Balancing It All - Making Time For New Textures and Art

Hello everyone!  It's been a great year here at the Daily Texture -- THANK YOU ALL for that! :)

It's also been a very busy year -- and with the projects I'm working on in 2017 {for my art website, my photo website, and for this website}, I'm finding there's not enough hours in the day...something I'm sure many of you struggle with as well.

It's definitely a balancing act to keep up with everything, and I've got so many exciting new ideas for the upcoming year, my creative brain is on overload!  

In reviewing this past year, I'm finding one thing I'm struggling with is the time to answer the many individual questions I receive each day.  Currently, I have several hundred emails with a variety of questions I haven't had time to answer due to my busy schedule.

So I thought I'd make this blog post to help some of you find the answers you need to your questions and give you the links you need to gain help with things, since my time is so limited to reply to everyone individually.

Dancing On Marble

Almost Snack Time

First of all, I'd like to direct you to some links on the right sidebar of this blog ~>

As many of you know, I use Topaz Software pretty much exclusively for my work and that's what I focus on in my videos.  For those of you who need to learn layers and masking in other software programs, the links on the right sidebar of the blog may be helpful to you.

Sometimes, I get technical questions regarding problems with Topaz working correctly on various computers and operating systems.  I can't answer those questions, so I suggest you contact Topaz support here, or contact Topaz Labs on their Facebook page, to get help with any technical issues you may be having with their software.

Since I sell my work on Fine Art America, I get a lot of questions regarding using that website.  The best place to get help with issues or working with the Fine Art America website is in their forums -- they have many regulars there who are well versed in using the website and how to accomplish things there.
​

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.
​

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!

What's Coming in 2017!

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.

Thanks Again For All Of Your Support and I Look Forward To A Creative 2017!