PATTERN BRUSHES

 
Sample or Preset files are available at the main index Mastering Brushes for Photoshop.
The Pattern Brush allows the user to paint with realistic details extremely quick!
 
1.) Create a New file. Go to File > New. Make it as large as you wish, at 300 dpi in RGB Mode on a White Background.
 
2.) Hold the Shift key and tap S until the Pattern Stamp tool becomes Selected. Now, go to the Options bar and click the Downward triangle (next to Brush Preview) to Open the Brush library. Select a Brush to use.
 
 
3.) Next, click the Downward triangle (next to Pattern Preview) to Open the Pattern Library. Select a Pattern to use.
(There are many CD's on the market of Patterns available. You can also find thousands available for Free on the web to Download.)
 
 
4.) Carry the brush over the work area and Click+Drag to paint.
I've included these samples here, to show you some of the great effects that can be achieved by using this method!
 
 
Your imagination is the key! Use this technique to create a foundation on which to build from in layers.
 
The Pattern Brush can also Create some interesting effects when used with Object brushes allowing the user to Click only once to achieve Dynamic Effects as shown below. (This brush you will find located in the SD-Flowers library.)
 
 
Painting such Objects as Realistic looking Stones and Grass can be Created easily without much effort. Simply find a Rock Pattern you would like to use then Select it.
 
1.) Select the Pattern Stamp tool . Go to the Options bar and Select a brush to use. (I chose the Hard Round 19 pixels brush.) Go to the Layers palette and click the Create a new layer button to Create a New blank layer. Paint a large Stone in the Center. Paint a total of 3 Stones, Each on it's own layer.
 
 
2.) In the Layers palette... Click layer 1 to Select. Go to Layer > Layer Style > Bevel and Emboss. When the palette Opens, play with the settings a bit to add Depth and roundness to the first Stone. When you are pleased with the results click OK to apply. Now, in the Layers palette an effects tab will be Created for layer 1. Drag this tab and drop on layer 2. Repeat process for layer 3. (This will apply the Bevel and Emboss to All three layers.)
 
 
3.) Select the Move tool . Click a layer you wish to work with and Drag Stone into position. Repeat procedure until All Stones are arranged. It's as simple as that!
 
 
Carrying the image one Step further... I decided to add a little moss. Select a New pattern you think will work well and Select it. Change brush to the Soft Round 13 pixels. Now, Ctrl+Click on a layer to Create a Selection around it's Stone and paint. (Only the area Inside the Stone will fill.) Continue the process until All Stones have been completed, then use Ctrl+D to Deselect Selection.
 
 
Two New blank layers were Created. Using two brushes from the SD-Grass brush set (already installed). The grass was then added with different Patterns and several clicks to add density. Here is the finished result.
 
 
A word about Patterns...
Patterns are either Seamless or Not. Both types can be used depending on their use.
Seamless Patterns are superior in the fact that they will fill any space duplicating itself with No edge visibility.
Non-Seamless Patterns should Only be used when the actual Pattern dimensions are Larger than the Fill dimensions because edge visibility will be present.
 

IS IT SEAMLESS?
 
This Tip will show you how to quickly view tiled Patterns to determine if they are truly Seamless. I can't tell you how many hours I have spend downloading textures only to find out later they produce nothing but lots of squares!!
 
Can you guess which one of the two Patterns is seamless?
 
 
Here's how to test...
There is a method available to check tiled Patterns in Photoshop, however, it requires a little bit of work. For this reason I recommend you just Download a Free Standalone Background Viewer by Miha Psenica. This Viewer will tile the image as a Background for you instantly. Click here to Download. (The nice thing about this Viewer also is it can expand to Full screen for viewing.) *Currently only available for Windows.
 
 
Running both images above through the tester, image A passes the test. Image B fails miserably as shown below.
 
 
If your interested in Creating your own Patterns, there are plenty of Shareware and Freeware Texture and Pattern Maker Utilities available for Free on the web. You will find some useful links located in my (*Valuable Links) Menu.
 
Copyright © 2006-2007 Glenn Schemenauer - Spacific Designs™ - All rights reserved.