Still working on version 1.98...

Hi all,

I'm still busy working on version 1.98. On top of the previously mentioned new functions, there will also be one or two new effects and some improvements to the interface. Here is an early screenshot of the main form:

Stay tuned for more news soon!

Regards,

David

FotoSketcher 1.98 early beta: full undo/redo and German language

Hi,

I've just uploaded an early beta version of FotoSketcher 1.98 (as usual, you can download it here: http://www.fotosketcher.com/FotoSketcher_beta.exe).

So, what's new? Well, no new effect yet, but a full undo/redo function (up to 255 steps!). Also, a kind FotoSketcher user from Germany, M. Josef Kasparbauer has translated all the terms into German.

Here is a screenshot with the German language selected:

If you are willing to test the new beta version, please don't hesitate to send me your feedback either on this blog or by e-mail (contact@fotosketcher.com).

Best regards from the beautiful city of Lyon,

David

FotoSketcher 1.97 officially released

Hi all,

FotoSketcher 1.97 is now officially released and can be downloaded from http://www.fotosketcher.com/

The new feature in this version is the "Oil Pastel Sketch" effect. Here is an example (original photo credit www.sxc.hu):

And here are the parameters I used:

Have fun :-)

David

FotoSketcher 1.97 beta ready for download

Hi all,

If you want to try the new 'oil pastel sketch' filter, you can download the latest beta version of FotoSketcher here: http://www.fotosketcher.com/FotoSketcher_beta.exe

Here is an example of the new effect (original photo credit stock.xchng) :

And here are the settings used :

Best regards,

David

Working on new pencil sketch filter + some real drawings

Hi all,

I am currently tweaking a new pencil sketch filter. Here are two examples (click on the images to view them in full size):



I have also started taking drawing lessons and I like sketching portraits. It gives me ideas for new algorithms for FotoSketcher. Here are a couple of my early attempts:


Best regards,

David

New beta version for multimonitor users

Hi all,

Some users have reported issues when using FotoSketcher on multiple monitors and I have been able to reproduce the problem on my configuration: some windows tend to open on the wrong monitor or half on one monitor and half on the other...

If you have experienced this bug, you can download a beta version of FotoSketcher which should hopefully correct this: http://www.fotosketcher.com/FotoSketcher_beta.exe

I would be grateful if you could let me know whether this has solved the problem for you.

All the best,

David

P.S. Nothing to do with the bug fix, but here is portrait of late actor James Stewart (original photo credit Baron/Getty Images). I used the pencil sketch 1 filter (with maximum contrast), then used as source (F12) and applied the painting 7 (brushstrokes) filter:

FotoSketcher tutorial on makeuseof.com

Hi all,

I am currently busy working on a rather ambitious and time consuming complete rewrite of FotoSketcher. I have already completed the new user interface and I plan to add undo/redo capability and support for layers (more info in the following weeks).

In the meantime, here is a nice FotoSketcher tutorial found on the popular website www.makeuseof.com.

Best regards,

David

FotoSketcher 1.96 officially released

Hi all,

After lots of testing (thanks to the 200+ users who were brave enough to try the beta version) FotoSketcher 1.96 is now officially released.
As usual, you can download it from http://www.fotosketcher.com/

So, what's new?

• First and foremost, the new Painting 7 effect, which uses an algorithm to automatically place various size and shape brushstrokes on the canvas. There are now 35 different brushstrokes used in this filter. Beware, the algorithm is greedy and the filter can take a long time to finish, especially on large images. Still, I think the result is worth the wait. Oh, and it's fun to watch FotoSketcher paint for you.
• Due to the computer-intensiveness of the new effect, I've had to add a progress bar to the preview. Also, when clicking on the Draw it! button, it sometimes takes a second or two before processing starts.
• At any time you can interrupt the running process.
• At the request of many users, I've added the possibility to open PNG files, as well as JPG and BMP. Sorry, no saving in PNG format yet.
• If you wish to save in uncompressed format (if JPG produces too many artefacts for you) you now have the ability to save in BMP format (large file sizes).
  

Here's an example of the new effect:

Original photo (credit www.sxc.hu):

FotoSketcher painting (click on image to enlarge):

Parameters used:

Have fun with FotoSketcher!

Best regards,

David

FotoSketcher 1.96 new beta version available

Hi all,

After quite a bit of tweaking, optimising and debugging, FotoSketcher 1.96 is now almost ready. You can download the latest beta version here: http://www.fotosketcher.com/FotoSketcher_beta.exe

The new painting 7 filter (brushstrokes) has been improved and now uses 35 different brushstrokes to give a more realistic result.
Also, FotoSketcher can now open PNG files, either directly from the open menu or by dragging and dropping a PNG image onto the first panel. However, FotoSketcher cannot save in PNG format though, but I have added a 'save as BMP' function if you don't want compression artefacts from JPG.

Here are a couple of samples from the new algorithm (original source images from www.sxc.hu). Click on the following images to view them in real size:



As usual your feeback is much appreciated.

Best regards,

David

Are you brave enough...

...to test the beta version of FotoSketcher 1.96?

If you are, here is the direct download link: http://www.fotosketcher.com/FotoSketcher_beta.exe
Just a word of caution: the new effect (Painting 7 - oil Pastel) is very computer intensive (who said poorly coded?!).

Here's an example made with this new effect:photo credit: Stock.xchng.

Here are the parameters I used:


All the best,

David