Karen Sperling’s Blog

Painting by Karen Sperling from her photo, featured in Painting for Photographers.

When I lived in New York City in the last century before karaoke and American Idol, I attempted a singing career.
I performed in clubs around Manhattan on open mic nights. I also created a cabaret act and performed it several times.
I always say we’re our own worst critics, and my photo is next to Own Worst Critic in the dictionary.
I knew my positives were that I was attractive and could sing on key.
I also thought I knew my negative was that I didn’t sound like–insert any female singer here.
I had a lot of experience singing.
Throughout my student years I sang in the school chorus and in school musicals.
And I was serious about my singing career-I took singing lessons for a year before I started to sing in the clubs.
My biggest negative that I wasn’t aware of back then was, lack of confidence.
The clearest example was at one open mic night where I gave what I thought was one of the best performances of my short-lived singing career.
I could hear the audience chatting throughout my song and when I was done, the audience applauded politely.
I sat down and the next girl got up to sing.
She was decked out in a very sexy outfit and when she sang, not very well, and off key, she mesmerized the audience.
No one talked during her performance and when she was done, she got a standing ovation.
Huh?
My singing teacher was there with me that night and he explained that the other singer sold the song with her confidence despite the technical flaws, while I, really the better singer of the two, sang like I was apologizing for taking up the audience’s time.
Simply put: The other singer had confidence and I didn’t.
In retrospect, I probably could have learned to sing with confidence and succeeded in some manner as a singer.
To succeed, though, you really have to be passionate about something, and I made the decision that I had other passions that burned more brightly than singing.
The moral of the story is, no matter what you’re doing, whether it’s singing, painting from photos, or making films, you have to do it with confidence.
Talent isn’t the deciding factor governing whether you can do something.
Confidence is.
Talent is a nebulous commodity.
You might be more talented at something than you think.
How will you know if you decide you don’t have talent before you try?
You might be cheating yourself out of the thing you’re best at!
You have to do what interests you and have confidence in your pursuits.
Interests become passions as you pursue them.
Most people never give themselves a chance to do what interests them because they think the rest of the world has talent and they don’t.
What the rest of this imagined world has that they haven’t got, to quote the cowardly lion, is courage. You can say that again.
My new book, Painting for Photographers, is for photographers who think they can create paintings from photos.
The book proposes, if you think you can paint, you probably can, after you learn the art lessons and painting tools, and then practice.
If you have the dream to paint photos, or create books, or movies, or companies for that matter, you have to stop dreaming and find the confidence to start putting one foot in front of the other to make things happen.
Meanwhile, confidence to paint from photos doesn’t end with buying my books and tutorials and attending my classes.
The confidence is also required to keep going!
Some people read the tutorials or attend the classes, but get discouraged in the beginning because their paintings aren’t masterpieces.
Part of painting-good painting-is trying and trying some more, and with practice, getting better and better. And that can be said of anything.
As I say in my tutorials, books and classes, everything you paint is an interim step.
You may not like how it’s looking, and you might get frustrated with the results.
The fact is, the more you paint, the better everything gets!
The nature of a painting is that the early stages don’t look very good–no matter how experienced the artist is!
You have to keep going–it does get better the more you work on it!
And it takes confidence to know that the more you paint, or write, or sing, the better you get.
Next time you paint, or write, or learn to cook-anything-forget about the mysterious things you have no control over like talent and have the confidence that if you’re interested in something, you probably can do it, if you follow the right steps, and keep at it!
Of course, if you have both talent and confidence, you will do very well.
And obviously, if you’re really bad at something, all the confidence in the world ultimately won’t hide the fact.
The opposite is true, too, though.
You can be the most talented at something, but if you have no confidence, you’ll never get anywhere with your talent.
What I’m talking about here is the person who probably can do something that he or she wants to do, like paint photos, but is afraid to try because of lack of confidence, and blames the excuse, he or she has no talent.
Just go for it!

Part II: Four Ways to Find Confidence

Postscript: I got the news later in the day that I posted this blog that my art’s been accepted into a new gallery show, “Highly Toxic,” at Gallery Godo, 6749 San Fernando Rd.#C, Glendale, CA 91201.
Opening Night: September 25, 2009, 7 pm to midnight.
Please join us!
Karen Sperling’s art

Tags: The process of art (Corel Painter) by Artistry
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Start with art lessons.
Add a dash of Corel Painter, a pinch of traditional acrylics and oils and voilá, you have unique artwork to cherish forever–or to sell to someone else to cherish forever!
And the art lessons, Painter steps and post-printing painting techniques await you at a new class that I have set up to take place Friday, November 6, 2009 through Sunday, November 8, 2009.
And the best news is, the canvas print of your artwork that you create in the class and enhance with acrylics and oils is yours to keep–and sell!
If you want to learn how to create masterpieces to sell, this workshop is for you!
Here’s an example of the kind of thing you can do with my art lessons, Painter steps and painting techniques.
This is a photo by Felicia Tausig:

And the painting I created from it in Corel Painter.

And this is the image after it was printed on canvas and after I painted on it with acrylics and oils:

All of this magic will be happening at the Santa Clarita Valley Center for Photography, a brand-new photography studio that opened just last month just north of Los Angeles.

I met with owner Mel Carll, a finance-guy-turned-photographer, and instructor David Saffir, an internationally recognized photographer and printmaker.
Add my 20 years of experience writing about, teaching and using Painter for commissioned portraits and gallery shows, and you get a workshop not to be missed!

I’m excited to be in on the ground floor of the debut of this new photography resource and I’m looking forward to holding many classes and exhibits there.
Click here for a news report about the center’s debut.
Click here for the center’s web site, including their e-mail address. Contact them for more information and to register. We haven’t worked out the final details yet, but ask for Mel and tell him I sent you about the Painter class. He’ll keep you updated as the plans are finalized.
The 3-day class at the Santa Clarita Valley Center for Photography will include art lessons and information for painting your photo in Painter in addition to the instruction for painting on canvas.
If you prefer to have more information about the art lessons and Painter steps, then my traditional Artistry Retreats are for you.
I have several scheduled in the upcoming months in Manhattan Beach, CA.
I took this photo in Manhattan Beach, CA.

Then painted it in Painter.

The Artistry Retreats include art lessons and step-by-step instruction for painting portraits and landscapes in Painter.
Click here for more information about the Artistry Retreats.
Can’t make it to a class?
Then read Painting for Photographers, my new book with art lessons, Painter and Photoshop steps and post-printing painting techniques for turning photos into paintings.
Click here for more information about Painting for Photographers.
Click the link below to read just some of the rave reviews for Painting for Photographers.
Too busy to learn to paint from your photos?
Commission me to do it!
Click here for information for commissioning a portrait!

Tags: The process of art (Corel Painter) by Artistry
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Painting for Photographers is receiving rave reviews!

Here are just a few of the reactions pouring in about Painting for Photographers!

Your book is fantastic!
Peter
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Karen,
Thank you for being THE most informed, dedicated and inspiring Painter aficionado!
Terre Spencer
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Karen,

Thank you for such a wonderful book.
I have been using Painter for a couple of years now, but have not been happy with the results.
I purchased most of the Painter books and found out they were big on explaining how Painter works, but not big on how to complete a successful painting.
Your book explains the details of Painter while teaching the details of painting–a rare combination in the Painter Book World!
As soon as your book gets out in the public and they realize how successfully you can teach, you will have a best seller.
Thank you for a great book and for enhancing my learning experience.
Ben
p.s. I have also purchased your book in hard copy so I can read it away from the computer.

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These concepts are long over due. This book will make it big time. Fabulous techniques.
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blog critics “highly recommend” Painting for Photographers!
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Digital Image Magazine gives Painting for Photographers a glowing review!
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Corel Painter Magazine notes, “Sperling explains the features of Painter with clarity and authority - which is to be expected, because she authored the manuals for the early versions of the program. As a result, this is a wonderful tome that’s not only suitable for creative photographers but also for anyone looking to take their first steps in the world of digital painting.”
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Diane Berkenfeld says, “The guidance and education in Karen Sperling’s Painting for Photographers takes the intimidation out of turning photographs into painted masterpieces.”
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My work has been associated with classic paintings for years.
Now yours can be, also!
Painting for Photographers will help photographers greatly to create classic portraits into classic paintings.
You must have this book.
It is the answer to making your work unique and exciting and worth more money.
Everyone knows that paintings are classic and expensive.
This is your chance to elevate your work.
Painting for Photographers offers the tools and instruction to turn your photographs into paintings.
It’s never been easier to make your work uniquely yours than with this great book.
-Phillip Stewart Charis
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I’ve always admired the beautiful, hand-painted feel of these images, but have been overwhelmed (and frankly, a bit intimidated) by the thought of learning how to do them myself.
Painting for Photographers is a beautifully done book that is also beautifully easy to understand.
Karen Sperling has taken a mystical subject and brought it down to earth.
Simple to understand, well thought out, and amazing results.
I’m eager to create my own masterpiece now!
Kevin Kubota
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I spent a great deal of time looking at the E-book last night and I was thoroughly impressed with what I saw.
It really is a timeless masterpiece and a valuable resource for anyone interested in turning photographs into art.
The fundamentals are really straightforward and easy to understand as you present them.
I applied the ‘match color’ techniques to one of my photos that I always wanted to paint with amazing results.
Mike
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Dear Karen,

Congratulations on the upcoming release of the printed version of your new book! I know it will be most helpful, as all your tutorials are. You have a gift for being able to convey what seem to be complex ideas in a way the rest of us can understand and put into practice.

The best of luck to you, wish I could be at your book signing!!!! Thanks for all you do for us aspiring artists.
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Comment #1
Okay, I just received the e-book last night and all I can say is WOW! Couldn’t put it down. So very easy to read and understand. Has already enlightened the way I look at things. Thanks for your knowledge and such friendly writing!
Comment #2
Since reading the 1st part of the book I now carry around a color wheel. It is amazing what I notice in everything from painted parking lots to some really nice art.
You make things click by the way you write. Thanks even more and many Blessings.
Lonnie
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Dear Karen,
I’ve downloaded your book and it is awesome.
It’s very informative and easy to understand for those of us who are jumping into Painter with both feet (having no previous painting background other than parochial school and the nuns yelling “stay in the lines!”).
Thanks for sharing your talent and knowledge with us less fortunate ones.
Sincerely,
Patricia
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You have my heartfelt admiration for both your skill and putting the book together.
I have done smaller tutorial stuff and know what a mammoth task it can be … as well as the editing later.
All I can say again is congratulations and I am not surprised it is a big hit.
Thank you for the eBook option as I am gradually moving that way. My house is overflowing with books.
Wendy
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Great job and thank you for the wonderful resources. I love your lessons.
Jason
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Karen,
The new book is excellent!
It covers the kind of broad areas of knowledge needed when you’re trying to get a handle on a complex topic like photopainting.
At the same time, it provides enough detail to give the reader-user a running head-start.
Best of all, the art concepts are invaluable, the explanation of color schemes, differences between painting and photos, etc. suddenly made many mysteries clear.
Thanks for creating such an invaluable learning tool and reference.
Best regards,
Ron Murphy
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Hi Karen,
Wow!!
Your book is superb - exactly what I hoped for, and so much more.
Absolutely crammed with useful information and truly inspiring examples of artworked photos that actually look like original paintings, rather than the obviously manipulated photos that abound in other books.
It’s what I’ve been wanting to achieve for years, and I am so looking forward to experimenting with the techniques.
You must be very proud of this book and I hope it does well for you.
Thank you SO much,
Christine
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Karen:
WOW just WOW.
I downloaded the book and had a chance to view it quickly last night.
It seem to be just what I wanted.
I have several books on Painter and some DVDs.
This book is more to the point (what I need).
Thanks.
Larry
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I really like your writing style. The voice I hear is clear and breezy.
Graphics are awesome.
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Beautiful work, Karen.
I wish you good luck on this endeavor.
Best,
Ken
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Hi Karen,
I downloaded the book last night.  It is everything I expected and more. Fantastic Job, Karen ! ! !
Best Regards,
Barbara Lewis
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From South Korea:
Thank you so much.
You made it a great thing.
See it, the more interesting.
I would like to thank you for your work.
Work hard and want to show my results.
You are my hero.
That will say thank you again.
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Hi Karen,
I was able to download your book without any problems. I like the fact that you’ve protected the book, even when it’s downloaded, by requiring the password. All worked well. I quickly scanned the book and think it looks great!
What I particularly like is your patient provision of a plentiful number of stages of a painting as you progress from start to finish with comments about how to accomplish each stage. It’s as if you are with the reader in a studio class, making suggestions as the reader goes along. That “teacher” aspect is very important to many of us, as too many books show the start and finish with some comments about how to reach the end point; yet the intermediate stages are not provided, so the process about getting from A to B still remains something of a mystery.
The design of the book: layout, color choices, typography, etc. also makes the book very appealing. The book, itself, is a work of art. What’s also nice is that it is short and to the point. The book provides background, explanation and, as I mentioned, many of examples, both of stages in the process, but also of a wide variety of approaches, media and subject matter: something for every taste and interest. I’m looking forward to experimenting with the approaches and techniques you demonstrate in the book.
I think your book will be very successful, Karen. It provides just what those of us “wannabe” artists are seeking to learn to broaden and deepen our skills and range of abilities in this exciting new media.
BTW, I did research David Hockney and found his most recent England show on line, saw examples of his digital art. He gives “digial art” greater credence as a legitimate art form, and people are paying from between $14,000 and $40,000 for his digital art work.
Thanks for all your work on this book and patience with us who pre-ordered it. You followed through and kept your word, and now we have a copy of your exciting and visually beautiful book to guide and inspire us.
Kind regards,
Mike Miller
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Hi Karen,
Thanks for the link to download Painting for Photographers. I have to tell you that I downloaded it BEFORE my morning coffee! What do you think of that?
Well, Karen, you have created a work about art that is in itself a work of art! What a labor of love and I am loving your labor. I gave the work a quick look see to get an overview of your approach, etc. The information and details with which you present your expertise is truly unlike any other publication I have used. I will be very excited to get an actual paper copy so I can have the paper in my hand while I enjoy painting.
Don’t you know that I had to respond immediately. Now I can have my cup of coffee while I am still glowing with the excitement of possibilities you have unleashed for me. Well done!
Cordially,
Jim Gahl
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OMG! This book is AWESOME!!! Really!! Outstanding! I’m reading the beginning and I love it already!!! Just from reading some of the ebook chapters, it makes me feel as if you are right there and you really care about helping us.
First of course I saw my name and I got my “15 minutes of fame” LOL! Loved it!!
Then I read the part about the tracing paper and how it really works as I was having so much trouble with it and there it was clearly explained!
Just from reading certain chapters I can’t wait to get started!
I don’t know which chapter would be my favorite as I love the landscape paintings you did as well as the pets.
I just recently finished a painting of Venice. I then printed it on canvas with my Epson 1800. Not as good as I think it should be. I will be doing more as I now have your ebook to help me. Although, I can’t wait to get my book and it is a birthday present to me.
Karen I’m so glad I met you via the internet and one of these days, I hope to meet you in person… maybe at a book signing in GA!
Thanks again Forever your fan Barbara Okun!
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I am so excited to start using Painting for Photographers.
Just skimming the pages shows me you have covered every part of painter known to man!
This book is your usual meticulous self, covering all the details we photographers need to produce a lovely painting.
When you explain something, it is clear and understandable.
Thanks again for your valuable contribution.
Regards,
Shirley
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Karen:
Although I downloaded the eBook earlier this week, today is the first day I could shut out the world to read it with complete focus.   Personally, I’m enjoying being able to read it in the pdf format…because after I read your comments, I can zoom in 100% or more to see details in the examples and more fully comprehend what you’re teaching… something I’m not sure I’ll be able to do as well with the hard copy book.
In just the first 15 pages, I’ve learned about 4 new things that are going to take my digital painting of photographs to a higher level!  There was a photograph that I wanted to paint, but I felt something was wrong…the area of highest contrast was the satin dresses of the three little girls, rather than their faces.  Your book inspired me to open this image–I would read one of your suggestions, then do it on the image. Now I have a wonderful base photo saved that I will continue to work on as I read your eBook.
This is just what the doctor ordered to renew my enthusiasm and creative juices…a huge thank you for sharing your vision!
Make it a ’sunsational’ day,
Sunshine Wright
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Karen:
Thanks for everything.
I am enjoying your book immensely.
It is very easy to follow, and your lessons are very informative.
Just what I needed.
Thanks again.
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Hi Karen:
Loved the new book. It is the perfect compliment to your seminars.Simply perfect.
Kind regards.
Chris
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Hello  Karen,
What an amazing accomplishment for you to have put this entire book together yourself! I’m SO impressed.
The book looks fantastic, and the content is so useful and informative.  A great educational tool for someone (like me) who would like to turn their photos into something more than just a picture.  Thanks so much for your time and effort putting this all together, and especially for the .pdf so the learning can begin.  It was very kind of you to do that, and I hope others appreciate it as much as do I.
I really can’t say enough about how much I love the book and admire you for your expertise and dedication in making it available.  I’m sure it will be very successful with the people who have an interest in effectively being able to make  use of Painter.
Thanks again,
Trish
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Congratulations on the success of Painting for Photographers.
After flipping through the pages, I had no regrets in purchasing this book.
It has detailed instructions and images just as I hoped.
Thank you Karen for sharing your knowledge by creating this book.
More power and keep inspiring!
Jen
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Karen,
We’re docents at the local museum and I’ve found that your work transcends the software and gives great insight into art in general. Thanks so much for your great work.
Ken
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Karen,
Thank you for your promptness in filling my e-book request.
I’ve just read the first 15 pages and I’m thrilled, this is exactly what I needed, I needed to be guided.
I’m so excited…. God Bless your endeavor.
Kindest Regards
Rose
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Painting for Photographers is available immediately as an Ebook, or you can reserve a printed copy prior to publication.

Order Painting for Photographers today!

Tags: Painting for Photographers Book Reviews (Corel Painter) by Artistry
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