Building Textures from Scanned Art

Step 1:

Clip & Paste: Use the images provided or find your own stock, begin with using either the magnetic or lasso tool to make a selection around either of your images (note the cut out does not have to be perfect). The selection done first with the grasshopper cut and paste onto a blank page 1024x768.

Click to enlarge

Click to enlarge

Step 2:

Layer the grasshopper: The next step is to cut out the butterfly and begin to layer on top of the grasshopper. The layer is selected blue on your layer palette and the visibility eye is open. The move tool is used to move your butterfly around the grasshopper and use the blending modes to create the effect you seek. The layers can go on as you want but you will add more effect in your next step.

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Step 3:

The texture you see was created by me using watercolor wash techniques, given time to dry I then scanned in. Creating your own textures is a key if you really wish to be original and hate to right click stock or clip out stuff.

Texture:

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Click to enlarge

Step 4:

I decide to settle for 3 layers of butterfly wings and lay the watercolor wash texture on top. The layer palette shows all layers and the wash is on top manipulate the image to your liking to distort the wings and use your modes.

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Step 5:

The next step is to go to Enhance/Adjust Levels the slide the arrow tabs to enhance your Input & Output Levels. Try Photoshop filters to add extra texture.

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Result:

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