Saturday, October 22, 2011

Canadian Barn

First, I thank all of you who read and commented on my last post - it does mean a lot to me, and your encouragement is highly appreciated. You are the best, and I feel lucky to have fantastic blogging buddies as you are. Thank you!!!

So, here is the Photo Art Friday challenge again - I found this not too long ago, and at the beginning I was a bit intimidated by all the great work that you can see there. But then I thought "oh what the heck" and just participated last week for the first time. It gives me a good excuse to play around with textures and my photos and just change things up a little bit. It is so much fun and when I'm editing in PSE I forget about time.

For this week I picked the photo of a barn that I took a year ago in British Columbia. We were staying with our relatives in Summerland and visited a winery nearby (excellent Riesling!) where we also had lunch. From the patio you had this beautiful view over the vineyards to the barn.


 However, I think the photo looks a bit flat and I certainly didn't like the blue and black bins behind the barn. So convenient that we can just eliminate these things! This is what it looks like after I spiced it up a little bit:


I first did a levels adjustment and then added two Kim Klassen textures, "dusty rose" (multiply 63%) and "warm sun" (linear burn 50%) - that's it. I like the warmer colors and the "rusty" feeling.

I link this up to Photo Art Friday at Bonnie's blog. There are many other fascinating photos to see - come over and take a look!

16 comments:

NatureFootstep said...

the texture really made a difference. I like what you did to the shot. :) :)

patty said...

Dear Carola, of course I had to go back and read your previous post and all the great comments! Funny - I just posted today about having a difficult week and then redirected (without sharing any details) away from all that. I have at times shared personal stuff and difficulties, but I always feel that I can only do it in small doses and then get right back to more positive stuff. When I do, though, people really respond and share and are supportive, as happened in your post here. We all have our issues and I think, as a whole, the blogging community is so wonderful and encouraging. You have already made a great start by sharing what you did and when you feel ready, you will share more details and we will be here to boost you up!!
Oh, I do love the barn and what you have done with it!!

Sherry said...

old barns have such majesty in their rustic, aged look. but they can look "flat" so your added spice to this makes it work so well!

Kay L. Davies said...

Oh, yes, you really did give that photo some zing! It's beautiful now.
But Summerland? Wonderful. I grew up in the Okanagan Valley, until my family moved after I finished high school. The hill behind this barn, with straggly jackpines spaced several feet apart, and big rocks, and dead grass, looks like my childhood in Kelowna, which was a very small city then.
Thanks for the trip down Memory Lane, Carola. You made my day, because my health is giving me a bad time today, so I needed something like this!

Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie’s Guide to Adventurous Travel

Frida said...

The processing really ads something good to the image. I like it a lot.

Chantal said...

I think sepia or B&W would also suit here

helena said...

Wonderful energy and depth in the editied photo. I too find that time disappears once I start creating in PSE

Garter Mademoiselle said...

Love the barn picture, especially since it reminds me so much of the States and how much I miss the style of homes and farms there.

As for your previous post, I am so sorry that I have not been around much of late and am only reading it tonight. What you wrote reminded me of myself, sharing only so much, only skimming the surface, not too many details. I too fear that by sharing too much, that I set myself up for hurt and ridicule. But your honest post gave me pause, made me think, let me know that for sure I am not alone in the world with troubles in life, upsets and health troubles, and the deep pains that come from what life has dealt to us in the past. Years ago when I suffered very badly from homesickness and could not see past my own sadness and depression, a friend opened up to me and told me of the pain in her own life, which so surprised me because she was such a happy person, and it changed me forever. Some times it is okay to share! You just never know who's life you might touch with your words, opening their eyes to the suffering of others, and perhaps letting them know that they are not the only ones with upset. Your post was well worded and trully touching.

I think the changing of seasons, from the warmth of the summer to the chilly days of autumn does something to people. It winds our emotions down to, sets them in hibernation mode, and in so doing makes us all just a bit sad. I too have been going through some very strange emotionally tough weeks, not even sure why. Just always know, you are not alone!

Nur für Dich, eine riesen große Umarmung aus Deutschland! ~Debby

Anyes said...

I love the warmth you added in the second photograph Carola :-)

Sally H said...

you have given it a warmth that wasn't there before. A beautiful photograph. Big hugs x

Marcie said...

Love the end result. The textures really make the image!

Randy said...

That is a beautiful one.

Seraphinas Phantasie said...

Wonderful with the texture work. Beautiful !

Creatissimo said...

Lovely mood on the picture :)
I like Kim's textures a lot, too!

Ginnie Hart said...

I love before and after pictures, Carola. Wonderful.

Jeanne said...

Just stopping by to tell you that I love the processing that you did on this lovely barn. Gave it such depth. Isn't it fun!!!!