Forest Nymph

This tutorial was made using AliveColors courtesy of Lisa Jane (USA).

AKVIS ArtWork can create images in a variety of painting styles. The author of this tutorial, the world renowned photographer Lisa Jane, shares her secrets for creating her postcards. In these postcards, full of mystery and magic, the subjects appear in the guise of fantasy characters. Other examples of the author's work can be seen at lisajane.com.

Here's how to create an exceptionally beautiful portrait using AKVIS ArtWork.

• Step 1. Open an image in AliveColors and make a copy of the layer (via Layers -> Duplicate), to which the effect will be applied.
  
  Original Image
• Step 2. Call the AKVIS ArtWork plug-in by choosing Effects –> AKVIS –> ArtWork from the filter menu.

  The quick preview window will show how the strokes would appear if the image was processed using the current settings.

  Use the Stroke Direction to clarify where brush strokes should be placed. These guiding lines can be applied using a tablet or a mouse.

  
  AKVIS ArtWork Plug-in Workspace

  Once you are satisfied with the settings, you can save them as a preset. This preset was named after the pretty girl in the portrait, Haley.

• Step 3. Press to process the entire image and then to apply the result.
  
  Oil Portrait
• Step 4. After the image has been returned to AliveColors, you can use a translucent Eraser (with Strength of about 40%) to remove parts of the upper layer. It lets you remove paint strokes from over the face. Not all clients want paint strokes on their face, so the author can make the necessary adjustments to the skin's texture.

  The result is a harmonious blend of painting and photograph:

  
  Final Result
  (click on the image to see a larger version)

ArtWork v. 14.5 - Free 10-day Trial