Paintography and
Layered Photographic Painting

I create hybrid images with layers of photographs and digital processes, using these elements like tubes of paint - some of this one here, a little of that one there. I also digitally draw, paint, add or change colors or textures, whatever the painting needs.

With such an abundance of excellent image manipulation tools now available, if I can imagine it, there's a way to make it happen.

Although I often work with photographs and photographic tools,  my goal is a compelling image with the soul of a painting, evocative and richly textured and colored. My work covers a wide range of subjects, but the real subject is the composition - the abstract shapes and colors and textures, and the relationships between them.

Layered Photographic Paintings


These works start with an existing image or photograph, or several. The full strength and versatility of the computer can be brought to bear, transforming, adding, removing, layering, drawing or painting, really anything you can think of and have the skill to execute. It's a lot of fun.

This one is the first one, a Proof of Concept effort. IT used three separate photos and several textured layers.
Picture
Oil Painting done in Art Rage

Virtual Paintings

The most versatile and powerful medium of all is the computer. Virtual paintings are digital works done with a paint simulation program or app. Digital oil is especially well developed, and watercolor, ink and charcoal are getting quite good. The artist starts with a blank "canvas," chooses the brush size and shape, how much paint and how thick or thin, and which color, and then hand draws the stroke, just like with real paint. Many programs now simulate pressure sensitivity, and fast and slow reactions, just as in traditional media.