Photoshop Digital Art Tutorial

This is a tutorial on how to paint realistic digital art, using a reference photo and Photoshop (or similar software).
Step 1: Import your reference image.
Step 2: Use "Poster edges" or a similar filter to get a nice clean vector/ line-art look.
Step 3: Desaturate the reference image (make it black and white).
Step 4: Create a new layer and paint (trace) over the outlines using a bright colour.
Step 5: Once the outlines are complete, get rid of the reference photo and desaturate your traced lines.
Step 6: Open the reference image again, (in a new window,) and fill in the skin texture and other colours by using the colour dropper (colour selection tool).
Step 7: Use the smudge tool (medium pressure) for gradient effects, and nice sharp lines, such as strands of hair.
Step 8:

Category:

Howto & Style

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• realistic

[relicsong]

@fionncroke yeah but wanted to just put it out there so if others wanted to expand on their art they can...I totally understand this is for beginners and would also like to point out there is a time and a place for the smug tool even in advanced art :) after all I learned with the smug tool then sought out other avenues to make my art better.

[fionncroke]

@relicsong I use it quite a bit sometimes, but with very low intensity settings mostly :) yeah it's fun to play with! I really like using it with black and white, going over and under each other with sharp smudges :)

[relicsong]

I agree on the tracing point but then again many start with a base image so if you need to do this till you get better at drawing your own I say go for it. Also want to say the smug tool is great for beginners but it tends to make the art look washed out try paining the colors highlights low lights and mid tones then to blend them you can set your opacity down to about 25% then paint over using the eyedropper tool to grab shades as you go till its smooth hope this makes sense.

[fionncroke]

@relicsong Thanks for the feedback! You're dead right about not using the smudge tool, it gets very messy! This is intended for beginners tho, and it makes for quick learning ;D

[rockellish]

Whats the name of this software?

[fionncroke]

@rockellish Adobe Photoshop 6, you should use one of the newer CS versions tho, 6 is old!

[fiercedragon1234]

thanx helped me a lot i'm just a beginner with photoshop & ur tutorial really helped me btw nice painting of aishwarya rai...

[Liberal93eye]

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[THEMRCHUCKERS]

nice work especially with mouse but i would find it better for you not to trace an image

[BaRtJarkor]

why u dont use screen capture?

[grantyshmanty]

Stop tracing.

[grully012]

wow, and your using a mouse, thats talent, :D