MAD Mission #1: Primitive Extraction

[happyrobyn]

Many of us have extracted photos for our artwork but normally, we have the tendency to try to cut the photos out precisely. However, if you think about it, when you use "real" scissors, you usually don't get the perfect cut like you can with digital. I discovered this "primitive" method when I was quickly trying to see what a picture would look like if I extracted it so I just took my polyganol lasso tool and made a quick outline. And it was funny because I loved the results! I have written a tutorial for Photoshop which will give you a better idea of exactly how to do this technique. Here is the link: Primitive Extraction in Photoshop CS (http://www.digitalartquirks.com/tutorials/happyrobyn-primitive-extraction-tutorial.pdf)

And here are links to a couple of my pages that use this technique: Angel on Earth (http://www.digitalartquirks.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=203&cat=500&ppuser=4) and Robert & Isabel (http://www.digitalartquirks.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=294&limit=last7)

Please post a link to your layout here so we can see what you have created!

[Fiddlette]

Here is an example, my first attempt, but not my last! I love the look of priimitive extraction, and am so happy you introduced it to us, Robyn!

Every time I decide I want to use it again, the background of the individuals in the photo is not conducive to the technique because of the chaotic multi toned surroundings...Maybe there is a solution to that I haven't thought of?

Anyway, here is my example:

http://www.digitalartquirks.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=30&cat=500&ppuser=3

[happyrobyn]

Christine - you know I love that ATC!! Thanks so much for posting it! Sorry - no solution to the chaotic background. I just roll with it and see how it turns out!

[Belles]

This was the first thing that occured to me when I read this challenge and I have a suggestion although I don't use the same program but that shouldn't be a problem.

I would cut out the object/person carefully first in my program and then put it on a new blank background and then to the primitive extraction from there.

That is how I did it for my mum in this picture (http://www.digitalartquirks.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=157&cat=500&ppuser=23) that Christine likes so much ;) The background behind my mum in the original picture was very very dark.

The difference with this example of mine is that I have made the primitive edge a little transparent as well.

[happyrobyn]

Belles - that is an excellent solution if you really want a clean background. I think I am just lazy because I usually just let the chaotic background remain chaotic! LOL! I guess it just all depends on the look you are trying to achieve.

[Ursula]

Oh, I really like this idea, gonna have to try this. Thanks for the idea!

[Vania16]

That's a great idea! Thanks - I'll have to give that a try too.

[Cre8tvlyYrs]

Finally did this!! Here's Selena:
http://www.digitalartquirks.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=560

[Nevermore]

I am so lame when it comes to following instructions, lol. I am the one with the 8 x 8 name layout. Then, I remember Robyn speaking of this technique at SA and I thought, forgedda about it, I'll just do a rough mask. So last night I decided to actually try it Robyn's way and used it and I really liked it. But rereading this post realise I still haven't done it with the actual technique because I used the pen tool and not the polygonal tool. It is probably six of one and half a dozen of another but I thought it was great that I was finally using the pen tool (had to blow the dust off first).

Having read this thread (and smacked my head), I am trying to think if there might be an advantage to using the pen tool. So far, no thoughts.

[happyrobyn]

Gina - love it!!

Nevermore - The pen tool is PERFECT!!! In fact in the tutorial, that is what I used and that is what I usually use. LOVE the pen tool!!!!

[Cre8tvlyYrs]

Gina - love it!!

Nevermore - The pen tool is PERFECT!!! In fact in the tutorial, that is what I used and that is what I usually use. LOVE the pen tool!!!!

Hey Robyn...I really like this tech...it's so freeing instead of having to be oh so careful you know!!

[happyrobyn]

I love it too! And it's so quick!

[CathyRose]

I love the look of the extraction! The cut out pasted look is so cool!

[Nightwolf]

That was lots of fun.
Here's an ATC I did using extraction to "cut out" the wolf.
http://www.digitalartquirks.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=903&cat=516
CC always welcome.

[happyrobyn]

The extraction on the wolf looks awesome!

[happyrobyn]

I just added my all-time favorite layout to my Quirk gallery and it uses LOTS of primitive extraction:
What Are The Odds Of Me? (http://www.digitalartquirks.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=1070&nocache=1)

[mizamigo]

Here's my Primitive Extraction "Mad #1" and it was fun after I got off the polygonal tool.... Anyway, I extracted the parrot, put it in with a bunch of photos I already had, and made sure to copy that parrot 5 times. (Overkill? nothing like that - it's just my quirk to use odd numbers) and here it is...

http://www.digitalartquirks.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=1279&limit=recent

One down, 16 now to go? I'll think about it. (I'm sure I'll end up doing them soon so I'll have to bone up on my techniques.)

[happyrobyn]

Love that bird Victoria! Such a fun layout.