I’ve been doing Behind the Shot for a few years now, and I am constantly being introduced to artists that just blow be away. Kelly Robitaille is one of those artists. After my recent “Pixel Alchemy” show with Renee Robyn, who is hands down one of the most talented people I know, Renee suggested I get Kelly on the show. Renee has suggested guests to me before, and she’s never been wrong. The first time was Anya Anti, another amazing digital artist, so when Renee names someone I listen.

Kelly Robitaille is an award winning Canadian based commercial retoucher and photographer. It’s her deep skills as a retouching artist that first struck me, and that has her working for clients around the globe. She has done the retouch work on portraits of some Hollywood’s biggest stars. As I was looking through her work I came across her own work, from tradition to creative portraits, but the “Whimsical Waif” series leaped out at me. It’s photography meets digital artistry, meets retouching, all on a level I’ve rarely if ever sen. The series features portraits with exaggerated body form and large eyes, and yet somehow, on the most amazing level, they look real. I wanted to explore one of these images because they show not only great composite skills, but what can be done once you truly understand the elements, skills, and tools used in commercial retouching.

Kelly has created a tutorial showcasing how she creates her work, as well as a texture pack with PRO EDU, and has had her artwork featured at the Gallery at KelbyOne. Her goal is to inspire others to step outside the box and to create work that pushes boundaries and tells a story.

Join Photographer, artist, and elite retoucher Kelly Robitaille I me as we take a deep dive into her image “Fork You”, on this episode of Behind the Shot.

Portfolio: kellyrobitaille.com

Surreal Retouching with Kelly Robitaille