Water Effects!

by: oddhatter

This is...as may be self explanatory; a short overview of how I usually create my water effects. Obviously; this just covers the basics of it and it shouldn't be too hard to apply the basic concept to bodies of water other than a waterfall.

I generally start by blocking out the parts I want coloured with the colour I want my water to be. Usually...it's blue.

Then, using the burn tool at a low exposure(definitely lower than 50%; if you have patience; go even lower.) and just streak lines the way the "water" ought to be flowing. Try to start out with a large brush size and get progressively smaller. (by the way; don't use those brushes with sharp; definite sides.) I like to add the highlights last; and I do so with a relatively small brush. Don't be afraid to add distinct highlights and shadows...it's water. Water does that, the funny little bugger.

This is optional; but if I want to give the illusion of trees, rocks or pebbles underneath or behind the water; I use the "airbrush" tool(once again, set to a low exposure...around 10% ans set to "multiply"); I just grab the colour and put blotches of it down with at random places in the picture. In this case, it's trees.

This is where I repeat the second step for the water below the waterfall. Joy.

Using the dodge tool; I "dodge" out the area where the waterfall meets the...rest of the water. It's supposed to look like the sprinkly stuff that happens when..waterfalls hit water. (dang, I'm feeling eloquent)

Finally; using these brushes; I add the "sprinkles". I also went over some spots with the airbrush.

This is optional...but I like playing around with it. The colour balance window's just fun to play around with. I especially love giving my water a reddish tint.

And as the final answer to all possible questions : Hydrogen bonds. Kidding. *puts Bio notes away* I hope that you found this all somewhat helpful. Really.

Samples of water effects I've done using this method!