Welcome to this tutorial on creating a surreal landscape in Photoshop. Photoshop is a powerful tool for creating digital art, and in this tutorial, we will be using a variety of techniques to create a surreal landscape that is both beautiful and otherworldly. We'll be using various tools and filters such as the Pen tool, Layer masks, adjustment layers and filters to create this effect. This tutorial is suitable for beginners and intermediate users of Photoshop.
Step 1: Setting up the Document First, we need to set up the document in Photoshop. Open Photoshop and create a new document. The size of the document is up to you, but I recommend at least 2000 x 1500 pixels. This will give you plenty of room to work with and create a detailed landscape.
Step 2: Sketching the Landscape Before we begin working with Photoshop, it's a good idea to sketch out the basic layout of the landscape. This will help you to visualize the final image and plan out the composition. You can sketch on paper or use a drawing tablet, either way, it's essential to have a general idea of what you want to create.
Step 3: Creating the Background Now that we have a sketch, we can start creating the background. We'll be using the Gradient tool and Layer masks to create a gradated sky. Create a new layer, and set the Gradient tool to the colors of your choice. I'm using a blue and purple gradient for my sky. Drag the Gradient tool from the top of the canvas to the bottom to create the gradation.
Step 4: Adding the Land Next, we'll create the land. Use the Pen tool to create a shape that represents the land. Make sure to keep it relatively simple, as we'll be adding more details later. Once you have the shape, use the Paint Bucket tool to fill it with a solid color. I'm using a dark brown color for my land.
Step 5: Adding Texture to the Land To add texture to the land, we'll be using the Clouds filter. Go to Filter > Render > Clouds. This will add a random pattern of clouds to the land, giving it a more organic, textured look.
Step 6: Adding Trees and Plants To add trees and plants to the landscape, we'll be using brushes. Create a new layer and set the brush to a tree or plant shape. Use the brush to paint trees and plants onto the landscape. You can experiment with different brushes and colors to create a variety of trees and plants.
Step 7: Adding a Castle To add a castle to the landscape, we'll be using the same method we used to add the land. Use the Pen tool to create the shape of the castle and then fill it with a solid color. This will be the base for the castle, and we'll add more details later.
Step 8: Adding Light and Shadows To add light and shadows to the landscape, we'll be using adjustment layers. Create a new layer and set it to a Gradient Map. You can experiment with different colors to create the effect you want. I'm using a blue and purple gradient for my light and shadow.
Step 9: Final Touches Finally, we'll add some final touches to the landscape. Use the Clone Stamp tool to remove any unwanted elements, and use the Dodge and Burn tools to add highlights and shadows. You can also experiment with different filters to create a more surreal effect.
Conclusion: In this tutorial, we've covered the basic steps for creating a surreal landscape in Photoshop. By using the Gradient tool, Layer masks, adjustment layers, and filters, we've created a beautiful and otherworldly landscape