In this video, I take you through a composite image I'm creating, using three of my photos from a recent outing.  These are the three photos I used:

Watch the creation of "Sky Master" in this video where I go from camera to art in just 30 minutes!

Be sure to see my other videos on the site to learn how I do my masking and other work in Topaz Photo FX Lab.  And if you want to learn how to do this type of work in Photoshop, I recommend this course, which is the most comprehensive Photoshop course on the planet!

In this video, I go over my layers panel and explain what I did to create this hawk art, Basking In The Sun.

Don't be afraid to experiment with multiple layers of texture, both under and over your image, to create the overall look you want for your art.

Don't be afraid to adjust color tones, saturation, exposure/brightness on the texture layers to make them compliment your original photo perfectly.

Don't be afraid to adjust layer opacity and do masking on texture layers.

Just because a texture is presented in a certain color tone, or brightness/darkness level doesn't mean you have to stick with it the way it is!  Sometimes I'll use just a small part of a texture, or accent, to create a look in a small area of the final work. 

​Experiment, have fun, and lose yourself in the process of creation!

Hello everyone!  I thought you guys might enjoy watching the creation of Snow Trekker, a piece of winter coyote photo art I just completed.  Enjoy!

Many of you know I've been using older software for years - you've seen it in my videos.  Of course, the software I use from way-back-when is no longer being sold.  Which makes things kind of challenging.  I get asked all the time...

And unfortunately, my answer is NO, simply because I haven't been using it myself.  I cannot teach you what I'm not familiar with, and it would be a disservice to you if I tried.

I did a survey recently on my group about which PAINTING programs group members were using the most.  The answer really, really shocked me -- most people are using Photoshop for painting, as well as photo editing!

It was then I decided to give Photoshop a closer look.

• Photoshop is the industry standard for photo editing
• All the professionals I know and associate with use Photoshop.  I'm the oddball!
• Photoshop has everything one needs, all wrapped into ONE program
• Photoshop has great PAINTING ability as well as photo editing ability
• Photoshop is constantly updated, yet they don't make such drastic changes that the entire software, or your entire way of thinking and working, has to change.

Before deciding to try Photoshop, I started my regular perusal of YouTube, looking for videos on how to do what I do.  I found a few good videos, but everything I found was small pieces of the things I needed to know.  I realized I was spending HOURS on this, and felt like I was spinning my wheels and really getting nowhere. :(

I started looking for another answer for how I could learn in a more streamlined way, and I found the something amazing right under my nose!

As many of you know, I've been working with Sebastian Michaels for many years, providing texture collections to his members.  I knew Sebastian taught a Photoshop course, but I never looked into it because I didn't use Photoshop.  Once I did my survey about what most people use for painting, and decided to give Photoshop another look, it dawned on me -- Sebastian has a course in Photoshop!

I decided to take the course.  And frankly, I am blown away!  His teaching is AH-MAZ-ING!  Starting at the beginning in module one, from what each little button and menu choice does, all the way through to learning the tasks needed to do highly composited, multiple-layered fine art creations, this course HAS IT ALL!

Now...don't get me wrong...if you have a workflow you like using other software and you're happy with it, I'm not trying to convince you to switch to Photoshop.  But if you ARE ready to use Photoshop, or if you're struggling to learn Photoshop, then take a look below at the modules in this course. 

​I'm on Module 1 right now, but I admit I've peeked at Module 2. :)  In the first two modules, you'll learn how to do the basic work like I do in my videos where I use other software.  Then you'll move into even more creative photo-art when you get to modules 3 and 4.

After speaking with Sebastian, I have worked out a very special deal for those of you who wish to learn Photoshop.  This course will also help if you use Photoshop Elements!  You get $200 off the course price, AND lifetime access to the training, which includes 75 videos.  And the course comes with a money-back guarantee.

Rather than me go on and on about what's in this course, how about you just see for yourself?

By Helen HH Photography of Florida

Tell Us A Bit About Your Image
I know that vultures are not considered the most photogenic birds out there but they are such an important part of our environment that I love to show them off when I can. Your textures make them look like the superstars of the clean-up crew that they are.

What textures/background collections did you use from The Daily Texture to create this art?
I used several textures from the Mesmerized Collection.

What software did you use in the creation of this art?
Photoshop Elements 12
Topaz FX Labs

by Maryjane Ellison, Sarasota, Florida USA

Tell U s A Bit About Your Image:
I wanted to set this beautiful pure white egret off against a dark and stormy background. The textures I used give a sense of foreboding to the scene,yet this is relieved by the large streak of sunlight falling on the subject.

What textures/background collections did you use from The Daily Texture to create this art?
I made this piece of art almost a year ago, and didn't save it in layers. However, I think I used textures from the Illumination, Mesmerized, and Dark and Stormy collections.

What software did you use in the creation of this art?
Photoshop CC 2018

by Michele Wright, ​Delta, B.C. Canada

Tell Us A Bit About Your Image
This sweet girl (who has since passed) was from a cat sanctuary that I volunteer at. I volunteer every Friday evening for the feeding shift but also take pictures of the cats.

What textures/background collections did you use from The Daily Texture to create this art?
Painted Portrait background #12.
​
What software did you use in the creation of this art?
Photoshop CC

by Melissa Anderson, Hudson, WI​, USA

Tell Us A Bit About Your Image:

The image of this Bull Elk was taken at the Wildlife Conservation Center south of Anchorage, Alaska. The Conservation Center is a refuge for large mammals that have been rescued for some reason and can't be released back into the wild. The enclosures are natural and very large, and it is quite easy to photograph there.

What textures/background collections did you use from The Daily Texture to create this art?
I used textures from the Daily Texture Natural Expressions collection.

What software did you use in the creation of this art?
Lightroom, Photoshop, and Topaz Impression.

Melissa is a delightful discovery...her wildlife photography is amazing, and the art she creates is equally so.  Thanks so much for sharing your art with my readers, Melissa!  --Jai