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Thread: Abstract Blends

  1. #1
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    Default Abstract Blends

    When you create abstract blends it is a interactive process where you can creatively respond to what you are seeing emerge from even subtle edits. Great fun!


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    Here's how the image was generated: Overlaid on a rectangle with a four-color fill are two similar (but different) Xara multi-step blends superimposed over each other. Both use star-shaped vector objects with four-colour fills and repeating circular stained glass transparencies blended on an 's' curve. After their creations, the rear blend itself was given bleach transparency. The forward blend retained its original stained glass transparency. An exported jpg was processed in FotoSketcher v3 (free program) to create a 180-degree halftone. The halftone image was then imported back into the Xara document and overlaid on the original blends/background. The final image uses three superimposed copies of that halftone image, each with a different linear transparency. There are for instance both stained glass and bleached versions of the halftone image effecting specific partial areas of the underlying Xara blends/background.

    Why would anyone do this? It is fun.

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Abstract Blends

    Here's a zoomed view.

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  3. #3
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    Default Re: Abstract Blends

    Fantastic to see 'Xara' being used purely for experimental artistic exploration fun. I firmly believe it's one of its true hidden strengths as it's easy to export out then import back and seamlessly blend vector and bitmap. Having said that I don't personally like too much the bold bright colours, but that's just me being a bit boring.
    Jon (Jono) Xara Photo & Graphic Designer 19.0.0.64329 DL x64 May 19 2022

  4. #4

    Default Re: Abstract Blends

    I like the blend, Ross. Reminds me of a hand bent back with fingers open.

    I've posted one of these before, maybe both.

    Blending in XDP is one of the funnest things for this button pusher.

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    My general playing around is actually recreating book and magazine covers. Haven't had the inclination for a while though.

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Abstract Blends

    Quote Originally Posted by Ross Macintosh View Post
    An exported jpg was processed in FotoSketcher v3
    a delightful program that puts years of useless bundled xara filters to shame
    If someone tried to make me dig my own grave I would say No.
    They're going to kill me anyway and I'd love to die the way I lived:
    Avoiding Manual Labour.

  6. #6
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    Default Re: Abstract Blends

    Quote Originally Posted by Jonopen View Post
    Fantastic to see 'Xara' being used purely for experimental artistic exploration fun.
    ross is doing what he's been doing for years
    still having fun
    still teaching us new stuff
    If someone tried to make me dig my own grave I would say No.
    They're going to kill me anyway and I'd love to die the way I lived:
    Avoiding Manual Labour.

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Abstract Blends

    I thought I'd try something Artistic (autistic?) in Xara's blend tool, I call it Splashdown. Using 2 x 50 step blends of a couple of fills (plasma and cloud).
    Knock out a couple of these a day and I'll be rich beyond my wildest dreams.
    Bob.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

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    ** Detailed "Create A Spinning Logo Tutorial" is available in .pdf format for download at this link **
    Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read. Groucho Marx.

  8. #8
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    Default Re: Abstract Blends

    I love those Ross. l saved your description for later use.

    @Bob, I like yours very much too!

    These are for you both.>
    Larry a.k.a wizard509

    Never give up. You will never fail, but you may find a lot of ways that don't work.

  9. #9
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    Default Re: Abstract Blends

    WOW! This is really inspiring! And they look super excellent and ... *GROOVY*...

    I'm glad you also mentioned a little bit of the technicals as I've played around with blends here and there trying to make something...anything that looked a little like these and never hit the magic spot. Not only are these just super cool looking but I'm definitely learning something from them and appreciate that just as much as the way they look.
    See my some of artwork and hear some of my music at www.kniteforcerevolution.com

  10. #10
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    Default Re: Abstract Blends

    Quote Originally Posted by hseiken View Post
    WOW! This is really inspiring! And they look super excellent and ... *GROOVY*...
    Thanks Heavy! Since you live in San Diego you are probably obligated to try to create some funky surf blends.
    Last edited by Ross Macintosh; 24 June 2018 at 08:44 PM. Reason: spellin korection

 

 

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