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Later I progressed onto a software package called Paint Shop Pro, where I was able to gain more control over image manipulation. Through the sound training received from DPaint I was able to push my designs even further. Some of the best features of PSP are the filters, which allow the creationof a multitude of special effects to designs. Through the 'Deformation Browser' I can see what the various effects on offer will do to my work, some of which can be altered in varying percentages, so there is near perfect control. There are also a range of filters which allow everything from, edge enhancement to embossing. There is also the added bonus of being able to work with a palette of 16.7 million colours, so choosing any colour imaginable, bliss!
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| Using the many features of Paint Shop Pro, I tried to create in 'Notalot' the feeling of depth, through use of the filter 'blur'. I also started to stretch the altered logo to extenuate the crossed fingers. Each piece is added to the background using a tool called the 'clone brush' which allows you to transfer images gradually from one file to another. The filter allows you to specify how transparent the image will be when it is cloned, the more times you go over an area the more concentrated the image becomes. 'Notalot' was a spin off from all the publicity from the National Lottery. It's a vain attempt to show people how the lottery is such a waste of money. There's just no way you will ever win! 'It has to be someone' comes back the reply. I feel so angry, when I see people pushing in queues on a Saturday night, with fivers scrunched up in their hands, all trying to get their tickets acknowledged before the deadline. | 
The roads are lined with discarded scratch cards at £1 a go. Britain's gone gambling mad, "I think not ". |
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As my work progressed I became interested in the way the computer in front of me composed the picture. I started looking at pixels and how the more you magnified an image, the more abstract the scene became.
Now this has become my main interest in creating images. At first I started out with pretty basic objects and magnified them until the pixels started to become apparent. I am interested in the way the subtle tones of colour become more and more visible as the magnification is increased. This train of thought has started me producing oil paintings which echo the pixelisation of the computer screen. I wanted to create something precious, that was inspired from the modern world. Technology seems to a certain extent to be ignored when using traditional mediums. Why shouldn't computer imagery be reproduced as an oil painting. At the moment output from your computer screen, comprises of A4 colour prints. When A2 becomes more affordable to your poor waged artist, who knows what will be produced. Anyway, I really enjoy painting
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Since Paint Shop Pro, I have finally progressed to the industry standard, 'Photoshop'. This gives me that little bit extra in image control. As you can see from my Photoshop imagery, I have discovered all the filters such as 'zig zag' and 'ripple'. |
| Unfortunately for me, it has spoilt all the magic of the glossy magazines. I can no longer look in awe of the clever effects on the shiny page, all I can see now are which tools were used to create which effect. It's a bit like a grown up version of finding out about Father Christmas, all the mystery has gone. But then, all the power to create them now lies in my hands. | 
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I prefer to create the backbone of my work in Paint Shop Pro, then transfer the file into Photoshop and apply the major effects there. I love the control you have in Photoshop. The 'emboss' tool, which allows you to specify how deep in pixels you want to emboss, or at which angle you would like to view the effect.
One of the main features I have just started to use is the layering option. This allows an image to gradually build up, enabling you to be able to alter each layers transparency. The file can be saved as a PSD or flattened to save file size, depending on if the design is finished or not.
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| 'Time' was my first experiment in using Photoshop and layering. I wanted to see how the layers could blend into each other with a subtle transparency, so each layer doesn't fight for your attention and the image comes together as one. It was also a first in using the 'lighting effects' another remarkable tool. The amount of control over this effect is incredible. You can specify any angle you wish your light to shine, have any amount of light using different lighting techniques e.g. 2 spot lighting. Specifications can be made as to what surface the light is shining onto, even what colour filter the light is using (choosing from 16 million colours). The wonderful thing about this tool is that you are able to create a more realistic feel to the image. Creating any mood possible.
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I am only just starting to explore what can be created using these tools, an example of which appearing alongside. Slowly I'm starting to explore a new visual world which is starting to appear on my computer screen. I'll just have to let you know what else I've created when it happens.
Carol Baker March 18th 1997 |