March 2, 2012

The perfect recipe...




"Cortona Doorway"


Does Cortona ring a bell with anyone?  If you are a fan of the author Frances Mayes, it is where her "Under the Tuscan Sun" takes place.  I have been involved in an ongoing love affair with the book/movie so much so, that I planned a vacation where we rented a villa in Cortona, googled Frances Mayes' directions to her Bramasole' villa....and then stalked it. I know, what you are all thinking...kinda scary what you can find out on Google, right?  Haha, even I think it is a bit strange that I felt compelled to actually do this.  I just  prefer to think of it as "adventurous".  Luckily Frances wasn't scared, because when she saw us lurking on the small street outside Bramasole', she came out to meet us along with her husband Ed.  FYI, Ms. Mayes looks nothing like Diane Lane...but then again, who does?!?  And I left with a bit of a crush on Ed.

While on the trip we explored Cortona from top to bottom.  This photo was taken in a little alley way.  I love how the door is slightly ajar as if it were begging me to peak in.  I'm not quite THAT adventurous, as I definitely do not speak enough Italian to talk my way out of a possible arrest...so I did the next best thing and took photos instead.

Lately, I have been concentrating so much on "lightening up" any editing I do on my photos.  So I decided to give "Photo Art Friday" a whirl this week and manipulate a photo into looking "painterly" via a more heavy-handed editing approach.  And just like any great Italian mama in the kitchen...I can't share my recipe on how I accomplished this because I didn't write it down and was completely winging it.  "A little of this, and a pinch of that" is the best way to create both food and art.  All I know for sure is that I used Pixel Art's "Raised Effect" and "Vintage Wine Label" textures in many various layers and blending methods until I got it just the way I wanted it.

Buon Appetito!  And I have a fun drinking game to play with Limoncello and the movie "Under the Tuscan Sun" too, just sayin'.


--Kathy

28 comments:

  1. I love this photo! Just beautiful!!

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  2. Love your photo. The processing on it is just right! I'd love to know the Limoncello game. My girlfriends and I are planning a trip to Tuscany - and when we meet we'll be watching Under The Tuscan Sun. After seeing your photo, I may have to watch it tonight, too! Dreaming of Italy (my son is leaving for Rome & Naples tomorrow - I'm so jealous!)

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  3. First off - I just love the movie "Under the tuscan sun" - I could watch it over & over.
    And this photo .... wow! What a fabulous conversion over to painting. You made me think about some pictures I took this year that I want to go back and process as painted art now LOL - Great joB!!

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  4. Absolutely like a painting, very nice.

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  5. This is very beautiful. I dream of going to Tuscany.

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  6. How beautiful and inviting. Doors are such fab subjects for any form of art. Thank you for showcasing this piece with Photo Art Friday. You certainly found the right recipe for it.

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  7. Awesome door and didn't i just know it was from Cortona!! Lovely editing kathy, and what a great photo. Inspires me to go back in to my files. What could be more wonderful than Italia

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  8. Hello Kathy, we love that movie and I love your photo, too. It really does look a painting and I love doorways anyway, and old stucco structures, and flower pots on stairs, and..........:) So glad you shared this. If you liked "Under the Tuscan Sun" so much you'll probably like a movie titled "A Year in Provence."

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  9. I read A Year in Provence...(peeked at the above comment.) Definitely a good read too. I didn't know it was a movie.

    Once I get weddings out of the way, whenever that is...the first sometime after Christmas the second undecided still...THEN we are doing a Rick Steve's Italian Villages tour.

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  10. It came out beautifully. such a romantic looking spot....and your story too shares that romantic touch. How wonderful to follow thru to something that has occupied delightful mind space. Happy day my friend.

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  11. Great photography and post-processing.

    Regards and best wishes

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  12. Love the editing, but especially enjoyed the story. I never saw the movie, though. You have me longing for Italy. Have a good weekend.

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  13. Wow! This really does look like a painting worthy of a Gallery. Love it. I don't believe I ever watched the entire Under the Tuscan Sun movie but perhaps I should.

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  14. Looks like a painting....gorgeous doorway.

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  15. What an amazing photo. Your editing is right on! I have to say I just love "Under the Tuscan sun" it's one of my favorites. I just love Diane Lane s. Another movie I love her in is "Unfaithful". But who would cheat on Richard Gere..

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  16. This. IS. GORGEOUS!! Looks like it should be on a notecard!! Since I may never make it to Italy, I'll just have to live vicariously through you. What a fun adventure....

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  17. Soft and ethereal, gorgeous colors and beautiful framing! Wonderful photo! Thank you for sharing.

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  18. It's lovely, Kathy -- and your story is amazing. You need to do more textures -- you are a natural. :)

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  19. Beautiful. I love the warmth of this.

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  20. Oomph!!! BEAUTIFUL!!! And I love the movie Under a Tuscan Sun. I sooo want to go to Italy now!!!

    Wonderful image, Kathy! And beautiful processing work! I have MISSED your blog and photographs! :)

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  21. Lol, Kathy. I'm referring to the "drinking game". This is so gorgeous it could be a painting. You should print it to sell.

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  22. Wow,- wonderful work!
    Have a nice week:)

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  23. Oh this is just beautiful. I need to try this.

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  24. Beautiful. Love the image and richness of it.

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