Robyn

[mimi46]

I have been playing around and getting familar with PSE4. I saw your gallery and this one took my breath away
http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/gallery/view_img.php?id=11176
I have been looking around to understand how you did this. Would you mind helping out with a few details? I would very much like to try it.

[kimi_boo]

mimi, she used the smudge tool. Select the tool. use your bracket keys to change the size of your brush up or down. [ or ]

Look at the tool bar on the top and adjust the strength. You may not want to start at 100 percent. I would suggest you make a copy of you original and just play around until you get the feel of it.

[Russinator]

Robyn, I hadn't seen that photo either. I think it is excellent--great job. Russ :)

[mimi46]

Thanks Kimi, now for the really dumb question... Isn't the smudge tool a brush? How did she do the background. It is my dream someday to be able to create half as good as everyone here. You all are amazing.

[ChristineV]

I have been meaning to comment on Oliver. You did a fabulous job!

[kimi_boo]

Toni, I guess we will have to wait for Robyn to show up. :D

Christine, is that you??? Did you manage to change your ID??

[ChristineV]

Kimi .. Yes! It is me!!! I had to open up a new forum id .. so I have to chat it up to the casual group again ;)

[Wendy]

Mimi ...

The smudge tool is a brush but it works in different way to the paintbrush ... its more like using finger paints, where you can push the paint around :)

Wendy

[Robyn]

Thanks guys for such nice comments, you are wonderful..........you're so good for my self-confidence that has suffered a bit lately.....but I've climbed out of that self-made hole now.

Toni, thank you so much, ............here is a link to a thread when someone asked about a smudge that I did with my old dog William.

http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12522

With the background on Oliver it's just two layers of different colour browns. The top layer (darker brown) has had a texture layer style applied and layer mask where with a soft edged brush I have painted away the middle area to reveal the lighter brown underneath. I hope this makes sense to you....... .if not, ask again.:) :)

[kimi_boo]

Kimi .. Yes! It is me!!! I had to open up a new forum id .. so I have to chat it up to the casual group again ;)

I like you new ID much better. :p
With this group you will be causal again in no time.

[mimi46]

Mimi ...

The smudge tool is a brush but it works in different way to the paintbrush ... its more like using finger paints, where you can push the paint around :)

Wendy
Thanks Wendy That is clear as mud to me. :eek: ha ha ha
I guess I need to go back and study the program again. :D

[mimi46]

Thanks guys for such nice comments, you are wonderful..........you're so good for my self-confidence that has suffered a bit lately.....but I've climbed out of that self-made hole now.

Toni, thank you so much, ............here is a link to a thread when someone asked about a smudge that I did with my old dog William.

http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12522

With the background on Oliver it's just two layers of different colour browns. The top layer (darker brown) has had a texture layer style applied and layer mask where with a soft edged brush I have painted away the middle area to reveal the lighter brown underneath. I hope this makes sense to you....... .if not, ask again.:) :)

Robyn, I have been lurking for sometime now and I have always admired your work. Thank you for your help. I am off to read the other post so I can learn this.

[Robyn]

Toni........

It's morning in this part of the world, so I'll be around all day if you need any help. PM me if you need to.

[mimi46]

Oh, (head slap) The smudge tool is the impressionist brush. I just found it. Thank you!

[Robyn]

No Toni......that's not it.

I'll do a screen shot and post it for you in a minute.

[Robyn]

Toni......

It looks like a little spade.

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1b8eWDCTJgC9L0AzGm83h7BR3mSvv0_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1b8eWDCTJgC9L0AzGm83h7BR3mSvv0)

[mimi46]

Thank you so much Robyn. I have added my first quick attempt at smudging in my gallery.

[Robyn]

Toni............

See, I knew you could do it. :D It looks really great. You have a beautiful little dog and the surrounding green grass just compliments the colour of your dog really well. He/she is a dachshund I think??

And what a great picture to start your gallery off with. I look foward to many more from you.

Have sent you a PM.

[Wendy]

Toni ...

Oh nice work ... its makes a great start to your Gallery :)

Wendy

[Elemobe]

Robyn

Absolutely love new picture.

Have also posted on other thread - catching up on forum reading today.

Linda

[mimi46]

Thank you Wendy and Linda.

Robyn really helped me out alot.