How to create unique images using PaintShop Pro and Masks

This tutorial will show you how to make amazing and unique images using masks and Paint Shop Pro. With this skill you can create unique art pieces, or fantastic backdrops for other artwork.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• PaintShop Pro (I'm using version X2 for this tutorial, but earlier versions will work in a similar manner.)
• A backdrop image
• Some other random images

1. 
   Starting off

   Create a blank image of 2000 x 2000 pixels with a plain color. I'll be using black. (You can really do any size you like, I'm just using these dimensions for this tutorial.)

2. Open another image. Try using something scenic, an outdoor scene or something of that nature. Copy the image. Paste it onto the black image as New Layer.

3. 
   Stretching the backdrop

   Use the Pick tool to stretch the image to cover the black background layer. (Try using an image that is as close to the same size as your background as possible to avoid deforming the image.)

4. Open the image you would like to use as a mask. You can use anything you like. Experiment with different images to see what effects you get. (This example gives you an all-over effect. If you want to get a small cutout design, just use the Pick tool to move the layer to the desired location on the larger background.)

5. 
   A single mask applied

   Go to the main image. Choose Layers > New Mask Layer > From Image. Choose the image you just opened. Apply.

6. 
   Two mask layers

   Here's what it looks like if you add another mask layer to the mix. You can play with the brightness and contrast of the mask layers to get even more unique effects.

7. Save as a merged JPG file or PNG.

Tips & Warnings

• You can get wonderful art by playing with mask layers. This is also a great method to use to make frames and small cutouts on larger images.