Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Photo vs. Scan

Water color Cat studies
I have this ongoing argument with myself. Will I scan my artwork? Will I photograph it?
Will I leave it as is, or transform it into a digital painting?
Most of the time I will scan a sketch if it isn't too big. I like seeing the texture that a scan can pick up. Occasionally a piece is way to large to scan and I will photograph it with and without flash to transfer it to the computer for finishing.
Here are three examples. I did some water color CAT studies, and then a "cat scan" and a photo with flash and with lamplight. While all three will have usefulness in future work, today I prefer the "cat Scan" for the color and texture. So that is one that I will keep handy for use in a current dummy I am working on.
Cat study photographed with flash
Cat study photographed with lamp light
And finally the
"Cat Scan" --- I just loved saying that *:)

3 comments:

Breeding Fancy Art Prints said...

I've been having this issue for a while, too. My scans always look pathetic, and I can't figure out how to get them more accurate. The watercolor paper, especially, just never looks good on screen to me. It seems to pick up too much texture, and washes out the colors. I'm still working on photographing with the best light; I think that will give me the truest result.

Amy C. Moreno said...

fascinating to see the different results. I do like the CAT Scan best too. (you are so funny) I hadn't thought of this for awhile, since my photos never show the work clearly, so I always resort to scanning, but it's good to see how well your photo turned out,...especially the one with the flash. What a difference in the color with just the lamp and then the flash on.
Great image too!

Paige Keiser said...

I just love these kitties! They're adorable!