[g:tech]

Hi, gang!

I don't usually post questions very often, but I've reached a point in my artwork that I feel I need to tackle my next big problem... backgrounds.

Can anyone give me some pointers about the things to consider when doing them? I'm especially interested in tips about brushes to use, and shading tips (PS 5.5). I'm thinking mostly landscape-ish backgrounds here, especially mountains, grass, rocks, trees, and clouds.

I know it's kind of a broad question with no easy answer, but I gotta start somewhere! Plus, if any forum has the talent to tackle this, it's this one.

Anxiously awaiting some advice... Thanks in advance, guys (and gals )!!!



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-g:tech

[micke]

hi there g:tech!
Could you maybe show something you've done first? That way it would be much easier

[Mergatroid]

I agree with Micke in that we need to see something before we can comment. If bkgs is what your into though then go out and some plein air painting. Thats a place to start anyway.


Late,


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Mergatroid

[g:tech]

Well, I would have posted something with a background, but I've never really done an image with a "real" background since I don't know where to start.

Most of my stuff is anime-ish or cartoonish, so I'm looking for a background style that matches. This pic (one that I posted fairly recently), is the closest thing to a background I've done yet.



I'm at a point where I'm comfortable enough with my foreground characters (not with the rock in this picture, though), so I'd like to try backgrounds.

Any tips are greatly appreciated. Lemme know if this pic helps. It's the closest thing to what you're looking for that I have.

Thanks!



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-g:tech

[psi burn]

you should paint your backgrounds first

[g:tech]

psi burn: Ok. Start with the backgrounds. I appreciate the tip, but what I really need is help on how to actually do them. I don't know what things to keep in mind and what techniques to use to create them, especially outdoor things like grass, bushes, trees, and mountains, etc.

Everyone: feel free to post reference pix of stuff like this, perhaps stuff you've done, so i can see what you're talking about!

Ok, back to Photoshop...


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-g:tech

[Nightime]

Hi g:tech !

... I don't know how to explain this on how to paint grass, so I decided a picture is better =) Of course, I'm still learning how to paint landscapes (heck, still learning how to paint!) but this is how I did it.

The steps is for my landscape "Home" which you can see on my home page, address below

! Huge Image Ahead !



Hope this helps some

JJ / Nightime

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JJ / Nightime
http://members.home.net/jeremy12/web/

[This message has been edited by Nightime (edited August 09, 2000).]

[g:tech]

That is VERY helpful. Exactly the sort of thing I'm looking for. I don't have Painter, but I'm sure I can work around it with Photoshop. Thank you so much for posting that.

If anyone has any tips or links about the other mentioned things, please post em!



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-g:tech