Stop & Post December 2005

**Simon Beck** · 30 November 2005, 09:26 PM

Welcome to what promises to be another graphical treat, with all those holidays coming up. If you're working on cards, concert programmes or anything else, seasonal or otherwise, stop doing what you're doing and send us a sample. This forum thrives on creativity, inventiveness and individuality, so show us what you're made of!

**John Rayner** · 30 November 2005, 11:20 PM

Very Cool Simon! Slinging code at the moment and not much art. Will try to come up with something tho...

wW · 01 December 2005, 10:22 PM

I know some folks won't like this, but it is something I've been working on none the less.

The image is not complete yet but it's getting there. So far it's 3 colors & you can do alot with 2 colors if you try. Kinda has a tie dye feel to it.

When completed I may print some up & give them away for the holidays.

Merry Christmas everyone!

**Soquili** · 01 December 2005, 11:54 PM

Don't pay attention to anyone that wouldn't like your image. It looks great. Very nice technique.

**a4hire** · 02 December 2005, 01:55 AM

Yes very nice image there wW. Good job.

Here was the last thing I did in Xara for someone that works at the postal service co-workers call him stich so this is the image he wanted me to draw for him.

**Soquili** · 02 December 2005, 02:07 AM

Still making some tweeks to this image. Concentrating on the facial colours. Suggestions or comments are very welcome.

Bruce - great looking Stitch

**sallybode** · 02 December 2005, 03:30 PM

Wow, every one's post is great.

Bob, the hair is incredible, is it done in Xara too?

**Soquili** · 02 December 2005, 03:32 PM

Hi Sally,

Bob??? Oh, you mean me

Yes, all 18,712 hairs are Xara created shapes.

**Know1** · 02 December 2005, 04:11 PM

Any tips on how to create hair like that? So far I've only worked on the face part and used a simple blend for the err.. I quess it's supposed to be hair.

**Soquili** · 02 December 2005, 05:55 PM

I really like your image, it reminds me of someone. Just, can't remember at this time.

What I did was some lines for the length and general curve of the hair. Then I converted them to shapes using the Arrange menu. Apply fills to the lines to get the general colour of the hair. I used a linear fill with several colour nodes and tints of the colour so that it would not look artificial. Use the Blend Tool between two hairs in an area then convert to Editable Shapes and then Ungroup so you can edit each one individually to get the look you want. Repeat as needed.

It took me over two years working on and off with the hair to complete the image. Not something that could be done under a schedule.

I'll post some examples later after I get home, about six or seven hours from now.