Watercolor Wednesdays

With the help of a new iPad app named Waterlogue,  I can now transform my ordinary garden photos into charming impressionistic watercolor images.  As beautiful as photographs may be, there's something more special and mysterious about watercolor paintings.  Great watercolors often resemble candid snapshots where just the essence of the subject matter is distilled into brushstrokes.  Waterlogue does that to my pics without having me dip my brush into paint.

I do admit that it does feel like cheating.  I was never a really good painter (even after adolescent art lessons).  However, I've started to gain confidence as a photographer.  Now with Waterlogue, I can remake my favorite photos and be the "painter" I've always romanticized about being. 

I'm not a techie so I won't even begin to decipher the mechanics behind this photo alteration. But I am anxious to explore all the unique opportunities this technology provides.  I can craft beautiful screensavers, personal greeting cards, gift tags and even artwork "suitable for framing".  

I think I'll dedicate Wednesdays to showcasing watercolor treatments of some of my favorite Hamptons garden photographs.  Here's a few before-and-afters to kick things off.  Hope you enjoy.

Sweet Black-eyed Susan growing on the New York High Line

Sailboat on Georgica Pond

'Nikko Blue' hydrangeas in my Hamptons garden