Painting With Photography

Noir by Nick Norris. Digital Photography.

I always wanted to paint. I really tried to, but the images in my head weren't the ones that would come out on canvas. I had an infinite amount of dreamscapes trying to escape my head.

Then I found Jerry Uelsmann's work.

I took up photography as just an elective at first, but during the course, I did a report on Uelsmann. His photos were exactly the kind of photography I wanted to do and a way to express what is in my head.

Wizard and Glass by Nick Norris. B&W Dark Room Process.

Bigger on the Inside by Nick Norris. B&W Dark Room Process.

My early black and white work lacked the visual power Uelsmann could create, but it was a good grasp at basics. I spent a long time refusing to use Photoshop and insisting on maintaining my goal in being recognized in alternative B&W photography. After two years, someone explained thoroughly what this technomancy called Photoshop was actually. It's a digital darkroom, another tool to use.

Merlin by Nick Norris. Digital Photography.

In Her Element by Nick Norris. Digital Photography.

I got savvy on digital photography and produced some canvas like pieces for my own pleasure. With a combination of brush strokes and filters, I've been able to slightly replicate drawn and painted images.