Tableaux Ink

Fractal Generator

2010-07-29T08:20:00.001-07:00

2010-07-27T12:25:00.000-07:00

Make it Surreal

2009-09-01T15:43:00.000-07:00

Experiment with this art generator to achieve your own Dali. Try the Surrealist painter.

Fun Free Photo Filters

2009-08-16T09:44:00.000-07:00

Here are some playful images that I achieved by applying either a one click filter or a combination of effects. Go to Tuxpi.com and upload your own digital photos. It might take a while to exhaust the possibilities.

Mashups

2009-08-09T12:39:00.000-07:00

A friend sent me a picture of a tree and asked me to enhance it. There was little I could do so I relied upon a site with unusual settings available to you for inserting your own digital image. Photo 505 will give you a chuckle.

Make Patterns from Your Digital Photos

2009-08-09T12:16:00.000-07:00

I have discovered a really great site that allows you to create patterns from your own photos. Check out the endlesss options at Repper.com.

Twitter and Twitpics

2009-06-02T11:07:00.000-07:00

I am finding Twitter to be a great place to share news and information. And Twitpic allows me to express myself with photos, ideas, impresssions and helpful links.

Sell Your Art Online

2009-06-02T10:41:00.000-07:00

I have found a great site to show my work and sell online. Go to Redbubble.

Puzzle Preview

2009-02-05T12:32:00.000-08:00

Upload your own photo to create this pleasing preview of your puzzle idea. Go to AnyMaking.

Photo Ideas for all Seasons

2009-01-17T08:03:00.000-08:00

Shadowplay is high on the list of photo ops I encourage you to pursue. The art of perceiving the effects of light and shadow can be a daily pursuit. Some of us are happy with simple pleasures. Observing the moments in time when shadows offer up something unpredictable can be delightful. Capturing these illusive moments is almost always considered a good get. For a fun presentation effect I framed the shadow of the tree within a billboard. You can find more fun templates at Loonapix.

False Depth of Field

2009-01-14T11:33:00.000-08:00

There is a trend out there where people are trying to create the feel of a miniature scape using photos that start out with a normal perspective. Tilt Shiftmaker is an online filter that generates a false sense of depth in order to create the "lilliputian" illusion.

Preview Your Package Design

2009-01-14T10:35:00.000-08:00

Here is a great site that helps you to put the polish on your package design. Create boxes, CD covers, DVD covers , logos and banners, in 3D! Easy upload of your photos or graphic design. Go to 3d-pack.

Photo Technique and Timeline

2009-01-14T07:25:00.000-08:00

Here are some suggestions for taking photos and I include different examples using a variety of cameras and editing tools. There are predominant themes that please my eye. They are "Reflection" and the "Blended Image"
The self portrait is taken with a Pentax SP 500 and Tri X 400 speed film. I used selenium toner to get the sepia effect. I saw the image of myself reflected in some double glass doors. Although spending time in the darkroom was magical and productive and true to a certain purist attitude toward the art of photography I must admit that I finally did embrace the digital age in the year 2000. It has been a new and exciting learning experience every day since.
While in Paris in the year 2000, having been gifted with a digital camera to document the trip, I was unafraid to be snap happy. The computer was now my portable and affordable darkroom. I still pursued images reflected in glass and found the antique carved toy horse as it rested against some glass. The sepia tone was a quick fix on the computer and fume free.
Last night while researching my resources of online editing programs I was so pleased and amazed to discover a new interactive experience designated for kids on the National Gallery of Art Kids Zone. I think it is fun for kids of all ages. The Photo Op device allows one to pan and click with a virtual camera! There one can zoom, edit, blend, and create amazing effects !

Design Your Own Cartouche

2009-01-13T06:30:00.000-08:00

Learn more about Egypt and hieroglyphics. Go to Virtual Egypt and create a personal cartouche.

Photo Effects and Filters

2009-01-12T16:17:00.000-08:00

You can find more free online photo enhancers and filters on the site called Drpic. I like the polaroid stack effect.
Try Pho.to and you will be able to apply a neon, sketch, and glamour effect to your digital photos.

Calliope

2009-01-11T16:29:00.000-08:00

This is a free online image editor that not only offers a variety of photo effects/filters but also allows one to practice photoshop type editing options by including Layers and Adjustments. I think that Pixlr is a gem.

Chuck Close Style Portrait

2009-01-10T07:01:00.000-08:00

Translate your digital photo online with this free Chuck Close image generator. Amazingly accurate and the perfect aid to prepping your own gallery piece.

Look Up With Symbolism

2009-01-06T18:32:00.000-08:00

In the "year of the pig" I look forward, I think hopeful thoughts, I wish for positive change in our economic climate, and I support those who know the meaning of altruism. You can identify your own Chinese Zodiac Symbol. I blended the image with a fun photo effect. Make your own predictions.

World Peace Painting

2008-12-31T10:53:00.000-08:00

With the New Year approaching I just want to wish everyone Worldwide Peace. Create your own colorful chinese name or word with this fun online generator.

Hockney style Collage

2008-12-24T13:04:00.000-08:00

Go to Pixisnap in order to create this polaroid collage.

Beaded Ornament

2008-12-20T09:47:00.000-08:00

I found this idea in Bead Magazine. Create a retro style ornament with beads collected from thrift stores and vintage shops. Most bead stores supply the wire templates. I doubled up on mine for effect. A good pair of pliers and E600 are all you need to finish them off.

Paint Online

2008-12-02T10:15:00.000-08:00

Ok Rothko this is not. But give artpad a try and hang your canvas in a virtual gallery. Sometimes you just need to work with color without getting your hands dirty.

Craftsman Style Tile Designs

2008-12-02T09:41:00.000-08:00

The Victoria and Albert Museum online site offers a wonderful variety of interactive art experiences. I found this tile generator along with others that allow people of all ages to play and create. One will find it hard to exhaust the possibilities of making pleasing designs.

Photo Mosaics

2008-11-26T13:27:00.000-08:00

Try the Montagerator. You can create with your own images or use some of the options provided on the site. I chose to leave text overlay out this time. The red and white snowflake designs I had previously created using Photoshops tools.

Photo to Text

2008-11-26T13:14:00.000-08:00

Have fun with this Photo2text generator. It will transform your photo using random letters. It will work on reduced sized images with greater success.

Language Art

2008-11-11T07:02:00.000-08:00

Go to Festisite for more text generators.

Random Text

2008-11-11T06:07:00.000-08:00

If you just need to get some inspiration. There is site which generates random text collages. Linguasso.

Name Art

2008-11-11T05:42:00.000-08:00

This is a simple way to inspire an abstract and tidy piece of art. Your name is the starting point. See where the process will take you. Spell your name but not in the traditional left to right sequence. Each letter must touch at varying angles but do not overlap the letters. Draw a frame around the cluster of letters and then make various color choices to fill in the shapes created by the name jumble. The beautiful picture above was made by Krystle Seu. She decided to add a curve at the end of each of her letters . It reminds me of latticework or calligraphy or delicate stained glass.

Origami

2008-11-05T11:31:00.000-08:00

Here is a wall display of folded books. My favorite Charter School was fortunate in receiving a number of new Dell computers for their library. But there was an almost overwhelming amount of waste with the discarded packaging. The Extended Day teachers and I tried to salvage the cardboard for future art projects. The keyboard cardboard boxes proved to work well as looms. And the booklets that came with them were not essential so we collected them and came up with a very pleasing origami project. It really was a good feeling for all to create and recycle.

Snowflakes

2008-11-05T11:23:00.000-08:00

We have snow in my part of the country. This is a great interactive snowflake maker by Zefrank. It has a 3D option too.

Draw

2008-11-04T13:38:00.000-08:00

I know I can be outdone. Go to the Scribbler site and give it a try.

Needlepoint Patterns

2008-11-04T11:01:00.000-08:00

I think there may be an easier way, but here I can show you a pixelated image that I was able to create on Picture2Life. I then uploaded it to Colorchords to get the color palette and now a needlepoint canvas can be prepared and yarns selected from any uploaded image.

Color Palette

2008-11-03T14:23:00.000-08:00

This image I call "Bird in Red" I used Photoshop to create the blended image and watercolor effects. The stamp frame I added as well but the gist of this post is the wonderful color palette that you see to the right of the image. It could be useful to me if I were to translate the image further and make a study of it in acrylic or chalk. Colorchords offers you a very convenient and pleasing way to collect color information from your photo. it does have parameters regarding the size of your photo that you might wish to upload. shrinkpictures.com can help you with that.

Op Art

2008-11-03T12:22:00.000-08:00

Here is an exercise that is sure to give instant gratification and you can add it to your list of ways to recycle. I used magazine pages here to create an optical illusion . Just cut vertical curved lines into the horizontal page, leaving the top and bottom intact. take another horizontal page and cut curved sections on the horizontal but this time cut through to edges creating strips. Be sure to keep them in sequence while you weave them through. Try this with two of your own photographs. I have seen it done where a night and day shot were taken of the same scene and this cut and weave method was used producing very appealing results.

Photogram

2008-11-03T12:15:00.000-08:00

MoMa has a online interactive site called The Red Studio. It is meant to encourage teens to explore art study. Try the fauxtogram. It is similar to the photogram of darkroom days. And you can also find a nice intro to the work of Man Ray.

Random Collage

2008-11-03T11:47:00.000-08:00

Have fun with this collage generator. You type in some text and then wait for an image surprise. Go to typoGenerato r.

ProtoZone

2008-10-31T13:03:00.000-07:00

I am a big fan of the software design group, ProtoZone. Today I found that one can make a kaleidoscope, a snowflake, a magic carpet, and a 3D moveable sculpture! I originally became aware of these visually exciting interactive tools while visiting The National Gallery of Art's Kid Zone.

Borders

2008-10-30T11:11:00.000-07:00

Piccyfix is a little less efficient than many of the online editing sites but I think you can still have a little fun there.
The photo that I chose above was taken at Craters of the Moon National Park in Idado. I did use Photoshop to get the Watercolor Effect but ran it through Piccy Fix to see what effects the site had to offer and added a border.

Photo Filters Online

2008-10-30T09:31:00.000-07:00

You have a few photo effects choices on Pixer. This site also has a resizer and a very interesting image enhancer called 1850.
I was in Firenze just last Spring but I enjoy the aged and dated look that the filter helps to evoke.

Online Filters

2008-10-29T12:13:00.000-07:00

My new favorite place to visit is MyTheme.com. It is easy, online photo effect fabulous. There you can play with animators as well as filters and blending.

Oil Painting Made Easy

2008-10-29T09:57:00.000-07:00

I love Pixenate!! This is an online free editing tool that also offers a few fun effects.
You will see above that my "Back Yard" is a wonderland in winter. Try the snowflake overlay.
My beloved "Fenway" is now easily rendered in oil.

Barrel Cactus

2008-10-29T07:45:00.000-07:00

I have a colorful cactus series that I created with the help of Photoshop. Yesterday I found this site called, Pictureful, where I had fun creating a jumbly presentation. Not to be mistaken with Hockney, but I liked it.

Make Your Mark

2008-10-28T20:23:00.000-07:00

I like this logo creator.

Diagram of a Hug me Tight

2008-10-28T20:05:00.000-07:00

This is my collage entitled, "A Diagram of a Hug Me Tight". I created this collage based upon a diagram borrowed from a women's fabric pattern found in " Godey's Lady's Book" 1860.

One Two Three

2008-10-28T19:56:00.000-07:00

One Two Three! Does anybody know what kind of tree produces this sequence of leaves?

Vintage

2008-10-28T16:52:00.000-07:00

Just want you to know about a site called Wanokoto. It allows you to upload an image and it will generate for you what appears to be a time long ago. I then uploaded the image to Dumpr.

Mandala Maker

2008-10-28T12:06:00.000-07:00

Make a Mandala online when you need to calm down or relieve stress. Music plays while you make color choices. Of course the healing power of a Mandala is best experienced while drawing by hand, or sifting sand, or fitting tesselations, but nothing wrong with this simple quick fix. Just hit the reset button and your template and color graph will appear. The colors are kind of muted so I saturated mine with adjustments in iPhoto.

Math and Art

2008-10-28T10:38:00.000-07:00

The relationship between Math and Art can only be covered by compiling reams of exciting examples. I am offering up a couple, three easy ways to integrate Art with a Math experience.
Create number rubbings with textured cutouts.
While introducing Physics why not play around with a tripod, a pendulum, and a saucer of sand!
Study Buckminster Fuller and create Geodesic Domes with rolled up newspaper. A high school class may be more challenged if they were required to piece together straws to create a full orb.

We Are Connected Webbing

2008-10-28T09:16:00.000-07:00

Recently I had the pleasure of working with some Extended Day teachers at my favorite Charter School in DC. The goal was to try to integrate art projects that would reinforce the Core Value Education offered by the school. A budget for art supplies is always a concern so with that in mind I tried to come up with art experiences that would be inexpensive. I will try to post a few of these ideas for you. The first of which I am calling "We Are Connected Webbing". I repurposed the wooden slats and sticks from a broken shade and found some unused nylon string. I fashioned a simple loom using the lid of a discarded gift box and wove the sticks. The finished piece turned out to be sculptural and fun to photograph.
The exercise was appealing to most and it was my suggestion, if time permitted that the children could work collectively by piecing their individual efforts together to form one long table runner. A perfect place to display such a collaborative piece might be at the Principal's Lunch which is a time when students are recognized for their efforts as good citizens within the school environment.
I used Pages from iWorks to illustrate some of the projects. This is a great program that gives you a 30 day trial program if you are a Mac user. But do visit an online tool called Letterpop to find other templates for publishing.

Fantasy Bird Series

2008-10-28T08:57:00.000-07:00

I created these blended images using Photoshop CS2 layers and filters. The Audubon Society at Moosehill Farm in Sharon, Mass accepted "Atumn " and "Fantasy Bird" into one of their shows and since then I have been offering the collection in greeting cards.
The font that I added to this contact sheet was easy to apply using Picfont. Have fun with it!

Watermarks

2008-10-27T09:49:00.000-07:00

A quick and easy site that will help you watermark your images for free is Picmarkr. You have three styles to choose from. And the option to upload your logo if you wish.
This photo is titled "In a Pinch". I spent some time in Tucson a few years ago where I found myself visiting the Tucson Botanical Gardens routinely. As a frequent visitor I was amazed at the discoveries to be had on an almost daily basis!

Computer Post Its

2008-10-27T08:22:00.000-07:00

Choose from a variety of templates at the IMGText site to create a personal and fun message.

Tree Treat

2008-10-26T15:08:00.001-07:00

Apply Lake Effect to your Picture WaveMyPic.com

Photo Montage

2008-10-25T14:45:00.000-07:00

This is a place for light hearted display of your images. Visit Magic Photo and play around. If you put together something kind of clever you are given the option to apply your masterpiece to product.

Product Design

2008-10-25T08:03:00.000-07:00

I worked with the president and founder of Sport Graphics International years ago to design the company logo. This company offers the best personalized video golf swing analysis available by far. Recently, in order to further enhance the product, we modified the logo a bit and created what we feel is an effective packaging statement. While the company uses the design primarily for DVD labels and jackets, I have been exploring other ways to use the illustration on a few select and functional promotional items. Recently I created these accessories for Sport Graphics International. A ball marker and set of ball mark repair tools are useful and a great gift. I found this great site called Artamatik where there are many products that one can choose from in order to create a custom design.

Sell your art at Redbubble

2008-10-24T13:09:00.001-07:00

Photofiddling

2008-10-24T07:41:00.000-07:00

A "must try" is Photofiddle. You can experiment with translating your digital photos into various art styles.

Pollock Painting

2008-10-24T07:22:00.000-07:00

This is a Jackson Pollock site simulator with a blank canvas waiting for you to add the color. It is all mouse play:)

Graffiti

2008-10-23T20:45:00.000-07:00

Try this online art generator. And have fun! Please touch.

Polaroid Frame

2008-10-23T12:07:00.000-07:00

Instantizer is another great site that will frame your image like a Polaroid and it allows you to add text!

Frame Finder

2008-10-23T11:57:00.000-07:00

Go to Upframr to play around with frame styles.

Frames and Filters

2008-10-23T08:34:00.000-07:00

I needed a frame for my logo on this blog and thought I'd experiment with this style. I found an online option. This site offers more free fun online photo editing.

Monochrome

2008-10-23T07:47:00.000-07:00

Here is a monochrome style picture of my Malamute, Kody, that I created with free photo effects.
The image above him is enhanced using the free generator called Magnigraph. I was able to save the picture by sending it as aPDF file to my iphoto library. Every other method that I tried to Save the image was unsuccessful in that it reverted to all black.

Swirl

2008-10-22T18:31:00.000-07:00

Before

After

Discover another free online site with great photo effects. These are before and after photos that show how Dumpr can translate a complex graphic.

Collage with Picasa

2008-10-22T15:35:00.000-07:00

I did love Picasa when it was a part of my PC world. Having been gifted with a Mac I take more time exploring the Mac photo editing possibilities. But I do love Picasa and here is an example of some fun collaging that you can do with it.

Fabulous Flowers

2008-10-22T13:54:00.000-07:00

Make your own flowers on this site.

Picasso

2008-10-22T09:33:00.000-07:00

Everyone will have fun with Mr. Picassohead.

Blended Image

2008-10-22T08:25:00.000-07:00

I have yet to update to Photoshop CS4 since my PC crashed and I am now a huge fan of Mac. In the meantime I've found a rudimentary and free online tool to help me satisfy my need to blend images. Try Lunapic.

Coat of Arms

2008-10-22T08:09:00.000-07:00

Make your own Coat of Arms using the Victoria and Albert online generator.

It is colorful, crisp, and a fun.

Recycle Art

2008-10-21T16:35:00.000-07:00

I made this coaster out of magazine pages, a plastic lid, and a little bit of cork in order to keep my hands busy and to show that recycling can be art inspired and visa versa. I found this idea on A Little Hut. If you enjoy paper artistry this is a very cool site to visit.

Wordsmithing

2008-10-21T16:29:00.000-07:00

http://www.visuwords.com/

Coloriffic

2008-10-21T15:58:00.000-07:00

Create your name in color and chinese painting with this wonderful generator. Visit

http://www.chinesetools.eu/tools/drawing-name/

NGAKidszone

2008-10-21T14:42:00.000-07:00

Fun for all ages can be had at The National Gallery of Art .

Art Generator

2008-10-21T13:51:00.000-07:00

A favorite site that is very pleasing is called Mutapic. It seems that there is not enough time to exhaust the possibilities of color and shape combos.

Warhol

2008-10-21T13:41:00.000-07:00

I have shared my discovery of the Warholizer with quite a few friends.

Photo Fun Site

2008-10-21T13:35:00.000-07:00

Here is another amazing and fun site called Photofunia.

Polished Products

2008-10-21T13:23:00.000-07:00

I want to get started with Snapfish. It is a site that offers many ways to create with your own digital photos. I love the product lines and recently I discovered the collage creator.