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Creating Art work Using your Scanner

by Jill Black

Scanner Art is a simple way to capture still life images that can be turned into creative pieces of art to decorate your home.

Many ordinary objects that would be difficult to photograph are good candidates for photo art - in particular objects where it is otherwise difficult to get a good, clear close-up shot of your subject.

These include such items as...

Feathers
Fruit and vegetables
Shells
Flowers
Pine Cones
To name a few.

Various backgrounds can be created for your artwork including the use of tissue paper, rice paper, velvet or any texture or background that would add interest.

Before placing objects onto the scanner surface it is important to protect it from scratches and accidental damage. I like to use a sheet of actetate (OHP is a good option). Likewise any debris should be removed from the object and also the glass which could ruin the finished image. It is easier at this stage than to have to do a touchup with your editing software program later on.

Be careful not to touch the scanner glass as it can be easily ruined by acids such as perspiration on fingertips, drink or food coming into contact with it likewise do not scan anything that is wet or damp.

I like to let my scanner warm up for at least half an hour to ensure that I get the best quality scanned image.

Compose your composition away from the scanner and when you are happy with your arrangement lay your objects carefully onto the scanner surface. Now you are ready to scan your masterpiece.

If you are using a background (instead of the scanner cover as your background) it is better to remove the cover to avoid accidental damage.

Light backgrounds can be created using

- Scanner Cover
- Tissue or Rice paper

To create a seamless Black background

- Make a black box at least 6 inches deep to sit on top of your scanner. By having this depth you will ensure that it is always out of focus. Black velvet makes a good liner but be careful to remove any white specks that could show up in the final image with a small piece of sticky cellotape.

Start scannning at a lower resolution because of the memory required and increase until you have the result you require.

Save your images onto computer ready for printing.

To print your images, use a good quality plain paper, glossy paper or textured board.

If you use a textured board paper this can be sealed and painted (the same way a decoupaging) to give the appearance of a textured canvas. This is especially good for still life arrangements. To give an aged appearance to your art use a crackle medium.

Mouse clip art by 1 Papacaio