Article discussing new software and hardware tools to add some creativity to ho-hum photos. Photoshop Elements 8 and Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 are discussed along with plugins from Alien Skin and Nik Software:
Concentrate instead on plugins — separate software packages that work within photo-editing software and perform astonishing feats.
The really good news is that the plugins work with both Corel’s Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 Ultimate and Adobe’s Photoshop Elements.
These tools are so sophisticated they can cost more than the photo editing software itself. But they will move your work to a new level of excellence.
Plugins created recently by Alien Skin Software, called Exposure, Image Doctor, Bokeh and BlowUp, or by Nik Software, such as DFine, Colour Efex Pro or Viveza lead the way.
The article also discusses input devices like the Wacom tablets and photo organizers like Lightroom and ACDSee Pro.
Corel Painter 11 is the ultimate digital art studio for anyone ready to expand their definition of creativity. Working with the most advanced digital painting and natural media tools available, you can create the art you’ve always envisioned.
With the rise of technology in art education, some might fear that traditional media, such as charcoal drawing and oil painting, are being shunted aside in favor of software-based creations, but the art educators who spoke with eSchool News said certain software programs and emerging web-based collaborations are helping establish a strong base of conceptual understanding–regardless of raw manual or technical talent. This enables a far wider range of students to appreciate art. It also encourages and facilitates the acquisition of more advanced, traditional techniques and skills by far more talented beginners.
Consider Stephanie Reese, a technology teacher at Notre Dame Preparatory High School in Scottsdale, Ariz. For the past 12 years, she, has been using Corel Painter, software designed to mimic traditional painting.
“I use art in the classroom to teach everything from communication and desktop publishing to web design and in yearbook classes,” she said. “We’re using it for students to be able to tell a story, and this allows them to do it visually. Whether they use video or artwork, they still manipulate the medium and create something that’s a story.”
Reese uses Painter software to teach different concepts–including 3D animation modeling, 3D figures for geometry, and sculpting for anatomy classes–and also to teach color theory.
I have always found Corel Draw to be invaluable as a drawing program and for almost all my desktop publishing needs; in fact, I used it more for DTP than drawing. I did however, while searching for a more affordable alternative, switch to another product and therefore did not upgrade past Version 12. It was a huge switch as I had used Corel Draw since version 8. In reviewing the new Corel Draw Graphic Suite X4, I am happy to say that I am not surprised, it feels like home. The enhancements didn’t change the way I was accustomed to working. I maneuvered easily through the improved interface; I didn’t get lost in anything new.
Dennis Hwang shows how he uses Painter and a Wacom Cintiq tablet to create his Google doodles. Dennis and Google are inviting K-12 students to “Doodle for Google” where the winner will have his logo appear on the Google website for a day.
Google doodles, the drawings that are designed on, around and through the Google logo on our home page, are the creation of 29-year-old Google Webmaster Dennis Hwang. Since Dennis began celebrating and marking worldwide events and holidays with his doodles in 2000, his work has been seen by millions and reached cult status, with fans waiting with bated breath to see his next creation, and even websites and blogs devoted to his work. We spoke to Dennis about his doodles and how he got his ideal job:
Corel has launched The Painter Factory (www.painterfactory.com), a new online community open to all Corel® Painter™ artists and enthusiasts. This global community site is the newest in a series that Corel is launching to support its various user communities.
Through The Painter Factory, artists, designers, and photographers can share their ideas and projects, find solutions to design challenges, and provide feedback on Painter to the product’s design, development and marketing teams. The site provides members with a centralized location where they can access community news, participate in discussions in the Painter Discussion section and download content from the Painter Resources area. In addition, members can learn from some of Corel’s Painter Masters by reading their blogs on the site or viewing their latest works on the Factory Wall.
Creation Engine provides software and hardware to the K-12 and higher education markets at academic discount prices. We have many repeat customers because of our customer service, competitive pricing, in-depth product and site licensing knowledge, and prompt delivery.
