Contrasts

TGV Train Station, Avignon, France
Nikon D40
© 2009 Christine Pierce

One of the things I love most about France is that it is such a study of contrasts. In the photo, above, we see the ultra-modern TGV train station in Avignon, Provence.

Below is a picture I took a few days later, in Paris:

Palais Royal, Paris, France
Nikon D40
© 2009 Christine Pierce

Darling Dogs of Paris

Dogs of Paris
Digital Photos, Nikon D40
(please click on images to enlarge)
© 2009 Christine Pierce

The dogs in Paris were as well-behaved and darling as ever. It seemed to me, however, that I saw fewer dogs than on previous trips to the city. Nonetheless, they were all clearly doted-upon by their owners and they were a delight to observe.

Snapdragons on the Champs-Elysées

Title: "Snapdragons on the Champs-Elysées"
digital art/mixed media 8"x8"
(please click on image to enlarge)
© 2009 Christine Pierce

I have been spending a lot of time these past couple of weeks trying to find a way to combine digital photography, digital art, and traditional painting. I enjoy the infinite possibilities of digital media, but there is something about actual paint pigment on actual watercolor paper that I simply love.

After much research and experimentation, I created the digital art/watercolor painting, above. Using a photograph I took while strolling down the Champs-Elysées last month (the snapdragons were spectacular! So tall!!!), I started by making a digital underpainting in Photoshop.

I printed the image on Hahnemühle Fine Art InkJet Paper (William Turner 310gsm) using my Epson R1900 inkjet printer. This particular printer uses UltraChrome Hi-Gloss 2 pigment ink, which happily proved to be very water-resistant.

After letting the print dry (less than 10 minutes), I got out my watercolors and began painting. I focused on highlights and shadows and tried to make the colors of the flowers really "pop."

I learned a lot in the process and was pleased enough with the results to frame the piece:

Title: "Snapdragons on the Champs-Elysées"
digital art/mixed media 16"x20", framed
(please click on image to enlarge)
© 2009 Christine Pierce

I welcome your comments on this process and would love to hear about other techniques of combining digital art and traditional media.

Paris Ferris Wheel

Title: "Paris Ferris Wheel (La Grande Roue)
at Night"
digital image
(please click on image to enlarge)
© 2009 Christine Pierce. All rights reserved.

Walking in Paris at night presents us with beautiful sights and sounds that might escape us during the daytime. The Paris Ferris Wheel at night is one such magical sight.

Garden Roses in Metal Pail

Title: "Garden Roses in a Pail"
digital painting
© 2009 Christine Pierce
(please click on image to enlarge)

I love the way florists in Paris can just pop a handful of roses into a bucket and they end up looking fabulous. This digital painting is based on a photo I took at at flower shop near Place de la Madeleine on the Right Bank in Paris.

Eiffel Tower

Title: "The Eiffel Tower"
digital photograph
© 2009 Christine Pierce
(please click on image to enlarge)

I think the cloud formations gave the Eiffel Tower an interesting look the day I took this picture...

Au revoir!

Title: "Eiffel Tower"
12"x12" digital drawing
© 2009 Christine Pierce

It feels like I just unpacked my bags, and yet tomorrow I am leaving for another vacation. This time I'm going to the south of France and Paris for a dear friend's 50th birthday celebration. Here's hoping that the lavender will be in full bloom and the croissants will be as delectable as I remember!

I will be taking oodles of pictures and will have lots to share when I get back in mid-July. After that, I promise to settle down and get back into the art-making mode.

Until then, au revoir!