How to Convert Canvas to Photoshop
Digital art has become almost a standard skill among many artists, and has been widely accepted as a serious art form. Although many artists have begun exercising their skill in digital media, most still employ their traditional abilities within their work. A good way to combine these two techniques is by converting traditional art to digital. For example, an artist who has completed an oil painting might want to use the piece for an advertisement, with added text. In order to do this, you must convert the traditional canvas to a digital canvas.
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Instructions
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Getting Started
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1
Mount the traditional painting on a white or neutral-colored wall. Using an easel is not recommended, since an easel will mount the painting at a slight angle. It is also important to use a wall that is white or neutral, since colors such as red, blue and green can reflect color onto the painting. If you are using a large format scanner, simply place the painting face-down on the scanner bed. Then, go to "File" > "Import" in Photoshop and choose the appropriate scanner from the list. If you are using a scanner, go directly to Section 2.
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2
Position the painting in an area where there is plenty of natural light. Avoid areas with florescent lighting, since this can give the painting a green cast. If you possess professional lighting equipment, it may be beneficial in poorly lit areas.
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3
Attach the digital camera to the tripod. It is very important to use a tripod, since this will steady the camera and make the image as crisp as possible. Make sure the camera is set to take photos at the highest resolution. This process will vary among different types of cameras; refer to the camera manual if necessary.
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4
Zoom in with the camera lens so the painting has a small border of wall around it. It is better to have a little bit of extra space than not enough space once it is imported to Photoshop. Keep the border at only a couple of inches.
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5
Take several shots of the painting with the flash turned off. The flash will create light distortions and reflections on the surface of the painting, especially if the painting has a glossy varnish.
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6
Plug the camera into the computer and import the photos to the desired folder.
Making Adjustments
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7
Choose the best photo or scan of the painting. Look at the photographs by using the computer's JPEG viewer. For PCs, this will be the Windows Picture and Fax Viewer; for Mac, it will be the Preview program.
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8
Open the photograph in Photoshop by going to "File" > "Open," then choose the photo. Hit "OK."
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9
Go to "Image" > "Adjustments" > "Color Balance." In the Color Balance dialog box, adjust the tabs to balance any unwanted color casts on the painting. Color casts can occur with poor lighting and non-neutral walls. Scanners don't typically create a color cast. Hit "OK" when complete.
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10
Go to "Image" > "Adjustments" > "Levels" and adjust the black, gray and white tabs until the desired contrast is achieved.
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11
Choose the "Rectangular Marquee" tool from the Tools palette on the left side of the screen. Click-drag the marquee all around the edges of the painting. Then, go to "Image" > "Crop." This will allow you to remove the wall border around the painting.
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12
Create a new layer by going to "Layer" > "New" > "Layer" and add text, paint or any other designs to the painting.
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