Airbrushed Auto Photos

smooth it and groove it

The Question: Airbrush from Photoshop: Please could you explain how I can turn a photograph image of a car into one that looks as if the image has been airbrushed. I thank you in advance.

Our reply to a question sent in by: Karl Nash
 

That's a huge question to answer, Karl. And, you really didn't give us clear enough symptoms to give you a good diagnosis and cure.
For instance: there are as many 'opinions' of what an airbrushed car should look like as there are airbrush artists. So an example of the degree of airbrushing would help zero in to the cure. Then, we would need to ask if the final results should look like a car that's been drawn from scratch with an airbrush, or is is an actual photo that's just been worked over with an airbrush. The two are very different. Lastly, if I explained each step for any of these techniques in sufficient detail it would take a pile of full pages plus a couple of dozen diagrams. However, I'd love to look over your shoulder and watch as you do it.
    To get you started, scan or shoot the car image as large as you can comfortably handle it in Photoshop. Then ask yourself what the specific art effects characterize air brushed art. Then ask what tools and functions in Photoshop will help you best achieve those characteristics.

Experiment with filters

Try some filter combinations. First make a copy of the photo on a new layer. Then make another copy on a new layer. We'll use this second one later to revive desired detail.
   Next apply a very small amount of Gaussian blur. (I cannot tell you how much to add because I don't know the resolution you're working in.) But make it just enough to soften all the transitions from one color to the next.
   Next, move that original copy layer you made up above the blurred version layer and cut the opacity way down to 10%. ("Opacity" slider found in the upper right of the layers palette.) Now start increasing opacity until the brighter details cut through the blurred image. You could also do this in reverse -- put the blurred layer on top and decrease its opacity to let the brighter detail show through.
   With the "sharp" version on top, you could also start painting with a large, soft-edged eraser removing the smoother, flatter areas of the image, painting in and round the harsh details like chrome pieces, window trim, etc. that you want to stay sharp.
   Finally, you might also try the Filters > Distort > Diffuse Glow filter. Keep the graininess to a minimum and experiment with the glow and clear settings.
    I would also encourage you to study the teachings of Burt Monroy -- probably the leading photo-realistic digital artist in the world.
   If any other readers would like to share experiences on this sort of painting, let us know.

Thanks for writing.
 

Retrieved from Photoshop 911: 10/01/2002

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