For many years, I wanted to learn the art of hand-colorizing photos. Last November (2023), I finally had the opportunity to immerse myself in internationally recognized fine art photographer’s, Kate Breakey, 5-day hand-colorizing photography workshop at Photographic Works along with about 14 other photographers. The process is multi-faceted and requires great patience and a willingness to experiment with techniques and tools. All of the prints that I colorized during that class were given away to friends. Currently, I have been working on pieces that I will scan and make prints of.

The Buddha print you see above was originally created for my dear sister-in-law, Patty, who underwent open heart surgery in January 2024. While she is just a month younger than me and despite her excellent health care regimen, family genetics necessitated the procedure. Initially, I photographed one of my Buddha statues surrounded by dried flowers that I arranged. Processing the digital file on my desktop computer, I partially de-saturated  the image, adjusting it both in Lightroom and Photoshop using different techniques and filters. After I got a print made of the finished adjusted file, I proceeded to add color back in using pastel pencils and pan pastels. A fixative spray was applied on top to keep the materials from running. I then took the finished work to Centric Photo to get scanned so I could make additional prints. I gave the original work to Patty who has it now hanging in her home. While this first official print doesn’t have a formal name, my intention with it is to inspire hope through challenging times.

This is my second hand-colored print offering: Quan Yin:

I took the original of this photograph on the land of a friend’s property where there are many sacred artifacts. Following the process I mentioned about Patty’s Buddha, you can see the color added back into the Quan Yin image using color pastels. Ever experimenting, I particularly enjoy the Quan Yin printed on metallic archival paper which makes everything in the image shimmer.

Eventually I will have a separate page to showcase my hand-colorized fine art photos. Until then, I will post them here in my blog.

If you are interested in acquiring a print of Buddha or Quan Yin, please send me a message on my Contact page. The 11×14 prints will be signed and personalized for you. Investment is $150 plus tax and S/H.