And Topaz Labs Software

I often get asked the question "how do you make textures"?  My first answer to that is very simple -- do a painting.  :)  All of my textures are paintings, designed to be used most often as backgrounds for your photo art, as well as overlays for your photos to create different effects.  You can also read more about my creative process in my FAQ here on the website.

I have tons of videos on my YouTube Channel on how I work with the finished textures in these methods.  I suggest viewing the videos from the bottom going up, which will take you from the very first video on up through the current videos.  In those beginning videos, I cover much more basic information, such as how to utilize layers and use the masking tab in Topaz Photo FX Lab software.

As for how to paint -- I have over 40 years experience in painting in so many various methods.  For me to teach you how to make a texture would, in essence, require me teaching you how to become a painter -- something I find impossibly overwhelming to do right now due to my schedule.  There are tons of videos on Youtube, however, on how to learn to paint in various mediums.  And there are many courses you can purchase to learn how to become a proficient painter in a specific medium if you decide to invest in becoming a traditional painter.
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A  lot of the questions I get also include people wanting a critique on their finished work.  Don't get me wrong -- I love seeing everyone's finished work with the Daily Textures!  It thrills me to see what amazing things you create!  Unfortunately, I just don't have time to devote to giving individual critiques of art pieces.  

​But here's the good news, there is a group on Facebook I operate called "Artistry Beyond The Camera".  You are welcome to read about the group and see if it's something you would like to join.  {NOTE: In order to be approved for the group, I must be able to tell from viewing your profile that you are a photographer turning your photos into art.}  We have over 1400 great members, many who share their new work on a regular basis, and I invite you to join up and do the same.  If you want a critique or need help with something, when you post your work, just ask.  Our group of fabulous photo-artists is always willing to help and give advice when asked!

So what's coming up in 2017?  I plan to do many more blog posts here - many of which will feature the In The Digital Studio Videos I've been creating in the later part of this year.  Also coming will be many more new textures, including more in the Unleashed Watercolor Collections, which I just began a short time ago, as well as many more rich painterly texture collections, too.  The blog and the Facebook page will be the place to watch for all the new goodies in the upcoming year.  

And don't forget to sign up for The Daily Texture newsletter, where subscribers are notified of new collections first -- plus subscribers get access to great discount coupons and other fun things throughout the year.  In addition to spending more time in the studio, and in nature and with wildlife during 2017, I also am adding more photos to my stock photo website every week, and I am adding new art to my main art website every week.

Last year has been FABULOUS -- and I hope to make this year EXTRAORDINARY.  So, let's jump into 2017 with a new, creative spirit and expand our horizons, all while keeping a healthy balance of all the things we enjoy in life.

Watch as I go from this...

...to this...in only 15 minutes!

I go from this...

...to this.

...and Topaz Software.  :)

...but I did use quite a few different elements to create this fun Hummingbird art.  For the background, I used a pastel square texture...then I used Topaz Impression on several different layers of the bird photo to give him a unique look...and then, I used a couple of the new watercolors from the Unleashed Collections on top in various layer modes and opacities, with some masking on each to place the details of each where I wanted.  And I came up with this: