Challenge #12

[Jodi Frye]

WOW ! I suspect the owner of this boat will never have to worry about misplacing it ! Fab colours Ray ! Oh, Fab pic ray !

[Grant Dixon]

Challenge #12
The images for the challenge are now up. Raymond Robillard's is posing the challenge
this week.
I had a number of boats and ships sent to me so I thought maybe this is the time for a
nautical theme.

http://home.cogeco.ca/~challenge/Challenges.html

Until tomorrow at 7:00 pm the Present and Past Challenges will remain and then Present
will be Past and new images will be posted.

--
Grant

Home Pages http://home.cogeco.ca/~grant.dixon/index.htm

*********************************************************

Creativity is so delicate a flower that praise tends to make it bloom, while
discouragement often nips it in the bud. Any of us will put out more and
better ideas if our efforts are appreciated.

Alexander F. Osborn (1888 - 1966)

*********************************************************

--
Grant

Home Pages http://home.cogeco.ca/~grant.dixon/index.htm

*********************************************************

Creativity is so delicate a flower that praise tends to make it bloom, while
discouragement often nips it in the bud. Any of us will put out more and
better ideas if our efforts are appreciated.

Alexander F. Osborn (1888 - 1966)

*********************************************************

[Not The Duchess]

Talk about a party! Where do we join up with this crew?

[Ray]

I... I just don't know what to say ! I mean, Grant told me he'd be using it
in a not so distant future. Never thought it would be "that soon" ! Thanks
Grant :-)

This picture was taken at Orlando Seaworld, two years ago, in September
2001. It's a small boat that sits at the park's entry. I never modified
the picture, in any way. It's straight out of my digital camera. Besides,
it's probably the best picture it ever did.

By the way, I encourage everyone to get there if they can. The dolphins are
so friendly. My old cam used to take forever to focus and take the picture.
So, a dolphin held still why I was shooting a picture. No kidding ! Ok.. I
admit, it's probably luck... Although they say dolphins are quite
intelligent. I probably met the first "digitally-aware" dolphin in the
world :-)

Ray

[no spam @yahoo.com Pete D]

Pretty cool pic Ray.

Be careful around the dolphins; They bite! No kidding. Those friendly
creatures almost severed a woman's arm just north of here. She was feeding
them from a boat returning from a fishing trip in the Gulf.

So now you can't feed dolphins; Can't feed alligators; And the one that
really gets to me is, they won't let you feed marshmallows to the bears at
the zoo anymore.

[Ray]

But, the good thing is, they still let you feed farm animals at the shopping
mall around Easter... Did just that... But (stupid me) didn't carry the
camera on that day !! Grrr !

As for aligators, I really don't mind not feeding them... I saw one in
person at NASA, 3 years ago. I shot a few pictures (with that same camera)
but dark green on dark brown (the bottom of the of pond it was in) made a
very dull picture.

Ray

[Mac McDougald]

> Be careful around the dolphins; They bite! No kidding. Those friendly
> creatures almost severed a woman's arm just north of here. She was feeding
> them from a boat returning from a fishing trip in the Gulf.

Accidental. I'm sure it didn't do it on porpoise.

Mac

[Chuck Snyder]

Ray: Do you still have that 'dull picture' of the gator? I'll bet you
could make it more interesting now with some of the Elements tools...
Amazing how a flat picture can be improved....!

Chuck

[Pete D]

Ray,

Next time get on a golf course down here and you will see plenty sunning themselves around the ponds. Can get close enough for a real nice picture.

Mac, :)

[Marty Landolt]

JODI,
I got the picture of Ch 12. Before, I had taken it directly from the clip board. This time I emailed it to myself then opened it. Where there's a will, there's a way!
Marty

[Shan Ko]

Marty,

Have you tried clicking to get the larger JPEG file and point your cursor to the top left (a little bit away from the corner) of the enlarged image? In a second or two, the four small logos will appear.
Set your cursor over the left-most one (in the shape of a floppy) and the word "Save" will appear. When you click on that, a dialog box then pops up and ask for a destination folder which can be set up and named before hand, or click on the make New Folder logo on top of the box. Another click and you've got yourself a download.
Works for me.

Shan

[Ray]

Pete,

Ehh.... I don't think I will... I'm not very fond of these... "pets" :-)
Besides, I've never played golf. It could prove to be dangerous to my
partners.. :-)

Ray

[Ray]

Chuck,

I do believe I still have it. I've taken a note and I'll check for it this
week-end. If I can, I'll send a copy of this picture to Grant. Good idea !

Ray

[Paul L UK]

Ray

It's a good thing you said where it was taken, I was going to use the Seaworld light house as a backdrop (I have a lot of photos taken there, I love the place). Still might anyway - who's to sy.

Going back next week, swapping foggy Yorkshire for sunny Florida, so I'll miss the next two challenges.

Paul

[Not The Duchess]

Paul,

What? Not taking the computer with you? You'll have withdrawal...sun or no sun.

NTD

[Marty Landolt]

PAUL,
I'll miss you. You have been filling my gap. My son (named Paul) lives in Naples, FL. and he only calls a couple times a year. Hurry back.
Marty

[Marty Landolt]

[no spam @yahoo.com Pete D]

Paul,

Weather should be great for you. This is our "dry" time of year and
humidity is low, although we did have a fire two nights ago that burnt about
150 acres and that is the down side. I am about two hours from the "Mouse"
so if you get uncontrollable withdrawal pains you can come and use my
computer.

While you are there try to drive up International Drive (right near Disney)
and take a picture of the "upside down" building. It is amazing.
Sidewalks, street lights, full size two story building,.... all upside down.
You stand on the street and look UP at light poles pointing down towards
you.

Marty,

Want me to drop down and ask Paul to call you more often?

[Paul L UK]

NTD

Some sacrifices have to be made. I know it will be hard, but I'll try my best to cope with the hardship.

Anyway, I don't suppose the airline would allow me to carry on my wee 'puter, it's not what you would call portable.

My wife thinks I'm crazy downloading the new challenge at 6am Fridays (what with the time difference). Then spending all day at work thinking of what to do with it.

I've got until Wednesday to get my entry(ies) in, then off to Pete's backyard.

Paul

[Marty Landolt]

SHAN KO,
Thanks, but even your expertise didn't work
I couldn't get the small logos. I really am thinking it has to do with the installation of Elements. Now they say the repair man will come Monday...believe it when I see it???
Marty

[Marty Landolt]

PETE,
He'd talk your ear off. ( mostly about how great he is...ha ha )
Marty

[Paul L UK]

Pete

This will be my fourth visit to Fl, last time toured Orlando, Miami, Keys, Fort Myers & Clearwater - this time doing a 'mouse' week and a St Pete week, can't get enough.

Just got to try to avoid the 'love bugs'

Paul

[no spam @yahoo.com Pete D]

It is lovebug time of year. (End of April or early May. Then again in
October or early November).

Pete

[Chuck Snyder]

Pete, saw my first lovebug of the season here (Houston) yesterday; the heat
and humidity won't be far behind...

:-(

Chuck

[Grant Dixon]

First returns are posted after a short delay. Every time I went to post another came in.
No .... I am not complaining.

Grant

[Ray]

Pete,

This upside down building, would it be in Kissemee ? I remember walking one
evening along Orange Blossom (perhaps another street) and seeing this
amazing building. If you get close enough, you'll even sounds coming out of
it. Like walls breaking up ! Too cool ! I believe it's host to a lazer
tag game, sort of.

Ray

[no spam @yahoo.com Pete D]

Thanks Grant! You are...Da Man!

(That little girl playing with the boat at the beach right beside the sharks
is Jodi :) (could be)

[Ray]

Pete,

I just sent it to you over e-mail (assuming the address listed here is ok)

Ray

[no spam @yahoo.com Pete D]

Ray, not in Kissimmee.

It is on the street that runs parallel to I-4. Can't remember exactly but
about a mile west of the entrance to MGM? There is also a "crooked"
building near it that is Ripley's, Believe it or Not showcase.

If I recall correctly it is between exits 32 and 33. But International
Drive is known by everyone in that area so it won't be hard to find.

[Ray]

I'll be in Florida myself, in September. Once again, we'll visit Disney
World, this time with our friends. I'll bring my camera and will keep in
mind future Challenge subjects ! And with the actual weather we have here,
in Montreal, I can't say enough that I regret having to postpone my trip.
Initially, it was scheduled on the first week of June. But a labyrinthitis
forced me to avoid planes for the time being.

Ray

[Chuck Snyder]

Robert Warren: Please share your secret with us on selecting the boat so cleanly from its busy backdrop; I tried several times and failed miserably, giving up in frustration....

Chuck

[Susan S.]

I love Jay's boat. That is so much fun! (Although the paw prints look more like dog than mouse!!) I'm finding this one tough again, because it is such a strong image in its own right.

I haven't tried selecting the boat yet - it looks tricky. I think it might be a selection brush/quick mask at high magnification job....all suggestions welcome!

Susan S.

[no spam @yahoo.com Pete D]

Can't edit it so here are some corrections

Post 28 talks of an upside down building and I said it was not in
Kissimmee. But Ray was right and it is.

Also the exit numbers have changed on all Interstates in Florida. They
now coincide with mile markers. So where I said 30 something the correct
exit number is between 72 and 74A. And one last thing; when I said
international drive leads to MGM it really goes to Universal Studios
Orlando.

There,...glad I got that fixed.

Pete

[Dick Smith]

I second that....it was just great! Please tell us how.

Dick

[Ray]

And for anyone who's interested in seeing the upside down house, please feel
free to write to me and I'll send you a copy of the picture.

Ray

[Bob Warren]

The 'secret' was to not select it. I created a separate layer above the
boat, filled it with white, reduce opacity to 50% and used the pencil, set
to 1 pixel, hard, to trace all the shrouds and stays in black. Using the
shift-click to get straight lines made this easy. Then inverted the layer so
the lines were white and moved it under the boat layer, selected the black
with the magic wand and deleted -- this left white lines on transparency.
Erased all the non-boat from the boat layer (except the water) and Bob's
your uncle -- the lines appear where the shrouds and stays were. Inserted
another image beneath and used a reduced opacity eraser to blend the water
lines.

Bob Warren

"Chuck Snyder" <chuck-...@houston.rr.com> wrote in message
news:1de8d...@WebX.la2eafNXanI...

[Paul L UK]

Again, I am amazed at how quickly top quality images are being 'knocked out'.

I must admit to a little cheat, I was already working on a similar image through a magazine tutorial, and added the extras - sorry, will try harder next time.

Jodi - you must have to walk around with a motorbike crash helmet on to keep all your ideas in your head, it must be full to bursting.

Pete - the upside down building is called Wonderworks (if I remember rightly)

I may have to start using more colours in future, my mono's are starting to get predictable, we shall see.

Paul

[Chuck Snyder]

Marilyn Lee: I love your second rendition! How did you make the color changes - gradient maps? Very spiffy!

Chuck

[Jodi Frye]

Pete, it sayse Seaworld 'cause Ray said that is where the image was taken ;) I really like your renditions...that little girl is absolutely precious !

Paul, Thanks for the compliment...yes I never know what will come out of me. Only wish I had more time to focus.

I haven't looked at the new submissions yet this morning so will do and be back later. I love this site !

[no spam @yahoo.com Pete D]

Jodi,

Glad you liked the little girl on the beach. I am surprised that you don't
mention the SHARKS I put in the water right near her?

(also wanted to mention to Shan to get his magnifier out so he can see
them). (No offense Shan).

Guess if you have to explain it,..... it was not that great an idea.

I stuck Howdy Doody on the toy shelf for that old guy Chuck on the other
one. And Chuck I know you had soldiers like that and a Duncan YoYo Chuck.
The red firetruck sits on a plant shelf in my living room in real life. (It
got distorted a bit fiddling with it).

Pete

[Nancy Soderman]

Stu,

"The owl and the pussycat went to sea in a pea green boat..." the children's rhyme???

Nancy

[Jodi Frye]

Pete, yes I did see the sharks. She's safe...I think. I remember years ago swimming in the gulf ( Pensecola) and at that time the water was clear as day and I saw something coming while looking around under water with my goggles. I could barely make it out since it was at quite a distance ( I think ) but could have sworn it looked like a huge white. My mind went blank ( my body followed )momentarily but came to my senses and swam like the devil himself was after my toes. I was a semi-pro swimmer in my early days so the shore came quick. I spent alot of time just watching the waters after that. It was probably just a school of fish although i never went back into the water that day. I guess I kind of cherished my life more than I expected during that time. Just another one of those 'wake-up' calls from above I suppose. We are never truly alone are we.

[Grant Dixon]

Nancy

And Stu even packed their honey.

Grant

[Stu Bloom]

"and lots of money all packed in a five-pound note," stored safely in the hold. ;-)

[Grant Dixon]

Pete

Sharks ... you are twisted! Just my type ... Want to come for test ride in my car.

I have to get off this machine. Have to make an almond torte for tonight as I am off to
kill someone. Well not all that bad it is one of those murder mystery parties. Who knows
maybe Doreen will have the chance to fulfill her life long fantasy and bludgeon me to
death.

Will check in wile torte is cooking.

Grant

[Grant Dixon]

Torts are baking. ...

Many years ago some friends of my, that were very heavily into scuba, decided to take me
diving in a quarry. I was never in any danger because my friends were all master dive
instructor and the group consisted of a huge club of instructors. The took me out a bit
more that waist deep, and told me to duck down and see if I could get use to the berating
though the regulator. Timid I did this a few times and was getting the hang of it. Then
it happened I was attacked by a HHHHHUUUUUGGGGG shark. I freaked and I am sure my
flippers cleared the water by about 50 feet. As I came down I noticed the Quarry was ring
with laughing divers. Well ... some one had gone to the coast, caught a shark, froze it
and brought it back for this day's meal. before the cooked it they decided to have fun
with it, at my expense, and I didn't see the hands holding it. In the end it made a
delicious meal and I have a photo somewere of me eating the shark and it is titled "Man
Eating Shark" Well, so much for not playing with your food.

Woops there goes the buzzer.

Grant

[Grant Dixon]

Back ... tortes are cooling.

What a great showing and a few names that are new and this is very exciting. Hi Dick,
'Jacqui or (maybe) Pete', and Jane,

Jodi is on an artistic marathon an all are wonderful.

Has no one picked up on the boy riding Jay's boat?

Mark has managed to get us into the National Gallery.

Peter what is this fascination with sharks? You are twisted and I like that.

Stu so far wins the award for the best belly laughter of the day. I opened it and said
"Of course, how could I have missed it?"

All are wonderful, all should get and do get from me a hug round of applause.

Grant

[Chuck Snyder]

Pete, Howdy Doody was one of my favorites when I was a kid - I'm flattered!
And yes, I had the toy soldiers and the yo-yo, although I was never any good
at it.
Great memories!

Chuck

[Jane Carter]

Hi Grant, I have some pictures of a shark that we 'surprised' in the Cayman Islands on our honeymoon, a long time ago. They aren't very deep so the lighting is quite good, I will have to see if I can find them. Wouldn't those be fun to work on with PSE!

Then many years after that while we were spearfishing off the north end of Bermuda, we had a nasty shark scare. They were after the bloody fish that we had speared. That was scary, didn't take any pictures, was too busy getting back to the boat. The guys on the boat saw us in trouble, and started the engines(two big 671s, nice noisy diesels thank goodness!) and that distracted them long enough for us to get back to the boat. I look back at all the wild and crazy stuff we used to do.
Now all we do is snorkel in the shallow protected reefs.
I really have to find all those old slides and pictures.
Jane

[Paul L UK]

Jodi

It's happened again, i stopped looking for a couple of hours, and WHAM - artistic overflow.

Maybe you should start your own Think-Tank (the company I work for could use a few spare little grey cells)

Paul

[Jodi Frye]

Paul, ya think tank... hum, I have plenty of grey cells...waiting patiently to be filled with RGB ( really good beer ) ha ha just kidding, I can't drink anymore.
Just got back from a birthday party which lasted way too long and I need some relief ! I'm going to go check the challenge images.

I'm back and wow ! Three little letters to describe the talent certainly isn't enough ! Jane carter...yay, you entered an image !!! Lovin' that sky ! I need to take some sky pics to add to my graphics one of these days...although I guess I like creating my own just as well. Mark, haven't heard much from you in a while but I see it must be a good thing ! Looks great. I'm waiting t'il tomorrow to give my final views on the site. Maybe I'll do another...hum, maybe not. I'll be busy tomorrow so can't play ;) One of these days I hope to fill an entire page ...that will be my personal challenge. ;)

edit ; Hi Pete, you weren't there when i first started typing ! Sharks are scary...the great whites anyways. Too many Jaws movies !

[no spam @yahoo.com Pete D]

Jodi,

<<"quite a distance ( I think ) but could have sworn it looked like a huge
white">>

It probably was! They do live there. Once in a while the television
station helicopter flies along the coast about 200 yards off shore filming
the water. And as you say he water is normally clear enough to see the
bottom. It is very common to see sharks out there and not uncommon for one
of them to chase a school of fish towards shore. Fortunately for it is a
rare occasion for them to attack a human and especially rare in the Gulf.

[no spam @yahoo.com Pete D]

Jodi,

I really like your two newer entries. #4 looks so realistic I hope they
don't get swamped. (I am often vacant and empty but try to be spiritual
and marvelous). #5, in the sky above the boat; Is that a "wisp" of a
cloud or is it that creature from the "Grants tree"?

[Susan S.]

I took the boat cruising in my second effort, (Lord Howe Island, a couple of hundred miles off the New South Wales Coast). The most wonderful snorkelling. But if you could see under the water just beyond where the boat is sitting you would indeed see a couple of small sharks (only about four feet long - but even the little ones seem really sinister) They probably wouldn't have done any harm, but I got out of the water and took a couple of photos anyway...
Susan S.

[Jodi Frye]

Pete, it's whatever you want it to be. That is the glory of it. If someone seriously asked me what it was I would probably say " I don't know, they happened by accident and they looked like they fit so i kepted them there". I guess they look like clouds though. This happens alot. I love it. Makes me feel like I'm never alone.

Susan, I looked for the sharks but couldn't spot them. You did a great job taking the background out. This was definietly a tricky little boat !

[Marty Landolt]

Guess I'll get the last word in. All the entries were superb. A few have used my idea and did a lot better but since mine is half done it will still be in the bunch before Friday. I'm still waiting for all the repair people to finish so time is short.
Hope the new people keep coming back.
Marty

[Marilyn Lee]

Chuck - Re: >>>How did you make the color changes - gradient maps?>>>
I wish I could claim some special technique, but sadly I just pushed the "Hue" button back and forth for each copied boat until I got the colors I wanted; Elements switched all the colors for me automatically. Since all the boats were on separate layers, though, it was fun "sailing" them around on the background trying to find suitable spots for each one.

Pete - Re: >>>Second is nice but I like the first better. They should have known not to sail with a full moon.>>>
I was looking for some way to make a picture without the sail rigging because I couldn't figure out a way to select it for copying, so I sank the boat in one picture and did a straight graphics style for the other :}
Was your large shark smiling because it was friendly, or because it was thinking about a great meal?

Juergen - I thought your picture was very nice; I like the colors.

MLee

[Susan S.]

Jodi - I cheated on the boat selection (as I think some other people who actually selected the boat also did!) - I didn't attempt to select the rigging, just the boat. I drew the rigging in on a separate layer, using a low opacity version of the original to trace it over (and holding the shift key down to draw the straight lines!).

The background photo had a ray of sunshine catching the water just close to the beach, so the colour of the water actually matched the water round the boat quite well, and I could blend them together very easily by using a gradient on a layer mask. The sharks weren't visible in the photo- but they were the reason I was out of the water.! Lord Howe is a quite amazing place - the coral reefs are within walking distance of the shore, and with a massive variety of sea life, despite its southerly latitude. Before the sharks came up we had been swimming with a giant turtle. One of the several times I have wished for an underwater housing for one of my cameras - a friend has one for his Canon and has taken some amazing shots on his jaunts to the Caribbean.
Susan S.

[no spam @yahoo.com Pete D]

Marilyn,

<<so I sank the boat in one picture>> That really makes perfect sense.
Wish I would have thought of it.

<<Was your large shark smiling because it was friendly, or because it was

thinking about a great meal?>> Was going to open his mouth and swallow the
boat but when I was attempting that the smile looked like it fit.

[JuergenDirrigl]

Marilyn -- Thank you. The background picture was taken shortly after sunset on Captiva Island, FL. The colors are real, though somewhat enhanced.

Pete -- The water there is fairly deep right off the beach. I think they could have gone out again. However, it is late and they probably will stay overnight. :-)

Juergen

[no spam @yahoo.com Pete D]

Juergen,

I thought of the boat being bogged down on a sand bar because we see that
sometimes around here. People sometimes anchor near an Island and I guess
forget (or don't know) that the tide is going out. Then they sit there and
wait for the next high tide. Happens with small craft and even some larger
vessels.

Pete

[JuergenDirrigl]

Pete,

I know what you mean. I've seen that too. On which coast are you, East or West?

Juergen

[no spam @yahoo.com Pete D]

Juergen, West coast (of Florida). A bit south of Sarasota.

[JuergenDirrigl]

Pete,

That is a wonderful area. We are spending a lot of vacation time in your neighborhood, Sanibel/Captiva, and love it every time.

Juergen

[Jane Carter]

We used to vacation on Sanibel and Captiva too, when we lived over on the East Coast, in Eau Gallie.
This was years and years ago, back when we had to take the little car ferry over to the islands. We stayed at the Casa Ybel. I was in grade school, that tells you how ancient I am getting to be. I have never been over the new bridge nor seen the huge buildings that are there now.
Florida sure has changed.
Jane

[no spam @yahoo.com Pete D]

Robert Jones; That is quite a flock of Flamingos! Nice.

Kenny Wolin; I like your style. Taking that boat out of the ocean was the
first thing that came to my mind.

Stu; Is the cargo cat food?

Oh Jodi. Latest ('hands') is just striking! I just want to touch
you and see if some of that talent will attach itself to me.

Pete

[Nancy Soderman]

All the "Maiden Submitters",

Thank you all for joining in and sharing your unique creations. Viewing the great variety of images is such fun. I do hope you have left 'lurker' status behind for good.

Nancy

[no spam @yahoo.com Pete D]

Juergen,

We visit there. We like the Green Flash restaurant on Sanibel and Mucky
Duck on Captiva. Captiva has a few nice art type shops we like too.
Mostly we like the beach at Bowman's State Park because we can walk north
for quite a distance and often times be pretty much alone. But a beach, no
matter where, is nice.

Pete

[Nancy Soderman]

Jay A,

Would you please tell us how you did the superb rain in your Challenge, it is so well done right done to the very detailed/realistic raindrops on the top of the cabin. Clever use of the rider from "The Babysitter" challenge also. <clapping>

Nancy

[JuergenDirrigl]

Jane -- There are big buildings now. I wouldn't call them huge, since they have height restrictions there. Casa Ybel is still there, nice place.

Pete -- >>But a beach, no matter where, is nice<< Absolutely, I agree!

Juergen

[no spam @yahoo.com Pete D]

I got carried away with Jodi's hands and almost forgot I wanted to mention
how much I liked all three of yours Barbara. Your talent is evident.

And Susan, when I see a sailboat and a sky like that (your second), I can
feel the heightened awareness of the people on board. Glad you left the
anchor line in the water. They are probably on shore having a good time.
You put the scene together nicely. I feel like I am right there when I look
at it.

Pete

[Jay Arraich]

Hi Nancy,

That was actually a very complicated picture. I was trying to duplicate the
Blend If feature in Photoshop 7 that I use in one of my tutorials for
Photoshop only (the 'Perfect Blend' thing). To do that, I made a grayscale
composite layer (Ctrl-Alt-Shift-E), removed the color, posterized with 8
steps, then used the magic wand with 0 tolerance to select one of the
posterized bands at a time, used that selection (slightly feathered) to copy
that part of the base image to a new layer. Repeat for all eight bands thus
getting 8 separate luminance segments of the image on separate layers. Blur
each layer slightly. Then applied different Levels and blend modes to each.
Note that the base image remains untouched at the bottom of the stack,
contributing the base colors and sharpness. Unfortunately, it didn't work as
well as Blend If. So I started adding texture overlays by pressing and
holding the Alt key as I added a Pattern Overlay layer. In the new layer
dialog for the Pattern Overlay, choose the Group With Previous checkbox, set
blend to Overlay (though other blends often work better, you can't preview
them until you have already added the layer and Overlay is a good 'middle of
the road' starter preview choice), set opacity to 60% (you can up or down it
later) and then get into the Pattern dialog. Load either the Textures or
Texture 2 palette - or sometimes the Artist Surfaces. Use the Scale slider.
Try all of the patterns one after the other while watching your picture.

After you have added the Pattern Overlay, as stated, you can try other blend
modes or increase/decrease the opacity. Note that you can also make the
pattern more irregular or "dirty" by clicking on the Pattern Overlay layer
(but don't double-click). Then apply the Render > Clouds filter or just
paint on the mask in an uneven way. That will make the pattern uneven (the
filter goes to the mask). This stuff is covered in the Organic Textures
tutorial in the Photoshop section of my site, but a lot of the stuff in that
lesson will only work in Photoshop.

The reason this was so particularly complicated was because I was applying
different pattern/textures to each of the separated bands and each of the
bands had a different blend mode. So you are seeing the results not only of
the pattern overlay's blend mode with the layer that it is grouped with, but
that layer is in turn using a blend mode other than normal to blend with the
base image.

-Jay

[RobertHJones]

Jodi,

There is something very deep and metaphysical about you. I'm using metaphysical in the old sense of the word meaning supernatural or better yet preternatural, i.e. beyond the normal course of things, extraordinary. I'll bet you have some very interesting stories to tell.

If Pete D is correct and some of your talent can rub off by merely touching you, I'd like a big hug!

Bob

[no spam @yahoo.com Pete D]

Bob, I noticed that you were the only one that attempted to put some
sails on this vessel. I had made one including a spinnaker but was not
satisfied with the looks of it.

Raymond Robillar, You submitted the original picture and I have yet to
see your entry. We are waiting!

[no spam @yahoo.com Pete D]

Jay,

How do you do it? Just when I think you are sharing your best you come
up with something better. Thanks for all your images.

Pete

[RobertHJones]

Shan Ko, I missed seeing an image from you this time. I hope you still have a chance to get one in for this challenge. If not, definitely do one for the next. I like your style.

Pete D., I wanted to see what the boat looked like with "clipper" style sails. It looked empty with just a bare deck. It occured to me that flamingos would make the perfect passengers for this particular ship.

Some very nice images all around! Everyone give yourself a pat on the back!

Bob

[Jay Arraich]

It's the Grant Dixon mug. Makes all the difference. Before I got mine, I
couldn't even make a beveled button.

Your pictures are very cool, also. I especially like the cupboard with all
the collectibles. Actually, everybody's pictures are awesome this week. And
last week. And the week before... Seriously, it is amazing how fast
everybody is learning new stuff and how genuinely creative all the postings
are.

-Jay

[Nancy Soderman]

Jay A,

Though I'm sure you realized my question to you was evidence of my admiration, you were probably cusing me as the explanation probably rivaled the complicated efforts!!

Thanks so much for the comeback on this.

Nancy

edit: and your newest one is truly amazing...a creative mind like some of the other Challengers (not myself, regrettably) and the technical expertise to "physicalize" it.
<clapping again>

[Not The Duchess]

Yeah, what she said. Jay, I think you must be a graphic artist by trade...your mind sees and your skills do...

OK, so now I want to be hugged by all of you. If it will rub off...I want a share of all your talents! Maybe then....

NTD

[Grant Dixon]

Trevlyn

"...your mind sees and your skills do..."

What a wonderful comment, consider it stolen!

Grant

[Dick Smith]

Susan,

In you second image, where was the background shot? It looks a lot like
it could have been in St. Lucia?

Dick

Susan S. wrote:
> I love Jay's boat. That is so much fun! (Although the paw prints look more like dog than mouse!!) I'm finding this one tough again, because it is such a strong image in its own right.
>
> I haven't tried selecting the boat yet - it looks tricky. I think it might be a selection brush/quick mask at high magnification job....all suggestions welcome!
>
> Susan S.

[Terry Boyles]

What can I say? All the images a great! A big applause to everyone. Of course Jay and Jodi's are simply outstanding. Of course Jay wrote the book on this stuff and Jodi is quite simply very talented.
Marily, I found your picture of the sinking almost distrubing.While being a good picture, it brought back some fond and yet some painful memories. In another part of my life In spent four years plying the waters of Alaska in search of the elusive King Crab. From Kodiak to Dutch Harbor and as far north as Nome. Lost many many friends to sinkings and just plain tragic accidents. Even tried in vain to save one young man when he finaly jumped from the bow of his sinking vessel. All I got out of it was a very cold swim and a sinking feeling inside when I failed in my attempt to save him. Cried for days. Sorry, didn't really want to go there but had to for some strange reason. I did get a suitcase of pics and four albums during those years. But alas I haven't purched a scanner yet but hope to soon. Then maybe I can share some beautiful sunsets such as the ones I have seen here.

Terry

[Susan S.]

Dick - the background is shot in one of my favorite places on earth (a close second to bits of the South Island of New Zealand) Lord Howe Island, which is a couple of hundred miles off the coast of Australia, about level with Sydney. Coral reefs right off the beach, some spectacularly peculiar bird life, small and quiet. It's world heritage listed and the number of tourist there at any one time is strictly limited.
Susan S.

[Jane Carter]

Hi Bob Warren, I love your background, the little boat blends in so perfectly. North of St. Thomas perhaps?
This has been a wonderful challenge.
Jane

[Jodi Frye]

Just got back after being out all day and " Holy Smokes ! " I said to myself while looking at all the images...bunch of new stuff showing today and wow...I'm impressed !
Want to thank all of you who complimented my work. Want to thank you because it's what helps me grow...as Grant's quote is the closest to my inner needs " Creativity is so delicate a flower that praise tends to make it bloom, while
discouragement often nips it in the bud. Any of us will put out more and
better ideas if our efforts are appreciated
Jay, you have always been my hero and that will never change. Thanks to you and the forum I have come this far.

I love so many of them i wouldn't know where to begin ! Kenny, loving the bath boat...very clever ! Barb, great to have you back in the challenge this week with your amazing ideas...btw, nice camera( missed ya ! :)

[imacgirl]

Hi Jodi,

Nice to be back! The technical skills and creativity of the people on this entire forum are really impressive...the entries are all a joy to look at. Well done everybody! It's great learning with such a friendly group and being inspired every day.

:-)

Barb

[RobertHJones]

I thought someone else would put sails on it too. Funny you should mention
the spinnaker. I had a photo with a spinnaker and main sail that I was
going to use but changed my mind at the last minute. With a paint job like
that and a flamingo hanging off the front why not drop all pretense of
reality and go for the absurd.

I enjoyed your cabinet. The Howdy Doody doll brought back memories. I can
still remember watching that show on a big console sized tv set with a
little tiny screen. I think there was a magnifying glass in front of it but
I'm not sure anymore -- too long ago.

[Bob Warren]

Jane --
The background is a selection from a stock photo I happened to have
around -- while I believe it is from the eastern Caribbean, I don't really
know where it was taken.
Bob Warren
"Jane Carter" <jca...@capecod.net> wrote in message
news:1de8d...@WebX.la2eafNXanI...

[Nancy Soderman]

Robert J,

I don't recall seeing your mugshot last time I looked at the Challenger's portraits...did I just miss it???

[Mike]

On Sat, 26 Apr 2003 12:08:10 -0700, Grant Dixon wrote:

Hi Grant, is that a hug /or/ a round of applause, or a hug /and/ a
round of applause?

Mike H

[Grant Dixon]

Mike

Yup what he said.

Grant

[Jodi Frye]

Marty ! Just looked at your image. I knew you were due to post but never expected to see this from my dear sweet marty...ha ha...just kidding. Was anyone on the boat ? I see something/someone (?) floating in the water behind the boat. The colours are splendid !

The International man of mystery has also put in an image (Lou) and I'm loving the colours in that one as well. Sort of like river grundge rock. Cool

[Grant Dixon]

Oh my does that have to do with the age of people in Florida?

[Barbara Brundage]

Actually, it was called that long before FL became a retirement mecca. The photo doesn't show a very typical part of the river--it's very jungly and overhung with vines and heavy forest. Marjorie Rawlings writes about it in "Cross Creek" and she theorizes that it was named by some English "remittance man" with a good classical education who felt that he might as well be dead as in the wilds of Central Florida.

[Barbara Brundage]

Hey, Lou, did you know that the River Styx <http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu/airboat3.jpg> is in Florida?

[Jodi Frye]

Grant, Are you, were you working on the site ? I can't get in. ;(

[Grant Dixon]

Jodi

The site should be up it goes down once a day for about 1 minute of maintenance. although
an hours is set aside if need be.

Now that being said which site are you not getting into? The site is now spanning two
server. The one at Cogeco is the front site as it keeps the name challenge for easy use.
The other site that contains the majority of the stuff is a cavesofice.

Try these two links and tell me which one is not working

http://home.cogeco.ca/~challenge/index.html

http://www.cavesofice.org/~grant/Present/

[Jodi Frye]

Sorry to bug you, they are both working fine. I got a little worried earlier...it would be H-E double hockey stick for me if i couldn't get into my favourite site :)

[Ray]

Pete,

Well... I got cought but finally manage to do a little one. I was so
impressed by the talent and dedication in all those wonderfull creations
that I felt shy to post anything. My knowledge and talent with PSE is very
limited.

But, here I am !

Ray

[Terry Boyles]

Raymond,

Welcome to the club. Like you, I was a bit shy to post one on the challenge. But with all the encourgement from eveyone I finaly put one in.

Terry