Photoshop Tutorials

The best way to learn how to draw is to have an example and copy it.  This method will teach you what tools to use and how to use them to re-create a similar looking drawing.  Photoshop is the same.  By looking at Photoshop tutorials, you can explore all the different possibilities that the program has to offer.  By following the directions in the tutorials, you are learning what tools to use and how to use them to get similar effects of the presented image or technique.  Once you learn these aspects of the program, you can take it and put it to use in your own work.

Assignment:

1. Search online through various Photoshop tutorials.  Choose a minimum of 3 that interest you and bookmark these pages.
2. Then choose a minimum of one of those tutorials to try on your own.  Go through the motions to either recreate the tutorial image or use the instructions to apply it to your own composition. 
3. On your blog you will be asked to create a post with links to your chosen tutorials with explanations as to what they are and provide your created image to the appropriate link as a sample.

(See Example Student blog on the right for an example)

Brushes

Photoshop brushes are much like a stamp.  A cutout is created that can be used to reproduce that specific image "stamp" over and over.   They can be used for texture, objects, and designs.  You can use one, or layer several to create something new.  The above design would have layered several of the loaded brushes found below using different colours and transparency settings.

Use the following Brushes Tutorial to create your own!

A Focus on Line and Texture

Take a look at http://www.adobe.com/uk/print/gallery/loughran/

(I recommend that you copy and paste this link into the web address bar in a new window so that this instruction page is still available.)

Spend some quality time looking at the images at the top of the article.  Click on each image to enlarge the artist's work  Consider how the images were created.

Half-way down the Adobe page, there are some illustrations of the work and a link: “To learn techniques used in making this image, click here.” Click on this link and read the steps the artist goes through.

* (We will discuss all of this further as a class.) *

Once finished, you can do several things (keeping this artwork in mind):

1. Begin a line drawing of a character/object. It is to be done on paper with dark pencil or ink. This could be an elaborated doodle, a new creation, a sketch of an object you have in front of you, or a drawing from a photo or image. (People make great subjects!) Keep it fairly simple and approximately half a page. *Important:  We are mainly focusing on LINES to capture the subject so consider differentiating line weight (thickness/thinness) to add more contrast and your subject will stand out as your center of interest. Definitely add your own personal style!
2. Swipe File: Start collecting found images, patterns, textures, colours. Start by saving them in your file by right clicking the mouse and choosing "Save Image As..." We will also be looking for hardcopy items like this, but for today start looking online. You are looking for any images that interest you. Additionally, you are looking for samples of textures, patterns, and colours. Eg.’s:
   
   

3. Start making a list of these same types of things that you can bring in from home to scan. (Eg. Cardboard, lace, patterned fabric). Starting to bring in these objects for next class would be a great idea!

You will have the rest of this week to work on this.  We will be discussing project evaluation criteria, ideas, and Photoshop selection, line, and texture techniques to help you with this project throughout the week as well.  If you have any questions along the way, remember to do some research yourself before coming straight to me.  You have the world at your fingertips...

Digital Sketchbook

A Digital Sketchbook is a "process" folio that will allow you to compile your finished projects into one unified presentation.  The components of this e-folio will introduce self and peer discussion revolving around the processes and final reflections of your work.

Follow the link for a blank TEMPLATE.