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The gradient tool in Photoshop 6 has many presets available as
well as the capability to create and save your own. If you haven't spent
much time exploring gradients and what you can do with them, I encourage
you to explore Wendy Peck's series, Color
Power with Gradient Fills. As Wendy states, "Study anything
that seems to have wonderful depth or a feeling that it is beautifully
crafted, and you will often find that gradient fills are providing the
special qualities." You'll see below that the gradient fill is
quite subtle indeed but yet highly effective. I think you will find
how easy this tool is to use and how much fun it can be to explore possibilities.
As discussed on the previous page, we're ready to add a gradient fill
to the color layer behind the shopping bag dingbat font.
A key component of doing dimensional artwork is to maintain a consistent
light source and use that source consistently throughout. I chose
the light source to be coming from the upper left, above the shopping
bag. So it's critical to plan the components of the rest of this tutorial
accordingly, the gradient fill for the blank lines to be filled with
color, the Layer Styles to add dimension and character to the shopping
bag area, and the perspective shadow done with Alien Skin Eye Candy.
Each of these will be done with that upper left corner light source
in mind.
Tip: If you haven't yet done dimensional work or even used drop
shadows before, start looking around you wherever you are at various
times throughout the day and evening. Notice the sunlight's effect on
colors and shadows, how and where shadows are cast. And inside with
a lightbulbs, do the same. Take a look at how the shadow is cast by
a lamp, a chair, a shoe, anything and everything. Notice if it's a soft
shadow that fades out or if it's a strong shadow with an abrupt end.
Notice how the shadow distorts the shape of its image(s).
Notice what shimmers and what colors the shimmers actually are and how
the reflections are cast. By watching shadows and light and how light
interacts with your daily life, perhaps in a different way than you
used to, you'll be able to integrate your visions into your art with
a little practice.
OK, now let's get on to adding the gradient fill to the color layer
under the shopping bag that will fill the blank line spaces between
the shopping bag panels in the dingbat font.
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