Painting a Black and White Photograph
Getting Started
Starting with an old black and white photograph of my Mother, my idea was to do an Andy Warhol style print, but I didn't know how.
So, I scanned the photo and saved it in my pictures file, and it stayed there a long time while I did some research.
I worked on the photo to start using Microsoft Office Picture Manager to do basics, crop, resize, that kind of thing, and then opened in Paint to color. These photo editing tools are so easy to use.
Unfortunately, now, in 2018 they are no longer included in Windows 10. Picture Manager is already gone, and the classic Paint is soon to go, but both can still be downloaded for free.
The Process
Every step was experimental, trial and error. I had no idea where I was going. I spent hours just playing, creating colors, and eventually started painting.
Probably the most important thing I learned was to always save a copy of the original (so I could go back and start over if things didn't work out), and to save a copy each step of the way.
Original Photo
From the style of the dress and the hair I'm thinking the photo was taken in the early 1950's maybe earlier.
It looks like she may be at a Tupperware party or a dance. She is wearing a very large corsage, and if you look closely she's also wearing a ribbon of some kind, maybe she won a prize (possibly for best corsage?).
The cropping is pretty sloppy, (could have done that better).
I did a repair to the photograph using Paint; a small spot near her right shoulder where the photo had been damaged. The repair is rough, more like a patch, but works for this exercise.
Painting a Photo is Fun!
I started painting the photograph in Paint, switched to another photo editing program (GIMP) to layer on a background color, and then back to Paint for the detailed color work.
Basically I spent hours painting directly on the image, pixel by pixel.
Tip: When painting directly on the image, it's best to to zoom in to the area you want to color, to get the fine detail.
What is GIMP?
GIMP, the GNU Image Manipulation Program is a sophisticated photo editing program with tools similar to Photo Shop, and it's a free download.
*see the tutorials listed below for more information.
The Finished Painting
Special Effects
After painting the image I tried GIMP's special effects filters just for fun. These effects were easily done with just a click.
Vintage Filter
Timeless Tutorials from the Experts
Many thanks to two Hub Pages authors for their helpful articles on working with black and white photographs: Christin S for her Hub, "How to Digitally Restore an old Photo in Photo Shop".
And leahlefler for her Hub, "How to Colorize an Old Black and White Photo with GIMP: A GIMP Tutorial".
After studying these I was able to proceed with confidence. And even though my finished pieces were completely different from what I had first visualized, I learned some valuable photo painting techniques, and quite enjoyed the process.
For the Record
Now, seven years later I am still playing with Paint.
© 2011 Verlie Burroughs
Comments
I definitely voted up.
Way to go,Snakes Lane! You write so great.
Snakeslane, What a fascinating, imaginative, practical accounting of what can be done with old photographs! You do a really great job of explaining what you do and then providing the photographic example. My favorite is the original. But I love what you do for the cartoon, cubist, vintage and xerox versions.
It's a sad day indeed when a parent dies. But parenting is such an intense commitment that I think in a way they never leave their children. We just can't see them even though from time to time we feel their abiding presence.
Thank you for sharing, etc.,
Derdriu
Hi snakeslane, I have just been to leahlefler's hub - it's brilliant, thank you!
What a fabulous photo of your Mum.
I especially like the oil painting and vintage look to the photos, they are great effects.
Well done on the corsage, I can see there is a lot of intricate work in that!
Thank you for sharing this wonderful hub, I'm going to get gimp and have a go myself now.
All the votes up, best wishes MM
Your mother was stunning and I love the way you did the photos. I have been taking more photos with my iphone, but thought about maybe investing in a camera. I'd like to be able to edit photos as well. Great tips! Thanks for sharing!
I think you did a good job on this, as it is not easy to do. The end result is nice and colorful. Re/ your mum a year is not long, still takes time to get use to. I lost my mum, suddenly, last winter and still think about it.
I had a photo edit programe on the old laptop but I cannot get it to load on this one, it was called photoscape and it was easy to use.
I know nothing of painting and restoring pictures using GIMP but kudos to you--you have done a beautiful job. Your mother looks fabulous and I give you 5 stars for your excellent effort.
Stunned and amazed S. Great work. You have made Mom immortal.
@snakeslane: The hub and your mother both have a certain timelessness about them, my friend. The sharing of your artwork with your beautiful mother as the subject is very appreciated.
My condolences on your lost, snakeslane, but the beauty of your renderings here, show all who read and see this hub, that she was a very wonderful person, who is loved and missed by the author, of this piece.
Voted Up and Push all the buttons that applied here.
Regards Mike (Aka Professor M!) ;D
Thankyou-Andy-Warhol - Does this help drive traffic???
I like how you involved me in your creative process, I want to be involved again. Thank you.
I think you have found another hub to write, 'How to embed a link into your hub"
The absolute worst thing would be they asked you to undo it. And that is so unlikely.
I don't see how anyone could complain. They published their hub to be seen. You would just be helping those that visit you to visit them. It's free advertising. If you are reluctant then a email via the contact spot on their profile page will work.
Hello snakeslane. Your Mother is beautiful. You learned all these techniques so quickly. What a great job you've done showing us the various methods to handle a photograph.
Just adore that photo of your mom. I'm in love with that era btw. I can see why you chose that black and white photograph to play around with. I think the results were grand. Very enjoyable and very cool. Thumbs up.
I hope so...haha...it is not looking good so far..I will keep trying though..Best of luck to you too...
Hi Snake,,It was very masterful..I was playing with that program that Hyph used and I tried to make eyes a different color and it looked like aliens..and then the lips looked liked the Joker on Batman..I gave up..hahah so yes you did a masterful job...:)
You are a true artist, you have shown your different dimensions. When you retouch a photograph it becomes your work. These days I'm also trying to restore old photographs, don't be surprised if I imitated your concept.
Hi Snake you did such a great job with your mothers picture..so fancinating..I think it was a masterful job.
Sunnie
I have been a professional artist for 40 years (tomorrow at four o'clock). I went to the best art school in the country and my classmates couldn't wait to see what I came up with next. I feel very strongly like God led me here to read this and see what you are doing. I feel impressed to say.
DANG! THIS ROCKS!!!!
You mentioned products so I will too. PS Elements (free with some printers), Corel Creative Suite (several disks - cheap - does almost everything in PS, Illustrator, trace, animation program + a couple other things). You can't get as high of a resolution, but you don't need it unless you are doing billboards or something.
Picaso image IS over the top! and back down again.
snakeslane, Dear you are sure an artistic person. You writing is good and your photos are nice too. BTW your mom looks like a Classic film star.
With warm wishes,
MAKUSR
Snakelane, look what you can do! And here you have been complimenting me. Your mother is gorgeous, like an classic movie star. I like GIMP and have used it some. I wish I was more familiar with it but need more hours in the day. I thank you for the tips very much. Isn't this fun?
46