Chapter 5 Colour Study–Part 1 Image Manipulation

Image Manipulation

My aim for this chapter is to observe, in detail the range of different hues and tonal values in the object of my research topic.

I originally thought I had a small problem that my poppy seed head is thoroughly dried out, its colour limited to very subtle shades of brown. Having consulted with Sian, we agreed that it would be useful to use the seed head in its original form to find a range of similar tones, but also that I could use an image of poppy seed heads found on the internet that has some colour in it. The image I found had colours that are subtle, but with digital enhancement they could have the hues saturated and be made brighter. My concern was that the colours reproduced will be limited by the accuracy of my printer.

The results of two simple enhancements in MS Word and my Gimp image processing package. These would provide a good selection of colour to work with.

Original Internet image	MS Word Colour Enhancement 400%	Gimp Enhancement Red saturation

I am not happy using someone else's image especially as I cannot find a source to attribute ownership.  In this module I want to be able to say this is all my own work.  Therefore, with a bit of time and manipulation I should be able to achieve similar results with an image of my own seed head. I chose an image that already had good contrasting shading and texture (achieved using low-angled light). I spent a morning experimenting in Gimp trying different methods of manipulation and came up with some very exciting results. Using good quality paper and a higher resolution print, my printer didn’t let me down and I have some good colour photos to work with. I like the colour combinations so much I will have some of them professionally printed.

Original Image with low angle light	Stage 1 Enhancement	Stage 2 Enhancement
Stage 3 Enhancement	Stage 4 Enhancement	Working in my 'studio' aka the garage

Notes in my sketchbook detail how the enhancement was achieved.

My friend, Norma, and I try to have a play day together now and again – it's a great relief from all the admin we do for the Embroiderers' Guild. Today (mid June) she visited me in my 'summer studio'  (aka the garage) to see what I have been up to, and validate my work for the diploma.  Here I am (sitting) showing off my digital results for this chapter.  Amazed hubby managed to get a photo of  both of us smiling at the same time… 

Part 2 to follow – Observe and Record Colour