I've read several websites trying to figure out what the heck "paint with light" is. There is apparently some photoshop action that creates some dodge and/or burn blend layers and you can paint on those to create this effect. Some websites even describe a blend mode called hard mix (which, from the description, sounds like a funky version of overlay or screen blends). I've been able to roughly duplicate the effects using dodge/burn or color dodge/burn layers, but I really want to know EXACTLY what PWL is in case I'm missing something.

The ideal case would be if someone has written a PWL script for Paintshop Pro. The next best thing would be if someone could describe exactly the layers and blend modes that are created with PWL--even post a picture of the resultant layer palette.

Bart

Dont know if this helps at all Bart, but a couple of links:-

http://www.adobe.com/print/tips/phslight/main.html
http://www.creativepro.com/img/story/011604_caponigro.pdf

which you maybe able to adapt

Thanks Cassidy! I'd seen the first one, but the second one looks very good.

Bart

I believe the PWL technique you're looking for is represented by the layer setup illustrated in the attached image. (The layers were created by a Photoshop action crafted by Chip Springer. I changed the layer names to be more descriptive.) If so, it looks like you're on the right track with dodge, burn, color dodge, color burn, etc.

Paraphasing the description at www.AtnCentral.com...Use both layers to bring out this dynamic 'Paint with Light' effect.

Use a white brush (10-15% opacity) to paint on the Color Dodge layer. Use a black brush (10-15% opacity) to add shadows and bring out the drama on the Color Burn layer.

You may need to use higher opacity brushes on some images. If using a Wacom tablet, you may also want to adjust flow control.Recording the Paint Shop Pro script would go something like this:
* Add a layer (name it what you like)
* Fill with black
* Blend mode = Color Dodge

* Add a layer (name it what you like)
* Fill with white
* Blend mode = Color Burn

Hope this helps...

~Danny~

That's perfect! Just what I needed.

Thanks,
Bart

I've been using it for a while, so I think it's bug free. Here are links to two scripts. The first is PWL itself (PSPX only). The second inverts the material palette. Both can run in the restricted folder. PWL respects your selections. This is the Chip Springer version of PWL.

http://home.comcast.net/~zumbari/Scripts/PWL.PspScript

http://home.comcast.net/~zumbari/Scripts/InvertMaterial.PspScript

Bart