Cascading Lights Composition

Open the Background Image in Part 1 if you haven't already done so.

1. Add a NEW Raster Layer and name it "Branches".

2. Click on FREEHAND SELECTOR Tool. Set selection type to Point-to-Point, Feather=0, and Antialias checked.

3. Draw a stub of tree branch somewhere on the canvas using the Selector Tool then Flood Fill it with color black (#000000).

Keep the selection (marquee) active.

4. Click on AIRBRUSH Tool and copy the setting below:

5. Now, color the branch in the same manner you colored the Background Image. Use the following colors below:

#7C756A, #9B9081, #202020, #000000, #00C000

6. Again, use DODGE and LIGHTNESS DOWN feature of the Retouch Tool to enhance the texture. Change to brush size appropriate for the area you're working on but keep the rest of the setting the same as in Part 1.

7. Use the PUSH feature of Retouch Tool for grooves and cracks as well as to roughen the smooth edge created by the marquee. (See sample on the right)

This may seem difficult but it's really easy once you get the hang of it. :)

8. Add some more branches...

Progress check: So far we have 2 layers. The Background Image (Bottom Layer) and the Branches (Top Layer).

This concludes Part 2 of the tutorial. Save your work in PSP format but DO NOT Merge the Layers yet.

At this point, this is what my image looks like --->

It's up to you if you want to add more branches or more colors.

Now let's go to Part 3.