Mastering Photoshop Pop Art Techniques

1. Computer Graphics with Adobe Photoshop Photoshop Pop Art – Level 3

2. What You’ll Learn… • Advanced photo manipulation techniques using Adobe Photoshop • Information about the pop art movement, the artists who defined the style and their distinctive artistic styles • Where to find helpful information on Photoshop tools and techniques Stuff You’ll Need… • Photoshop CS2, CS3 or CS4 • A photo of a person or pet to modify

3. ePortfolio Suggestions… • Before you begin the activities in this Learning Launcher, write down anything you already know about pop art and the artists who defined the style. • Document the progress on your image through screen captures as you transform it into your final artwork. • Research and report on the artist who’s style you chose to imitate. Discuss what it was about his or her style that you found most interesting. • Discuss the defining characteristics of the artistic style and how you imitated the style in Photoshop. Document and sources of information you found to help you in your project.

4. What You Should Know… You should already have a good understanding of intermediate Photoshop tools, image adjustments and layering techniques. If you are not familiar with Photoshop tools, filters and menu options, or do not have experience working with layers and layer styles, you should consider starting with the tutorials and activities in a Level 1 or Level 2 Photoshop Learning Launcher.

5. What You Should Know… The Pop Art movement began in Britain and America in the 1950’s and fully emerged in the 1960’s. Pioneers in the movement included Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Jasper Johns, Keith Haring, Claes Oldenburg, David Hockney and Robert Rauschenberg. Pop art rebelled against conventional ideas of fine art. It challenged historical notions of art as elitist, and boldly incorporated ideas and images found in popular culture. Pop art took its influences directly from comic books, advertisements and everyday objects. The rebellious spirit of pop art was often expressed through irony and parody of traditional notions of fine art. Andy Warhol even went so far as to name his art studio “The Factory” to emphasize his unconventional approach. One can imagine that many pop artists were even delighted when mainstream art critics of the day dismissed their work with a casual, “that’s not art!” How do you think those art critics feel now when Warhol paintings routinely sell for over $6 million? One of the most iconic paintings of the pop art movement: Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Can - 1968

6. Do It!Photoshop Pop Art If you’re a Photoshop user, it probably didn’t take you very long to figure out just how powerful an application it is. In this exercise, you’ll be using Photoshop tools and techniques to modify a photo in the style of a famous pop artist. Do you recognize the famous pop artist who’s distinctive style is evident below? If not, do a quick internet search on “pop art”. It shouldn’t take you too long to find him. Now here are some examples of photos that were modified in Photoshop to imitate this style

7. Do It!Photoshop Pop Art Here’s another example of a pop art conversion – this time in the style of artist Roy Lichtenstein. Now it’s your turn! First do a little research on pop art and the artists who defined the style - pick an artist you find most inspiring. Can you figure out how to use Photoshop to imitate that artist? Take a photo of a friend, classmate, pet – or even yourself - and give it a try!

8. Try replicating the styles of other artists or art styles. Can you replicate the work of impressionist painters like Georges Suerat or Vincent Van Gogh? Go online to learn more about the pop art movement and the artists who pioneered the style. Which artists inspire you most? What current art movements express a similar rebellious spirit? How do you think they will be viewed in 50 years? Try transforming a photo into a charcoal or colored pencil drawing, a mosaic, a stained-glass creation or a blueprint. Explore the Photoshop filters. What other interesting effects can you create to convert photos into stylized art someone would enjoy as a gift or might want to buy? Several businesses have been started converting photos to art like you’ve just done. What would it take to start a business creating and selling photo conversions like you’ve created? Who would your customers be? How would you advertise? What would you charge? Develop a business plan to launch your very own business. Extend Yourself… Do you recognize any of these famous paintings? Could you imitate these styles with Photoshop?