Totally Photoshop'd

GUESS WHAT?!

Ok you don't have to. I'll just tell you:

I now have the full, real live, no joking around version of photoshop!! AND (more importantly, seeing as I've "had" photoshop since I got my new computer...) I've taken time to learn it. The biggest thing I'm learning: Photoshop CS5 is WAY different than Photoshop Elements. Like, a lot.

Anyway, instead of frustrating myself by trying to figure it out by trial and error, I combed the internet for helpful tips, well, more like "what the heck am I supposed to do" - and boy did I find help!

I also came across this lovely gem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnRn402WuUk

This is a wonderful tutorial on how to paint in Photoshop and get effects like watercolor. It's funny I'm so excited about this because I am so not a fan of watercolor in real life, but absolutely love the effects this gal has been able to achieve. I broke down and bought her brush set and I am so glad I did - they are awesome brushes (unlike most free downloadable ones out there...). So if you've ever wanted to play around with painting on Photoshop I totally suggest checking out that video above.

So here is my first painting in real photoshop. I set up a mirror just for a live model and overpainted the crap outta it. But I had a really good time just experimenting with all these tools. I am so excited to use these effects in the comic (of which I am totally redoing most of....).

Speaking of watercolor, a dude I follow on twitter (@agent_m) tweeted a link to these: X-Girls: Fashion Couture. (These are actually watercolored, not digital (as far as I can tell).) They inspire me. I applaud anyone who can make beautiful art and mix it with nerdery and a sense of humor. The Dark Phoenix is my favorite.

Finally, thank you SO MUCH everyone who passed on the link to the auction, or even bid. It got such great response I will be offering posters of the painting soon. And thanks so much to the winner - I am completely blown away by how high it went. And I know Ben is thankful as well.

Thanks again, everyone. You made my week pretty awesome.