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. 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!

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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/