Digital Fine Art Courses in PhotoShop
Rebecca’s recent PhotoShop Designer Mixed Media Exploration e-courses have been a huge hit with students. If you are not currently using the computer as an art tool, you are missing out on a world of creativity! Take advantage of today’s technologies to manipulate and alter images to add a new dimension to your artwork. You will spend time in the digital lab learning Rebecca’s skillful mixed media techniques for creating fine-art images. You’ll use PhotoShop software to build upon your foundation, layer by layer, to achieve results far beyond your expectations! So dust off that mouse, or better yet invest in a pen tablet, and let’s get creating!
Beginner to Advanced Classes
Photoshop & Photoshop Elements
Cross platform for Mac or Windows users
Below are overviews of available classes with links to more information and registration, DWYL WEBucation information and a FAQ. Registration is secure, fast and easy through PayPal. Reserve your spot in any of our upcoming workshops. You’ll get e-mail confirmation as well as a personal email from Rebecca.
I highly recommend Rebecca’s PhotoShop Designer classes. The class material is presented in several formats so I have learned the topics thoroughly. PhotoShop Elements finally makes sense to me now and I’ve been able to transfer my skills to using PhotoShop CS5, and I’ve only taken two classes! As long as Rebecca is teaching, I’ll be taking her classes. She is an excellent instructor, with reasonable rates; if you want to learn how to use PhotoShop in an artistic manner, sign up today! Thank you for continuing your classes, I love your teaching methods! –Susan Armstrong
What You Get
The instruction delivered in an easy to understand format without tech speak via video, audio and PDFs. You will receive photos, artwork and custom brushes from Rebecca for you to keep and use in your artwork. You will get keyboard shortcuts and lots of tips to work more efficiently. I just ask that you do not share with others please. Access to me via-mail messages throughout the class. The aim is that you LEARN and take away new skills to use – no question is too silly.
Bonuses
Photos, artwork, textures and custom brushes from Rebecca, forum with discussion boards for most classes, Student Gallery, plus an Web Gallery Exhibit on Cre8Tive Compass Magazine.
The Courses
click on class name to get complete details, photos of class work and registration
DWYL WEBucation e-courses, with Instructor Rebecca E. Parsons, are conducted in a supportive, nurturing environment within a password-protected website. The website is easy to navigate to make your classroom experience enjoyable and conducive to learning. The study at your convenience concept allows you to work at your own pace, in your time frame and in your fuzzy bunny slippers…if you so desire. At 2 AM or 2 PM, the DWYL student can choose to work whenever they like during the quarter.
PhotoShop Classes
PhotoShop Designer Series – Mixed-Media Explorations
If you have ever wanted to do something special with your photos and artwork, Photoshop or Photoshop Elements is the place to begin. This series will take you into the magical world of digital painting…If you are not currently using the computer as an art tool, you are missing out on a world of creativity! Take advantage of today’s technologies to add a new dimension to your artwork. These classes will catapult your digital paintings to a new level of sophistication. Great for quilters, fine artists, mixed media artists, altered artists, muralists, book artists, fabric artists…almost any artform will benefit by adding these tools to your skill set. You will graduate with a portfolio of new artwork.
PhotoShop Designer 1
Self-Paced course with 26 Lessons – 20 Videos – 90+ page Workbook (PDF)
Explorers grab your passport and visa as we head off on a grand adventure. We will use your artwork, your photos, clip art, custom brushes, text and more to find new ways to add interest and excitement as we create new works of art. The possibilities are endless as we explore blending modes, layers, levels, opacity and brushes. We will also learn how to create and add a copyright mark to protect your images. You will be given the techniques, resources and inspiration for a lifetime of creative play. You will graduate energized, motivated and confident to create your own digital artwork. Get you feet wet price…$108. You will not believe what you get in this loaded beginner class. Register OR Grab it as a Gift!
Photoshop Designer 2
Self-Paced course with 9 Lessons – 13 Videos – 70+ page Workbook (PDF)
The journey into PhotoShop digital painting continues in this project-based course. We will use your artwork, your photos, clip art, custom brushes, text and more to to find more ways to add interest and depth as we create new works of art. We will explore PhotoShop Elements’ Artistic Filters in depth in two of the modules. The third module will be about selections (cutting something out precisely to use in collage, another photo, etc.) There will be up to 3 different artwork projects per module. You may purchase the whole package (your best price) or by the module alone. The choice is yours. $128. Register OR Grab it as a Gift!
Photoshop Designer 3 – Textures and Backgrounds
4 weeks-8 Lessons in Video and PDF format
You asked for it…so here it is…a class that teaches you how to create your own fascinating textures and alluring backgrounds and brushes from scratch within the PhotoShop (Elements and CS) software. Plus we will create one-of-a-kind textures using your own photos and artwork and imagination. Each lesson will explore a unique process from abstract patterns to crystal textures, from loops and grunge to gold and rust…swirls, marbles, leaves and grass…you name it…we create it in this intriguing class. A good beginner class to get your feet wet in PhotoShop…learn while you create…IT’s FUN!!! $128. Register OR Grab it as a Gift!
Photoshop Designer 4 – Enchanted Visions
4 weeks-8 Lessons in Video and PDF format Class begins February 8, 2011
Bring your imagination to this class! In this class we put away the technical “how to” stuff and focus on playful creativity using the full range of Photoshop’s power. Explore, experiment and learn what is possible. In this spellbinding intermediate class students will create captivating dreamy, fantasy and ghostly digital paintings in PhotoShop. We will explore depth and dimension with special effects. We will discover imaginative, creative techniques using your own images and artwork to make new, unique and treasured works of art. $128. Register OR Grab it as a Gift!
There will be two more classes in this series introduced in early to mid 2011. Get on the notify list for the next session!
PhotoShop Designer 5 – Basic Digital Painting 101 for $148
4 weeks-4 Lessons in Video and PDF format Class begins March 2011
In this captivating project-based class students will learn basic digital painting techniques from the inside out.
PhotoShop Designer 6 – From Sublime to Surreal for $168
4 weeks-4 Lessons in Video and PDF format Class begins April 2011
This project-based course will focus on expanding the student creative limits using advance Photoshop techniques. We will learn several creative ways to push some of the powerful PS tools and features to create surreal works of art. Students will create a digtal montage, blending many images to form a single piece of artwork. The bonus for this class is that you will learn how to map a photographic plan in order to capture your ideas in photos. Previous Photoshop experience is highly recommended.
Upcoming Classes
complete details will be released soon!!!
Addicted on Pixels & Hooked on Pixels (PhotoShop for Mixed-Media Artists)
These quick project-based classes are Learn While You Create. No Tech Speak Allowed. I take you deep into the magical world of digital painting…but be warned, it can be habit forming!!! Take advantage of today’s technologies to add a new dimension to your artwork a surprise yourself. Get on the notify list for the next session!
Digital Scrapbooking Designer Classes
Digital Design
Brand spanking new classes! Have you ever wanted to design patterned papers, textures, brushes, alphabets and other elements used in digital scrapbooking…but you don’t know how? Do you have tons of ideas, but every time you open PhotoShop you end up frustrated and settle just to buy them from others? All you need is the desire…I will show you the rest in the series of quickie classes that will have you creating items you can use in the first 10 minutes! Rebecca is an award-winning scrapbooker and graphic designer who will share her vast knowledge of PhotoShop and design principles.
Digi Designer 1 – Patterns and Paper
Learn to create beautiful patterned papers for your layouts. We create 8 pages in this beginner-level class. Get on the notify list for the next session! Get on the notify list for the next session!
Digi Designer 2 – Textures
Learn to create textures to enhance those papers. We create 8 textures in this beginner-level class. Get on the notify list for the next session! Get on the notify list for the next session!
Digi Designer 3 – Brushes
Learn to create your own brushes to enhance your papers further. We create 8 brushes in this intermediate-level class. Get on the notify list for the next session! Get on the notify list for the next session!
There will be more classes in this series introduced in mid- late 2011. Get on the notify list for the next session!
Do What You Love WEBucation
About the instructor – Rebecca E. Parsons
With over 20 award-winning years in the graphic design industry, 35 years as a professional artist, and the founder of several artist initiatives and publications; Rebecca has been using professional PhotoShop software since the beginning…1990. Her best skill is having mastered the technique of taking difficult to understand information and transforming it into easy to understand concepts with step-by-step procedures. That is the foundation of this workshop.
Materials:
A complete materials list will be sent upon registration.
You will need :
- A copy of either Adobe Photoshop Elements 8 or 9 (6 or 7 okay too) or Adobe Photoshop CS (3-5) installed on your computer. A free 30-day trial of the latest Photoshop Elements is available at www.adobe.com. I strongly recommend Photoshop Elements version 7.0 or 8.0 or 9.0.
- High-Speed Internet connection to ensure that you can open and view the video tutorials.
- A basic knowledge of the tools and functions of Photoshop Elements or Photoshop CS.
- Scanned or digital images of your artwork and plenty of photos.
The browser for PSE8 that is slightly different for the MAC and PC. This tool allows you to sort and manage files. Because of the differences, it would be difficult to split the class and teach both. Instead we’ll focus on the robust core tools and features of Photoshop Elements 8 with a nod to PS/CS users…we won’t forget you.
PhotoShop is not difficult to learn…it is just capable of so many things that it can be intimidating. You will never again be intimidated to play with PS when we finish…that’s a promise!!!
Frequently Asked Questions
I have one more question for you…. it says I believe … the class starts on the 5th… will I just get a password or something and do it at my time discretion? or is there a time frame that I have to work in…. I have a lot going on the next couple of weeks and I sure want to take this but want to make sure I will have the time to do it…. I have never taken an online class and am not sure how they work!
Good question…Yes there will be plenty of time…that is what is best about online classes, they are ‘do at your own pace’…here is how the PS class will work:
Most class is in a forum format the first time offered. (self-paced courses are at your own discretion over a 3-month period) You will be given an access password to enter as often as you like from 7/27 – 9/30/2010. You can post pictures of your work in the gallery, you can join discussions with other students (a great benefit of WEBucation), or you can just go in and download your lessons and work through them as you like on your timeline. Everyone is different in how they learn, so I cover all bases…visual, auditory, and written.
Starting on the first day of class, I will release a lesson every Tuesday for 6 weeks. All the course materials will be released by August 31st. The classroom stays open for 3 months, so there is ample time to do the course even if you join the last week!! You can work along with the lessons as they are released or you can choose to work all the lessons in a row. Some people will join in throughout the workshop.
You also have access to me, via the forum, every week day throughout the class period. I will check twice a day for questions. I answer them in the forum so everyone can benefit from them…just like in a real classroom.
I have a very basic idea of PS as my husband has PS/CS2…I’ve watched him and done a little bit. Do I need to know more?
You should have a basic knowledge of the tools and functions of PhotoShop Elements or Photoshop CS. I would suggest that you play with PhotoShop Elements prior to the class so you understand where the tools are, how to open and save a document, and how to navigate around the work area.
Can I use PS/CS for the class?
Of course. You have more robust program capable of more tricks. I will give info for you to follow along in your program.
If I were to download the free version and peruse over the next few weeks, would this be sufficent for class? Your class sounds user friendly enough for an enthusiastic beginner…
It is very user friendly. I teach so all levels can perform the tasks. You will have access to everything for 2 months. This is ample time to do the exercises until they become second nature to you. I would hold off on downloading the PS Elements until a few days before the class begins. Most people will want to purchase PS Elements after the class so you can continue to grow your art and your skills. There are specific directions in the student packet you receive after you sign up.
I’m guessing the version you suggest is a “lesser” version than PS/CS?
I use PS/CS for my projects but will be teaching with PS Elements 8 as this is the less expensive version and the program that can be downloaded for a 30-day free trial.
If we are going to sell our work, is the PS/CS the format to use? I wouldn’t want to pay the $79.99 for Elements now if it will limit the quality of what I’d do- like u, i’d like to sell the resulting work.
The screens will look different with PS/CS than PS Elements…but you will be able to do everything in PS/CS, so you don’t need to buy Elements…but, if you aren’t familiar with it, you might want to download the trial version for the class and then not buy it…you can easily find the same tools in PS/CS…
PS Elements is getting so good that many people are switching to it from the CS versions…PS/CS costs $199 to upgrade… unless you are a high-end photographer (wedding, etc) or a graphic designer, you probably can do anything you ever need to do with Elements!!
Do we have the ability to save the class videos, audio and pdf to refer to after the class is over?
The classroom and forum will be open for 3 months. The detailed PDF is yours to download and refer to forever…the video/audio materials will be available throughout this time also. Some may be available to you forever.
The first class I took with you, the class videos were available for download. Why are they no longer available in other classes?
My first time teaching was a learning experience for me. The videos for PS are so massive that downloading was causing students too many problems! Downloading and saving them was eating ALL their storage space. The classroom and forum are open for 3 months. The detailed PDF is yours to download and refer to forever…the video/audio materials will be available throughout this time also. Some may be available to you forever. I have learned that other teachers do not allow download of their videos for PS courses for the same reasons. If, at any time in the future, you need a refresher, I will make the video available to you.
Do we need a Wacom Tablet and stylus for class?
I use one, and absolutely love it, but it is not required for this class. But, if you fall in love with the techniques and want to use tem frequently, I would recommend that you invest in one. The best benefit is being able to write in your hand on your images!!!
What is a Wacom Tablet?
It is a pressure sensitive surface with stylus (pen) that is used instead of/or in addition to a mouse. It allows the tools in your graphics program to be used like real brushes, pens and pencils . You can write, scribble, sketch, paint, draw…. and you don’t have to continually change the opacity of the tools which is a big time saver.
Can you explain a bit more about what you mean by the transfer and embellishments techniques we’ll learn?
These, and many other techniques are what build your final artwork. We use many tools to simulate traditional artwork techniques, such as photo transfers and embellishment (adding design elements) of your original artwork with text, images, photos, plus a lot more.
I am a mixed media artist. Will this class help me?
Yes ABSOLUTELY !!! The class is perfect for mixed media art as it adds more depth and opens a whole new aspect to your existing body of work
I’m also interested and excited about your upcoming Doodle Faces class! I have wanted to learn to find my “style” with faces for years and this looks like to ideal program. Will it be doable to take both w/an overlap?
Yes. They are very complimentary as you can use your faces in your PhotoShop Designs!!! The classes are doable in overlap because you can do them whenever you want…the lessons are self paced.
I have Corel Paint Shop Pro. Can I do the class with it?
oral is a good program and has most of the same capabilities as PSE8 or PS/CS. I would recommend downloading the free version (see above) and then translating what you learn to Corel.