Simulated Alpha Channels
page two
Before attempting to paint close to the flower’s edges, zoom way in so
you can see exactly what you’re doing. You can either click on the image
with the zoom tool, or use the zoom tool
to drag a selection box around the area you want to zoom to.
If you check the Fit on Screen button on the zoom tool’s options bar, the
image window will maximize for you. I prefer to leave Ignore Palettes
unchecked. If it is selected, the image will spread under the palettes,
and this is a nuisance.
While you are editing as you are zoomed
way in, press the spacebar to access the hand
tool. Click and drag on your image with the hand to move new parts
of the flower’s edges into view.
Increase or decrease your brush size as needed by pressing the bracket
keys, [ ]. Be as precise as you can, zooming in even closer, if necessary.
Use tiny brushes to get into little nooks and crannies. The illustration
below shows the brush icon following the flower edge at large magnification.
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When you feel you have painted everything outside the flower completely black, check your work by turning off the visibility of all layers except alpha channel. To turn off visibility, click on the eyeball icon at the left end of a layer. This toggles visibility off and on.
As you can see in my example below, mine was not at all complete. Keep the other layers turned off, and repaint over any areas that are not totally black.
continue on page three
Shadows and Light
FreePhotos
Filler Images
Elementary School
Advanced Elements
The Belief Game
Animal Rights
Copyright © 2004 by Jay Arraich.
All rights reserved.
All photographs copyright ©2004 by Jay Arraich
jay@arraich.com
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