Shade Computer Drawings
One way to make a colorful digital drawing more interesting is by creating shadows. This provides depth and adds overall appeal. Adobe Photoshop offers a variety of shading techniques, but use of the Smudge tool is particularly effective.
Instructions
Getting Started "Import," then choose the appropriate scanner from the list.
2. Determine the location of the light source in your image. Strong, direct light will cast sharp, high contrast shadows; natural light will cast softer shadows. If you are unsure about light sources, go to "Filter" > "Render" > "Lighting Effects" and play around with the various types and angles of lighting. You'll get a basic idea of how light falls on your drawing.
3. Go to "Window" > "Brushes" and click on "Shape Dynamics." Make sure "Pen Pressure" is selected in the Size Jitter Control drop down. This will taper the ends of your line for a more natural appearance.
Shading
4. Go to "Layer" > "New" > "Layer" and label it "Shadows." In the "Mode" drop down, choose "Soft Light." Click "OK."
5. Choose a dark gray color swatch from the Color Swatch palette. Then, choose the Brush tool and pick a soft round brush from the Options menu along the top of the screen.
6. Begin painting in the shadows with the Brush tool. Keep in mind the shapes of your drawing. For example, if you are shading a rounded bicep, paint in a circular direction. This will give the bicep the illusion of being rounded. Complete all of the areas that need to be shaded. Feel free to darken the gray swatch you are using to add darker shadows.
7. Choose the Smudge tool from the Tools palette. In the Options menu, choose the appropriate smudging brush. For example, if you want the image to have a rough, natural appearance, choose a textured brush. If you want a smooth appearance, choose a soft round brush.
8. Smudge the shadows so they blend with the original drawing. If you added darker shadows, blend those as well. Smudging is not unlike finger smudging traditional drawings. However, using the Smudge tool will allow you to adjust your brush size to reach very small shaded areas as well as shade large areas.
