some Daily Texture backgrounds, to start my journal.  I added lines to some of the textures and backgrounds to create pages to write on in my journal.  I printed this on my printer as a full page spread, and I then cut them to fit the pages in the book I'm working in.

On this page, I added the newest art featuring Hiram -- he was blended with one of the Almighty Sea backgrounds.  All of these are drying a bit now.

I have plenty of pages I've already made with the textures/backgrounds I printed this week, both with lines and without, to help fill the journal pages.  I also have some old scrapbook pattern papers in the studio I might use as well.  And I may even paint on some of the pages since I have a ton of paint supplies in the studio.  I have some fabric bits I can add here and there, but I need to get the right kind of glue for that, so I haven't added any fabric pieces yet.

My plan for this journal is to print a large variety of my completed art featuring this wonderful eagle pair, and then to write memories and stories as I recall them on the pages with lines.  I also have a collection of quotes, and I write poetry and short essays from time to time as well, so I may write some of those things in my journal as time goes on.
​
I'm so glad I discovered this fun hobby!  I've been looking for some way I can use ALL of my supplies and my textures and backgrounds together...this looks like it!  Another thing I've decided to do this year is make all of my Christmas cards by hand in this same method, but obviously not a whole book size as that would take forever.  But I can definitely decorate a card with my finished holiday art and some pretty background/words on the inside and maybe even add a pocket to slip a gift card or some cash inside. :)  

If you're a member of my mailing list, you know all about my art gallery booth I've set up this year at Carriage House Antique Mall in Jackson, TN.  I have my original pastel big sky paintings there, as well as some original pastel bird and animal paintings.  I also have several prints of my photo art I create with the Daily Textures in my booth!  The left wall in the photo features my original paintings and prints of them, and the right wall features my photo art.  For the photo art, I sell matted prints, framed prints, canvas prints and other fun things I love to make.  I'm always creating exciting new things with my photo art!  And because Jackson, TN is really NOT the place to sell original art {people here just don't appreciate it}, I'm creating a lot more prints and other goodies which can be offered for lower prices.  Today I thought I'd share one of my art projects with you!

This is what I'm creating in today's photo art project.  I made this image a few years ago with one of my elk photos paired with this background and snow from the Winter 1 Collection.  I decided to print a square crop from the art onto canvas and mount it on a primed artist panel.  I purchased some inkjet canvas paper from Walmart online.  I bought several brands to try out and they've all been wonderful and were very inexpensive.  I figured out they cost me approximately $1.25 per sheet, and I can print two 5"x5" images on one 8 1/2"x11" sheet.  The most expensive part of this project was the primed cradled art panel which I purchased from Blick here.  I like the white ones but they also offer unprimed wood panels as well.  Most craft stores also carry cradled wood panels, too.  After printing and cutting the image, I use Yes Paste to attach the image to the panel.  Any glue will work, but I like this particular glue the best.  

The first step is to prepare the art for printing.  I created an exact 5"x5" image and copied and pasted it twice onto an image to fit an 8 1/2x11" size sheet.  Then I printed the double image sheet onto the canvas paper using my inkjet printer.

After printing, it's time to cut the image.  You can use scissors, but I prefer to use my paper cutter since I cannot cut a straight line!  

I actually slice about 1/8" farther into the edges of image. This will give me a slight white border around my image when attaching it to the board.  I want to mention you can always PAINT your boards before mounting, if you prefer a color other than white.  For this image, I prefer to keep the white so I didn't paint the board.

When using a paper slicer with canvas paper, I have learned to come down HARD with the slicer in one swoop.  If you baby it, you will possibly get frayed canvas edges, which can be trimmed up with the scissors if needed.  Notice how I've trimmed the image above and how it has a border from the white of the board.

Now it's time to get the Yes paste ready -- I use the paste, a paper plate, an old kitchen knife {or palette knife} and a cheap 1" flat brush.  

I got a glob of the paste out with the knife and put it on the plate.  As you can see, it's VERY thick.  A little too thick for this project, but the beauty is, you can thin this paste with water.  I get water on the brush and drip it in the middle and smoosh it around until I get a thinner consistency.  

^^^ Like this ^^^

Using the brush, I spread the paste onto the back of the canvas.  Using the brush keeps me from over-applying the glue -- I don't want it seeping out the edges when I press it down if I can avoid it.  Once covered with the glue, I flip the canvas print over and position it on the board.  You do have a short working time to scoot it around and get it properly centered.

Using a piece of wax paper, I place it over the image and rub it down good to make sure it adheres well after I've properly positioned the art. 

This is the finished look.  These cradled boards can stand up on a shelf, or hang on the wall since they are open in the back.  Super easy!  Note:  While these finish drying {which doesn't take long at all since it's a thin glue application}, I thoroughly wash my knife and brush I used with the glue.  Water cleans it up just fine!

A few minutes later, it's time to finalize my work.  Using my favorite gold pen, I write the name of the art and sign my name on the back, and my custom stamp I had made gets stamped right in the center.  These quick little canvas art pieces are now ready to sell!  With the cost of my cradled boards, canvas paper, ink for printing and Yes paste, my cost is under $10 to make these.  I can then price and add these little gems to my booth!

The buyer can display the mounted canvas print as is right away, or they can use any frame which will hold a deep canvas print or board, and frame these up the way they wish. 

I hope you have enjoyed this photo art project and will give it a try yourself!  Even if you don't sell your art, this is a fun way to create gifts for others and a great way to display your creations in your own home, too!

​--Jai

​Welcome to my world of photo art, where creativity knows no bounds and imagination takes flight! As an avid lover of wildlife and nature, I've found my passion in crafting a variety of scenes through digital artistry. In this blog post, I'll share with you 20 reasons why I'm deeply enamored with creating photo art. From the freedom to explore endless possibilities to the therapeutic nature of the process, each reason encapsulates the joy and fulfillment I derive from this unique art form. Join me on this journey as we delve into the world of photo artistry and uncover the myriad reasons behind my love for it!

1) ​ Endless Creativity: With photo art, I can explore limitless possibilities and create scenes which defy reality.

2)  Fast and Efficient: Unlike traditional art methods, photo art allows me to work quickly and efficiently, saving valuable time.

3) Space-Saving: Since I work digitally, I don't need a large studio space to create my art. All I need is my computer!

4) Cost-Effective: Photo art eliminates the need to purchase expensive art supplies, making it a more affordable option for creating stunning visuals.

5) Chemical-Free: As someone sensitive to chemicals in art supplies, photo art provides a safe and non-toxic alternative for expressing my creativity.

6) Versatility: Using the variety of Daily Texture backgrounds and texture offerings, I can easily manipulate images to create different moods and atmospheres, from dramatic to whimsical.

7) Precision: With digital tools, I have precise control over every detail, allowing me to achieve the exact look I envision.

8) Accessibility: Anyone with a computer and basic software can try their hand at photo art, democratizing the art form.

9) Experimentation: Photo art allows me to experiment with different techniques and styles without fear of ruining materials.

10) Adaptability: I can easily adjust and refine my artwork based on feedback or my personal preferences.

11) Emotional Expression: I can convey complex emotions and narratives through my artwork, evoking powerful responses from viewers.

12) Eco-Friendly: By working digitally, I reduce my environmental footprint by minimizing waste and pollution associated with traditional art supplies.

13) Learning Opportunities: Photo art constantly presents new challenges and opportunities for growth, keeping me engaged and motivated to improve my skills.

14) Customization: I can tailor my artwork to fit specific client preferences or project requirements, providing a personalized touch.

15) Portability: With digital files, my artwork can be easily shared, printed, and displayed in various formats and sizes.

16) Preservation: Digital artwork can be archived and preserved indefinitely, ensuring its longevity for future generations to enjoy.

17)  Storytelling: Photo art allows me to narrate compelling stories through imagery, capturing moments that resonate with viewers on a deeper level.

18)  Therapeutic: Engaging in photo art serves as a therapeutic outlet, providing a calming and meditative experience as I immerse myself in the creative process.

19)  Innovation: I enjoy pushing the boundaries of traditional photography and art by blending techniques and mediums to create innovative and unique compositions.

20)  Joy of Creation: Ultimately, I love creating photo art because it brings me immense joy and satisfaction to see my visions come to life in stunning visual form.

Thank you for joining me on this exploration of my passion for photo art. I hope these reasons have shed light on the depth of my love for this art form and perhaps inspired you to embark on your own creative journey. Let's continue to celebrate the beauty of nature and the endless possibilities of digital artistry together. Until next time, keep creating and embracing the magic of photo art!

Capturing the beauty of the natural world through the lens of a camera is a passion that drives many photographers to explore the wild. In the realm of wildlife photography, one often faces the choice between solitude and social interaction. Should wildlife photography be a solitary event, with only you and the wilderness, or a social event with a group of fellow photographers? Let's delve into the pros and cons of each approach to help you find your own balance.

The Solitary Experience:

There's something profoundly serene about venturing into the wild alone, armed with just your camera and an unquenchable thirst for discovery. Here's why some photographers swear by the solitary experience:

1. Uninterrupted Connection with Nature:
Solitary photographers argue that going it alone allows them to forge a deeper and more intimate connection with the natural world. The absence of human conversation and distraction permits you to become one with your surroundings. You'll find yourself attuned to the subtlest of sounds, the gentlest of movements, and the changing moods of the environment.

2. Minimal Disturbance to Wildlife:
Wild animals are often skittish around humans, and a solitary photographer is less likely to disturb their natural behavior. The quiet and solitary presence is less intimidating, enabling you to capture more authentic moments in the lives of your subjects.

3. Creative Freedom:
Being alone means you have complete creative control. You can choose your shooting schedule, locations, and experiment with different techniques without external influences. This autonomy can lead to unique and personal wildlife photography.

The Social Gathering:

On the flip side, many photographers thrive in a social wildlife photography setting, where they can share knowledge, collaborate, and experience the joys and challenges of nature with like-minded individuals:

1. Shared Knowledge:
One of the greatest benefits of a group setting is the opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences. Photographers can share tips, techniques, and information about wildlife behavior. Learning from others can significantly enhance your own skills.

2. Safety in Numbers:
Venturing into remote or potentially hazardous environments can be risky. In a group, there's safety in numbers. If something goes wrong, there are others to assist and ensure everyone's well-being.

3. Collaborative Potential:
Collaboration among photographers can lead to incredible results. Different perspectives, angles, and creative ideas can result in unique and breathtaking shots that might not be achievable alone.

Finding Your Balance:

So, which approach is right for you? The answer depends on your personal preferences, your goals as a wildlife photographer, and the specific circumstances of each photography outing.
Some photographers find that a mix of both approaches works best. They relish the solitude when seeking a personal connection with nature and embrace social gatherings to learn, collaborate, and share in the joy of capturing nature's wonders.

Ultimately, regardless of whether you choose a solitary or social approach to wildlife photography, it's crucial to prioritize the well-being of the wildlife you're photographing. Always follow ethical guidelines to minimize disturbance and protect the subjects of your art.

In the end, the most important thing is to find the balance that allows you to connect with nature, create stunning photographs, and share your passion with others who share your love for the wild.

In the realm of creative pursuits, it's not uncommon for artists, photographers, and enthusiasts to experience ebbs and flows in their passion for their craft. Life's demands, changes in priorities, and personal challenges can sometimes cause even the most ardent creatives to temporarily lose sight of their artistic passions. If you feel you've lost your passion, fear not!  Here's some tips of things I do, and you can do too, to reignite the passion for your craft:

1. Reflect on Your Journey: Take some time to look back on your artistic journey. Reminisce about the moments when you felt the most alive and connected to your art. What aspects of your photo art used to excite you? By revisiting your past experiences, you can identify the triggers that ignited your passion in the first place.

2. Reconnect with Your Why: Ask yourself why you started doing photo art. What emotions and motivations drove you initially? Realigning with your original purpose can help you rediscover the deep-rooted passion that might have faded over time.

3. Experiment with New Techniques: Trying new techniques with different textures and backgrounds than you've traditionally used before can bring a sense of novelty to your creative process. Learning and implementing new methods can reignite curiosity and enthusiasm, propelling you out of your creative comfort zone.

4. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone: Challenge yourself to explore subjects and themes you haven't tried before. Pushing boundaries can lead to exciting discoveries and renewed passion for your art.

5. Set Personal Challenges: Establish small, achievable goals or challenges for yourself. These could be related to completing a certain number of artworks within a specific time frame or experimenting with a particular style. Accomplishing these challenges can boost your motivation.

6. Dive into Inspiration: Surround yourself with inspiration. Browse art books, visit galleries, or explore online platforms where other artists share their work. Exposure to different forms of art can trigger new ideas and revive your creative energy.

7. Create an Inspiring Workspace: Your physical environment plays a role in your creativity. Organize and personalize your workspace to make it conducive to artistic exploration. A well-curated environment can help stimulate your imagination.

8. Embrace Playfulness: Approach your art with a playful mindset. Experiment without worrying about the outcome. Embracing the joy of exploration can help you reconnect with the childlike wonder of creating.

9. Practice Regularly: Set aside consistent time for creative practice, even if it's just for a short period each day. Regular engagement can prevent creative stagnation and gradually reignite your passion.

10. Document Your Progress: Keep a visual record of your creative journey. Documenting your progress over time can serve as a visual reminder of how far you've come, boosting your motivation to continue.

11. Embrace Failure and Learn: Don't be afraid to make mistakes or produce work that falls short of your expectations. Each misstep is an opportunity to learn and grow as an artist, and this learning process can reignite your passion.

12. Take Breaks and Rest: Artistic burnout can be a passion killer. Give yourself permission to take breaks when needed. Stepping away from your art for a short while can refresh your perspective and reignite your drive.

13. Connect with Fellow Artists: Engage with other artists through workshops, forums, or social media groups. Sharing experiences, challenges, and victories with a community of like-minded individuals can inspire and motivate you.

14. Find Personal Meaning: Connect your art to personal experiences, emotions, or stories. Infusing your work with deeper meaning can rekindle the emotional connection you have with your art.

Regaining passion for your art is a deeply personal journey that requires introspection, experimentation, and patience. By taking proactive steps, exploring new avenues, and nurturing your creativity, you can overcome periods of stagnation and rediscover the joy and fulfillment that comes from creating photo art. Remember, passion is a flame that can be rekindled with the right care and attention.

Hi everyone!  I've released a HUGE bundle this month, the new Abstract Adventures bundle.  Below is a video showing you how I made one of my art pieces with this new set.  I hope you enjoy it! :) 

Summer is here, and what better way to celebrate the warm weather than a delightful beach vacation? Whether you're an avid photographer or just looking to capture some memorable moments, the beach offers a plethora of captivating subjects to photograph. From stunning seascapes to charming wildlife and vibrant beach activities, your camera can capture the essence of summer in every frame. In this blog post, we present 20 things you can photograph with the intention of creating memorable art from these fun subjects you see by the sea. Sunrise and sunset oceanic scenes are obvious, so this is a list in addition to those. :)

1) Waves in Motion: Experiment with different shutter speeds to capture the graceful movement of crashing waves. Freeze a wave in action or create a dreamy, long exposure effect.

2) Sand Dunes: Explore the undulating landscape of sand dunes and capture their unique shapes and textures. Play with light and shadow to enhance their natural beauty.

3) Seashells: Delve into the world of seashells by photographing their intricate patterns and delicate details. Get close and experiment with different angles to highlight their uniqueness.

​4) Beach Umbrellas and Chairs: Colorful beach umbrellas and chairs provide an excellent opportunity for vibrant and playful compositions. Capture their symmetry, patterns, and contrast against the sandy backdrop.

5) Beachcombing: Photograph the treasures washed ashore, such as interesting driftwood, seaweed, or sea glass. These objects make for fascinating macro shots or still life compositions.

6) Wildlife {my personal favorite!}: Keep an eye out for seagulls, pelicans, eagles, and other coastal birds soaring through the sky. Capture their graceful flight or candid moments as they interact with the beach environment.

7) Crabs and Sandpipers: Observe tiny crabs scurrying across the sand or sandpipers darting in and out of the waves. Patience and quick reflexes will help you capture their lively movements.

8) Surfers and Bodyboarders: If you're lucky enough to spot surfers or bodyboarders catching waves, seize the opportunity to capture the exhilarating moments when they conquer the ocean.

9) Beach Sports: Volleyball, frisbee, soccer—photograph the energy and enthusiasm of people engaging in beach sports. Freeze the action or focus on the expressions of joy and camaraderie.

10) Sandcastles and Sand Sculptures: Document the imaginative creations of children and adults as they build intricate sandcastles and sculptures. Capture the pride and effort put into their creations.

11) Kites and Windsocks: Look up and capture the vibrant kites soaring high above the beach. Include the clear blue sky as a backdrop for a cheerful and lively composition.

12) Piers and Jetties: If your beach destination has piers or jetties, capture their rustic charm and the interaction between people and the structure. Experiment with different angles and perspectives.

13) Beachcombers: Capture the candid moments of people strolling along the shoreline, collecting seashells, or enjoying the tranquility of the beach.

14) Tide Pools: Explore the small pools of water left behind by the receding tide. Photograph the fascinating marine life, such as colorful sea anemones, crabs, or small fish.

15) Boats:  When visiting the ocean, you'll most likely see a variety of different boats, from shrimp boats to speed boats to fishing boats to cruise ships.  Boats are fascinating to photograph and add into your art, whether they be the focal point or a background element.

16) Beach Architecture: If there are any distinctive beach houses, lifeguard towers, or other architectural structures, capture their charm and character against the backdrop of the sea.

17) Beach Foliage: Pay attention to the vibrant coastal plant life, such as dune grass, palm trees, or colorful flowers. Use them as foreground elements to add depth and interest to your compositions.

18) Beach Fishing: Photograph fishermen casting their lines or reeling in their catches. Capture their focused expressions and the anticipation of a successful catch.

19) Beach Bicycles: Look for colorful beach cruisers or bicycles along the shoreline. Photograph them against the beachscape for a nostalgic and summery feel.

20) Dogs:  Many people bring their dogs to the beach for a little fun!  As these dogs play in the waves or run across the sand, they make for interesting and fun beach photos, and are perfect to turn into some joyful beach art!

A summer vacation at the beach offers countless opportunities for photography enthusiasts and travelers alike. From picturesque seascapes to the lively beach atmosphere, there is something for everyone to capture. Remember to experiment with different angles, lighting conditions, and techniques to create visually captivating images.  Also remember to always be respectful of people's privacy and the natural environment while photographing at the beach.   So grab your camera, head to the beach, and embark on a photographic journey that will preserve the essence of your summer vacation for years to come.  

When it comes to blending photos with new backgrounds and textures, making thoughtful and creative choices is crucial to achieving a harmonious and captivating composition. Whether you're working on a simple portrait or aiming to tell a unique story, the decisions you make regarding backgrounds and textures should always support and enhance the subject of your original photo. In this post, we will explore various aspects of blending photos, including color considerations, eliminating distractions, and concealing photographic mistakes, to create stunning and seamless final artworks.

​The Power of Creative Choices:  Blending photos allows for immense creative freedom, enabling you to transform the mood, context, and narrative of an image. When selecting a new background or texture, consider the emotions and atmosphere you wish to convey. Whether it's a serene landscape, a bustling cityscape, or an abstract pattern, ensure that the chosen elements complement and amplify the subject's essence and intended message.

​Harmonizing Colors:  Colors play a significant role in creating visual impact and establishing a cohesive composition. When blending photos, pay attention to the color scheme of the original image and choose a background and textures that harmonize with it. Consider using complementary colors to evoke balance and harmony or contrasting colors to create visual interest and highlight specific elements within the image.

​Eliminating Distractions:  One of the key objectives in blending photos is to remove distractions and maintain focus on the subject. Before incorporating a new background or texture, carefully analyze the original photo for any elements that may divert attention. Remove or blur these distractions using photo editing tools to ensure that the subject remains the central point of interest.

​Crafting a Narrative:  Blending photos can go beyond simply placing a subject in a new environment; it allows you to tell stories or create alternative portrayals. Think about the story you want to convey or the message you want to communicate through your artwork. Consider how the new background and textures can enhance the narrative, adding depth, symbolism, or context to the image.

​Concealing Photographic Mistakes:  Sometimes, photographs may have unintended flaws or imperfections, such as cropped feet or clipped wings. Blending photos with new backgrounds and textures offers an opportunity to minimize or even conceal these mistakes. By using soft and subtle blending techniques, you can seamlessly integrate the subject into the new environment, reducing the visibility of any flaws. Additionally, incorporating textures strategically can further mask imperfections and add visual interest to the final composition.

​Blending photos with new backgrounds and textures is a powerful artistic technique that allows you to create captivating and impactful compositions. By making creative choices, considering color harmonization, eliminating distractions, and concealing photographic mistakes, you can achieve a harmonious and visually compelling final artwork. Remember, every decision you make should support and enhance the subject of your original photo, enabling you to tell stories, evoke emotions, and create captivating visual narratives through your blended photos.

You're invited to enjoy this demo video, where I talk you through my process of doing this fun owl painting in Procreate. Using one of my original photos of "my" owl, Miss Ollie, I sketch out the design and create the painting using various brushes on top of one of my new Texturescapes textures.

I tell people all the time how my textures make fantastic backgrounds for digital paintings, and this video was created to show you exactly how I use them when I'm doing a digital painting on top of textures. Ollie is one of my favorite birds I photograph regularly, so I'm always delighted to do a new painting of her, and I hope you'll enjoy watching her video!

The process I share here can also be accomplished in Photoshop and Corel Painter, and any other painting program where you have the ability to paint on different layers.

The Finished Art: