Creating an Abstract Watercolor Wallpaper
| There are plenty of ways to create a Watercolor Effect in Photoshop. Some are very cheesy and you can easily tell that a simple filter has been used. In this tutorial, we will be using Layer Masking. It is one of the most fascinating and powerful Photoshop method, to use layer masks in your designs. |
| Preview of Final Image |
 |
| Let us start off by creating a canvas of 1920X1200 pixels, in RGB mode. I found a picture of Jim Morrison (you can obviously use any of your favourite characters, or your own picture for that matter). I found the picture here. Copy and paste the image into our canvas. Use transform and scale it to fit our canvas by holding down the Shift-Key. This keeps the original aspect ratio of the image and it does not look stretched. |
 |
| Even though the picture I am using here is a small resolution one, it will not matter much since I will be using some filters that will remove any sort of pixelation. Adjust Brightness/Contrast and then duplicate the layer. |
 |
| Apply Watercolor filter from filter gallery to the duplicated layer. Name this duplicated layer as "Watercolor Filter". |
 |
| Select the original layer and NOT the "Watercolor Filter". Go to Image > Adjustments > Threshold. Name this original layer as "Threshold Effect". |
 |
| Set the Blending mode to Multiply, and merge both, "Watercolor Filter" and "Threshold Effect" layers. So, we now have a "Merged Layer". |
 |
| Now open some images I took from the Media Militia Sampler Pack, download it here. |
 |
 |
| Get to the "Merged Layer". Select and copy the image into the layer. Add a Layer Mask to "Layer 1". Alt + click on the layer mask, and you will see the canvas is in white. Paste the image here, and Ctrl + I to invert the colors. This way, the layer mask hides the Blacks, and reveals the Whites. Click back onto the layer and we can see our image. |
 |
| Use some paper textures from Bashcorpo, you’ll find it here. Set it to Linear Burn mode. |
 |
| Clone some areas in the "Layer 1" using the Clone Tool. This makes the image look more complete. |
 |
| Finaly, add some more watercolor splashes from the Media Militia Sample and add a fancy text, oriented like what I have in this image below. Now you have an abstract watercolor design. You can use your creativity and innovate more on this effect. Hope you had fun in this tutorial! |
|
I am Rahul Jha, a Mechanical Engineer and a freelance designer from India. My brother, Rohan, and I have started the website http://rjartworks.co.cc to showcase some of our work. Other Design Articles You May Find Interesting
- 30 Nice Email Newsletter Designs for your Inspiration
Email newsletters are becoming more and more popular on the internet as businesses begin to use them as a viral way of communicating with their audiences/customers. They are, without doubt, great m...
- Who Is Lady Umbrella? Rob Ryan Interview & Exclusive September Discount Code
We are introducing you all to a great t-shirt company and also offering all our readers an exclusive 15% discount on all Lady Umbrella T-shirts.
- 80+ Breathtaking Nature Inspired Photos
If you are feeling bad or just tired by the hard work so you have no need to be feel like that anymore because the photos we are going to share with you will must change your frame of mind and you ...
- UBD Network-Urszula Wiznerowicz, Featured Designer
Urszula Wiznrowicz won the Main prize at this years D&AD New Blood Exhibition and has been chosen as one of the 4 finalists for the Channel 4 and Saatchi Gallery: New Sensations 2010 Prize.
- How to create a great wordpress layout in Photoshop
How to create a sleek wordpress layout. PSD available for download FREE
271 Comments | Write a Comment
thank you very nice and thanks for tut!pleas send for me massage i want help me to learn photoshop
Cool tutorial!
Thank you for sharing.
I already tried it
http://superwarp.pa.land.to/creation/desktop-picture-for-macbook/
and based on this tutorial,I made other pieces.
http://superwarp.pa.land.to/tag/picture/
Excellent tutorial, I am not that good with phtoshop but you explained everything in a very easy manner and thanks for using the images in the post.
Hey Rahul,
Thanks for the tutorial, it works like a dream!!!
Beautiful result and not a ton of steps. I retweeted it.
Amazing design
HAhaha I loved it! this is my creation:
http://minkayuko.tumblr.com/post/777985899
I think it came out very good! =P
thanks! see ya! =D
Thanks for lesson. Can you tell me: why i can not paste image to Layer mask?? My image every time past to next layer? Thanks
Great lesson! I can not stop trying to do. Thanks a lot!
http://i064.radikal.ru/1004/d6/0d42bf5637d7t.jpg
http://i064.radikal.ru/1004/d6/0d42bf5637d7t.jpg
Very nice techniques used here. Great work and an excellent result!
Very nice tutorial and effect! Great post!
This is the best way to learn creative designing! Thanks for it is give us to free!
Even though the final effect is cool –enough to catch ones eyes so accustomed to stump upon hundred of tutorials on the Internet- if fails to deliver when it comes to a thorough step by step explaining. I understand that for both the creator and the reader that is mastered in complex effects it is obvious what must be done, but for those who are still learning it is impossible to get through certain points, due to a confuse or incomplete elucidation. Even though I’m not such a rookie with Photoshop, I only could get pass the problem thanks to other readers that gave a hand to others that where not surprisingly trapped at one point or another.
When it comes to tutorials nothing is given for granted, better a little more than less.
Very nice tutorial!! thnk u very much for sharing!!
that is very nice
thank you for this secret
Thanks for the great tutorial – at some points more explanation would probably help a great deal. For example, the step with the treshold: no two pictures are alike so it would be helpful to know what my goal is in adjusting the treshold – how much more pronounced do I need the shadows, etc. that kind of thing.
Still, for a fifteen minute first try, not bad
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g161/paraboo/trialwater.jpg
Not helpful AT ALL. Nothing is explained in enough detail, nothing works out in my example (and other people’s examples who are apparently satisfied with their results for whatever reason) as it does in yours. Back to the drawing board, bucko.
It’ was great do this tutorial! Thank you very much… I put this image tomorrow (15/05/10) in flickr and here you have the link to see what I do with your tutorial
http://www.flickr.com/photos/elolelo/sets/72157623435388406/
Check out my outcome. http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab99/jnbg93/My%20Designs/HorrorGalcopycopy.jpg
That’s a really great use of this technique. Love it. Just one thing, the hand print in the upper right corner is very distracting and takes focus away from the rest of the picture. Great work though.
Umm…I’m kinda frustrated when it comes to step 2 and three. I can’t get my picture to get into the little layer mask. HELPPPPPPP!!!!!!
I must be doing something wrong with the threshold? My persons face is too light and when i get to the last step, he is practically invisible. can you please help me?
Thank you!
Andrea
Very excellent tutorial man.Very easy steps and best tutorial.Thanks for sharing.
Hey great tutorial. I tried to do it with PSP but I was unsuccessful. I started having trouble with it when it came to the layer masks. Unfortunately I lost Photoshop when my computer crashed. Hopefully I’ll be able to get Photoshop again and re try this tutorial
cool..!!!
tnx 4 sharing..!
thanks this tuts
Just tried it with my pictures! Tutorial is clear, easy and looks awesome! Thank you, thank you, a thousand times thank you!
very nice and easy tutorial thankz a lot
hey,can u help me?
i’m stuck after this step:
http://10steps.sg/wp-content/uploads/photo53/7.jpg
please help!!
thanks!
I really enjoy using these kind of tutorials—
simple to use, but awsome effects!
my examples are right here
http://twitpic.com/photos/die_sturm
Great tut! Thanks so much.. used it here: http://fav.me/d2ng6w8
Excelkente trabalho….very beautifull
A great tutorial! Thank you very much
Thanks for this tut! I love it! And it was so easy to do! Many kudos to you!
Really cool tutorial. Easy to follow.Much better than others I have read. Thanks Again.
i have learned more about this post so I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in designing these pictures. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well. In fact your creative Editing abilities has inspired me
Yeah! =)) thanks! so much for this!
) even i get stock in alt mask thingy =)) but i finished it! but but 
) it’s not like on the tutorial =)) haha! but really thanks for the this tutorial! 
)
nice job………
Great tutorial! Although i am stuck on the bit where it asks you to press alt & click the masked layer … no matter what i do, all it does is paste an extra layer it will no go in the little box
Ian, keep the Alt key pressed when you click on the mask box. Your screen should turn white.
Alternatively you can skip the mask part all together and change the blend mode of Layer 1(watercolor) from Normal to lighten to get a similar effect
Thanx Al! Yea i managed to get it working in the end, for some strange reason no matter what i did it wouldnt select the mark layer. I closed the document an then tried again a few hours layter and it worked first time ?? wierd.
Great tribute to the lizard king and the soft parade.
Thanks for this….
Here is mine..
http://i348.photobucket.com/albums/q347/supermanclick92/MePaintBetter1.jpg
Hi dear
I’m from Vietnam
Thank you so much for sharing this tut
Can I used this one for my school contest’s poster?
I’ve used another picture instead of Jim morrison’s
This tutorial’s awesome
Sure apsBee, the tutorial is meant for sharing techniques. Please feel free to display your creativity with them and I hope you will win the contest
How about posting up your work here once you are done?
This is my version: link unknown
great tutorial and neat effect.
Very helpful tutorial! I love abstract art because it portrays your ability to create great things from unexpected concepts.
Realy Super . Realistic in nature.
Thanks for this tut. Easy to follow and the result is awesome.
It is very nice
Thanks for the tut!
Great tut,check out my version you won’t regret it http://reyed33.deviantart.com/art/Little-Dragon-149812633
UR Good Desingner …
You are good with photoshop! thnx for the tut!
am into tshirt making based in china.. intersted to know u
Thank you for this beautiful tutorial!
how can i use this to convert my photo
wow amazing tutorial away to try it out now looks great cant wait to see the results
wowww!! this tutorial is amazingg!! thank you very much!!!! it came out great!!
and HAPPY NEW YEAR to you btw!
Thanks for the tutorial and I managed to produce something nice from this tutorial!
I strongly recommend you check it out:
http://photshopmaniac.deviantart.com/art/2009-148745268
Easily, the post is really the greatest on this worthy topic. I fit in with your conclusions and will eagerly look forward to your forthcoming updates. Saying thanks will not just be adequate, for the exceptional clarity in your writing. I will at once grab your rss feed to stay abreast of any updates. Authentic work and much success in your business efforts!
okiee.. im a beginner.. n im stuck at a very early step.. the thing is.. after i do the brightness and contrast step.. it wont let me do that watercolor filter thing.. as in that option is there bt i cnt click on it.. wt shud i doo?
i know this is a little late, but may help other beginners later. Are you in RGB mode? It might not be working because of that. Or did you rasterize the layer? Try that.
Great tutorial, Thanks a lot!
my mask does not like the one in picture no.3,anyone knows why?? thanks.
well for mask to work:
1. Select the Merged Layer (Image Layer).
2. Press Ctrl + A (select All).
3. Press Ctrl + C (Copy).
4. Select the color layer.
5. Add Mask Layer.
6. Press Alt and click on mask layer.
7. Ctrl + V (Paste).
8. Ctrl + I
9. Click on color Layer.
Hope u get the desired effect.
Great job! Thanks
here are some of my attempts http://uktilly.deviantart.com/art/Biker-Beez-142635751
http://uktilly.deviantart.com/art/Lets-Hear-it-for-New-York-142851989
need any help with this style let meknow through deviant art, i have got it all sussed with some extra tips now aswell to make things easier /better
love it, but too bad i dont get the step. can’t do it.
loved this tutorial…..
gr8 effect…wil try it mysif too… thnks…
Thanks a lot for the tutorial. I’ve just done it http://www.flickr.com/photos/ginnyle/4153577578/
Wow that was a nice concept yet with simple steps to follow and end up into a great graphic. No wonder this article got a thousands of viewers and approval in stumble, where I found your article.
This is a most excellent tutorial dude! You Indians rock…
Amazing and so nicely demonstrated…good work
Thank you! ^^
hey Thanks!! es gret an symple..xD
I got PS Elements, a can’t do all the steps! (sorry by my bad inglish)
Just what I was looking for, stunning results!
God bless!
You do A M A Z I N G things! Very very talented!
love the out come, will give it a trial
thanks for posting
THIS ONE IS REALLY GOOD…..
SIMPLE TECHNICS AND BETTER RESULT.
Que grande ere….!!!!
you’re the best !
really beautiful; thanks
CONGRATULATIONS!! IT’S A COOL TUTORIAL
I’LL TRY TO MAKE IT
THANKS
I am having problems getting the merged layer to paste into the layer mask:( all it seems to do is duplicate the merged layer( face) above the paint and mask layer instead of onto it , please help pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeee
Awesome, thanks!
thank youuu!! I LOVE YOUU!!! lol
Very nice result dude, cheers for the effort.
What font did you use? I really like the one you have on there and I can’t find anything really similar.
very cool see my result here http://xhosnyx.deviantart.com/art/keira-138377313
Top Quality tutorial! Will be featured on Designrfix.com on our upcoming post
Thanks for that pal
thnx buddy i edited ma pic wth ths nd got a gr8 pic..thn man..god bless u…nd keep rocking..
nyc
This tutorial is just awesome. That watercolor wallpaper looks hand-made
this tut is so hard…a puzzle for me! needs to be more clear about the steps..
oh thank god, I figure out about 10 mins after I posted the comment before, and Im happy with it : ). No problems now.
wish someone would tell me the answer to that problem its been more than 10 mins for me
I had this problem once :
possible causes :
either you didn’t select ‘ALT + Click’ the layer mask
either you didn’t select the picture (make sure your select tool is selected , then ctrl+A then Ctrl+C, and then you can paste it in the layer mask that youwill have selected with ALT + Click un the thumbnail.
I had this problem on other tuto, so it may help.. good luck
Omg I think Im going to rip my hair out it frustration. my picture wont paste into the layer mask. Am I doing something wrong??? WHAT DO I DO???!!!
Very easy… lovely results. So awesome, thanks!
wow! Thanks for this tut. It was great! ^^,
Another thing, I have not been recieving any replies to my messages. Can someone please help me with my last message. I would greatly appreciate it and I look forward to hearing from someone to help me complete this tut. Thanks!
This message is to SOLID, I figured out why the layer was not inverting to black. It’s because I was using a transperant layer. The layer has to ahve a white background in order to invert the black and whites. However, I still havn’t been getting good ending results. My results have been coming out very lightly. I can hardly see the image.
i couldn’t do it .. i want to do it :/
im trying at my photos.. is there any video shoes how we can make like this ?
Hey, fantastic tutorial Could you give the video version
Me too i have the same problem as vvvvVee..about the last layer mask..its not like the one that you showed here…pls help…after i inverted the background didnt turn into black just like in your tutoriAL pls help
grandioso tutorial gracias!!!
I figured out the last masking step, but mine is not turning out so well. I was wondering, does there have to be more white then black in the final masking step. What should I be trying to attemp when I am setting the contrast and the threshold in steps #2 and #4? Also, I am using a dark skinned child, does that make a difference? HELP!
Jesus is King!
AMEN! You CAN petition Him with prayer!
On the last layer mask my, mask did not turn black. It was white and it did not reveal my image as yours is shown. Once I clicked back on the image after pasting it to the merged image. I did not get the same results. help Please!
oh god!
so nice!!
thanks for this tut!
nice! very easy to follow & great effect.
lovely…
Thank you for an amazing tutorial. it really looks great and inspired me a ton(:
Great tutorial. Thanks.
My take with one of my favs John Lennon.
http://candothat.deviantart.com/art/Imagine-133353479
hey RJ
i was just browsing by and when i finished this i saw this is written by you…feels great man..
Hey hey!
That’s a great effect!
I had to tweak some stuffs because threshold didn’t had great effects (used the curves instead on several layers) but great inspiration!
Result here : http://the-darxtalker.deviantart.com/art/She-is-still-My-Love-133117803
Thanks dude!
Sashi
Excellent work thanks
wow !! excelente turorial !! desde guatemala saludos!!
This one’s pretty cool! I already tried it and loved it =)… I used a picture of mine in the background… It was a little tricky to do the masc thing tho…
A beautiful bit of photo retouching artwork from the top drawer!
this is excellent
Looks amazing, excellent work, keep it up.
Yeah ! I love it !
this is excellent. easy to follow and actually works. kudos.
thank you for replying i am just a beginner:D
Hi Shahy, it meant pressing Ctrl+A follow by Ctrl+C on Watercolor layer in another document and Ctrl+V as a new layer above the Merged Layer (Jim Morrison) in the original document. Sorry for the confusion earlier.
hi, can u please explain more how to copy the image in the layer..i didn’t get it:D
Very nice tutorial ! Thank you
Thanks for the idea, it’s really a great effect. Although in my opinion I think that using a water color brush set (like this one: http://www.bittbox.com/freebies/free-hi-res-watercolor-photoshop-brushes/) is much easier and faster than to be copying and pasting from one watercolor picture.
This is Jim Morisson. I worked on Photoshop CS4, but I believe you can do this even on Photoshop 7…
this is awsome man¡¡¡…
thanks for sharing …
is that Jim Morrison The Doors ?
Awesome!
but what version of photoshop did you use?
Awesome tut!
Yes Rahul really done a great job for this tutorial. Look out for his new tutorial coming up soon. Cheers everyone!
great tutorial.
but the part about the preparation of the sample watercolor image wasn’t clear enough. imho
its a nice one and brilliant
Great work. Thanks you Rahul.
Ashwani Verma
9216888080
Chandigarh
Really splendid.
An comprensive and clear tuto Thanks 10 steps.
professional result..
looks fresh ;D
awesome! Will try it
thank you for sharing!
Oh, Jim Morrison. The sexiest man that ever lived.
For some reason, I can’t copy and paste the watercolor pics into Photoshop.
Any help?
Great tut but because I can’t get to it right away I copied it for future work. The tables you used really suck though.
Wow, I really like it!
Nice tutorial, keep up the good work.
I’m gonna try it right now.
Thanks!
haha, my face too flat, cant stand out, i think i havent reach the best stage… will try out again when i got mood.. hehe.. and the font i think smt wrong too.. well… i need more improvement!!!!
http://www.behance.net/Gallery/Watercolor/271180
Great work and outstanding results! Glad to see you made great use of our sampler.
Im not a PSD pro and i’ve found this tutorial very easy and cool. i’ve done it with a picture of mine, to bad it’s not a great one to manipulate…
the result is pretty cool though, maybe i’ll try with a better picture in the future.
thanx 4 the fun tutorial !
it is awesome
awesome just looking like cool
Wow Rahul very cool man. Ima try it today, thanks.
Great work it’s and excellente step by step tuto, go ahead. I’ve mentioned in my blog: http://puntodelta.net/tutoriales-para-photoshop/ Greetings!
beautiful..hahaha..the picture is so fun!
yahh yahh @jonhson look good congratz
i´ll practice a little more of this wonderful
style.
nice tuto and job my friend.
cheers.
Great tut, Rahul, looking forward to seeing more. Now I’m off to try this tut out.
Thanks guys, I’m looking forward to writing more tutorials. Thanks Johnson for your support!
really fun and cool looking! thanks 10steps!
Glad you all like Rahul’s tutorial as much as I do
this one is really cool
working on it right now
Very cool and easy to follow watercolor tutorial! Thanks Rahul!
Nice. I’ve been seeing a lot of watercolor art lately and I really like it. Now I can play around in Photoshop a little bit and try to make some myself. Thanks for the tut!