Apply colour to a greyscale image

Scan drawings and add colour on a separate layer for maximum flexibility.  

1. Start by importing the drawing: go to File > Import > Twain_32. Different makes of scanner will vary in detail, but all follow a similar procedure.

2. When offered a choice of scanning mode choose Grayscale (or colour) as more fine detail will be scanned than if you select Black and white.

3. Click Preview then adjust the selection marquee to select the area of the screen that you want to scan more accurately. Click Scan.

4. Convert your greyscale image to RGB Colour Mode:  Image > Mode > RGB Color

6. Create a new layer on which to paint: Alt-click the Create a new layer icon on the Layers Palette or go to Layer > New Layer

8. Choose the paintbrush or airbrush tool

9. Choose a foreground colour

10. Choose an opacity/Pressure percentage below 100% on the Options Palette. You can change opacities between brush strokes

11. Select your brush size etc.

12. Paint onto the new layer.

13. You can add more layers for additional flexibility

14. Use the eraser tool to remove unwanted colour, but don’t forget to uncheck the Preserve Transparency box for this.

TIPS

Experiment with different blending modes on the colour layer(s) e.g. Soft Light, Colour Burn, Multiply. Try Wet Edges when using the Paint Brush tool too.

Carry on adding colour details on new layers.

Save your work regularly as a PSD or PDD file to keep all the layers available for editing. When finished, save as a JPEG for smaller file sizes.

Red reading the Sunday papers in the garden at Manor Road.

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