Direct from the front lines of the fantasy and gaming industry, IMPACT author and digital art pro Gary Tonge shows you how to get more out of Adobe Photoshop and make the most of your CG art in his newest book, Digital Painting Tricks & Techniques. With lessons and step-by-step demonstrations covering beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, you’ll find solutions to everyday challenges and inspiration for taking concepts that extra step to greatness.
Check out this free demo on creating image texture for a sneak preview …
Add Image Texture Quickly
This effective technique for quickly adding asymmetry to break up a clean and sterile image is best used while you are working up details. The additional layering of noise and brush effects can help you loosen up as well as augment the overall feel of the piece. While this is a simple technique in principle, it is important that you do not over texturize the image and lose the original details underneath the overlay.
1. Paint the Subject and Establish the Light Source
Paint a quick shape onto a new layer. The background should consist of only a simple color at this point. Be sure to establish the direction of the light source
2. Establish Scale Reference and Add Shadows
Establish real scale reference. (See Chapter 7 for more information on scale.) Here I placed two pilots in the shade of the closest craft. To help solidify these elements together, paint in some simple shadows
3. Add Detail and Texture
To add texture and interest without having to spend a long time detailing it, take a photograph
of a piece of concrete and play around with the colors a little. Once you have an interesting image—most importantly, nothing with repeating or strong lines—simply grab the entire layer from the layers palette and drag it onto the main image. Scale this new layer so that it fits the image beneath, and set the blend mode to Screen. At the same time, set the opacity to about 20 to 30 percent.
4. Flatten the Image and Continue Painting
You might find that certain parts of the overlaid texture stand out more than you want. To rectify this, simply select a soft large eraser brush and gently rub those areas out. (Set your brush to 50 percent opacity so you do not accidentally remove all the overlaid texture.)
When you are happy with the effect, flatten the image and carry on painting. You can very quickly paint over the image with a couple of custom patterned brushes (see Chapter 1) to help break it up a little more. The end result is an interesting and textural image without the time needed to paint details.
Digital Painting Tricks & Techniques hits the shelves in mid November, but you can pre-order a copy today in the NL Shop. And for more great digital painting instruction, be sure to check out Gary’s first book, Bold Visions.
