Week 2, Day 5 Part 2: Variations on a Fleur De Lis

I've been working with a Fleur De Lis this week and today (really yesterday) was the day for developing a graphic image.  Once I got the image down, the rest was a lot of fun.

The Final Graphic:

After adding gradients to the image in Illustrator,
I took the vector image into Photoshop, and applied color,
highlighting, a drop shadow and a color filter.

The Graphic Process:

The basic shape in Illustrator, which was
based on the painting from Tuesday.

In Illustrator, the shapes are divided
into pieces for blocks of color.

In Illustrator, the shapes are divided
into smaller pieces for blocks of color.

In Illustrator the shapes are filled with gradients.

I used the glowing edges filter in Photoshop

In Honor

on March 8th! 

of Mardi Gras

 

Inspiration: Week 2, Day 1

So it's Sunday, and time for an inspiration photo.  Today I didn't go out and take photos.  Simply put, I couldn't find the time.  So I went back through some of my photos to find my inspiration.  To narrow it down, I chose from on particular occasion.

Last year I went back to New Orleans for my High School Reunion -- yes, I was fortunate enough to grow up in New Orleans.  It was a unique place to live, eat and have fun!!  After all, there is no place like New Orleans! I had a great time reconnecting with friends whom I haven't seen in years.

After it was over, my friend Anna and I picked up her daughter A, and drove around taking photos.  We would just stop on the street, then A & I would get out of the car each snapping photos....poor Anna, she put up with it, but I know she wanted to be in on the photography too!  She's the best, and one of my most long-term friends.  We've know each other since 3rd grade.  Can't believe it's been so long!

It was really hard to narrow it down. Some I am posting are more nostalgic than true contenders.  You'll notice I was in an artsy mood when I took the photos.  So anyway, here are some of the photos that I chose to consider:

My High School, which is now an elementary school.

Can't have pictures of New Orleans without
a streetcar!

In the middle of uptown, there is is smoke stack.

Pretty flower from Anna's sister's yard.

Another must have, the magnificent oak trees

So beautiful and majestic

And the moss, I forgot how beautiful New Orleans is!

Although a lot of New Orleans has recovered from
Katrina, a lot has not.  It was tough to see!

I love all the paned windows, and the iron railings.

Random sculpture hanging off the side of a building.

Breaux Mart (the other way Schwegmann's) for groceries.

Paned windows and iron fences

Ferns....beautiful ferns.

New Orleans Water Meter....always loved then

Oysters, gotta have oysters!

Public Garbage can...not bad looking!

The Mighty Mississippi and the Bridges.
Although I never remember seeing a sandbar.

A tug and a ship...that thing was moving along, and fast!

A stop sign in the trolly tracks....who'e supposed to read it?

And you can't go to New Orleans without getting
some Beignets!!

It sure was good!!!

The fence around Jackson Square

St Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square

Detail of St Louis Cathedral Spire

Beautiful iron work.

On our way across Lake Pontchartrain, a rainbow.
Perfect end to a wonderful trip!

Now for the bad news...I'm not sure which one to pick.  Let me know.  I'll think on it, and start sketching tomorrow!  Do you have a suggestion?