Introduction to Colour Theory

Coming soon......

Here is our lovely International Colour Wheel. Basic principles of mixing primary colours into secondary. Also the addition of other hues in the spectrum, shades and tones.

This article when fully published will introduce neutralising/opposite colours, and various complementaries. We will also further explore additive colour (RGB) and subtractive (CMYK).

This is a bit of a placeholder for the time being. Any questions you would like me to answer in the process of writing this article, drop me a line @clarewaterfall

Creating a Repeat Pattern in Photoshop

So there are many ways of making a repeat pattern and here I'll list a few with a little help from some friends (strangers on the internet)

The Define Pattern is a very simple way of creating a repeat pattern (tutorial coming soon), however it does leave rather a grid like, regimented pattern. Great if that is what you are after. If however you want it a bit more organic looking I suggest you follow the tiling method.

This first tutorial from Mel's Brushes explains the mechanics, how the tiling process actually works. The Offset Filter does the tiling automatically for you but it helps if you have an understanding of what and how it is being done.

Tiling - Manually (superb results!)

Tiling with Offset Filter

Experiment with different tile sizes or area selection, here are two versions I did. What effect do these variances have on your pattern?

Larger Tile 600x600

Smaller Tile 125x125

I would suggest you try all of the methods and compare them. What worked best for you in terms of process and results.

Introduction to SketchUp

SketchUp 3D model of my front room... I am planning new storage!

I worked with SketchUp a wee bit during my degree, we did a 3D graphics module (see my attempts here).

3D graphics is rather complex and in that we were doing a little dip into the topic we were introduced to the novice friendly software formerly c/o Google so apologies if I keep referring to it as Google SketchUp (it's now owned by Trimble).

You can download a free version for educational purposes here: http://www.sketchup.com/download

Now, I say this is novice friendly, but it is also used professionally and to great effect here are some picture examples.

© Diego Guerra

c/o SketchUp.com

© Sunil Pant

© Oleomingus

So here is a little introduction to the software, very basics to get you started.

HD version at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiCCGK86NbM

International Paper Sizes

© Clare Waterfall

Photoshop Blending Modes

A simple technique that can produce some interesting results. I'm demonstrating this to my Level 2 group this afternoon.

Blend Modes

Open an image, here I’m using a high contrast back and white portrait of British recording artist Sophie Ellis Bextor 

(image c/o Galleryhip)

Place a new image on another layer. Copy and paste or File>Place…

I am using a textured Union Jack flag 

(image c/o http://wall.alphacoders.com/big.php?i=218461)

Resize the image, if you want to constraint the proportions hold the shift key. Hit return or the tick button to commit to the changes.

Ensure you have selected the top layer.

Just above the layers is the Blending Mode options drop down list, it is default set to normal. 

This set of blend modes adjust the selected layer to allow parts of the image to become transparent or to allow certain areas to be blended with the layer below.

Texture scaled to fit

There are a number of different blend options. This is Darken.

Blend Mode: Darken

This is Screen

Blend Mode: Screen

This is Divide

Blend Mode: Divide

Lets see what happens when we switch the layers and apply this divide blend mode to the portraits. So firstly, move the portrait to become the top layer.

Move: Portrait to Top

Delete our blank background layer.

Delete: Background Layer

Apply the Divide blend to the portrait (top) layer. Notice the different effect it produces.

Blend Mode: Divide, Portrait on top layer

Now, play with the blend modes. Save four different versions and compare. Ensure you note down what layers were used and what blend modes were applied!

Fab explanation of what/how the blend modes do: http://photoblogstop.com/photoshop/photoshop-blend-modes-explained