Chapter 4. Advanced-Image Artistry

YOU'VE MADE IT to the most difficult and most complicated part of this book. Only kidding! The artistic techniques presented in this chapter are, indeed, more advanced than those on the previous pages; however, the lessons here have an underlying theme: fun! Keep the fun aspect of Photoshop in mind, and "working" on an image becomes "playing" with the image.

If you're new to Photoshop and feel overwhelmed by all the creative tools and options, here is a little story that may help you, as it did me. In Anne Lamont's wonderful book on writing, Bird by Bird, she recounts an anecdote from her childhood. Her brother is working on a school project about birdsthe birds' markings, songs, habitats, and so on. The boy is overwhelmed and close to tears. He doesn't know where to begin! The project, which he had months to prepare, is due the next day. Their father looks at all the unopened books, papers, binders, and notes, and listens to his son explain his dilemma. "Son," he says, "bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird." My Photoshop friends, take each lesson bird by bird.

LET YOUR IMAGINATION SOAR.