My recent distraction can be blamed partly on my early Valentine gift and what it set in motion. Nothing against roses, but this present beat flowers all to heck.
For a long time, I have flirted with the idea of getting a Wacom tablet. The masks I paint for my serious work are maddening and I was reasonably certain the pen would save me a great deal of time. Still, I dragged my feet over the cost and a couple of other doubts. One, I have been using a mouse for about thirty years now and wasn't sure how quickly I would adapt. Second, the problems with my right hand caused me some concern. The recent surgery took care of both instances of trigger finger, but I still get cramps in that hand—in a different part of my hand, curiously enough. I didn't know how long I would be able to hold the pen without a problem.
Finally, I stopped stalling and told The Husband I had decided what I wanted for Valentine this year. When I put in my request, he said it sounded like something I should get right away. Well, I'm no fool and took him up on the offer. It was pretty much love at first sight. I wouldn't say that I am already one hundred percent efficient with the pen; but, I can definitely say that it is a winner in my book.
Sure enough, I have to limit my time with the pen. Early on, I got one of those cramps because I got a little carried away. But, no problem. I am quite content doing all my set-up work with the mouse and just using the pen for finishing work. "Finally", you are probably saying. You are right. It is a little embarrassing to admit it took me so long.
The piece above (also posted at my business site) was the first piece I worked on with the pen and I am now a confirmed Wacom fan. Jump on over to Anita Jesse for the non-techie story on this piece.
That's really beautiful, Anita! I need to take some lessons from you! I got a Wacom Bamboo for Christmas, opting for the lower end models because I wasn't sure if I'd use it all that much. I've discovered when I use masks in Photoshop, the pen is indispensable so it's been an excellent gift for me. It sounds like you're using yours more than I, but I can certainly see the day coming where it'll be the first thing I reach for when editing photos.
ReplyDeleteWhat interesting timing, John. Maybe we can share tips with one another being newbies with the pen. I am completely sold and don't know what I would do now without it. I almost got the Bamboo and bet you will find it is plenty. Because I am doing more and more painting with my work, I decided to go Intuous and it may be more than I needed.
DeleteThank you for the comment on this image. I wish I were smart enough, aware enough, and articulate enough to share serious tips. I can say that I would happy to share anything I can make sense of and put into words.
Congratulations on your new tablet, Anita! What a fine job that you've done here, as usual, with this portrait! I read, also, the non-techie version. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Paul, for taking time to visit the second site. I still haven't fully worked out the relationship between these two. I just know I need the business site more and more to use for cards and such. Thank you, also, for the comment on the picture.
DeleteWell, I certainly can't say finally since I just got one this year myself. I am amazed by how much easier some tasks are without it; but I'm also amazed at how skilled I became using a mouse (as I sometimes forget to switch over to the pen when I'm working!).
ReplyDeleteThis piece is beautifully done, like all your equine portraits. The name Angelic comes to mind.
Thank you, Roberta, for talking about your new adventures with the tablet. Your post about your new tool was responsible for nudging me to act. Your comments here provided a smile. You have explained the experience perfectly. I am bit impressed, myself, at how well I was doing with the clunky old mouse. Exactly as you described, I occasionally forget to switch to the pen. Before it dawns on me that I have fallen back on old habits, I have completed my task. Still, there are times when I get to fine detail work and it is lovely to have that pen at the ready. I think I will use it more as time goes by.
DeleteThank you for your generous comment on the equine portraits. I like the term Angelic for this one. That does seem to fit.
I've wondered how much I'd use one. I do almost all my work in Lightroom so not sure if that would make a difference for me. Glad The Husband acted as quickly as he did. those are good points for him, as if he needs anymore.
ReplyDeleteNow this image is awesome! One of my favorites.
If you don't do much painting of luminosity masks, color tweaking in small areas, or fine detail work, I don't think it would be worth the expense and the clutter of another device. Of course, someone with more experience might disagree. Yes, The Husband does rack up those points.
DeleteWow! Thank you, Monte, for the encouragement. That has me wanting to make time for the rest in this series.
Etheral Equine
ReplyDeleteThank you, Anonymous, for your lovely comment. I appreciate your visit and hope you will return.
DeleteThis is definitely one of my favorite images also. So nice. I find myself alternating between my Wacom pen and my mouse. It is much easier for fine detail for sure, but one thing that I found it is really great for .... wait for it ... dust spotting! :-) I can easily dust spot an image 10x faster using a pen than a mouse.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mark, for the generous comment on the image. The warm reception is welcome. Starting a new series is always a tiny risk and it is lovely to get encouragement to procede with the slight change in direction.
DeleteThank you, as well, for the tip of dust spotting. I haven't had many recently and it makes sense that this will make that a much less onerous task. It is also nice to know that so many alternate between pen and mouse.
Anita, this image is a beautiful work of art. You should be very pleased it!
ReplyDeleteI have to confess I have a Wacom Tablet that I don't use as much as I probably should. This makes me want to spend a little more time with it. See what an influence you are!
Thank you, Earl, for the generous compliment. I look forward to putting this into the early summer show.
DeleteAs for using your tablet more, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Right? Maybe you just don't need the pen. On the other hand, maybe my "influence" will cause you to take another look and discover some shortcuts that will save time. That is always nice. Happy investigating.
I just went through the gallery of "serious" work and I am so impressed. I can see where the tablet would make the work easier. I toyed with the idea of getting one for myself when I was doing the Emo movie posters but, just as I was about to spring for one, I ended the poster series. But having tried one in the store and hearing all the comments about them, I see the value in them. I know you will use this new tool to it's fullest advantage but the work done so far without it is exceptional
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ken, for all the very kind words about my work. Yes, for my work, the pen speeds things along, and that is a help. I always have umpteen I am lined up to go and can't wait to get to the next one. But, for anyone not venturing into such territory as I have chosen to occupy, I question whether the tablet is worth the cost.
DeleteLucky you! Having got yourself a pen and tablet. Am sure it is a lot of fun to use and greatly speeds up the work as well. I've always lusted after the Wacom Cintiq 21UX myself.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Anil, for your comments. I do feel that it is going to make a difference in the time spent post processing. While I didn't investigate the Cintiq, the Intuos seems to be plenty for me. Perhaps, my being content is a matter of ignorance being bliss.
DeletePen or no pen, your images are a work of art. Though am sure you are loving the ease of working with a tablet and the improved speed. Less time spent in post processing = more time for picture making. I've been lusting after the Wacom Cintiq 21UX - wish it were more affordable.
ReplyDeleteI happened across a review of the Cintiq just yesterday. Wow! No wonder it occupies your thoughts. That appears to be quite a piece of equipment. But, as you say, it is a formidable investment. I think I will be quite content to stick with the Intuous—at least I had better be content, at that price.
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