How to Create Realistic Watercolor Effects in Photoshop

Most methods of applying watercolor effects to a photo net only fair results when rendering the subtleties, depth, and complexities of watercolor. The secret to watercolor conversion that doesn’t scream “Digital!” is to use brush strokes that mirror the motions of an artist’s hand. My favorite watercolor media is the fine pen-and-ink drawing, loosely stroked with brushes full of color that layer life and light and shadow, yet leave an abstract feel with plenty of unpainted white space. It’s sleek, dramatic, minimalist, and imaginative.

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  • RuthG says:

    I am surprised there are no comments on this article!
    Thanks for posting it. I will give it a try. I love making “new art” out of my photographs.
    Gigi Geitgey
    http://www.geitgey.com/blog

  • evaldez says:

    I’ve come back to this article many times for many different types of projects. It really creates an interesting effect. Thanks for sharing this.

    Eric Valdez
    http://www.evdezign.com

  • Anonymous says:

    I was wondering, I am a landscape designer. Can this be done with a black and white plant and then color render the plan

  • Anonymous says:

    I tried this and I am really astounded by how well it works. Thanks.

  • Anonymous says:

    This is still one of my favorite painting tutorials, even years later. I’m so glad that this is still up!

    Marc Sadowski
    http://www.Lens-Wipe.com

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