Portraits....AGAIN????

This week, we were assigned to make three portraits that told a story. After realizing my initial idea was not doable, being the apathetic senior that I am, I decided to tell a story of seniors suffering through their remaining days here. In photoshop, I first made the images black and white. I then made corrections to get the levels and exposure just right. Next I went to the filter gallery and would experiment with layering halftone pattern filters and note paper filters. After I got those where I wanted, I went back and adjusted levels again until I was satisfied. The reason I chose this look is because earlier this week I saw a music video, Liar (It Takes One To Know One),  by the band Taking Back Sunday, which uses a similar stylistic approach, and it looked cool, and after accidentally stumbling across the halftone pattern filter and note paper filter, I decided to go with this look.

Painting poorly

This week, I did a painting tutorial. Needless to say, it went poorly. Very very poorly. I feel really bad about what I've done to the photo of cole that I painted. I'm used to painting on top of pictures, and I've never painted anything "from scratch" like this, and I clearly need some more work in this area. I think I'll stick to painting over things for future paintings.

Cole...Again!

This week, we did more portrait based pieces. For this one, I followed a tutorial that showed how to use Photoshop to add more elements to portraits. I started with a portrait of Cole, then removed the background. From there I kind of strayed from the tutorial, cause I really didn't have the vision of that kind of piece in my head. By some accident, I accidentally managed to give Cole long hair. After that, it all came together. Using various noise filters on water drop textures as well as the original portrait I was able to create a cool portrait loosely based on the tutorial.

COLE SMASH!

This week, we were instructed to create 3 portraits. I was stumped, but decided to photograph Cole. He suggested that I attempt to get a photo of him smashing leftover clay pieces on the ground. I had little to no luck with that, so I decided to try a video, and create stills from that. What resulted was  a gif that shows him in the various stages of smashing, each frame a portrait of him. At the end, I had a little fun and added the popular Doge meme for comedic relief. COLE SMASH!

Final Propaganda

Winter Break! It's amazing to think that the first semester is over, and I'm in my last semester of high school. I honestly could never imagine this happening, but here we are. For my final piece of the semester, I did a propaganda piece about the value of gun safety and education. "Educate not Regulate." This message is something that means a lot to me. I read the other day that since the tragic Newtown shooting, 194 children have died as a result of guns. Many of these deaths could have been prevented by properly educating gun owners, as well as children in the proper handling, use and danger of firearms. Not everyone can agree that gun regulation will stop deaths, however, you can't argue the value that a little bit of gun education could have in saving the lives of many.

Pier and Beard Propaganda

This week, I was very productive. Not only did I come closer to completion on my portfolio pier piece, but I also completed the propaganda piece that I was assigned. I'm really proud of how both pieces have come together, and I really see these as being probably my best, most professional quality work yet. For the propaganda piece, I'm really proud of my process. I did a whole lot of thinking outside the box and using familiar tools and techniques in new ways that I'd never thought of before, with very good results. This piece came together really quickly, and I feel that it conveys the message in a very potent manner. The idea behind this piece has to do with the fact that the school doesn't allow men to grow facial hair. Being one of those who has very fast growing facial hair, it's a very inconvenient and frustrating rule for me. For me the most basic issue with this rule is the fact that it's my body, and I should be free to do what I want with it. What gives someone else the right to tell me what I can and can't do with my own body? Also, I'm sure I'm not the only student who has to shave frequently but doesn't as it upsets my complexion. My having facial hair doesn't bother anybody, and I keep it well trimmed. I hope to find a way to change this rule by the end of the year, perhaps through this piece.

Pier Propaganda

This week, I started another propaganda piece. This one is based on the ongoing debate over the fate of the St. Pete pier. I personally love the pier, so this piece is promoting the landmark status of it. I'm using the pen tool to recreate the pier in all its iconic upside down pyramid glory in Photoshop. The piece is coming together well, but it's still very difficult. I've put in many hours so far outside of class, but it's not quite done yet.