Click to embiggen and see delicate texture detail
One of the things I struggled with on my recent One Four Duckling image was how every one ended up being at the dark end of the colour scheme. Not that it was a problem, I liked each and every image on its own merits but found I was struggling with it and was always ending up with a darker outcome.
Today I wanted to see what fun could be had at the brighter end of the spectrum and after a couple of experiments I made this.
Post Processing Steps:
1. Import original Alyssum macro image from archives
2. Choose a brighter white based colour image for the colour layer – this is blended with Hard Light blend mode around 75% and a mask created to brush some detail back into the central flowers, particularly the yellow stamens and anthers
3. Find a texture to suit, I particularly liked this one as it has a floral feel to it, it is a frame that is a gradient from L to R so fades out across the image so not too overwhelming.
4. Multiply Blend mode at 42% used, it gives a slightly brighter whiter finish
5. Add a Brightness and Contrast adjustument layer, bringing up the brightness a fair bit and adding just a touch of contrast.
Its a bit slap dash for a late night blog post, the blue in the colour layer might be a bit strong in the corners, but as a concept of a lighter grunge image I see it has possibilities.
Do you like it? Hate it? Know a way I could make it better?
All comments, tips, tricks and feedback welcome !
Learning to See Light 
Certainly is lighter brighter Stacey. I like what you are doing here and a total change from duckie 🙂 I find the blues and reds a bit harsh for my liking but if you’d softened them you would loose the impact of the whole image. Love the texture .
Yes the red and blue were a bit super bright but I wanted to go the other way, and it was about experimenting and seeing what I got 🙂
Totally understand
I love this! It looks like a lace texture over the flowers. Blown up–huge–this would be so pretty on a wall. Yes, totally different than what you have been doing. I think a refreshing change. Very nice.
Thanks Lois, I will have to play in this space a bit more
Love it. The colours are so vibrant and happy. I know what you mean. I was just going over some old photos and realised just how dark the final images turned out. So I need to get a bit on the lighter side too.
Thanks Raewyn, it was a fun image to play with, I was quite tired so its not as detailed as I might like, but was more about experimenting with the idea 🙂
Oh, VERY nice – I love the lightness, the cheeriness — despite the “grunge”. Grunge is great but I agree that it does get a bit heavy at times…
Hey Jen, thanks, I need to cultivate a library of brighter grunge colour layers clearly 🙂
They’re hard to find, aren’t they?
For my grunge course they recommend you get some water colour paints and make your own textures, maybe I should have a go!
Not a bad idea really ….
I may try that some time. Thanks for passing the tip along. 🙂
My pleasure, he had more ideas around aging and burning paper, scratching stuff up, rubbing dirt in and all sorts
Back in September I did “30 days of haiga”, hosted by this fellow:
http://rickdaddario.com/blog/
He said he used to leave playing cards out in the yard to let them age naturally. Plus, scratching, rubbing dirt, burning, etc. But the painting? Such a simple and elegant solution to the problem!
I. Love. This!!
This appeals very strongly to me 😀
The colour, the freshness, the texture. Just wonderful and a combo that works for me. Id be drawn to this if I saw it hanging on a wall 😃
Thanks Robyn, I am going to have to develop a range of light side grunge textures to play with it seems 🙂
Yes do. Have fun! 😃