The Amazing Illustrations of Marta de Andres

10 Comments

1. 

   Emil | December 5, 2011

   

   Today we bring you a collection of illustrations from Spanish designer Marta De Andres. Marta’s artwork features a wide variety of artistic styles including matte paintings and her signature style of digital impressionism.

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   Spaceships Sky City

   This stunning Sci-fi inspired matte painting features an incredible amount of detail in all of the spacecraft as well as the surrounding scenery.

   

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   Post Apocalyptic Fantasy

   This portrait features a beautiful character developed by Marta. The whole painting features a lot of depth in the characters expression and overall appearance.

   

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   Fantasy Matte Painting

   Here is another one of Marta’s matte paintings, this time we see some exotic scenery and wonderful composition of the overall environment.

   

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   Winter Heart

   This digital painting features Marta’s design style that she calls Digital Impressionism. The wonderful combination of colors makes for an overall stunning painting.

   

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   Floating Rock

   This client piece that Marta created contains some more stunning exotic scenery with realistic texturing and great composition/

   

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   Black Swan Ugly Duckling

   This piece features some more imaginative painting mixed with a wide array of great colors that blend together perfectly.

   

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   Castle and City Wall Village

   Another interesting landscape painting that features some impressive and complete architecture of a city lost in time and space.

   

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   Achilles Concept Art

   More digital impressionism, this time we have an ominous character with some interesting abilities. Once again the mixture of colors and patterns works to perfection in this unique art style.

   

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   Latex Heroine

   Here we see some more character development but this time it is painted in a more realistic fashion and it still looks fantastic.

   

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   White Fairy

   This illustration is a little out of Marta’s usual style of paintings but she still ends up creating a beautiful painting. The emotion in the character as well as the whole atmosphere of the painting make for great fantasy artwork.

   

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   Dragon Warrior

   Here is another example of Marta’s talent to create wonderful fantasy scenery while at the same time using a great selection of colors that are vibrant and beautiful.

   

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   Earth Matte

   This matte painting shows off some realistic texture effects as well as an overall space atmosphere that looks mesmerizing.

   

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   Underground City

   This matte painting like the first features a ton of amazing detail. From the contours of the rocks to the spacecraft, everything looks unique

   

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   Ari Concept Art

   Another great attempt at a wide combination of colors and textures that come together perfectly.

   

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   Fantasy Matte Painting Snow

   The last piece of Marta’s we will feature is this calm and serene matte painting. The composition of the environment looks fantastic as all of the natural lighting and coloring is perfect.

   

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   Marta on the Web

   • Marta’s DeviantArt
   • Marta’s Portfolio

   
   

   

   
2. 

   Adrian Pintilei | December 5, 2011

   

   It’s fun and challenging to create items from scratch in Photoshop. In this tutorial we will create a futuristic bicycle icon from scratch using some basic Photoshop tools. Let’s get started!

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   Step 1: New File

   Open Photoshop and set up a new document (Command/Ctrl + N). Use the following settings;
   Resolution: 72dpi, Color Mode RGB color, Dimensions: 500×310 px.

   

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   Step 2: Creating the background

   Fill the document with the black color #000000, then make a selection using Rectangular Marquee Tool (M) like I did. Into a new layer (Command/Ctrl + Shift + N) using Brush Tool (B) with a big master diameter brush one time inside the selection.

   Color Code: #546c79

   

   Duplicate the layer created (Command/Ctrl + J) Flip it horizontal (Edit-Transform-Flip Horizontal) and place it like I did in the next image. After you did that, decrease the opacity of it to 50%.

   

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   Step 3: Start creating the bike

   Using Pen Tool (P) create the Bike shape, fill it using a grey color (color code: #dbdcd6). After that, we are going to give a 3D look using selection tools and light/shadows tools.

   

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   Step 4: Working on details: Lights/Shadows

   Continue to add lights and shadows by selecting different parts and use Burn Tool (O) to add shadows and Dodge Tool (O) to add light. In this step we are going to add just light.

   

   

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   Step 5: Creating Bike Elements

   Delete the indicated part by selecting it and pressing "Delete" key then create a new selection using Pen Tool (P) and a Feather Radius ~ 0.3 pixels for better results.

   

   In the selection created above use Burn Tool (O) and add some shadow there.

   

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   Step 6: Pedals

   In this step we are going to create the pedal shape, so create this shape using Pen Tool (P) color code: #cdcec9. Select a part of it using Pen Tool (P) and go to Brightness/Contrast, here make the settings from the image below.

   Use same techniques to create the pedal.

   

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   Step 7: Small Details

   Now add some small details like reflections and some other things.

   

   

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   Step 8:
   Rear Wheel

   Now, we are going to create the wheels! First of all make a rounded shape using Ellipse Tool or Pen Tool (P) and delete the middle of it! Use Dodge & Burn Tool (O) to give the 3 look! After that start playing with stroke lines to add Light & Shadows

   

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   Step 9: Light over the rim

   Select this part of the rear rim using Elliptical Marquee Tool (M) then, in the selection created add some light using Dodge Tool (O)

   

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   Step 10: Creating the rear tire

   Start by creating another rounded shape around the Rim using a dark grey color. I used #121011. Again, start playing with light/shadow/stroke like I did in the next images to obtain 3d & real effect.

   

   

   Here we are going to add some light reflection on our rim, so using Elliptical Marquee Tool (M) add a 1px black stroke, then another one over it but this one should be gray!

   

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   Step 11: Spokes

   How we can creating the spokes? Really simple. Use Pen Tool and start creating 1 pixel gray lines like I did in the next image, then using Burn/Dodge Tool (O) add some shadow and light over the spokes to obtain a real effect. After you are done with the spokes from the top part of the wheel, duplicate the spoke layer, flip it horizontal and place it like I did down.

   

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   Step 12: Disk Brake

   For creating the disk brake we are going to use the Ellipse tool and a light brown color (#9c9075). After you created an ellipse, delete the middle part using a selection tool and pressing "Delete" key.

   

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   Step 13: Effects on the disk brake

   Go to Filter > Noise > Add noise and make the settings from the image below! For giving to our disk brake a real effect we need to use some light & shadow so, by watching the pictures down add some highlights and shdows over the disk using Dodge/Burn Tool (O).

   

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   Step 14: Seat support

   Make a shape using Pen Tool (P) and a dark brown color (#161510) then go to Filter > Noise > Add noise and use a amount of 0.5% for a better effect. Again, add some shadow & light over our seat support.

   

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   Step 15: Seat

   Create the seat shape using Pen Tool (P) and a dark (almost black) color, I used #010103! Then, over the shape created, add some light in the top part using Dodge Tool (O).

   

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   Step 16

   Add more details on the seat support.

   

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   Step 17: Bike Horns

   Create a path using Pen Tool (P) then fill it with a dark grey color #0f0f0d. Now playing with lights and shadows you should obtain something like in the image below

   

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   Step 19

   Use Pen Tool (P) and stroke path technique add some light reflections on our bike horns.

   

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   Step 20: Fork

   Create this path using Pen Tool (P) and fill it with a dark brown color, I used #201f1a.

   

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   Step 21: Effects on the fork

   Again, add some noise and use dodge/burn tool to obtain a better effect.

   

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   Step 22: Front wheel

   Duplicate the rear wheel layers group and place it under the fork. After that I created some pieces that will support the wheel.

   

   

   

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   Step 23: Caliper

   We are going to create the caliper! Create a path using Pen Tool (P) then fill it with a red color, add some shadows and lights using Dodge & Burn Tool (O) and your bike it’s ready go.

   

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   Step 24: More Details

   You can add more details on the bike like stickers and other things. You can also create a reflection of the bike like I did in the next image.

   

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   Final Image
   

   

   
   

   

   
3. 

   David Appleyard | December 5, 2011

   

   Each month, we bring together a selection of the best tutorials and articles from across the whole Tuts+ network. Whether you’d like to read the top posts from your favourite site, or would like to start learning something completely new, this is the best place to start!

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   Huge Improvements to Tuts+ Premium

   As many of you know, Tuts+ is accompanied by an online educational membership called Tuts+ Premium. We’re very excited to announce that the membership has received a huge upgrade, including a new library of courses, 27 top-selling educational eBooks, member forums, and a completely redesigned UI.

   You can check out all the changes here, and find out about all the fantastic new content available!

   

   Our new premium website is a drastic improvement over the old system. It includes a slick and polished user interface and presents all of our tutorials the way that you would expect, from within your browser. We are now providing courses and ebooks from within Tuts+ Premium to make it even more valuable. So what are you waiting for? Head over to the new Tuts+ Premium site and let us know what you think.

   Take a Tour of Tuts+ Premium

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   Cgtuts+ — Computer Graphics Tutorials

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   Aetuts+ — After Effects Tutorials

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     Design A Fantastic Floating Card Logo Reveal – AE Premium

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     Regenerate Like A “Time Lord” From Dr. Who

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     An Apple Box At Its Core

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   Audiotuts+ — Audio & Production Tutorials

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     Why You Should Use Metering Tools while Mixing and Mastering

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     Obviously, you’re supposed to mix with your ears, but I don’t think looking at meters is going to destroy your mix.

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     Adding Flavor to Chords -” Sixth Chords -” Basix

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   Activetuts+ — Flash, Flex & ActionScript Tutorials

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     Getting Started With Scoreoid

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     WordPress Monthly News: November 2011

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   FreelanceSwitch — Articles and Resources for Freelancers

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4. 

   Stephen Petrany | December 5, 2011

   

   In this Tuts+ Premium tutorial, author Stephen Petrany will demonstrate how to use various techniques to create a winter-themed holiday card in Photoshop. This tutorial will creatively utilize Photoshop filters and transformations to create a fantastic winter illustration. This tutorial is available exclusively to Tuts+ Premium Members. If you are looking to take your design skills to the next level then Log in or Join Now to get started!

   View the Tutorial

   Tuts+ Premium Members can login now for instant access to this tutorial. Membership to Tuts+ Premium gets you access to hundreds of exclusive premium tutorials, top selling ebooks, in-depth courses, member forums, and much more. To learn more about Tuts+ Premium, Take the Tour or Join Today.

   
   

   

   
5. 

   Grant Friedman | December 5, 2011

   

   As you know, each month, we round up some of the best Photoshop-related content from around the web. This month, there were some excellent Photoshop tutorials and articles to choose from so please take a moment to review our favorites from November 2011.

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   Photoshop Tutorials

   • 

     RAWZ Light Effects in Photoshop

     This tutorial on Abduzeedo explains how to create some futuristic-looking light effect text in Photoshop.

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     Observing Color: Relativity

     When painting digitally it’s important to understand how the color picker works. In this tutorial from Ctrl+Paint you will learn a bit about color relativity.

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     Special Effects Text

     This tutorial on Layers Magazine shows how to create some special effects text in Photoshop.

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   • 

     Create Delicious Cookie Text Using Photoshop

     This tutorial from PhotoshopTutorials.ws will explain how to create cookie text in Photoshop.

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     Making of The Futuristic City

     This tutorial on CG Arena demonstrates how to create a a fantastic futuristic city in Photoshop.

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   • 

     How to Create a Vintage Circus Poster with the Photoshop Puppet Warp Tool

     This tutorial from WeGraphics will explain how to create a vintage circus poster using the Puppet Warp feature in Photoshop CS5.

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     Putting A Bend On An Image

     This tutorial from The Digital Photography Connection will demonstrate how turn a flat photograph into a bended photo laying on a flat surface.

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     Design an iPad app UI

     This tutorial from Computer Arts will explain how to create a basic iPad app UI in Photoshop.

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     How to Paint Your Worn-Out Shoes in Photoshop

     This tutorial from Naldz Graphics will explain how to create some custom sneakers in Photoshop.

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     Easy Image Access with Mini Bridge

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   Articles and Inspiration

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     Should I Be a Designer?

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     Incredible Typographic Works by Peter Tarka

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     Design Inspiration: Amazing Matte Paintings

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     A Showcase of Still Life Digital Paintings

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     30 Fantastic Transparent Business Cards

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6. 

   Melody Nieves | December 5, 2011

   

   So you bought yourself a new tablet. Pen tablets are all the rage in the design industry as an extraordinary asset for any designer or artist. Their incredible technology allows artists to have the comfort of traditional pencil to paper methods without all the fussy mess or extra supplies. Whether your new to tablets or just upgrading, getting comfortable with the handling and basics of the tablet is very important to its use.

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   Old Tablet vs New Tablet

   My first tablet was an affordable UC-Logic version purchased at a computer show three years ago. The tablet is 5.5×4 in size with an accompanying ballpoint-like pen and holder. In fact, this setup often confused people at work who would reach for the nearest pen only to discover it had no ink. Although it wasn’t as stylish as the latest tablets on the market, it did its job despite the abuse it encountered. Three years later and you’ll see the pen is covered in teeth marks and taped together from a clumsy accident, which bent the metal securing the battery inside. Both the tablet and pen still work but it was definitely time for an upgrade.

   My new tablet is a Wacom Bamboo much sleeker in design to my previous one. The pen is very solid with seemingly no chance of bending from my clumsy design habits, and actually took some time to get used to despite being a previous tablet owner. Firstly, the detection of each pen to the tablet differed slightly. I often found myself bringing the Wacom pen back to the center of the tablet for freer movement and better detection, whereas I had less restricted movement on the UC-Logic grid. However, the red tab at the bottom of the Wacom tablet is a much more convenient addition for portable pen storage by keeping both tools together at all times.

   The biggest concern for new tablet owners is getting comfortable to the handling of the device. "How can I see what I’m drawing on the screen if I’m looking at the tablet," is the question I get asked the most from non-owners. So, here are four easy ways to break in your new tablet.

   

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   1. Use Tablet For Everyday Browsing

   Programming yourself to use a tablet is similar to learning how to type without looking at the keyboard. For the most part you’re looking at the screen the entire time until you take the pen too far from the tablet. One of the best ways to get used to this is to first use your tablet for everything except digital art. Use it to surf the web, highlight text, and scroll up and down a page. Also get familiar with the button on the pen, which can be used to bring up a program’s normal options by right-clicking.

   

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   2. Experiment With Settings And Tools

   One of the incredible benefits of using a pen tablet is the beautiful artwork that can be created. First make sure the tablet’s driver is properly installed in order to reap the benefits of pen pressure in Photoshop. Pen pressure can only be utilized while using a tablet, otherwise the brushes stay solid without the ability to taper at the end like a pen stroke. Experiment with the brush settings to create custom brushes for your next project. Though tablets are more widely known for their use as tools to draw with in Photoshop, take advantage of using other tools with ease such as the pen, lasso, and slicing tools, amongst many others.

   

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   3. Practice Your Signature

   Our signature and handwriting is something that stays considerably constant throughout our lifetime. Because handwriting often results in quick, swift strokes, writing in Photoshop is an easy exercise you can do to get used to a new tablet. Practice your signature a dozen times or write a few lines of sentences in order to get comfortable with the tablet’s pen. When I first tried this, I was surprised to feel and see a difference in signature from the old to the new tablet.

   

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   4. Start A New Art Project

   The best way to improve in any endeavor is to practice, practice, practice. Once you get used to the tablet the next step is to simply dive into a new art project. The first painting I created as practice with the Wacom tablet was a "Ladle of Awesomesauce." Though it looks rather simple, it actually took about 15 hours just because it was my first painting with the Wacom Bamboo. Now that I’m a couple of paintings in, I’ve realized the benefits of upgrading to the new device.

   

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   Conclusion

   Breaking in your tablet can be a fun experience that enters you into a realm of possibilities with digital art. These simple tricks will make you comfortable with the unfamiliar handling in no time. Good luck!

   
   

   

   
7. 

   Mirko Santangelo | December 5, 2011

   

   When creating icons, many designers struggle to decide how much detail to include. Should the icon be simple or complex? In this tutorial, we’ll create a detailed 3D monkey icon using a photo of a toy monkey as a reference. In the process, we’ll add texture and lighting.

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   Tutorial Assets

   The following assets were used during the production of this tutorial.

   • Toy
   • Fur Custom Brush

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   Step 1

   Create a new document with 1024×1024 pixel resolution at 72dpi in RGB color space. Place the Toy photo inside the document from File > Insert.

   

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   Step 2

   With the Pen Tool (P) trace the toy but use different layers for each body part. I traced and separated the parts so you can see what I’ve done.

   

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   Step 3

   Add an Inner Shadow Layer Style to each part but exclude the ears. You have to refine the Size Propriety to better match each part. See the image below.

   

   

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   Step 4

   Select an ear Layer and add a new Gradient Fill Adjustments Layer above. Then apply the gradient layer as a clipping mask by clicking on the thin separation line between the two layers while holding the Alt key. Repeat this step for right ear, but change the gradient angle.

   

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   Step 5

   As you can see I did not trace each form perfectly. It’s not required.

   

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   Step 6

   Now, based upon the toy photo, we’ll create the lights and shadows. I’ll show you a nice and non-destructive method to do this. Basically there are three steps. 1- Create a shape; 2- Convert the shape into a Smart Object; 3- Add to the shape a Gaussian Blur Filter. White color for lights, black color for shadows. And obviously Layer Blending Mode (Soft Light or Overlay).

   

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   Step 7

   Let’s begin with the head. In the image below you can see how and where I added lights and shadows. You can always use the Free Transform (Command/Ctrl + T) to alter the shapes. Remember to use a blending mode (Soft Light or Overlay are the best option) and play with Opacity settings. The blur radius used is always different; it depends on the type of effect you want. For example, the shadow under the head is very hard so it has a low radius value and an opacity of 90%. I also used a white to transparent radial gradient layer adjustment in Overlay mode and 30% Opacity to boost a little the top light spot.

   

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   Step 8

   It’s time to do the lighting for the body. Just use the same method that I explained in Step 6. Tip: when drawing a shape with the Pen Tool (P) try to follow the lines of the body and after edit the Smart Object with Command/Ctrl + T, and if needed use a layer mask.

   

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   Step 9

   So, as usual style the other parts. Below you can see the monkey feet lighting scheme.

   

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   Step 10

   Here are the arms.

   

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   Step 11

   And finally the ears. You can notice that i added some black in a separate layer, inside arms and ears junction.

   

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   Step 12

   Now a quick preview.

   

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   Step 13

   Let’s start with the face. Follow the usual method and draw a shape like this below.

   

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   Step 14

   Add a white shape above with this Layer Style.

   

   

   

   

   

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   Step 15

   With the Ellipse Tool (U) draw a circle inside the last shape and add this Layer Style.

   

   

   

   

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   Step 16

   In separate layers add some reflections to the eye, and decrease the opacity if needed. Try to draw some white squares with a soft brush. I also add a little color spot in Color Dodge Blending mode on the pupil. Group all the eye layers.

   

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   Step 17

   Duplicate the first eye, and reflect it. I paint some gray color in a separate layer to boost the contrast and add a nice 3D looks.

   

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   Step 18

   For the nose add a new shape layer and apply the Step 6 method.

   

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   Step 19

   Draw a little black shape for the nostril, use the same method, when finished duplicate the layer and reflect it horizontally.

   

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   Step 20

   Create a new shape with the Pen Tool (P) and add this Layer Style.

   

   

   

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   Step 21

   Add a dark red shape inside the black one. Then add a strong Inner Shadow Layer Style.

   

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   Step 22

   A basic tooth is composed by two parts. You can see the associated Layers Style in the next step.

   

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   Step 23

   Here it is the upper part Layer Style…

   

   

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   Step 24

   And the bottom part.

   

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   Step 25

   Merge the two parts inside a Smart Object and try to compose the teeth as below. When finished group the teeth and convert the group into a Smart Object again.

   

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   Step 26

   Apply the Smart Object as a Clipping Mask to the mouth shape. You’ll get this. Tip: you can move the teeth by double clicking on the icon thumbnails in the Smart Object Layer to open the .psd associated file.

   

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   Step 27

   Add this Layer Style to the teeth. In a separate layer paint some black to refine the shadows. Use the image below as a reference.

   

   

   

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   Step 28

   It’s time to create the fur, but first we need a special custom brush. Open the brush panel and select the Dune Grass brush. Apply this style.

   

   

   

   

   

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   Step 29

   Let’s see how the brush should be used. Select a high brush size and quickly paint some fur on a new layer. Use a light brown color and set the layer blending mode to soft light and 60% opacity.

   

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   Step 30

   Create a new layer above the last one, select a small brush size and a dark brown color. You have to fill the body of the monkey with fur. Try to invert the brush angle in the brush panel. The fur should follow the body shape of the monkey.

   

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   Step 31

   With the Pen Tool draw some white shape and set the blending mode to Soft Light. You can notice that I refined the lights on the face by simply adding some blurred white shape in soft light mode like before.

   

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   Step 32

   Add a new blank layer on top and paint some fur near the eyes and the mouth with a small brush.

   

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   Step 33

   Finally I added a red background and a cast shadow to the monkey. We’re almost done!

   

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   Step 34

   Last thing to do is the tail. The process is very simple: draw a shape with the Pen Tool (P) and add the fur in a separate blank layer and finally use a soft Drop Shadow Layer Style.

   

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   Final Image
   

   

   
   

   

   
8. 

   Grant Friedman | December 5, 2011

   

   As many of you know, Tuts+ is accompanied by an online educational membership called Tuts+ Premium. We’re very excited to announce that the membership has received a huge upgrade, including a new library of courses, 27 top-selling educational eBooks, member forums, and a completely redesigned UI. You can check out all the changes here or read on to learn about what Photoshop lovers will now get as part of Tuts+ Premium.

   ---

   Beautiful redesign

   The new Tuts+ Premium was designed by Orman Clark and Envato designer Jacob Zinman-Jeanes. And thank you to Simplifilm for the awesome Tuts+ Premium intro video they made us!

   

   ---

   Design course #1: 30 Days to Your First Website Design

   Have you ever wanted to design websites in Photoshop, then code them with HTML and CSS? In this course, professional web designer Ian Yates takes you through a day-by-day itinerary for learning web design. He explains every concept in a clear and easy to follow way. At the end of the course you will have designed a complete website in Photoshop!

   Visit 30 Days to Your First Web Design or watch the free preview videos: Course Introduction, What is Web Design?.

   

   ---

   Design course #2: Digital Painting for Concept Art

   Members will get access to an in-depth video course by concept artist for video games Matt Kohr: Digital Painting for Concept Art. The first three lessons are available for free: Introduction, Linework Preparation and Masking Basics.

   

   ---

   Top-selling Design eBooks

   Tuts+ Premium memberships now include 7 eBooks about Photoshop and design, worth $67.

   • From Photoshop to HTML – $29 Free for Tuts+ Premium members
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   • Mastering Photoshop for Web Designers, Vol. 2 – $5 Free for Tuts+ Premium members
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   • Professional Web Design, Vol. 2 – $5 Free for Tuts+ Premium members

   

   ---

   147 Exclusive Photoshop Tutorials

   Tuts+ Premium includes 147 (and counting) Photoshop tutorials teaching high-end techniques you won’t learn anywhere else. You can browse them all and view free previews of every tutorial here.

   

   

   

   

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   My First Impressions

   Our new premium website is a drastic improvement over the old system. It includes a slick and polished user interface and presents all of our tutorials the way that you would expect, from within your browser. We’ve also included some new features to make Tuts+ Premium even better. We are now providing courses and ebooks from within Tuts+ Premium to make it even more valuable. So what are you waiting for? Head over to the new Tuts+ Premium site and let us know what you think.

   Take a Tour of Tuts+ Premium

   
   

   

   
9. 

   Grant Friedman | December 5, 2011

   

   We know that many of you own tablets. Tablets are fantastic devices for creating artwork in Photoshop but they can be a bit frustrating for people who are used to working with a mouse. In this presentation, Weston Maggio, Application Specialist for Wacom will present you with some excellent tablet tips for Photoshop. Let’s take a look!

   
   

   

   
10. 

    Giackop | December 5, 2011

    

    In this tutorial, I will show you how to spice up a fairly dull and flat photograph. It’s very easy and fast! Go from flat photo to a uniquely lit style.

    Editor’s note: This tutorial was originally published on Psdtuts in March of 2008.

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    Source Photos

    For this tutorial, we’ll need two photos that I took. You can download them to follow along. These are my photos: castle photo and clouds photo.

    

    

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    Step 1

    First of all, my apologies for this step. I waited for a good 20 minutes but that car didn’t move, so I had to take the photo with it!

    Anyway, just use the Patch Tool (J) to remove the car and the Clone Stamp Tool (S) to recreate the pattern of the bricks where it used to be.

    If you’ve never used the Patch Tool, there are a couple of ways to use it. First, make a selection as you would if you were using the Lasso Tool, then click inside the area and drag with your mouse. Depending on whether you are using Source or Destination as your checked option you will either move the image inside the selection, or move the whole selection around. The Patch Tool will blend-in the area you’ve chosen when you let go. You can also use patterns and transparency. All in all, it’s a great tool.

    

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    Step 2

    Once the van has been removed, apply Filter > Render > Lighting Effects to make the light come from the top right.

    

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    Step 3

    With the tool that you prefer, create a selection of the part that you want to hide. For example, I used the Pen Tool (P) to select the sky and the buildings around the castle. With the selection active, add a Layer Mask.

    

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    Step 4

    Duplicate the background layer, desaturate it with Ctrl+Shift+U, apply Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur with 4-pixel Radius, and set the Blending Mode for the layer to Overlay.

    

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    Step 5

    Now we need a photo with clouds and the rays of the sun coming from the right. I used this photo of mine that was perfect for this situation.

    Send it to the back of the other layers.

    Then duplicate it and set the copy layer Blending Mode to Lighter Color.

    

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    Step 6

    Duplicate again the original background photo (Layer 1) and put the this new layer below the Layer 1 copy.

    Set the Blending Mode to Multiply.

    

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    Step 7

    Now turn off the visibility of the two castle layers, go to the Layer 1 copy, and merge the visible layers into a new layer with Ctrl+Shift+Alt+E.

    Then desaturate it with Ctrl+Shift+U, set the Blending Mode to Overlay, and the Opacity to 50%.

    

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    Step 8

    Make a new layer on the top of the other.

    With a large, white, soft brush that matches the size of the light of the sun, just make a round spot.

    Then apply the Luce filter that you can download free or use the previous tutorial about Lighting Through Clouds here on Psdtuts+, to make this light coming through the clouds. Set the Blending Mode to Overlay.

    This is an example with black background to demonstrate the effect.

    

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    Step 9

    Just Burn the dark side of the castle and Dodge the light part of it with a large, soft brush. By doing this, we make it seem as if the light is coming from the clouds and hitting the right side of the castle, leaving the other side in darkness.

    At this point we’re almost done, but the image is overall quite dark and our blur earlier has left it slightly too blurry, so we’ll fix that next.

    

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    Step 10

    To finish the image, create a new layer above the rest and go to Image > Apply Image, use the settings "Merged", "RGB" and "Normal" for blending. This will create a new layer above the rest holding a copy of the image. Set this layer to Screen and about 70% Opacity. Then go through each layer and apply Filter > Sharpen > Unsharp Mask and use the settings Amount: 250% and Radius .2px (Use a larger radius for larger images). This should sharpen the image back up to give us a good final result.

    Click on the image below to see a larger version: