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Photoshop CS2

How To Color Taur Lineart Using Photoshop CS: Part Two. Preparing The Lines - Color Channel Method


This method is really good for when you get lineart that's been scanned from the original inking and you want a clean and clear background to set the piece on a certificate.

To make the selection layer:

• Click on the "Channels" tab. It's right next to the "Layers" tab.
  
• From the "Channels" tab, you'll see the same image is split into "RGB", "Red", "Green", and "Blue".
  
• Click and drag the "Blue" layer towards the icon next to the Trashcan icon, this will create a brand new color layer called "Blue copy".
  
  
  
  
• Go back to the "Layers" tab and create a brand new layer.
  
  
  
  
• From the menu choose "Select > Load Selection.." NOTE: Make sure the NEW LAYER is the active layer (highlighted in dark blue on your layers list) and on top of the original layer, just like in the example.
  
  
  
  
• From the drop down menu on the "Load Selection" window, use the dropdown menu and select "Blue copy" and then make sure "Invert" is checked.
  
  
  
  
• This will automatically select an outline of the cattaur in "Layer 2". With the Floodfill (Paint Bucket) tool, flood fill the selection with black.
  
  
  
  
• Now you have a nice clean black outline to work with without a white background! heart

The GIMP
SPECIAL NOTES: The GIMP is unlike other paint programs in that all its tabs and function windows are not contained within a larger window. All of its functions are made so that you can fully customize how you use the tools.

For the sake of this tutorial, I've put the Brushes tab in with the standard GIMP toolbar by dragging the tab into it with my mouse.

It is [ most definitely possible ] to color these lines by mouse or by stylus using the GIMP. I've downloaded it myself to be sure.

Prepping the Lines
1. Copy and Paste the lines FULL SIZE into a new file.

2. SAVE that file with a name easy to remember. Example: "Male Centaur 1" Save often! In case your program crashes, you'll not have lost any data.

3. You'll need to create multiple layers.
A. Lines layer. Do NOT modify this layer unless you are attempting an edit. Set this layer to MULTIPLY. Multiplying the layer will make the color beneath blend in smoothly.
B. Color layer(s). One or more layers holding your colors. Typically, there are seperate layers for: skin, hair/tail, hooves, lower body/ears.
C. Background Color (Do NOT color on this layer, this layer is for contrast purposes.)



4. You'll need the brush tool. For the base (flat, non-shaded) colors you will need a "sharp" brush. A sharp brush is one that gives thick lines as opposed to fuzzy ones. Fuzzy brushes are often referred to as an "airbrush" since it's edges are softer.

Lock the opacity (shown in the above image, labeled B), by locking the opacity that means color is locked. Turning it back on will expand the color. Play with this until you get a feel for it.