Member’s Forum: (In-Person) – Creating a Watercolor Painting Effect in Photoshop with Ilenia Alvarez

Description:

Ilenia Alvarez will transform a regular photograph into a watercolor painting using Adobe Photoshop. The process involves applying a series of editing techniques that simplify photographic details, create the appearance of brush strokes, soften edges, enhance colors, and add the texture of watercolor paper. Each step is designed to imitate the characteristics of traditional watercolor painting while using Photoshop’s digital tools.

Speaker’s Bio:

In 2016, Ilenia began a photographic voyage, initially captivated by the dynamic energy of urban landscapes and the candid moments found in street photography. Through her lens, Ilenia has captured life’s spontaneous moments, crafting images that tell stories of time and place. Yet, as her journey unfolded, a transformation occurred, leading Ilenia to the delicate and mesmerizing world of bird photography.

Ilenia joined NVPS in 2018. In the 2019-2020 club year, Ilenia was awarded Digital Photographer of the Year in the Novice category. In the 2022-2023 club year, Ilenia was awarded Color Digital Intermediate Photographer of the Year. In 2025, Ilenia was awarded by the Sedona Hummingbird Festival: Best Photo taken outside the U.S and People’s Choice Award.

You are welcome to check out more of Ilenia’s photography here:  www.ilenia-photography.com