Photoshop Studio with Bert Monroy (Voices (New Riders))

As Monroy explains it, while creating one painting he finds methods to solve problems that arise in others. In the same way, he hopes that readers will learn by following along with his specific situations, for example, type that moves along the folds in an awning ruffle or an extremely subtle reflection of a matchstick in a marble. Since there are neither online project files nor a companion CD-ROM, readers are encouraged to work things out for themselves using their own artwork.

Monroy provides extensive advice on working with brushes; creating shadows, reflections, and surfaces (wood, metal, bark, stucco, and more); and creating fog, fire, and a nice flag waving in the breeze to finish it all off (where the miracle of clipping groups becomes clear). Readers learn the power behind the many options buried in Photoshop's palettes and menus.

If you own his previous book, Photorealistic Techniques with Photoshop & Illustrator, you won't find much overlap here. Some of the images are the same, but for the most part they're used to show new techniques. You'll marvel at Monroy's digital masterpieces, many of which are collected in a bonus gallery section. Monroy's love of teaching and of making art is evident throughout, and it will light the fire of motivation and inspiration in readers of all levels. --Angelynn Grant

Product Description

The Technique and Power of Creation"This is a book of techniques. They are the techniques that I have developed in the creation of my fine art. My art is considered photo-realism because the final product looks like a photograph. As a commercial illustrator, I am commissioned to create photographs of products or situations that can't be photographed with a camera. In most cases, the product does not yet exist. To achieve such a high level of realism, I have developed the techniques I share with you in this book. This does not imply that you will become a photo-realist painter, but you will find that many of these techniques can be applied to many of the imaging problems that can arise in the workflow of anyone involved with the use of images. They are also techniques that might inspire you to explore the outer reaches of your own creativity."

--Bert Monroy

This book is full of amazing artwork Bert has done with Photoshop, along with a lot of tips and techniques from the master himself. You'll have a hard time believe that this book isn't just a collection of photos. Bert style is so photo-realistic it's jaw-dropping.

Definitely a must-have book for any PS enthusiast. Even if you don't plan to use PS for Photoreal artwork, there are techniques here that are applicable to other uses for PS but the book itself is worth the price just for the awe factor of Monroy's work.


Very Good   June 18, 2003
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

This book will get your imagination going. Some great tips.

The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is that there could have been more content.