Textures & Beyond – Creativity with Topaz

By Hazel Meredith, APSA, MNEC, Meredith Images

This tutorial uses several Topaz products – Impression; Lens Effects; Simplify; and Texture Effects. We will modify two texture images before applying them to our subject image. You can follow along using the same images by downloading them from this link.

1. Duplicate Background Layer

OPEN IMAGE 1A – BLUE-GREEN STONE ORIGINAL IN PHOTOSHOP

We’re going to use two Topaz products on this image… Impression + Lens Effects.

STEP #1 – DUPLICATE BACKGROUND LAYER (Control + J or drag layer to the new layer icon) in your host program

GO TO: FILTER > TOPAZ LABS > IMPRESSION 2

Select: Impressionistic Collection

Effect: Impasto I

Settings:
Brush 07
Brush Size .82
Stroke Rot. 0
Stroke Length .41
Smudge .28

Adjust Colors
Red -.20
Orange -.24
Yellow -.24
Aqua +.20

Vignette .14
Light Direction – Center
Vig. Trans. .56

Texture
Canvas III Size +.33

Here is the result of the Impression application:

Save your file at this point as a TIFF or PSD so it is available for future use.

2. Duplicate the Impression Layer

STEP #2 – DUPLICATE THE IMPRESSION LAYER

GO TO: FILTER > TOPAZ LABS > LENS EFFECTS

Filter – Diffusion
Softness .80
Diffusion .80
Edge Trans. .43

Click “OK” and Apply.

Back in Photoshop, use the Dodge Tool to lighten some of the darker areas if desired.

Here is the result of the Lens Effects application:

SAVE AS YOUR FILE AS A TIFF OR PSD, AND THEN SAVE AS AGAIN AS A JPG. Close the file.

3. Open Image 2A - Blue-Tan Rock

OPEN IMAGE 2A – BLUE-TAN ROCK

We’re also going to use two Topaz products on this image… Impression + Simplify.

STEP #1 – DUPLICATE BACKGROUND LAYER (Control + J or drag layer to the new layer icon) in your host program.

GO TO: FILTER > TOPAZ LABS > IMPRESSION 2

Select: Pictorial Collection

Obscurity II
Brush #15
Brush Size .61
Stroke Rot. .32
Spill .32
Smudge .12

Lighting
Brightness -.18
Vignette .05 (Light Position = Center)

Texture
Concrete Smooth
Strength .16
Size .29

“OK” to Apply. Rename layer if desired.

Here is the result of the Impression application:

Save your file at this point as a TIFF or PSD so it is available for future use.

4. Duplicate Impression Layer

STEP #2 – DUPLICATE IMPRESSION LAYER

GO TO: FILTER > TOPAZ LABS > SIMPLIFY 4

Select: Painting Collection – Watercolor II

Simplify Size 1.0

Adjust:
Brightness -.01
Contrast 1.05
Saturation .87
Sat. Boost 1.09
Structure .43
Struct.Boost .83

“OK” to Apply. Rename layer if desired.

Here is the result of the Impression application:

SAVE AS YOUR FILE AS A TIFF OR PSD, AND THEN SAVE AS AGAIN AS A JPG. Close the file.

NOW WE’LL APPLY THESE 2 TEXTURES TO OUR IMAGE IN TOPAZ TEXTURE EFFECTS.

5. Open Texture Effects

OPEN IMAGE 3-2 cranes original – DUPLICATE BACKGROUND LAYER

GO TO: FILTER > TOPAZ LABS > TEXTURE EFFECTS 2

Instead of using a preset, we will be using the two textures that we just created. First we will import our textures.

How to Import Textures:
1. Click the New button in the upper right
2. Click + to Add an Asset
3. Choose Texture
4. Add your texture (Next to the ALL dropdown click on the square with the arrow)
5. You can add the new textures to any category or create a new one. In Texture Effects 2 there is a category already for Hazel Meredith as I contributed textures to this version of the program!).
6. Click on Import and locate the textures you just created. You will see the message below after the texture is imported hit OK. After importing both textures, hit Close.

So now you can select the folder from the drop down that you saved the 2 textures in (they will be added to the end of the selections in that folder).

Click on the Blue-Tan texture
1. Keep Aspect Ratio > click on Yes
2. Change the opacity to 61% and next to that where it says Normal click for the drop-down list and choose Hard Light (this is the blending mode of the layer which changes how the texture interacts with the image or layer below).
3. To add the 2nd texture, select the “+” at the bottom that says Add Adjustment and choose Texture.
4. Again, select the folder where the imported textures are, and select the Blue-Green Stone texture.
5. Keep Aspect Ratio > click on Yes
6. Change the opacity to 88% and make the blending mode Overlay.
7. Say “OK” to apply and return to Photoshop.

If you are interested in an in depth tutorial and information from Hazel, please join us for webinar!

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