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Friday, March 2, 2012

When I’m supposed to be working


Yes this is what I’m doing instead of getting orders done,
cleaning the greenhouses,
 opening up boxes of merchandise
that I ordered in January….
and a multitude of things that I won’t keep listing.
You all have similar lists I’m sure….well maybe not exactly the same but lets just say lots to do.

Anyways this is what I do when I want to avoid working.
Photoshop!
I had this photo that I took last Fall after visiting a perennial nursery.
While driving home I stopped to visit with the cows on this farm.
Most of them ran the other way as soon as I came 
up to photograph them,
except this one.
The grass there must have been extra good in that spot:)
or she’s just more friendly.
Plant Group _417open house

It wasn’t a great photo.

cow 2
so I thought I would try a texture layer from
I did mask off some texture off of Bessie
felicity by Kim Klassen


woman_full

Then after seeing this post
from Modern Prairie Girl
I decided I’d try something.

lady in field
I know this looks like she’s sitting too close to Bessie
but I was trying out the idea and didn’t have time to hunt
for something better.
It still didn’t look right so I went back to unpacking.

An hour later I decided to add stronger texture layer
I was this close to scrapping the whole thing.
but what’s one more layer going to hurt?
Daguerreotype-1


pastoral

I need more practice and with a better image but for a quicky I’m happy with it.


What do you do when you need a break???

besides blogging : )

33 comments:

Julie said...

I read when I need a break.

And I clean when I'm really stressed (which means that my house is a mess when life is happy!)

Tanya said...

OK, I'm gonna' give you another project on here. I don't think she's sitting too close to Bessie, but too close to Bessie's behind...what if you took the original picture of the Beautiful Bovine, and flipped your woman so that she was feeding the flower to Bessie?? I KNOW you can do it!

Rock on, Carole...

Tanya said...

And, I only mentioned the "original" picture of the cow, because there is enough room on the right hand side, where you cropped it out later.

Tanya said...

Or RIDING on the cow...are you getting the feeling that THIS is what I do when I need a break?!!! :-) Happy weekend!

KarenB said...

Nice job! Well, I don't think I would play with photoshop when I am wasting time because I get frustrated. Recently I've been on Pinterest, or working on hand lettering as explained in my post yesterday with Teresa McFayden's e-workshop. It's been fun. I took Kim's beginner photoshop course. I need to work on it some more in order to get more familiar with it.

trash talk said...

Ummm...I'm doing it now...but don't tell Cat Daddy! LOL
Honestly...that last image looks like a painting.
Deb

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

Oh wow, that's beautiful, that last image! Love your header, I'm thinking I have to get over to your shop, your style is awesome.

Connie in Hartwood said...

This is a perfect example of why I consciously never got into the more artsy side of Photoshop. I have some textures, and I sort of know how to use them, but it seems to be addictive and I'm afraid that it will take over my life. (I'm not sure I have as much willpower as you do.)

Blogging is exactly what I do when I feel like wasting time. It's not REALLY a waste, but it feels like it sometimes, so it feeds the need to not be doing something constructive 24/7. Other things are: go for a ride with the dogs (too muddy to walk here in winter), hit the thrift shops, talk on the phone with friends, and stuff like that.

Connie in Hartwood said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ariadne said...

I do cross stitch or I surf the Net which I think takes too much of my time unfortunately!AriadnefromGreece!

Ariadne said...

I do cross stitch or I surf the Net which I think takes too much of my time unfortunately!AriadnefromGreece!

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

I take a nap.
:)

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

I take a nap.
:)

Nella Miller said...

Hi Carole, Wish I was as computer savvy as you...lovely job with Photoshop...I know you will get it right. I blog when I need a break or stitch..I have so much to do as well with this reno, but keep procrastinating too! I want to shoot myself with these blogging issues. Looking forward to seeing your new purchases from the shows and what you do with them...can't wait. N.xo

Anonymous said...

I listen to music or read a book when I need a break. I have a sick sense of humor so I was thinking you could add a caption to your photo. Something like "Funny, this flower just doesn't smell right" or Beatrice tried to enjoy life by smelling the flowers but wasn't always in the right place at the right time to do so. Ok, I warned you about the sick sense of humor ahead of time so I hope I didn't offend anyone. I love your photo as is of course. :)

Jen Beaudet said...

Your creation is lovely! I love playing with photoshop and can spend hours doing it! I have tried to stay away from it though so I can get more paintings done:)
Have a great weekend!
Jenniferxx

Sueann said...

Loved your finished photo. I play with photos too
Fun times
Hugs
SueAnn

Anonymous said...

Holy cow, this is so cool! Like layers in Paint Shop Pro? Love it!

We are getting a new camera (OhHappyDay!!!) mid-March and I hope to get the chance to not only take some clear shots, but play more with image collages.

Have a happy weekend, Carole!
~ Zuzu

Anonymous said...

Oh, and what do I do when I need a break? Well - I just deleted my Pinterest account, so that's out.

I'm one of those multi-tasker types and like to have several projects going at once. That way, I can just jump in and keep going. :)

oldgreymare said...

What do I do? I talk to you and the other crazy bead girl..lol
way cool though and NO I cannot learn one thing new! You two have already made me give up 2 hours a week...
xx
z

erin's art and gardens said...

that's cool! except for the fact that she might get kicked in the head by that cow! but i love the effect and i TOTALLY can get lost in photoshop! and often do....
erin
xxoo

Olive said...

I can edit for a really long time too. The last one is pretty. I also like to putter in my garden.

A New England Life said...

That last layer really did the trick, Carole! Sometimes layers can take you totally by surprise with how they effect an image.

When I want avoid everything else I definitely go on the computer or photograph something. A nap is always nice too ; )

Sharon

Heaven's Walk said...

Way cool, Carole! Love it! My spare time.....? Blogging of course. Well...unless I'm shopping... lol!

xoxo laurie

Lisa DeNunzio said...

When I need something 'mindless' I polish silver. I guess that is not quite a break but indicative of my personality. I loath wasting time, but find that polishing relaxes me and the results are quite rewarding. I even do it when on the phone!

I am in awe of your picture ability. I only have a fixed lens camera and work in iphoto. Best, Lisa
http://ladolcevila.net

Rostrose said...

What a nice "nostalgic" immage - I like "The girl with the cow" and I like the work you have done! But I agree with "Bead and Needle", she is a bit too close to Bessie's back. I think the cow-and-girl-couple would look more harmonious, if either the cow or the girl would look the other way (Photo flip)...
Have fun on playing! :o)
Warm hugs from Traude

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Oh Carole,
You are a clever thing .... everything that you turn your hand to is pretty wonderful ! I love that textured finish BUT.... I also love the original photo so it's a win win as far as I'm concerned !!

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Carole,

I do love Bessie and the Maiden, looks so old and you have given it a gorgeous look.
I am spending way too much time on the computer today and I should be going to get dinner on.

Happy week
Hugs
Carolyn

www.MaisonStGermain.com said...

I love the photo and the darker colors. Makes it look like an old pring.You always surprise me with your photography talent:)
~Debra xxx
capers of the vintage vixens

Dorthe said...

Dear Carole, they are lovely together, each of them loving the grass for another reason- the last layer made it wonderful warm and glowing--- I don`t have photo shop, soooooooooo,---- but I admire what you did......
when relaxing- I blog-and blog again :)
Hugs,Dorthe

Tutti Chic said...

beautiful photos! I can't even figure photoshop out-so frustrating.looks like you are mastering it well...:) chris

the old white house said...

That is sooo cool! I may need to put photoshop on my Christmas list this year! I love the darker texture and how cool that you can add another pic. I thought I was cool adding words to mine from picnik, geesh.
Love it! t.xoxoxoxo

apparently the hippy in me took over during my excitement of your post... how cool.

suziqu's thread works said...

Hi Carole
I just love your experiments here and tomage! You have inspired me here!
When I need out - I go out into my garden and look, see, smell and say how lucky am I that I live in such a glorious place. Then I'll visit our Angoras for a chat or maybe have a conversation with the chickens or just sit on a seat - pure bliss!
Love and hugs from downunder,
Suzy