How to Draw Silk Fabrics in Photoshop
Simulating the appearance of silk in Photoshop is possible using the Gradient tool. This tool will help you create the smooth shadows and highlights that characterize silk fabrics. Adjusting the “Mode” and “Opacity” of the Gradient tool produces random folds as you draw. The gradient you choose affects the type of folds it creates. To make folds resembling a curtain, use the “Linear Gradient,” but for a rippled effect, use the “Diamond Gradient.”
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Instructions
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File Preparation
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Launch Photoshop and go to “File” and “New.” Set the file size so the width and height are equal. For example, adjust the size to 500 pixels by 500 pixels and enter 72 pixels per inch for the resolution. Click “OK” to make the new document.
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2
Click the Gradient tool, set the “Mode” in the Options bar to “Difference” and then reduce the “Opacity” to around 70 percent.
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3
Click the gradient in the Options bar and choose the black-and-white gradient from the presets menu. It's the third icon in the top row of presets.
Silk Curtain
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Pick the “Linear Gradient,” which is the first gradient icon in the Options bar.
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Click the right side of the document with the Gradient tool, drag to the left, then alternate, clicking the left side of the document and dragging to the right. Repeat this process until the position and number of the “folds” is satisfactory.
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Go to “Image.” Then click “Adjustment” and choose “Levels.”
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Move the “Highlights” slider to the left to make the silk shinier. You can also adjust the “Midtones” slider to alter the image's overall brightness. Confirm the changes by clicking “OK.”
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Choose “Filter,” “Blur” and “Motion Blur.” Change the “Distance” to 2 or 3 pixels and then click “OK.”
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Select “Image,” “Adjustment” and choose “Hue/Saturation,” or press “Ctrl” and the “L” key.
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Click the box next to “Colorize” and move the “Hue” slider to pick a shade for the silk. Increase the “Saturation” if you want a more intense color. Then click “OK.”
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Choose the “Smudge” tool from the Tools panel and reduce the tools “Strength” in the Options bar to 50 percent.
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Click and drag with the Smudge tool over any areas you want to smooth, following the direction of the fabric.
Rippled Silk
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Choose the last gradient icon in the Options bar to use the “Diamond Gradient.”
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Click and drag repeatedly with the Gradient tool, starting at different areas in the document. Continue using the tool until the file looks like rippled fabric.
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Select “Image." Then click “Adjustment” and choose “Levels.” Move the “Highlights” and “Midtones” sliders to lighten the silk. If the shadows are too dark, move the black “Output Levels” slider toward the white. Click “OK” when you finish.
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Go to “Filter” and choose “Liquify.” In the dialog box, change the “Brush Pressure” to “75.”
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Click and drag over the image following the curves and folds created by the gradient. The filter will smooth and blend the silk background. Click “OK, when you are satisfied with the results of the filter.
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Choose “Image” and “Adjustment.” Then pick “Hue/Saturation.”
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Select “Colorize” and adjust the “Hue” and “Saturation” sliders to alter the color of the silk.
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Tips & Warnings
To create angled folds for your silk curtain, drag the “Linear Gradient” from the lower right corner to the upper left corner and back again.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
