I have been experimenting the conversion of some of my photos into oil paintings using a free download software from the internet.
In my travels, there are many places where I would have liked to stop by, take a seat, take my brushes out and paint. Unfortunately, I am no painter.
The process of converting the photos is fun. I am happy that, without being a painter, I can create some impressionist “oil paintings” of the sceneries I like.
Here are some of the examples. Please enjoy.
By the sea in Hvar Harbor, Croatia.
Waterfall at Plitvice Lake, Croatia.
Trees by the Sea on Hvar Island, Croatia.
Fields of Gold on the way to Lithuania, Baltic region.
A restaurant in Budapest.
Rocks on the beach in Koh Samui, Thailand.
I can’t help amazed at what computer technology can do for us and am thankful for that!
These are stunning. What program do you use?
I use a program known as Faststone Image Reviewer. Thank you!
This is a fascinating idea Michael, but your photos are generally so beautiful they don’t need any type of conversion. Always a pleasure to view your blog.
Hi Mjolnir, you’re quite right. I find out not every photo is suitable to be converted to Oil, especially those with a lot of tiny but pleasing details. I just tried it out for fun. Thanks for the kind comment! Regards, Michael
Those are perfect for digital enhancements. I remember loving your Hvar tour so much but I also love the fields of gold. Reminds me of where my dad grew up.
Hi Boomdeeadda, thank you for following my blog for so long. I like wheat fields against a blue sky, glad that it reminds you of your Dad! Regards, Michael
Hi Michael, you’re so very welcome…I’ve enjoyed every minute of it…truly, you are a very talented photographer and generous to share you fantastic journey’s with us.
Hi Boomdeeadda, I am flattered. Enjoy your festive holidays! Michael
Whatever application this software is, it is beautiful and I wish I could have one. However, your photographs are something else!!!
Fae.
The program Faststone Image Reviwer can be downloaded free. You are right, the photos are something else. If you ask me, I love the photos more than the converted Oils. Regards, Michael
Lovely, I’ve used Photoshop before. I used to have access to the full version, but am now making due with the Elements 9. I would love to know which program you used. Thanks.
Hi Darla, the program is Faststone Image Reviewer. Regards, Michael
They are impressive!
Thank you Bebs1!
It is amazing. Have you had them printed out to see if they look as authentic when on hard copy?
Hi Barbara, I have not printed any of these out as I do not have any good printers; I suspect they may not that good once you magnify them. Regards, Michael
Absolutely stunning! I especially love the beach and field of gold — I could definitely imagine seeing an artist’s painting of these places in a museum somewhere. But it’s a good thing technology is here for us non-painter folk (and painters who don’t have enough time)!
Hi Joshua, I love the two pictures you mentioned too. Some people are now painting to make things look as if they are real; I am just doing the opposite. I hope one of those would look like a painting from Van Gough! Michael
I like the way they look. They really are very attractive to the eye.
Many thanks jen forbes!
Nicely done.
Thank you Edith!
This looks like a lot of fun.
Sure it is, thank you the eternal traveller!
Mr. Lai, you one talented painter by computer tech. Just awesome especially the Fields of Gold. May I keep a copy of this for my file?
Hi Seeker, no problem, I am happy to share. Merry Christmas! Michael
Interesting! Merry Christmas……………
Merry Christmas to you too Linge!
These are wonderful. They have added an extra quality to your already beautiful work. I love experimenting, too, so I’m going to download your Faststone programme and have a go myself. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Lizzie, please download and enjoy the fun. Merry Christmas! Michael
Love the effect! Thank you so much for the idea – a great Christmas gift!!!
Hi Clanmother, hope you will enjoy turning them into Oils. Maerry Christmas! Michael
I am learning so much from you – it is a pleasure to stop by for a visit! You always welcome me warmly.
You are always welcome too!
Merry Christmas Michael Lai.
Merry Christmas and Happy New year!
The field of gold from Lithuania looks like a Van Gogh.
I have that feeling too. I was too humble to mention that to reader Joshua – I only said one of those looks like a Van Gogh. The fact is, it only looks like – but still far from it!
Nice work! Indeed we can alter photos so much, your photos are always awesome just the way you take them.
Thank you for your kind comment John!
Amazing what we can do with all software’s today … I would love to see the original photos too. Beautiful job here, but I think the original photos are much better.
Hi Viveka, I’ll show the original photos. Regards, Michael
Hi Michael…these look amazing! I didn’t know that this could be done…beautiful effects! Merry Xmas and Season’s Greetings to you and your loved ones
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family!
One of my picture programs is Microsoft Digital Imaging Suite which has lots of “filters” that produce all sorts of watercolor and paint effects. I print them up and make them into greeting cards. They come out great! I’ve also printed them on watercolor paper and framed them! Perfect for the painter “wantabe”!
Thank you graciamc for the valuable information. Regards, Michael
How fabulous is this!!! I had no idea you could transform photos in this way! Soooo artsy! http://ohtheplaceswesee.com
Thank you Rusha!
Technology is amazing indeed! These are totally well done and so beautiful!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you!
There is such a depth to your photographs on the iPhone they still looked like photographs,no problem for me!!
I like especially the clouds and distant mountains in the bay at koi Samui,Thailand
And the expanse of gold in the Golden field of Lithuania . We have a golden field here I pass on my way to meditation on Saturdays but nowhere to stop to take the photograph!! I will have to figure that one out!
Hi Suesilver, glad that my images appear good on the iPhone (something I still do not have). Like you, I love sceneries which connotes a sense of serenity. Merry Christmas!
wow, these are really great! my favorite is the waterfalls and the field of gold
I like these two pictures too! Thank you!
Michael,
I’ve enjoyed you’re blog and just passed on the “Versatile Blogger Award” to you. You can check it out here:
http://brickthomasblog.wordpress.com/2012/12/27/the-versatile-blogger-award/
Hi brickthomas, thanks so much for the nomination which I understand is an important award. I have decided not to pursue or accept any nomination / award during my retirement and for this reason, I have already turned down all similar awards. Knowing that my blog is read in many places of the world (150 countries) is already my biggest reward. With regret, I have to decline the nomination. Thank you once again for the nomination which is very much appreciated! Regards, Michael
Wow..you do great jobs Michael ! All the pictures are so stunning and so fine. I like Field of Golds so much cause it is like a Van Gogh’s painting taken in Provence.. Like to see more if any..Have great holiday !
Hi, I have a few more similar pictures; but I think the one posted is the best of the lot. Thank you for the comment and regards, Michael
Very lovely! My photo software has made me a very lazy artist. I no longer wish to take hours to make a painting from my photos, as I used to, but try to apply the Designer Effects to see how to best manipulate my photo into art. God Bless!
Would you think that an unmanipulated painting will worth the effort? Or do you think using a software you achieve your desired effect more quickly? Will be interested to know. Thanks for the kind comment!
Your photo from the “shadows” of the coastline of Hvar Island with the vacant benches would be pretty as impressionistic. It might be interesting to put more red in in it, to accentuate the tile and the roofs of the houses on the hill in the background. Your work is really fun to see. I feel like I get to be part of the process. . . Of these, I like “The Fields of Gold” best.
I will try that. Thanks for the suggestion!