I've started creating an online Painterly images class!

DAY 1 My focus is to create a simple setup with easy to follow instructions.

LIGHT I want to use natural window light because it is the most accessible. I will show how to use highlights and shadows to more interesting visual stories.

SETUP I want students to see that they can a photo that feels more like a painting just by using simple subjects and compositional elements.

SUBJECT (S) Deciding what visual story you want to tell will help you choose your subjects.

Which subjects you use, how many and how you place them are all important to consider.

BACKGROUND It is important to consider the background and surfaces in the image.

Here, the wall color is a perfectly aged and worn patina.

There are endless possibilities of what you can use for a background. Fabric, paper and even organic materials can be used.

COLORS The use of color is crucial in creating a mood and expressing an emotion with a photo and color can have a profound effect on a viewer.

Today was a great start!

I thought you might like to see the room I am working in. I’ll post more behind the scenes photos as I go along with the process.

Cheers, Gina