How I've been playing with portrait patterns.

[Charlie E]

This may be of interest to no one but thought I'd share how I've been cutting some portraits. It's fun to me but I know it won't be for everyone as we're all wired so differently, which is a good thing.  I find a picture I like, some work better that others, and change it to black and white and adjust the brightness and contrast in Microsoft Office Picture Manager. I then use this link to convert it to a pencil sketch. Pencil sketch your photo online - Free tool (imageonline.co) You can adjust the detail with the "pencil shadow bar" tool. I usually go with about an 8. I then open it in Paint 3D and make any changes I want before using it as a pattern. All I changed on this one was the eyes. It certainly doesn't make for an exact pattern but I enjoy deciding what to cut as I go. It makes it feel like drawing with the saw which I do much better at than with a pencil. I've had some success and made some nice designer firewood but I do enjoy the challenge. 

[Scrappile]

Thanks for explaining how you do it... You certainly do it well!  Not sure I am talented enough to determine what to cut.  May have to try it some time.

[ike]

I think I will try it when I have time.

IKE

[Dave Monk]

Your outcome is awesome!

 

Edited May 25, 2021 by Dave Monk

[wombatie]

Thanks to Charlie, I am cutting one now that he helped me with but the rate that I am going at the moment it may be finished by Christmas. 

Marg

[Jim Blume]

Thanks for sharing Charlie E. The software these days is very helpful to folks wanting to make their own patterns. And the free software, such as the one you listed here will certainly get folks started. I had to learn what little I know beginning with a pencil and paper, trying to duplicate what I saw in a photo, and later using a light table to trace out patterns from photos I enlarged, trying to figure out where the shadows were. While I wasn't always successful, I did enjoy the journey and suggest that folks at the very least give it a try. You never know, you might be the next master designer.

[Charlie E]

2 hours ago, Jim Blume said:

Thanks for sharing Charlie E. The software these days is very helpful to folks wanting to make their own patterns. And the free software, such as the one you listed here will certainly get folks started. I had to learn what little I know beginning with a pencil and paper, trying to duplicate what I saw in a photo, and later using a light table to trace out patterns from photos I enlarged, trying to figure out where the shadows were. While I wasn't always successful, I did enjoy the journey and suggest that folks at the very least give it a try. You never know, you might be the next master designer.

Thank you Jim. And thanks for your generosity in sharing your talent. I'm afraid I don't have enough artistic ability to become a "master designer".  My 7 year old grandson literally draws better than me. I love making portraits the way I do, but I do wish I had a way to make a usable pattern to share of what I make. Is there a particular software you would recommend?