Creating Art work Using your Scanner
by Jill Black
Scanner Art is a simple way to capture still life images
that can be turned into creative pieces of art to decorate
your home.
Many ordinary objects that would be difficult to photograph
are good candidates for photo art - in particular objects
where it is otherwise difficult to get a good, clear close-up
shot of your subject.
These include such items as...
Feathers
Fruit and vegetables
Shells
Flowers
Pine Cones
To name a few.
Various backgrounds can be created for your artwork including
the use of tissue paper, rice paper, velvet or any texture or
background that would add interest.
Before placing objects onto the scanner surface it is important
to protect it from scratches and accidental damage. I like
to use a sheet of actetate (OHP is a good option). Likewise
any debris should be removed from the object and also the
glass which could ruin the finished image. It is easier at
this stage than to have to do a touchup with your editing
software program later on.
Be careful not to touch the scanner glass as it can be easily ruined
by acids such as perspiration on fingertips, drink or
food coming into contact with it likewise do not scan anything
that is wet or damp.
I like to let my scanner warm up for at least half an hour to
ensure that I get the best quality scanned image.
Compose your composition away from the scanner and when
you are happy with your arrangement lay your objects carefully
onto the scanner surface. Now you are ready to scan your masterpiece.
If you are using a background (instead of the scanner cover
as your background) it is better to remove the cover to avoid
accidental damage.
Light backgrounds can be created using
- Scanner Cover
- Tissue or Rice paper
To create a seamless Black background
- Make a black box at least 6 inches deep to sit on top of
your scanner. By having this depth you will ensure that it
is always out of focus. Black velvet makes a good liner
but be careful to remove any white specks that could show
up in the final image with a small piece of sticky cellotape.
Start scannning at a lower resolution because of the memory required
and increase until you have the result you require.
Save your images onto computer ready for printing.
To print your images, use a good quality plain paper,
glossy paper or textured board.
If you use a textured board paper this can be sealed and
painted (the same way a decoupaging) to give the appearance
of a textured canvas. This is especially good for still
life arrangements. To give an aged appearance to your art
use a crackle medium.
About the Author:
Copyright © J Black. For more articles and ideas visit
Jill online today at www.netwrite-publish.com.
