Take a moment and think of that one person you know who is impossible to buy for when it comes time for gift giving. Now think of just one thing that can make them smile... Perhaps it's a new grandchild, a beloved pet, a favorite hobby or special interest. Maybe it's the fond memory of that dream vacation spot or a childhood home.

Chances are there's a certain photo tucked away in a scrapbook or shoebox just waiting to be transformed into the perfect gift for that special someone! Waterpainter.com specializes in safely transforming cherished photographs into heirloom-quality gifts of art that you will be proud to give and your loved ones will treasure for a lifetime!

Watercolor is a timeless medium with a friendly way of inviting the viewer to engage their imagination... to slow down and enjoy the gentle nature characteristic to this enchanting style of art. Combining traditional watercolor technique with a vibrant rainbow of pastel and chalk, the artists at Waterpainter.com strike a beautiful balance of color and texture to create truly unique digital masterpieces from just about any photograph.

Although the artists at Waterpainter.com share over 50 years of combined experience in traditional studio painting and drawing, the only paintbrush you're likely to find in their Southern Oregon studio will be in their logo. All of the art and design work is performed digitally on Macintosh computers using several software applications and a whole lot of talent to complete each project.

The process of transforming a photo into a "Waterpainter masterpiece" begins when the artist receives a digital photo from a client via e-mail or scans the image from an actual photograph, slide or negative. The image is then carefully scrutinized in a program called "Photoshop". Photoshop is the most commonly utilized photo manipulation program available to Mac and PC users alike. It is the software your local and mail-order photo labs use to restore, repair and touch-up photos that need extra TLC. At this point in the process the artist can make significant color corrections and changes; remove distracting backgrounds such as telephone poles or unknown bystanders; and cover any blemishes or imperfections in the subject matter (within reason).

Next the artist will save the photo to a program called "Painter" where the remainder of the rendering process will take place. With the Photoshop image being used as the foundation, the artist holds a wireless stylus, much like a paintbrush, to make bristle and color selections. Choosing how "wet" the colors should be and applying careful strokes with varying weight and speed using a special tablet as their canvas... it is during this stage of the process where it becomes evident that without talent, experience and artistic discretion the marvelous digital tools being used are nothing more than plastic and silicon.

Each digital painting usually takes the artist two to three hours of hands-on time to complete. The rendering is then printed on archival quality Epson watercolor paper with a special six-color ink system rated to resist fading in normal light conditions for 150 to 200 years.

Custom framing is also available in the Waterpainter.com frame shop where you can choose from eight different quality all-wood frames and a wide variety of acid-free mat colors. Each framed piece is double matted, glazed with 1/8" glass and wired - ready to hang. These wonderful giclée style prints are also available unframed for the frame-it-yourselfer. Framed prints come in three standard sizes - 8x10, 11x14 and 16x20 with prices ranging from $78.95 to $183.95.

The staff at Waterpainter.com invite you to visit their website and tour their online gallery of before-and-after renderings to get some ideas for your special photographs. In their matting workshop you can mix and match frame and mat samples to visualize how your selections will look together. You will also find a comprehensive "Question and Answer" section along with a quick and easy way to order a free information packet at the bottom of the home page. You can contact Waterpainter.com toll free 24/7 at 866-323-6880 and their friendly staff will be glad to assist you.

Combining digital technology, traditional technique and genuine talent, Waterpainter.com guarantees your satisfaction whether this special gift of art is for you or someone you care about. Check out this great new idea and turn your scrapbook into the ultimate family gift catalog!