Art is in the eye of the beholder, and it’s hard to deny the emotion and intrigue present in the photo art produced by Great Bend artist Stephen McAnulla.  Industry leader Wacom, makers of digital creative tools that allow artists to sketch, draw, paint digitally, will feature McAnulla as part of a panel of experts in an upcoming one-hour online seminar where he will share some of his work.   
Using a process that layers photographs of his subjects, taken in his studio, against striking high definition backgrounds using digital air brushing techniques, the highly detailed work captures the imagination.  
The 40 year old 1991 Great Bend High School graduate started his career first in website and graphic design.  For several years, he worked in Lawrence and Kansas City.  His designs are featured on wine labels and product labels for Rosewood Winery.  Two years ago, he took up photography and soon began taking family portraits and shooting weddings full time.  But he’s always felt the pull towards art photography, he said.  He began experimenting with his technique, using familiar backgrounds from the Great Bend area and around the state.  
“Things caught fire pretty quickly, he said.  “Now my subjects are driving in from Nebraska and Colorado, as well as around the state,” he said.  Ultimately, his goal is to photograph celebrities and athletes for publication.  
He’s not stingy when it comes to sharing his techniques with other artists either.  Not only does he have his own website, he’s fully connected through social media and has posted tutorials and videos.  
In February, he will be presenting his techniques at the Central Kansas Photography Club which meets the second Thursday of the month at Petr’s Frame House in Great Bend.
The Wacom online seminar is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 3 p.m.  The link can be accessed through his website at the top of his homepage at  http://www.stephenmcanulla.com .  The seminar will also be archived on YouTube and on his website.