Multi-Filter Topaz Painterly Effect

[larsjames]

After using Topaz filters for several months I find that I use the following sequence of Topaz filters and Photoshop functions to achieve a pleasing (for me) painterly result.

AFTER


BEFORE


The following process will create a painted effect with vivid colors. Since all images are different in color, tone and contrast, and file size will also change this effect, I'll describe this method as I applied it to this particular image in Photoshop CS4.

• For the purposes of displaying on this forum I started with an image of 936 x 624 pixels.

• I selected the sky and copied it to a new layer to deal with it later. In this process there will only be the "sky" layer and the "main" layer (which will later be duplicated).

• With the "main" layer active: Filter menu > Topaz Labs > Adjust > Spicify. Accept the default settings and click OK.

• Back in Photoshop, Edit menu > Fade Adjust > 77% at Normal blending mode. I find it better to throw the full Spicify filter at an image and then fade the effect to the desired point. Spicify often creates skies that are a bit over-the-top for my taste so I usually separate the sky to its own layer as an initial step.

• Duplicate the "main" layer and on this new layer Filter menu > Topaz Labs > Clean > CrispStyle. Accept all default settings except set the Strength to level 1. Click OK.

• Back in Photoshop create a layer mask for this layer and allow only the bottom third to be visible. The idea here is to allow the CrispStyle effect to appear in only the foreground. If you applied the same effect to the mid-ground and background the sense of visual depth is lost.

• Click on the "sky" layer to activate it. Edit menu > Topaz Labs > Detail > Deep_Blue_Sky. Accept default settings, Click OK.

• Back in Photoshop, Edit menu > Fade Detail > 53% on Vivid Light blending mode.

I hope this little exercise was helpful, especially to new Topaz filter enthusiasts.

Overall I've discovered that applying subtle renditions of various Topaz filters produces aesthetically pleasing results. Also, fading filters is a method of seeing the larger image while you're determining how much of an effect is desirable.

[iTiki]

Thanks James for sharing your technique. I also use several filters on the same image, but without using layers. Your system offers much more flexibility.

[daronk]

Thanks for sharing...I'll have to find an image suitable for your process. One thing I would recommend :idea: ...resizing the image should be the last thing and only done to post...meaning you should always work with and keep the high resolution version.

[70skid]

Awesome! Very much appreciate the documentation as well.

[sal4gal]

Thanks for sharing your steps! I have some photos that I would like to try this on.

Sallie

[Ashley Robinson]

Awesome technique larsjames.

Thanks for sharing!

[larsjames]

One thing I would recommend :idea: ...resizing the image should be the last thing and only done to post...meaning you should always work with and keep the high resolution version.

Not to worry. For all my images I keep a "raw" file, a "fixed" file, an "art" file and even a sized-for-Topaz-forums file. Starting with the size I did (and a caveat concerning effects differing on various file sizes) was to show actual effects that sometimes are lost in down-sizing.

[neil]

Thanks very much for that , very useful.
Great shot too !

[Eric Yang]

Awesome process - thanks so much for sharing!

[Merlin]

Very nice!
Thanks for sharing.