How to Create Abstract Cosmic Artwork using simple techniques in Photoshop CS5May 22, 2012 |12 Comments73051Google +Today, Ill show you a few quick techniques for creating abstract cosmic artwork in Photoshop CS5 its all about layering, using brushes and working with blending modes. Lets get started!

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Start working by creating a new document (Ctrl+N) inAdobe Photoshop CS5with the size1280pxby1024px(RGBcolor mode) at a resolution of72 pixels/inch. Use thePaint Bucket Tool (G)to fill with#44082Acolor thenew background layer.

On the nextnew layerwell use theSoft Roundbrush fromBrush Tool (B).

Use this brush to paint the background as in the picture below with the color#C22A3F.

Create a new layeragain and use here theSoft Roundbrush mentioned above to continue painting the background with the color#822957.

Create a new layerand fill it with#74164Dcolor, applying thePaint Bucket Tool (G).

Insert the mask on the layer by choosingAdd layer maskon the bottom part of theLayers paneland then apply the next filter on the maskFilter > Render > Clouds.

Find a stock photo with a model represented on it, I used thisphotofromShutterstock. I would like to thank theauthorof this photo, or if you prefer, you can substitute similar image of your own.

Remove the background using your favorite tools likePen Tool (P),Magic Wand Tool (W),Magnetic Lasso (L)or even a simpleFilter>Extractand insert it on anew layerin our main document.

Set theBlending modefor this layer toHard Light.

Insert the mask on the layer by choosingAdd layer maskon the bottom part of theLayers paneland choose theSoft Mechanicalbrush ofblack color.

Paint in the mask using this brush with different diameters to hide the models layer as it is represented below:

Create a new layerand select theSoft Roundbrush.

Use this brush to paint the background as in the picture below. The brushs color is#F941FF. Place the layer under the models layer.

Create a new layerand use again theSoft Roundbrush mentioned above to make darker the background around the model. The brushs color is#3A0822. Place the layer under the models layer.

On the nextnew layerwe must create the next selection, using theRectangular Marquee Tool (M)and place the layer under the models one.

Select theSoft Roundbrush to paint inside of the selection withwhite color(brushOpacity 15%).

PressCtrl+Dto remove the selection. Weve got the next result:

Using theFree Transform (Ctrl+T)command, we have to incline the created layer.

Make four copies of the last made layer and use again theFree Transform (Ctrl+T)command to place the copies as in the picture below.

Now we have combine in a group all the lines layers (pressCTRLbutton to select the necessary layers and hold on the left mouses button while dragging the selected layers onCreate a new groupicon from bottom part of theLayers panel).Insert the mask on the group by choosingAdd layer maskon the bottom part of theLayers paneland choose theSoft Mechanicalbrush ofblack color.

Paint in the mask using this brush to hide the lines edges as shown.

Set theBlending modefor the made group toColor Dodge.

Click onAdd a layer styleicon from bottom part of theLayers paneland selectDrop Shadow.

AddGradient Overlay:

Click in thecolor barto open theGradient Editorand set thecolor stopsas shown. ClickOKto close theGradient Editordialog box.

Weve got the next result:

Make also four copies of the last made layer and choose theFree Transform (Ctrl+T)command to make smaller each next copy, placing them as below:

Combine in a group all the squares layers (pressCTRLbutton to select the necessary layers and hold on the left mouses button while dragging the selected layers onCreate a new groupicon from bottom part of theLayers panel).Make sure you have the group selected inLayers Paneland holdCTRLbutton and click on the models layer to make a selection.

Insert the mask on the layer by choosingAdd layer maskon the bottom part of theLayers paneland finally pressCTRL+Ito cut out the squares.

Now we need to erase the squares behind the model, select theSoft Mechanicalbrush ofblackcolor and paint in the mask to remove squares from left side.

Weve got the next result:

Using theLine Tool (U)(setWeight 1 pxinOptions bar) we must represent many rays ofwhitecolor, which layers should be placed under the models layer.

SetBlending modetoOverlayfor each rays layer.

Combine in a group all the rays layers (pressCTRLbutton to select the necessary layers and hold on the left mouses button while dragging the selected layers onCreate a new groupicon from bottom part of theLayers panel).Insert the mask on the group by choosingAdd layer maskon the bottom part of theLayers paneland choose theSoft Roundbrush ofblack color.

Use this brush to paint in the mask to hide the rays in the immediate zone of the models hair and face and also the rays edges.

ClickCreate new fill or adjustment layerfrom bottom part of theLayers paneland click toCurvesto adjust the curve shape as shown to make a little color corrections.

Weve got the next result:

Create a new layerand select theSoft Roundbrush.

Use this brush to paint the background on the models right side as it is shown below. The brushs color is#A5004F(brushOpacity 15%)

Create a new layeragain and use theSoft Roundbrush to make darker the canvas edges, the brush color is#340E21(brushOpacity 20%).

On the nextnew layerwell select theSoft Mechanicalbrush.

Use this brush to make lighter the models body, brush color is#8ADE00(brushOpacity 10%).

Set theBlending modefor this layer toLinear Dodge.

Use this brush to represent four small circles ofwhitecolor (brushOpacity 15%). We have to make smaller the diameter of each next circle. Place the layer under the models one.

Set theBlending modefor this layer toOverlay.

Using theEllipse Tool (U), we have to represent an ellipse ofwhitecolor.

SetFillto25%for this layer and change theBlending modetoOverlay. Click onAdd a layer styleicon from bottom part of theLayers paneland selectInner Glow.

Weve got the next result:

Make a copy of the last represented layer containing the ellipse and use theFree Transform (Ctrl+T)command to enlarge the copy, moving it to the left a little. Well change also theBlending modetoHard Mixfor the copy, also add theDrop Shadow:

Weve got the next result:

Combine in a group all the layers containing the ellipses (pressCTRLbutton to select the necessary layers and hold on the left mouses button while dragging the selected layers onCreate a new groupicon from bottom part of theLayers panel). SetOpacityto47%for the group.

Make sure you have the ellipses group selected inLayers Paneland holdCTRLbutton and click on the models layer to make a selection.

Insert the mask on the ellipses group by choosingAdd layer maskon the bottom part of theLayers paneland pressCTRL+I. This way the ellipses will be cut. Use theSoft Roundbrush ofblackcolor to paint in the mask the same way we did with the rays and the squares.

ClickCreate new fill or adjustment layerfrom bottom part of theLayers paneland click toCurvesto adjust the curve shape as shown to make a little color corrections.

Weve got the next result:

Create a new layerand select theSoft Mechanicalbrush.

Use this brush to paint the models waist on the left side. The brushs color is#40274Eand also on the waists edge and on the legs lowest part (brushOpacity 10%).

Create a new layerand select theSoft Roundbrush ofwhitecolor to represent many stars.

Apply different diameters for the brush and differentOpacityvalue.

Create a new layerand use thePaint Bucket Tool (G)to fill the layer withwhitecolor. Insert the mask on the layer by choosingAdd layer maskon the bottom part of theLayers paneland apply on the mask the next filterFilter > Render > Clouds.

Set theBlending modefor this layer toOverlay.

Make a copy of the layer weve got.Create a new layerabove the copied one and select both layers inLayers panel. Then pressCTRL+EtoMerge Down.Insert the mask on the rasterized layer by choosingAdd layer maskon the bottom part of theLayers paneland choose theSoft Roundbrush ofblack color(setOpacityto20%inOptions bar).

Use this brush to paint in the mask to hide the top part on the layer, around the model as it is shown below.

ClickCreate new fill or adjustment layerfrom bottom part of theLayers paneland click toCurvesto adjust the curve shape as shown to make a little color corrections.

Weve got the next result:

Our Abstract Cosmic Artwork using simple techniques in Photoshop CS5 is finished!View full sizehere.- See more at: http://designstacks.net/how-to-create-abstract-cosmic-artwork-simple-techniques-photoshop-cs5/3#sthash.a7G73C9o.dpuf