I thought that I would try to paint some orchids to see how well I could render them compared to the watercolor versions that I had posted earlier. This painting is different, but then it is a different medium. It felt much like painting in pastels, but I think that I am beginning to get the hang of it.

This is my latest effort in painting in Photoshop. I am little happier with this one, but like any other painting, was not exactly what I had originally envisioned. It has evolved from the sketches that I had done to this present version. I tried to sketch figures walking around the city, but because of the strong light and dark areas, they did not show up. I put in the boats too to show scale and to suggest some evidence of activity. 

Photoshop Painting First Attempt

This is my first, pitiful attempt at painting in Photoshop. The figure is terrible, so stiff and over-worked. I worked from a photo that was placed in a layer, rather than just sketching from photo, which might have been better. Working on the figure first was another mistake, because it does not go with the rest of the background. I over worked the figure to make it work with the background. I actually like the background better. It looks more spontaneous, fresh, a lot more interesting. Actually I violated my own directions on painting, back to front, large to small, general to specific. Well it was a good learning process and it makes me want to try again! Maybe a background only. Stay tuned...