Abstraction - Create an abstract background

You are here: Home

Abstraction - Create an abstract background

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email
10 comments

(6 votes)

Abstraction - Create an abstract background

02 January
2012

Written by: Auke Kuiper

Published in: Abstract Effect

This short but powerfull tutorial will explain you how to create an abstract background from scratch in a few easy to follow steps.

Video Tutorial

Step 1.

Create a new document. I've used 800x600.
Fill the background with black using the paint bucket tool (G)
Duplicate the black layer (Cmd+J)

Step 2.

Go to [Filter > Render > Lens Flare] and place a flare on desired position

Abstraction Image 1

Step 3.

Repeat step 2, but place the flares somewhere else now.

Abstraction Image 2

Abstraction Image 3

Step 4.

Go to [Filter > Pixelate > Mezzotint] and apply short lines. Repeat Mezzotint by applying (Cmd+F) about three times.

Abstraction Image 4

Abstraction Image 5

Step 5.

Once done, go to [Filter > Blur > Radial Blur] and apply these settings:

Abstraction Image 6

Abstraction Image 7

Amount: 100
Blur method: Zoom
Quality: Best

Step 6.

Now you have to go to [Filter > Distort > Twirl] fill in around (60) and hit Ok.

Abstraction Image 8

Step 7.

Nothing special right? Duplicate the layer (Cmd+J) and set the blending mode to Lighten.
Select the just duplicated layer and re-apply the last filter using (Cmd+F)

Abstraction Image 8,5

Abstraction Image 9

Step 8.

Looks better already! Repeat these steps: Duplicate layer, blending mode on Lighten, and re-apply the filter a few times (Cmd+F) untill desired result.

Step 9.

Now select all layers and merge them into one by using (Cmd+E when all selected)
Duplicate that merged layer and go to [Edit > Transform > Flip Horizontal] also set this image to lighten.
Merge the 2 layers together using (Cmd+E) with both layers selected.

Abstraction Image 10

Step 10.

Looks pretty cool already huh? And we're not even done yet :)
Now go to [Image > Adjustments > Hue/Saturation] or by using (Cmd+U)
Set Saturation to -100 to make the background Black 'n White.

Abstraction Image 10,5

Step 11.

Let's color the background!
Go to [Image > Adjustments > Color Balance] or simply by using (Cmd+B)
Settings I've used:
Shadows: 40 / 0 / -50
Midtones: 40 / 0 / -40
Highlights: 50 / 0 / -50

Abstraction Image 11

Step 12.

When colored go play with the Levels wich can be found in [Image > Adjustments > Levels] or by using (Cmd + L)
Settings I've used:
13 / 0.55 / 251

Abstraction Image 12

That's it! You've done it! Comments with endresults are more than welcome!

Read 21880 times

Auke Kuiper

Auke Kuiper is a designer who loves to be creative and is always studious about learning new techniques to apply in his work. He also has a passion for teaching others of the things he knows.

Website: www.tutbase.com

Latest from Auke Kuiper

Related items

More in this category: Electric - Create Abstract Electrical Lines »

10 comments

Comment Link

Saturday, 25 August 2012 16:40 posted by Trishona
Your tutorials are great. Easy to follow and got to learn a lot...Thanks a lot...:)
Report
Comment Link

Wednesday, 04 July 2012 01:02 posted by Charley
Hi there, for all time i used to check web site posts here in the early
hours in the morning, because i like to find out
more and more.
Report
Comment Link

Friday, 22 June 2012 20:54 posted by TMJ
Hey there, You've done a great job. I'll definitely digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I'm sure they will be benefited from this site.
Report
Comment Link

Wednesday, 28 March 2012 12:01 posted by Auke Kuiper
Goodluck!
Report
Comment Link

Monday, 26 March 2012 21:58 posted by Chause
Bummer, alright thanks for the tip, I'll give it a shot.
Report
Comment Link

Saturday, 24 March 2012 09:10 posted by Auke Kuiper
Glad you like it Chause :). Unfortunately I don't have the PSD anymore.. Fireflower is a background I created like 3 years ago.

All I remember is that I've used the same'ish technique as the tutorial, but also used 'Filter > Sketch > Chrome' for the effect.

Good Luck!
Report
Comment Link

Friday, 23 March 2012 21:42 posted by Chause
Awesome tutorial, I especially like the "Fireflower" you made at the bottom of the page, do you think I could get the PSD for it maybe?
Report
Comment Link

Monday, 13 February 2012 12:32 posted by Jordi
Could you make a tutorial for your posted photo's on the bottom (1 and 3) are the one Im the most curious about.

Thanks for the tut!
Report
Comment Link

Monday, 13 February 2012 12:31 posted by SUMAN
VERY NICE
Report
Comment Link

Monday, 13 February 2012 12:31 posted by Auke Kuiper
I've added a video-tut of this tutorial aswell!

Enjoy ;-)
Report

Make sure you enter the (*) required information where indicated. HTML code is not allowed.\n\nThe reCaptcha might have some errors in Chrome. Please use an other browser to comment until we've fixed the error.\n\nYou may also leave Facebook comments at the bottom of the page.