Gradients - How do these things work?

[tlennox]

Is there a tutorial out there for the gradient tool? I know there was an article about the gradient tool in the last newsletter, but I didn't find it to be much help. Any thoughts>

[Wendy]

Hi there ...

What are you trying to do something special with the gradient tool or are you just looking for general information?

Here are some links to tutorials:

http://www.elated.com/tutorials/graphics/photoshop/gorgeous_gradients/

http://www.good-tutorials.com/search/query/gradients

Hope these help :)


Wendy

[tlennox]

I am currently trying to apply a gradient to the sky in landscapes. I will have a look at these tutorials and see how they go. Thanks

[Wendy]

Hi there ...

Are you trying to add a colour to the sky ... if so then the way I do it is:

Create a new layer above the image
Select the foreground colour and choose a blue
Click on the gradient tool and make sure that the Linear Gradient option is active (look at the top of the screen and hover your cursor above the small boxes ... its the first one)
Now click on the gradient image itself (at the top of the screen) and a box will pop up.
Select Foreground to Transparent (the second option)
Click at the top of your photograph and drag the gradient down ... experiment to see how far you need to drag.

... and hopefully that should colour your sky

Don't forget that you can reduce the opacity of the layer if the colour is too strong and if it doesn't look right then just delete the layer and experiment again.

Hope this helps :)

Wendy

[Matt K]

Hi,
If you subscribe to the newsletter I wrote a beginners tutorial on using gradients the last issue. Hope this helps.

[tlennox]

Ok, now we are getting somewhere. I understand where I am going, but why does the application of the gradient seem to wash out the balance of the photo?

[Wendy]

Hi there ...

You are probably applying it to the whole image instead of just the top part ... try not to drag down too far :)

I just took a look at Matt's beginners guide to gradients and it is great ... if you are a subscriber check it out ... it will give you all sorts of useful information on how to use and create gradients.


Wendy

[gheartland]

I've found this tutorial to be helpful.

http://www.lonestardigital.com/blue_sky.htm

[tlennox]

Thanks for all of this. I am always struck by the range of the tools that are available. I will be working away with the gradient tool to see how many ways it can be used.

[Wendy]

I'm still finding new things to do ... and it is amazing just how much is packed into Elements :)


Wendy