Using digital technology, it’s possible to transform ordinary photographs into works of art. These examples were chosen to demonstrate various treatments and to explain how they are accomplished. Each creation began as a simple photo, or several photos, modified in various ways to create the end result.

Some years ago as a technical illustrator, I did a considerable amount of work with Rapidograph pens and India ink. This is reflected by the simulated pen and ink treatment in many of these creations.

CLICK ON THUMBNAILS TO ENLARGE IMAGES. AFTER ENLARGING, USE THE FORWARD AND BACK ARROWS TO COMPARE IMAGES.

This weathered barn was given a watercolor treatment, enhanced with pen and ink. The result would be suitable for framing or for use on a greeting card.

These colorful bicycles were “painted” using a daubed paint effect, combined with black outlines for emphasis. The saturation of the colors was exaggerated to bring out the vibrance of the colors.

Catfish Row in Charleston, SC, inspired DuBose Heyward to write the story of Porgy and Bess, later set to music by George Gershwin. This watercolor illustration emphasizes the colors and textures of the walls, sidewalk and gratings.

A simple silk-screen treatment brings out the monochromatic look of a church, photographed at dusk.

The eagle was composited with a Bible verse as a gift to a retiring church officer. The original was printed on genuine canvas for a rich appearance.

The owl and its unwitting victim were actually taxidermy specimens photographed at a wildlife preserve (!!) in Pennsylvania. The photos of Grandfather Mountain, NC, and a fencepost along the Blue Ridge Parkway were composited with the animals to create this illusion. The owl’s head was reversed so he could look in the right direction.

The restored Lincoln and its hood ornament were photographed amid the clutter of a restoration shop. Backgrounds were eliminated. The watercolor treatment brings out the details of the chrome dog and the car. The elements were simplified and combined into this pleasing composite.

This dreary photo was taken on a rainy autumn day in Amish country. The striking colors in the final piece are all in the original image — the saturation has been exaggerated considerably. Interestingly, the street looks wetter than in the original image. A pastel chalk on burlap treatment adds some interesting texture.

The parking lot photo of this car was combined with a cobblestone street photo. Although the perspectives are not exactly identical, they are close enough to be convincing. The car’s details are simplified through the use of a silk-screen effect, combined with pen and ink outlines.

Another parking lot photo was combined with a mountain view. The car’s details are simplified through the use of a watercolor effect, combined with pen and ink outlines.

This flower garden birdhouse was given a daubed paint treatment, enhanced with some dark edging. The illustration was done for a greeting card.

Yes, these are our studio cats, Mindy and Molly. The snapshot was converted to a pastel chalk treatment with some pen and ink for emphasis. We’ve used this image on greeting cards.