For this project, students use the cutout filter (Filter > Artistic > Cutout) in Adobe Photoshop to alter and abstract a reference photograph. While the cutout levels do not accurately correspond to the actual number of values in the altered photograph, images with more values tend to look more realistic. Students choose a level that matches the “look” they want for their painting and size the image to 8 x 10 inches.
The 8 x 10-inch photographs are printed on standard size white copy paper, and students create a 1″ grid on the photograph and a corresponding grid on an 8 x 10 canvas. (Occasionally students choose to use a 16 x 20″ canvas and adjust the grids accordingly.)
If time is limited, however, and the emphasis of the lesson is on achieving appropriate color mixing and contrast between values, students may use carbon paper (or graphite) to transfer the image to an 8 x 10 canvas. Once the image is transferred, they decide on a “base” color and begin painting each value.
FINISHED PAINTINGS
