Blend with Color

Today, Creative Team Member, Trish Hoskin, shares how to Blend with Color.

Blend with Color

Introduction

You blending success if often determined by color selection.

• Select aA DigitalART supplies to support your photos.
• Create BALANCE with PRIMARY and ACCENT colors.
• Lead the eye around your layout design with strategic placement of Elements.

Use ArtPlay Palettes to support your photos:

• Inclusive color co-ordinated palette.
• Pre-designed BALANCE of color.
• Variety of digital elements to complete your layout design.

1. Make Selections

Choose your photo(s) and DigitalART supplies.

• Select a photo or multiple images that inspire you to create the artistry.
• Choose an ArtPlay Palette that supports the COLORS in your image.
• Consider the PRIMARY, or more prominent colors, as well as the ACCENTS.

NOTE.

• PRIMARY colors refer to those MOST prevalent in your photos and are usually the LESS eye-catching neutral and SATURATED colors – Examples include an expanse of blue sky, green grass and neutral tones in home environment.
• ACCENT colors are those bold and bright hues that ‘lead the eye’ but accommodate much SMALLER areas of your image – Examples include a bright red hat or small yellow flower.

TIP.

• Take your time looking at the image to notice ELEMENT PROPERTIES.
• This may help you decide HOW you wish to create with your chosen image and help you select an ArtPlay Palette.
• Marry the COLOR and MOTIF of your photo with that of an ArtPlay Palette.

See also Design Principles and Element Properties.

2. Establish Foundation

Create a New Layout and begin adding layers.

• Select an Artsy Paper from an ArtPlay Palette, or create your own, as outlined in detail in The ArtsyCanvas.
• Blend your photo into the layout foundation using Layer Mask + Brushes or Clipping Masks.
• Add additional Transfers and Overlays, Brushes and Elements to support your image.
• Recolor any of the elements as preferred.

NOTE.

• You will know you have made the right color choices if your photo blends with your selected aA DigitalART supplies.
• Trish typically creates her layout designs at 1200 x 1200 pixels at 300 DPI.
• Notice how the colors in the portrait image coordinate with those in the chosen ArtPlay Palette Sashay.

3. Layer Complexity

Add more element layers to elevate visual interest.

• Adding more layers to your foundation increases complexity in the design, and therefore VISUAL INTEREST.
• Move each element onto your layout using the Move Tool and experiment with different placement.
• ROTATE, RESIZE and REPOSITION as preferred.
• Drag the element up/down the Layers Panel.
• Apply Blending Modes to create DEPTH and COLOR ENHANCEMENT in your design.

NOTE.

• This process is much like adding pieces to complete a jigsaw puzzle – A little trial and error is required to find the ‘best fit’ for the elements.
• This is a good time to add a few ACCENT colors and practice using Design Principles with Element Properties.

4. Complete Design

Create a focal point for your title.

• Add WordART to an area of interest in your design.
• Support with dimensional elements to create a FOCAL POINT.
• Select embellishments with varying Element Properties to enhance VISUAL INTEREST.

NOTE.

• Notice how this element CLUSTER covers the area where the green area of the portrait blends into the layout background.
• The placement of the WordART + Embellishments also creates a VISUAL TRIANGLE.

 

 

DigitalART Supplies

See designer process notes and complete list of aA DigitalART supplies.

Summary

Choosing the appropriately colored DigitalART supplies can help you blend your photos.

• Choose aA DigitalART supplies that coordinate with the PRIMARY colors in your photos.
• Select supporting elements in ACCENT colors to lead the eye and add VISUAL INTEREST to your layout designs.
• Experiment with digital element placement to learn Design Principles.
• RECOLOR elements as preferred.

WE INVITE YOU TO:

• Read this Color Matters on the aA Blog.
• Watch this Evenfall into Layers of Blending Modes video on the aA Youtube Channel.
• Learn how to Colorize Your Black and White Photos.

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