Tutorial 01: Line Drawings using Smart Blur / Find Edges

[DannyRaphael]

This is the first mini-tutorial in a new series intended to illustrate basic photo-art techniques to those relatively new to "photo-art."

Assumptions:
* You're using Adobe Photoshop as your image editor. In some cases the steps will work as written for Photoshop Elements, but not always.
* Those attempting this tutorial have mastered basic Photoshop skills such as being able to create new layers, duplicate existing layers, run filters, renaming layers, etc.

Unless otherwise specified, methods apply to Photoshop 5.5 and above. When version specific functions are used, I'll do my best to identify them.

Layer naming conventions:
As you move through the tutorial there will be steps where the instruction will be something like, "Duplicate the Background and name it 'A. BG Blurred'" (or whatever). The reason for that is in subsequent instructions I can state something like "Duplicate layer 'A' and..." which makes it easier to write (and easier for you to understand) the layer to which I'm referring.

Since this is a "first shot" at doing this kind of thing, by all means add questions, comments, suggestions to this thread, especially if you are new to photo-art. This will help me craft better tutorials in the future.

- - - - - - - - - -
SMART BLUR - EDGES ONLY

(NOTE: Tutorial 02 is a follow-on to this one.)

One of the coolest discoveries I made when starting out with this photo-art thing was the affect one can achieve using the Smart Blur filter to generate somewhat crude "line drawings" or "sketches" based on the source image.

Smart BLUR? Line Drawings? Where's the relationship?

Follow allong: Creating a picture worth 1,000 words.

1. Open the attachment at the bottom of this thread (the base image we'll be working with). Cute baby, huh? She's the daughter of one of the RP members, John Buchmann. Why this picture? Cuz I think it's neat. If you want to use your own image, that's fine too.

In posts that follow this one will be images illustrating intermediate steps in the process.

2. Duplicate the Background

3. Name the new layer "B. Edges Only"

3a. Turn off the Background by clicking the eyeball

4. FILTER > BLUR > SMART BLUR
* Settings:
. Mode: Edge Only (notice the thumbnail image goes "black")
. Quality: Doesn't seem to matter much on higher resolution (150 ppi and up) images
. Radius and Threshold: These two work hand in hand. Try experimenting with various settings and see how they affect the image in preview window. Rule of thumb: Start out with a Radius value approximately 1/2 of the Threshold value and go from there.
For this image I used: Radius=30, Threshold=40, Quality=High

5. Great: Black picture. White lines. Now what?
No problem:
IMAGE > ADJUSTMENTS > INVERT (or CTRL + I for the shortcut fans).

Result: A black and white line drawing... with some pretty scratchy looking lines.

If you're happy with this "look" (it works "as is" on some images), stop. For this image I think the lines need "something." We'll get to that in a minute.

6. Click on the Background layer and duplicate it.

7. Name the new layer: "A. Blurred background"

8. FILTER > BLUR > GAUSSIAN BLUR (I used radius = 9).
Yeah. OK. We've got a really blurred image now. Is that it? Nope.

9. Click layer B to select it and change the blend mode from Normal to Multiply. Ta-da! The blury layer A now appears. Sort of OK. But those lines may still be a little annoying.

10. Duplicate layer B and name the new layer "D. Angled Strokes."

11. Turn off layer B (click the eyeball).

12. FILTERS > BRUSH STROKES > ANGLED STROKES
I used Direction Balance: 65, Stroke Length, 4, Sharpness, 0. You use what you like.

Watch out on Stroke Length... too much = things get really blury. Too little = really scratchy lines.

Notice how the lines have a little more of a sketchy look... not quite so scratchy looking. But maybe a little too dark?

13. Depending on your version of Photoshop, the FADE command may be under either the FILTERS or EDIT menu. Think of the FADE command as your opportunity to "turn down" or "back off" the previous command, kind of like a volume control.

FADE ANGLED STROKES...

I faded about 50% (Normal) and clicked OK. Fade as much as you'd like.

IMPORTANT: To use the FADE command, it MUST BE the next command executed after running the filter. If you change anything in the image or click on any other menu command or layer pallet option and THEN try to fade, the command will be grayed out. Trust me.

14. Turn off layer D (click the eyeball)

15. Click on layer B again and duplicate this layer. Name the duplicate "C. Crosshatch."

16. FILTER > BRUSH STROKES > CROSSHATCH
Stroke Length=4, Sharpness=2, Strength=1. Again, you can pick your own values.

The Crosshatch filter gives a little different look than Angled Strokes.

17. FADE CROSSHATCH...
Again to tone it down a bit I faded to about 50% (Normal).

Almost done...

18. Create a Hue / Saturation adjustment layer (name it 'E. Hue/Sat') on the top of the layer stack.

Depending on your version of Photoshop, you may be able to create adjustment layers by clicking an icon at the bottom of the Layers palette; in other versions one can click the Layers palette menu and make a choice from there.

If in doubt, check the LAYERS menu, select New Adjustment Layer and go from there.

19. When the Hue/Saturation dialog box displays, drag the Saturaion slider to the FAR LEFT (value -100). This will fully desaturate (remove color) from the image.

RECAP: Looking at the Layers palette here's where we should be. Blend mode in [brackets]. On = Eyeball is visible; Off = no eyeball.

E. Hue/Sat, on
D. Angled Strokes [Multiply], OFF
C. Crosshatch [Multiply], on
B. Edges Only [Multiply], OFF
A. BG Blurred [Normal], ON

Background, OFF

19. Now the fun begins. Call this mix-n-match.

* Want color back? Turn OFF layer E (click eyeball)
* Want to see the Edges Only look? B on; C, D off
* Angled strokes look? D on; C, B off
* Line drawing only? A, off; B, C or D on.

I think you get the idea. You can turn on / off any combination of these layers until you get the look you want.

KEY POINTS
- - - - - - - - -
* Smart Blur / Edges Only is one way to isolate the major lines in an image. Don't forget to INVERT the result!

* Each blend mode has a "neutral color." The neutral color of Multiply is white. This means that any areas of white on a layer whose blend mode is Multiply will appear transparent. That's why the "background" is visible beneath the edges layer.

* An adjustment layers allow adjustments to be made anytime -- even after O.K. is clicked. In this case the Saturation value in the Hue/Saturation adjustment layer was set to -100, appearing to remove all color (desaturating) the layers below. No actual changes are made to underlying layers, however. This is one way to see what an image will look like in grayscale mode without actually converting it to grayscale.

* The FADE command can be used to "throttle back" an effect after it has been applied. This command is only available immediately after applying an effect.

* Rather than applying one effect after another on the same layer, in this example changes were made to individual layers when possible. This is referred to as a "non-destructive" method, enabling one to make changes after effects are applied. This not only affords more flexibility when experimenting with blend modes and/or how to combine or order layers, it reduces time required for "do overs" should one decide to recreate intermediate layers. The use of adjustment layers (instead of using IMAGE > ADJUSTMENT commands) is the cornerstone of this approach.

= = = = = = = = = = = =

OK. That's it for this one.

Keep in mind this type of method will work better on some images than others.

Have fun. Do provide some feedback on this tutorial, either via the poll or posts.

Have fun...

~DannyR~

[DannyRaphael]

Layer B, after the Smart Blur filter is applied and the image is inverted.

[DannyRaphael]

After blurring layer A and setting the blend mode of layer B to Multiply.

[DannyRaphael]

Layers A, C and E are on here. Grayscale / Crosshatch version.

[DannyRaphael]

The STYLIZE > DIFFUSE > Anisotropic effect is really powerful.

It was applied two time here and notice how it softens the scratchy lines without give up much detail.

I also used a Layer Mask (click HERE for a tutorial) to "hide" some of the lines that looked out of place. (Note: Before applying the layer mask I inserted a new layer below line drawing layer and with EDIT > FILL (white) to created a pseudo background.)

Granted this image is starting to look a little surreal to me from a "baby" perspective, but the point here is to illustrate how edges can be softened. On some images it works better than others!

[DannyRaphael]

This is a placeholder in case an additional image is to be inserted at a later date.

Ignore this attachment. It's a blank image.

[dcarr]

Well written and Easy Danny. Even I can understand it. Thanks for taking the time
Debbie

[jerry]

Danny

Really good tutorial..I just followed it step by step with the following exception..

Any tutorial can make a pretty baby look good but how does it work on rusty farm machinery..

So I put you to the test and here it is..by the way, this was a hi res pic and the crosshatching and diagonal line filters made very little difference..(probably a novice problem).

Thanks for the effort
Jerry

[jerry]

REALLY like this technique..Here is one more..

Jerry

[platscha@cs.com]

This is a perfect, absolutely wonderful tutorial, very explicit and precise, leaves no questions.
Now if you could just back over all the wonderful effects given here and of course on dpreview and do a tutorial for each one, that would be so nice.
So many times when people write out their explantions, they leave out or forget something, maybe to them it is common and they do it without thinking, but for many it prevents the effect from turning out and becomes very frustrating.
This is how it should be done, just perfect.
Thank you very much.
P.S. Another day of wowing everyone with my actions in class, I have gotten so popular.

[GOLDCOIN]

Signing in tonite with a huge feeling of accomplishment, thanks to you, Danny.

Want to tell you how much you are appreciated ...... and that your tutorial was excellent.

Here is my result... I did have fun!!

[DannyRaphael]

Looks like this might be a useful series to those new to photo-art. I'll craft another soon.

I appreciate the feedback -- poll, posts and especially the images Jerry and Goldcoin did - WELL DONE!

[CJ Swartz]

Goldcoin -- I can see why you're feeling that huge sense of accomplishment -- really great looking image! It's even more fun when you can figure out how to do it again, isn't it

Jerry - now you have another sketch technique in your tool chest -- lovely image!
Danny -- wonderful step by step tutorial. This will be very helpful to many.

[pstewart]

Originally posted by DannyRaphael
The STYLIZE > DIFFUSE > Anisotropic effect is really powerful.

Nice to know folks are finally recognizing the value of anisotropic diffuse, after all the harping I've done about it for months.

Keep in mind that it's good for smoothing pixels in many other photo art methods as well. For example, it works great on noise too, giving a wonderful all-over effect.

Thanks, Danny, for writing out all the steps you use in this drawing style. It's a really great look.

Phyllis

[June Curtice]

Wow, Danny, this is an absolutely terrific tutorial. I learn best with step by step "recipes" so this tutorial is perfect for me. Plus, having examples of each step is like getting a double serving of fudge frosting on the cake. THANKS.

[collinf]

Danny

This is probably THE best tutorial I've ever followed! Easy and works too! I got a little lost with what layers were where in the middle, but Step 19 sorted all that!

I've added my effort. Only one more step, I added a Gaussian Blurred Stroke round the edge, purely because I'm not a huge fan of the "non-border" (does that make sense?!) you get on most digital images.

Thanks - I look forward to trying more - both new tuts and this one on other pics. If I'm happy with 'em, I'll post 'em here!

Collin

[DannyRaphael]

June:

I know what you mean. I too prefer specific instructions whenever possible. Once you get a recipe nailed, you can then start tweaking the steps to your liking, just like making a cake!

Speaking of cake-n-frosting... last Friday I had a piece of the best choc. decadence cake I've ever had. [Dinner honoring my wife's bday.] It was simply awesome.

Thx, too, for the very nice PM. I wish the same for you and yours.

- - - - - -

Collin:

You're on your way! Once you start getting used to how layers can be blended and how to manipulate line characteristics, you'll leap to another level.

Regarding borders and your own custom touches: I'm all in favor. Glad to see you're already stepping outside the box.

It's feedback like yours and June's that inspires me and I really appreciate it. After we get past the holiday season I plan on writing a few more of these step by step tutorials.

Thanks for sharing your efforts and to both of you for the kind words.

~Danny~

P.S. to Phyllis.
I really did mean to mention that it was your inspiration (insistence? nagging? pleading? ) that finally led me to try PS7's STYLIZE > DIFFUSE > ANISOTROPIC filter. You were really right on that one!

[pjb]

Wonderful tutorial. Even for a blonde

[ghags]

AS a newbie to this forum I can only add my thanks for a well written and excellently documented tutorial. As an industrial designer, there are many times that I have to "re-interprete" our 3D models and renders to a comprehensible line form. You've helped greatly in that task.
Thanks again

Ghags

[DannyRaphael]

Ghags:

Thank you for your kind words. They are greatly appreciated.

When the time is right, hope you'll take the time to post some of your creations. (You can do so in this forum or the site Gallery.)

~Danny~

[Neve]

PSP8.1

Power Retouche Filter/PR Brightness
Edge Preserving Smooth 10
AIM/USM Filter to sharpen
Impressionist Filter/Jaykita's WC A Modified

[photobobbie]

Thanks for this. I loved it.

Here's my try.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...mer450x337.jpg

Bobbie

[DannyRaphael]

Hello, PB...

Welcome to our little fun forum. Glad you gave this a go. It's a great technique that has a lot of possibilities.

Hope you have lots of fun trying other methods.

~Danny~

[Swampy]

Great Tutorial...Thanks!

I used the basic techniques but to the Smart Blur layer I used an opaque white brush to delete the background detail, and then ran a Distort->Diffuse->Anisotropic filter to blur and blend the lines in the sketch. (I did not use crosshatch or angled strokes)

I then copied the background and ran a moderate gausian blur to soften the colors in the leaves only.

I made a copy of the blur layer and added a mask for the leaves so they would not be affected by the next two steps. A little more agressive blur on the photo and application of the Artistic->Sponge filter for texture. (Be sure to apply these to the photo, no the mask).

[akj]

Originally Posted by DannyRaphael

The STYLIZE > DIFFUSE > Anisotropic effect is really powerful.

Hi Danny,

So far I'm having fun with your tutorial. However, what exactly is the anisotropic effect? When I use STYLIZE > DIFFUSE I get three options in PS6, Normal, Lighten Only, and Darken Only. Am I missing something?

[akj]

Hmmmmm, I'm thinking perhaps anisotropic effect is only available in PS7. I really like the look of that--bummer! Anyway, here is my stab at it. I really liked this tutorial Danny. Is 02 out there somewhere? I added some new layers on top , filled with a color and then changed to color mode. I then created a layer mask for each color (hide all) and then used a white brush to reveal the areas that I wanted to color. I also changed the opacity of each layer to control the intensity of the colors. Hope that all makes sense.

[DannyRaphael]

re: I'm thinking perhaps anisotropic effect is only available in PS7.
Correct. This option was introduced in PS7. You can get in the ballpark by applying a little Gaussian Blur followed by some Unsharp Mask.

re: Is 02 out there somewhere?
Sure is (and more).
* Open the attachment (you'l need these settings)
* Click Search above and choose "advanced search"
* Populate the search fields according to the attachment

re: I added some new layers on top...
Excellent.

Getting creative with tutorials is awesome. Glad you're "coloring outside the lines." That's how you grow.

Keep it up!

[akj]

Thanks Danny. I didn't have much luck with the search feature. (i never do for some reason) but was able to find your other tutorials by looking back a few pages in the forum. I really wish I didn't have to go to work tomorrow. It seems like every weekend I learn all this new stuff and then Monday comes and I never get a chance to let it sink in my head.

[ghealy]

Danny, I know I'm late to class. But just wanted to add my thanks for posting this and other tutorials.

I've used Paintshop Pro for years. But have only recently come to use Photoshop (CS4)

Is there are Sticky somewhere detailing all the tutorials you've done with links? (If not, it should exist as these are extremely helpful for us newbies.)

Liked mine with a hint of pastel colours.

[lkroll]

Used the GIMP interpretation of Dee Dee's idea (like her method the best of all the line art techniques I've seen thus far (other then special filters of course; lol)) for the line art part, but then did a few other things (including GREYCStoration for smoothing/cleaning and Xero's Supersmooth filter for flattening) for the colorization portion.