This video tutorial will get you started using PhotoShop's Pattern Stamp Tool which will allow you to turn a photo into a painting. No need to set history states, no confusing Art History Brush. Just set the source for the brushes to paint from, select the Pattern Stamp Tool, pick a brush then "point" it to the Pattern, add a layer and start painting. Fun, easy and quick. You will find yourself collecting brushes from sites on the internet or creating your own then saving them as Preset Brushes for the Pattern Stamp Tool. [details (http://www.retouchpro.com/tutorials/?m=show&id=284)]

I have added another tutorial on the Pattern Stamp Tool explaining some further techniques especially the PST's "Impressionist" option.

Enjoy!

You can download my PST brushes HERE (http://homepage.mac.com/swampy/filechute/Swampy_s_PST_Brushes.tpl.zip). 30MB file

Thanks so much for the tute, Swampy! You just saved me hours of work on a restoration I am doing for Operation Photo Rescue.I took a good section of brick wall that needed retouching and turned it into a pattern and used it on the damaged parts. It came out brilliantly! You are a life saver.
Regards Ratz.

Glad to be of help, Ratz! I use the technique primarily for photo-art, but it can be a big help in retouching as well.

Excuse my ignorance, but what do I need to have to run the mp4 program?
Thanks, Alan

Very nice tut, Swampy. It was clear and informative. Each time I come to the forums and look at all the different projects and techniques, I realize how liittle I know about Photoshop. You and everyone have taught me so much. I really do appreciate all the valuable information that is to be had here. Now that I know how easy it is, I'll be using this technique on future projects. All I have to do is create some presets.

Excuse my ignorance, but what do I need to have to run the mp4 program?
Thanks, Alan

I second that question?????


Steve C.

QuickTime. Here's a link (http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/win.html) to the free download for Windows from the Apple QuickTime page. Mac users can use the same page to update if necessary, just click the link to the Mac version at the bottom of this link.

Edited: 4/18/08
The tutorials are now being hosted at Photobucket and are in Flash format.

Swampy,
I trying your tutorial, and I have 2 questions.

I don't see on the tool bar at top where to select my defined stamp photo?I'm using CS2.

And where can I find more brushes?

cathy

Cathy

Define Pattern is found under the Edit Menu (see clip below). Sorry if that wasn't clear.

Brushes... I found a lot of my brushes on the Adobe User Exchange. Also, any brush that you define in the Brush Engine/palette can be added as a Preset to your PST.

I really wish that Adobe would find a better way to preview and collect brushes! I'd love to separate them out of a collection (15 chalk brushes and I just want one), save that to a folder labeld "my chalk brushes" or something and be able to load just my chalk brushes when I want them then BE ABLE TO USE THEM WITH ANY PAINT TOOL (not just a tool preset collection). There are some brushes that I want to use as history bushes AND PST brushes AND regular brushes. When I switch tools they are not available and if you check the uncheck the "Current Tools" box in the Preset list you can SEE a brush, but if you choose it, switches to the tool you set it up with. Drives me NUTS!!

If someone knows how to manage this, PLEASE do a tutorial! :-)

Thanks Swampy
I'm starting to figure it out, but now to get the hang of it..

I'm going to need to learn more about this preset tool setting.

This tutorial is great, and I'm going to have playing with this.

cathy

Enjoy, Cathy. You'll be a PSTer in no time. Would love to see something you've completed here in this thread. :-)

nice post really helped me.

Thanks, Isacc! :-) Always nice to get feedback.

Swampy - loved the tutorial - anything that helps take a step or two out of a task! You might want to expand on the uses of line drawings in photoshop, like using it to create an edge-only sharpening mask.

I had not looked at your site before, but the tutorials were really great. Thank you for being so generous and sharing your knowledge.

Swampy;

Thanks for a super tutorial.. It is clear and it works... Thanks again, Tom

I have added a second tutorial to my Pattern Stamp tutorial. I hope this will help you paint lovely, funky or just fun art pieces. Enjoy!

Good one Swampy :-)