::rvdb

gallery

Link to Retro Step 1 open background image (is layer 1) Step 2 open a new empty layer (if all is well this is layer 2 and is selected also the one we start working in). Info when you are working in a layer it does not affect the the background image so never work in layer 1 keep it original you will find out why later. Step 3 we are going to paint select a paint brush nice and big let's say about size 150 now the colour let's say a peach kinda pink this is not to important believe me don't worry go for it. Step 4 paint the face/neck believe me you don't have to stay between the lines will all work out. Step 5 set layer 2 transparent somewhere about 50% Step 6 set layer properties choose 1 of the 6 to 10 settings you will have to try them all (depends on the image software you are working with} you will see what works best. Step 7 now you can get out the eraser and clean up all what is not skin related now a 5 point Gaussian blur (yes it will blur out side of the lines don't worry be happy). Step 8 as happens here the background face was to dark go to the transparencies in layer 2 to adjust. Info we still have not touched the background layer. Step 9 now it gets hard people you still have your original background image select and copy paste into new layer 3 now you see the original B&W image look for the option line art and everything goes dark and gloomy. Info the line art option selects just the lines makes everything nice and sharp. Step 10 in layer 3 adjust the transparency of the line art image you may have to go to layer 1 the background image to lighten/darken the image. Step 11 when your done flatten image. Info if you don't have the line art option in your software contrast, light and darken work also in layer 1 and change the properties setting in layer 3 . All the above works for everything cloths, trees bricks etc. Things to remember ........the layer properties setting is the blender BIG TIME EFFECTS for the layers below it so if you blend in 5 it affects 4,3,2. use the transparency setting in combo with light and dark hue and saturation...........make groups you want to work on skin, trees bricks etc. Footnote this is how I do it are there other ways yes easier yes why then the hard way because this way it's easier for me to predict the outcome.