Picture Michelangelo with a digital camera

By BARBARA L. FREDRICKSEN, Times Staff Writer
Published October 5, 2007

The idea came to photographer Paula Showen when two of her clients wondered aloud about making a portrait look like something painted hundreds of years ago.

The comment led to a series of photos transformed to look like paintings by the Old Masters. They are featured at the Progress Energy Art Gallery this month in an exhibit called "If the Masters Had Cameras."

The show opens today with a reception for her and eight other exhibitors from 6 to 9 p.m. at the gallery, 6231 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey.

Showen's first efforts focused on the Renaissance art period, but as time passed, she branched off into other periods and forms.

"Paula is such a gifted photographer that when she began this series, I was enthralled," said Karren Doll Tolliver, gallery director. "When she asked me to be a part of it, I jumped at the chance."

Tolliver's photos, including two new pieces from her "Things With Bob" series and pieces with a Renaissance art feel, are also in the show. The other exhibitors are Ralph Annan, Michelle Collins, Gladys dePrias, Carol Gula, Littlefeather, Sherry Stamback and Patrick Stickney.

Showen uses a Canon digital SLR camera in her work. She frequently enters her photos in the monthly online photography education site BetterPhoto.com, where she has won four second-place awards, been a finalist 41 times, was an "Editor's Pick" 10 times and had a Photo of the Day once.

She is a fourth generation Floridian (and consequently calls herself "on the endangered species list") who started out as a nautical, nature and wildlife photographer. Over the years, she found herself drawn toward portraiture - "not just the average portrait photography, but portraits from the heart," she once wrote.

Her online album - www.betterphoto.com/gallery/gallery.asp?mem=44871 - shows a wide range of subjects: still life, flowers, birds, old buildings, quirky modern buildings, musical instruments, and what she calls her favorite, "that initial bonding (moment) between a mother and her newborn."

If you go

'If the Masters Had Cameras'

What: An exhibit of photographs transformed to look like paintings by the Old Masters

Where: Progress Energy Art Gallery, 6231 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey

When: Today through Oct. 26. Noon to 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. Reception for exhibitors is from 6 to 9 tonight at the gallery

Cost: Free

[Last modified October 4, 2007, 20:59:24]