- December 20, 2024
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“A PERFECT FIT” Edsel was photographed on the street using Nikon 24-70mm lens. Using Photoshop, the car was selected, and then placed on a new background. New background was created using Photoshop brushes and textures. Lighting was adjusted by dodging and burning (lightening and darkening) selected area of the subject in Photoshop. Vignette was added to emphasize the subject.
“Rendezvous” Scene was captured at night using Nikon 12-24mm lens. To create a painterly look, Cary added color adjustments, Photoshop brush strokes, and selective dodging and burning, as well as selective smoothing with the Photoshop blur filter.
“Last Call” Scene was captured using Nikon 10-24mm lens. Artistic effect was added to select areas, using Topaz Studio Software and then blended with the original photo inside Photoshop, using layer masks.
“Autumn Grazing” Scene was captured using Nikon 18-55mm lens. The natural lights and darks in the image were emphasized using selective dodging and burning in Photoshop. The painterly look was achieved by using Topaz Studio Software, as well as Photoshop brushes to add real paint strokes. To highlight the subjects, a soft vignette was added as a final touch.
“Spot On” This abstract image was created by experimenting completely from scratch with digital paint brushes inside Photoshop, and other software, such as iColorama and Procreate. Photoshop contains more than 1000 paint brushes of all styles and shapes, which are customizable, so the sky is the limit when it comes to creative possibilities. Cary took a few online courses to learn more about how to use and create her own paint brushes. One of her favorites is iColorama Creative.
West Orange County is teeming with artists whose talents range from visual to performing to literary arts. Whether they are expressing themselves with a microphone, paint brush and canvas, or the written word, artists and their creations give us avenues in which to imagine, dream and wonder.
In this feature, the Observer and the WGAA will highlight a local artist monthly.
This month, meet Orlando resident and artist Anna Cary.
How long have you been creating?
I have always been involved in creative projects, from the performing arts to medical imaging to photography and digital painting.
What are your favorite medium(s)?
Photography (both color and infrared black and white) and digital painting.
What are some of your favorite themes in your artwork?
Subjects that make me smile, go “hmmm” or just grab my attention. My favorite themes change constantly, and I am always looking for new inspiration. People sometimes ask, ‘What is your style?’ and I always say that I hope I don’t have only one. You can see what I mean at annacary.com.
Why is expressing yourself through art important to you?
For me it is a way to convey the humor, irony, absurdity and beauty of things in life.
Did you have a formal art education? If so, where and when?
My art education started in 2004 with a photoshop class and an online photography class with Bryan Peterson. Since then, I continue to do independent study of art, art history , photography and digital creative techniques through online classes, in person workshops and personal mentors.
Who is your favorite famous artist and why?
Norman Rockwell, Andy Warhol, Edward Hopper, Jerry Uelsmann. These American artists cover the range from traditional impressionism to modern abstracts. I admire them, in particular, because they often blur the lines between photography and painting, which I love to do.
What notable places has your artwork been displayed?
SOBO in Winter Garden, City Arts Factory in downtown Orlando and Albin Polasek Museum in Winter Park.
In which museum worldwide would you most like to see your artwork displayed and why?
The Chicago Art Institute, which represents a broad range of artists, inspiring me to expand my artistic horizons.
Accolades and awards?
Best in Show at SOBO 2014 for “Dutch Pears,” first-place Photography Award at City Arts 2014 for “Kress Building.”
Publications: Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine, Orlando Home Renovation Magazine and the comprehensive book, “Digital Infrared Photography,” by Deborah Sandidge.
