TECHNIQUES ILLUSTRATE WITH MASKS
QUICK TIP: ADD SUBTLE TEXTURE
Incorporating a lightly applied texture to art can really make its simulation pop. In this
case, a graphite sketch is being simulated so a subdued paper texture was added.
There are quite a few free texture websites, such as Subtle Patterns (subtlepatterns.
com), which is where the paper texture used in this tutorial was found.04
CREATE LINES USING A FILTER
Next, after filtering your image, Invert it
(Cmd/Ctrl+I) and set its layer style to Multiply. Your
photograph should begin to look like a sketch, but
not quite. The Glowing Edges filter can be undone
and redone until you have the thickness that you
would like to start with. Set the stock layer
underneath to Multiply. Your beige background
colour should be showing underneath, with
shadows of both the sketched layer and the
desaturated layer only viewable.05
USE MASKS TO REMOVE
All of the proceeding steps will require use
of the brushes provided on FileSilo. Now begin
masking off the dirtier or too detailed parts of the
image, such as her clothes. On the desaturated layer,
create a new layer mask (Layer>Layer Mask>Reveal
All). On the layer mask, use the Lasso tool to remove
larger areas of unwanted shading and the Small
Sketch Brush to remove smaller details, such as
extra shading in her eyes. In this example, her skin
and some of her hair shading is kept intact.06
DRAW IN LINES
Once the sketch lines are cleaned up, it is
time to hand draw the extra sketch lines. It is better
to use a tablet to create accurate, varied lines. Create
a new layer. Using the Brush tool, fill in the areas that
need refinement, such as her clothes. Her hair will
be special and flowing, so the basic areas of her hair
are sketched out. You may need to use additional
photo references for some areas.07
CREATE THE HAIR
The most detailed part of this illustration is her hair and it is one of the most defining
parts of this style. It looks as if each strand of hair is outlined. Her original hair has been
masked out except for the roots to add more depth. Then, each hair line is drawn in. To make
this easier, start out in large areas and create smaller sections in each area.08
DETAIL THE HAIR
You may need to create a new layer for the hair to allow for
experimentation. It is also helpful to reference how hair flows and
moves in wind and water to simulate smooth lines and transition. Once
the main area of hair is finished, add in some extra strands around the
area to create a less restrained look. Afterwards, create a new layer
mask on your hair layer. Using the Flat Charcoal brush, lightly brush
over and mask out the flatter parts of her hair to create more depth.