I Do Art Discussion No. 8 – “Single Images as Abstract Digital Photo Paintings”

Posted on July 2, 2014 by idoartkarenrobinson

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Part of my “art for therapy” journey has not just involved abstract painting on canvas with acrylic paints; it has also involved taking photos and spending time digitally manipulating them to create an altered imagery. I have spent a lot of time, over the course of time, going through my photos, finding little gems of images, cropping the image and then altering its brightness, contrast and colour. Some of these images, I would then completely abstract by using a Windows program called ‘Paint’. Whilst this program is not very sophisticated, I did find using it a very therapeutic endeavour and gained some satisfying results.

This first set of images below, come from a single photo I had taken whilst attending the Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse 2008. I had taken a photo of a young lady who was waiting with a group of other young ladies, whom were about to have their Melbourne Cup outfits judged, for the “Fashions on the Field”. The image of her below has been greatly cropped and digitally manipulated. The two following images in this first set, are the same image of this young lady but using the Windows program ‘Paint’ to create an abstract look! The same process was used with the following sets of images.

Melbourne Cup 2008 – Pink Outfit – Single Abstract Digital Photo Painting Version One – taken by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist NB All images are protected by copyright law

Melbourne Cup 2008 – Pink Outfit – Single Abstract Digital Photo Painting Version Three – taken by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist NB All images are protected by copyright laws

Melbourne Cup 2008 – Pink Outfit – Single Abstract Digital Photo Painting Version Two – taken by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist NB All images are protected by copyright laws

Melbourne Cup 2008 – Lady in Mauve – Single Abstract Digital Photo Painting Version One – taken by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist NB All images are protected by copyright laws

Melbourne Cup 2008 – Lady in Mauve – Single Abstract Digital Photo Painting Version Two – taken by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist NB All images are protected by copyright laws

Melbourne Cup 2008 – Lady in Mauve – Single Abstract Digital Photo Painting Version Three – taken by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist NB All images are protected by copyright laws

Oaks Day 2008 – Lady in Red – Single Abstract Digital Photo Painting Version One – taken by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist NB All images are protected by copyright laws

Oaks Day 2008 – Lady in Red – Single Abstract Digital Photo Painting Version Two – taken by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist NB All images are protected by copyright laws

Oaks Day 2008 – Lady in Red – Single Abstract Digital Photo Painting Version Three – taken by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist NB All images are protected by copyright laws

Whilst the original photos had been taken during November 2008, it was over many months onwards that I worked on many photos creating single digital photo paintings and collage digital photo paintings. It was a very therapeutic process which became essential to me. My husband had been diagnosed with Lymphoma January 2009 and was under going chemotherapy treatment and I became his carer during the following 12 months. It was a very difficult time in our lives and during my spare time in the evenings, I would work on these creations. It was all engrossing and helped me clear my mind of all my worries, for a least a small amount of time, each day – art for therapy in action…

Whilst you are here – please check out my home page! My Art Therapy Journey – A window into the soul of an Abstract Artist through art therapy and storytelling…by Karen Robinson

I Do Art Discussion No. 6 – “Lady in the Honey Straw Hat with a Flurry of Feathers”

Posted on June 29, 2014 by idoartkarenrobinson

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Painting No. 33 – Title “On the Rails with my sister entertaining friends” Painted Nov/Dec 08 – Jan/Feb 2009

A good part of my art therapy journey has involved taking photos, which are part of my visual diary process that I use for inspiration, to create my abstract paintings and abstract digital photo paintings. During one of Melbourne – Australia’s famous racing seasons, I had the good fortune to be able to attend my sister’s Derby Day marquee function at Flemington Race Course 2008. Victoria Derby is a thoroughbred race and is the oldest classic horse race in Australia, it ran first in 1855 (Derby Day. 2014). And on this day 2008 Melbourne, once again, turned on a beautiful day with a clear blue sky!

Whilst attending my sister’s racing day function, I helped her prepare the food and entertain her friends. During the day I took many photos of interesting people in great outfits. One of the photos of my sister really inspired me to paint an abstract painting of her.

Sister at Derby Day, The Rails - Flemington Races, Melbourne Australia 2008 Photo taken by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist NB All images are protected by copyright laws!

Sister at Derby Day, The Rails – Flemington Races, Melbourne Australia 2008 – Digitally manipulated photo taken by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist NB All images are protected by copyright laws!

Below is the portrait abstract painting I did from the photo inspirations of that day. It is one of four that I painted for the 2008 Melbourne Racing Carnival. They consisted of this Painting No. 33 featured below and Paintings Nos. 32, 34, & 35 – please click here to view!

Painting No. 33 - Title "On the Rails with my sister entertaining friends" by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson - 2009 All images are protected by copyright laws!

Painting No. 33 – Title “On the Rails with my sister entertaining friends” Jan/Feb 2009 Acrylic on Canvas, 60cms Length x 60cms Wide x 3cms Deep
– by Abstract Artist: Karen Robinson All images are protected by copyright laws!

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I Do Art Discussion No. 5 – “Lady in Striking Pink Feathery”

Posted on June 22, 2014 by idoartkarenrobinson

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Painting No. 35 – Title “On the Rails & The Business End of Celebrating Melbourne’s Racing Festival Season” Painted Jan/Feb 2009

A good part of my art therapy journey has involved taking photos, which are part of my visual diary process that I use for inspiration, to create my abstract paintings and abstract digital photo paintings. During a of Melbourne – Australia’s famous racing seasons, I had the good fortune to be able to attend my sister’s Derby Day marquee function at Flemington Race Course 2008. Victoria Derby is a thoroughbred race and is the oldest classic race in Australia, it ran first in 1855 (Derby Day. 2014). Melbourne, once again, turned on a beautiful day with a clear blue sky! During this day, I took many photos of interesting people, in great outfits!

I took this photo below, of a lady enjoying herself in her work’s marquee which was located on “The Rails”. On “The Rails” is located right next to Flemington’s Race Track and is adjacent the finishing line where, if you are lucky enough to be there, you can see the horses close up and their jockeys in colourful silks. This lady’s striking hat and pose made for a good photo. Her hat was a particular inspiration for me. It had been designed by one of Melbourne’s most famous hat designers – Peter Jago!

Lady in striking Peter Jago Hat Derby Day Flemington Racecourse 2008, Melbourne, Australia. Photo taken by Karen Robinson-Abstract Artist NB All images are protected by copyright laws!

Below is the portrait abstract painting I did from the photo inspirations of that day. It is one of four that I painted for the 2008 Melbourne Racing Carnival. They consisted of this Painting No. 35 featured below and Paintings Nos. 32, 33, & 34 – please click here to view!

Painting No. 35 - Title "On the Rails & The Business End of Celebrating Melbourne's Racing Festival Season" by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson - 2009 All images are protected by copyright laws!

Painting No. 35 – Title “On the Rails & The Business End of Celebrating Melbourne’s Racing Festival Season” Jan/Feb 2009 Acrylic on Canvas – 60cms Length x 60cms Wide x 3cms Deep
– by Abstract Artist: Karen Robinson NB: All images are protected by copyright laws!

Continue reading →

I Do Art Discussion No. 4 – “Race-goer in Red Hat at Derby Day!”

Posted on June 15, 2014 by idoartkarenrobinson

While you are here – please check out my home page!

A good part of my art therapy journey has involved taking photos, which are part of my visual diary process that I use for inspiration, to create my abstract paintings and abstract digital photo paintings. During a of Melbourne – Australia’s famous racing season, I had the good fortune to be able to attend my sister’s Derby Day marquee function at Flemington Race Course 2008. Victoria Derby is a thoroughbred race and is the oldest classic race in Australia, it ran first in 1855 (Derby Day. 2014). Melbourne, once again, turned on a beautiful day with a clear blue sky! During this day, I took many photos of interesting people, in great outfits.

The photo below was taken of a site, in a section called “The Rails” that is located right next to Flemington’s race track and is adjacent the finishing line. If you are lucky enough to be here, you can see the horses close up and their jockeys in colourful silks.

'Derby Day' at Flemington Racecour 2008 - Melbourne, Australia Photo taken by Karen Robinson - Abstract Artist NB All images are protected by copyright laws!

‘Derby Day’ at Flemington Racecourse 2008 – Melbourne, Australia Photo taken by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist NB All images are protected by copyright laws!

This photo below features a young lady who was on the site next to ours and she was wearing this fabulous red hat with a bright yellow flower and a delightful personality.

A young race-goer in a fabulous red hat with a yellow flower at ‘Derby Day’ Flemington Racecourse 2008 Melbourne, Australia. Photo taken by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist NB All images

This photo below was a photo of her vibrantly coloured tartan silk skirt. I loved the texture and style! Her whole outfit was bright and cheery and really reflected the celebratory feeling of the day.

A Digitally enhanced close up of the tartan skirt worn by the young racegoer at ‘Derby Day’ 2008. Photo taken by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist NB All images are protected by copyright

Below is the portrait abstract painting I did from the photo inspirations of that day. It is one of four that I painted for the 2008 Melbourne Racing Carnival. They consisted of this Painting No. 32 featured below and Paintings Nos. 33, 34 & 35 – please click here to view!

Painting No. 32 - Title "On the Rails & Youthfulness" by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson - 2009 All images are protected by copyright laws!

Painting No. 32 – Title “On the Rails & Youthfulness” Jan/Feb 2009
– by Abstract Artist: Karen Robinson All images are protected by copyright laws!

Painting 32 – Title “On the Rails & Youthfulness” Jan/Feb 2009 – Acrylic on Canvas
60cms Length x 60cms Wide x 3cms Deep
Painting Story: Whilst attending my sister’s racing day function on Derby Day during Melbourne’s famous racing season. I helped her prepare the food and entertain her friends. During the day I took many photos of interesting people in great outfits. This was of a young lady called Joey whom was on the site next to ours. She was in this fabulous outfit with a tartan skirt and red hat with yellow flowers. I loved the combination of colours and the way she had put together her outfit. Joey was having a great time with her friends and enjoying being part of one of Melbourne’s greatest Sporting Events – “Derby Day”.
Abstract Artist: Karen Robinson
NB: All images are protected by copyright laws!

Abstract Digital Photo Painting No. 1B - "Derby Day - Tartan Skirt" 2008 by Abstract Artist: Karen Robinson NB: All images are protected by copyright laws!

Abstract Digital Photo Painting No. 1A – “Derby Day – Tartan Skirt” 2008 by Abstract Artist: Karen Robinson NB: All images are protected by copyright laws!

The above single digital photo painting is a digitally manipulated photo of the tartan skirt.

Collage Digital Photo Painting ‘Tartan Skirt’ by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist 2008. NB All images are protected by copyright laws!

The above collage digital photo paintings is a digitally manipulated photo of the tartan skirt.

Abstract Digital Photo Painting No. 1B – “Derby Day – Tartan Skirt” 2008 by Abstract Artist: Karen Robinson NB: All images are protected by copyright laws!

The above single digital photo painting is another version of the digitally manipulated photo of the tartan skirt.

Collage Digital Photo Painting ‘Tartan Skirt’ by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist 2008. NB All images are protected by copyright laws!

The above collage digital photo paintings is another version of the digitally manipulated photo of the tartan skirt.

Whilst you are here – please check out my home page! My Art Therapy Journey – A window into the soul of an Abstract Artist through art therapy and storytelling…by Karen Robinson

Reference

Victoria Derby. (2014). Victoria Derby History. Retrieved June 6, 2014 from http://www.victoriaderby.com.au/history/

I Do Art Discussion No. 3 – “The Race that Stops a Nation”

Posted on June 8, 2014 by idoartkarenrobinson

While you are here – please check out my home page!

An important part of my art therapy process has been taking photos of people and places that I am most interested in. Looking through a camera lens and concentrating on framing up a story in the camera view finder, totally absorbs ones concentration. Spending the time reviewing them and deciding which will be a candidate for an abstract painting, also adds to the therapeutic process. I use photography as my visual diary for my abstract painting art work.

Melbourne Cup 2008 at Flemington Racecourse – Photo taken by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist NB: All images are protected by copyright laws!

On the first Tuesday November 2008, I said to my husband, let’s go to the Melbourne Cup at Flemington Races – as I wanted to take a series of photos of this iconic Australian event. A number of days before hand, we had attended Derby Day at Flemington Races where I had taken a series of photos. I wanted to also capture photo images of the Melbourne Cup Day as well. These photos were used as a source of inspiration for four abstract paintings (Nos. 32, 33, 34 & 35). I have always loved fashion and the Melbourne Cup and for these reasons, it is certainly a stand out on Melbourne’s social calendar for socialites, politicians, Australia’s rich and famous; and the everyday Australian punter! The very first Melbourne Cup ran in 1875; a century and a half later it is still considered ‘the race that stops a nation’. For me this significant event is all about the horses and the fashion and on this day I took many photos of fabulously dressed women in their racing finery.

Melbourne Cup 2008 at Flemington Racecourse Photo taken by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist NB: All images are protected by copyright laws!

NB: This link leads you to a “Silent Clip” of the Melbourne Cup 1896 and is worth a viewing! Australian Screen. (2014). Melbourne Cup 1986 – Silent Clip. YouTube. Retrieved June 3, 2014 from http://aso.gov.au/titles/historical/melbourne-cup-1896/clip3/

My husband joined me to keep me company on this particular day. It was a beautiful day and once again Melbourne had turned on a great Australian Event!

Melbourne Cup 2008 at Flemington Racecourse – Photo taken by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist NB: All images are protected by copyright laws!

I spotted a lady with a very large pinkish hat. This lady had a degree of gaiety and elegance. To me she seemed to epitomize the feeling of a Melbourne Cup Day. Later I was able to establish this grand lady was Helen Court! I loved her hat; the swath of material that had been manipulated into a work of art and topped with beautiful pink flowers, all in gorgeous pink – was very eye-catching,

Melbourne Cup 2008 – Helen Court – Lady in Fabulous Pink Hat Photo taken by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist NB: All images are protected by copyright laws!

These photos I took served as an inspiration for me and I painted this portrait of Helen Court. This portrait was one of four abstract paintings (Nos. 32, 33, 34 & 35) I did of different race goers during the 2008 Melbourne Racing Season.

Painting No. 34 - Title "Melbourne Cup & Australia's National Celebration of Horse Racing" by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson - 2009 All images are protected by copyright laws!

Painting No. 34 – Title “Melbourne Cup & Australia’s National Celebration of Horse Racing” Jan/Feb 2009 Acrylic on Canvas 60cms Length x 60cms Wide x 3cms Deep
– by Abstract Artist: Karen Robinson All images are protected by copyright laws!

During the process of sorting my photos, I also like to take the opportunity to be more creative and change their appearance by digital manipulation. For me they then become an Abstract Digital Photo Painting. This process totally engages the thinking processes and is a great pathway into using ‘art for therapy’.

Continue reading →

Short & Sweet Post! – “Colour My World”

Posted on June 6, 2014 by idoartkarenrobinson

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A colouring book and a set of colouring pencils as a child, I found very therapeutic. Any parent that has children would probably know that on a rainy day, they come in very handy to help occupy restless children. When I was a child, some time ago now, my most prized possession was a box of Derwent Pencils. They were/are the “finest pencil in the world” (Derwent. 2014).

Derwent Colour Pencils in a tin box! (Derwent 2014)

Derwent has been inspiring artists worldwide for many years (Derwent. 2014) and as a child I just loved them! I usually owned a tin box of colours and with a limited number of colour pencils, but dreamed about having the large range of colours! I loved colour as a child and this has not changed over the years which can be clearly illustrated now in my abstract paintings and abstract digital photo paintings.

It is just amazing where technology has taken us! In today’s world children and adults’ find their time being consumed in the use of electronic devices. So getting a child to look at pencils and a colouring book, as I did as a child, might seem a little arcade to them. But we now have a Pen that can draw every single colour in the world (Bratskeir. 2014). For me, this is just so exciting that we can create any colour in the world, with a tip of a pen and will never be limited to what’s in a box of colour pencils!

Then, after the pen analyzed the specific orange of this paricular orange, you could take the tint to paper (Scribble. 2014)

Then, after the pen analyzed the specific orange of this particular orange, you could take the tint to paper (Scribble. 2014)

“The device is called “Scribble” and it “is the first coloring device of its kind that can take the world of colour around you and transfer it directly to either paper or your favourite mobile device. The Scribble pen and stylus pairs with Scribble+ mobile app to instantly sync every colour you scan directly onto your iPhone, iPad or Android mobile device. Colors become more useful when they are organized, tagged, searchable and converted to various colour models” (Scribble. 2014).

Both the ink pen and the stylus are a little more than six inches, rely on bluetooth wireless technology and have a rechargeable battery (Scribble. 2014)

So…this could replace the box of colour pencils, perhaps?! It could get children to engage in creative endeavours, I think so! Doing art is very therapeutic – no matter what age you are. Think I might get me one of these pens!!! Looks like fun…

Whilst you are here – please check out my home page! My Art Therapy Journey – A window into the soul of an Abstract Artist through art therapy and storytelling…by Karen Robinson

Ref: Bratskeir. K. (2014 May, 6). Huffpost Arts & Culture. This Pen Can Draw Every Single Color In The World. Retrieved June 6, 2014 from

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/05/scribble-pen-so-many-colorz_n_5452287.html?utm_hp_ref=arts&ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000027

Ref: Derwent. (n.d.). Products. Inspiring artists worldwide. Retrieved June 6, 2014 from

http://www.pencils.co.uk/product.aspx

Ref: Scribble. (2014). Meticulously Designed. Retrieved June 6, 2014 from

http://www.getscribblepen.com/

Sharing my art therapy journey…by Karen Robinson

Posted on February 20, 2014 by idoartkarenrobinson

While you are here – please check out my home page!

Welcome to my blog about my art therapy journey and about how others use art for therapy. My art therapy practice consists of abstract painting and what I like to call abstract digital photo painting. I have learnt that abstract painting and the act of writing an accompanying painting story for each abstract painting, has become an important form of self-expression for me. The process of making digital abstract photo paintings was just as therapeutic as painting but without the act of producing an accompanying story.

Painting No. 12 - Title "Coloured DNA" by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson - 2008 NB: All images are protected by copyright laws!

Painting No. 12 – Title “Coloured DNA” Jan/Feb 2008
– by Abstract Artist: Karen Robinson NB: All images are protected by copyright laws!

To view Painting No. 12 – Title “Coloured DNA” Jan/Feb 2008 and its accompaning painting story – please click here!

My abstract painting has proven to me, to be a very powerful way of being able to communicate deeply personal feelings which otherwise would never have been expressed. During my journey, art has become a way to examine and heal emotional quagmires; and as I looked back over my work, I found it was a window into my sole as an artist.

Abstract Digital Photo Painting No. 64A – Titled “Queenscliff Point Lonsdale ADAP” April 2010 by Abstract Artist: Karen Robinson
NB: All images are protected by copyright laws!

To view Abstract Digital Photo Painting No. 64A – Titled “Queenscliff Point Lonsdale ADAP” April 2010 – please click here!

I am hoping that by sharing my art therapy journey, will inspire others, to take up art therapy to find their voice – in order to be able to move forward in most difficult of times. Art Therapy has brought me now to a much better place where I find myself being able to seek joy in each day. As an ongoing process, I will be blogging about my art therapy journey “moving forward” and expand on how others have used/are using art therapy to assist physical and emotional well-being. I hope you will join me!…Karen Robinson

Whilst you are here – please check out my home page! My Art Therapy Journey – A window into the soul of an Abstract Artist through art therapy and storytelling…by Karen Robinson

ido art karen robinson

POST-TRAUMATIC GROWTH: Improving one's sense of wellbeing using photography, painting, storytelling, blogging, and motivational speaking – my expressive arts journey written by ©Karen Robinson

Category Archives: Abstract Digial Photo Painting Portfolio

I Do Art Discussion No. 8 – “Single Images as Abstract Digital Photo Paintings”

I Do Art Discussion No. 6 – “Lady in the Honey Straw Hat with a Flurry of Feathers”

I Do Art Discussion No. 5 – “Lady in Striking Pink Feathery”

I Do Art Discussion No. 4 – “Race-goer in Red Hat at Derby Day!”

I Do Art Discussion No. 3 – “The Race that Stops a Nation”

Short & Sweet Post! – “Colour My World”

Sharing my art therapy journey…by Karen Robinson

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