Learning to Use a Palette Brush in Adobe® Photoshop®

Using a palette brush in Adobe Photoshop is not only a great way to fix colors and edit out mistakes; a palette brush can dramatically change the arrangement and look of your picture. Many people tend to think that tools in photo-editing programs are difficult to use and understand and will avoid them. The reality is that these tools are user-friendly and can really help bring out the best in your pictures. So, for this let’s look at what a palette brush can do you for, and how to use and understand its functions.

 

<h2>Where to Start?</h2>

 

Let’s start from the beginning and go over what a palette brush is. A palette brush is a collection of different brush shapes that can help you create different dynamics in your pictures. From large to hairline sizes you can create broad and thin strokes in elliptical, straight and skewed patterns. There are preformatted strokes to choose from, but you can also create your own to fit your personal needs.

 

<h2>A Quick Run Through On Using a Brush Palette</h2>

 

I am going to talk about using the brush palette in Photoshop, so, start with a picture and select the brush tool on the side panel. You will notice that there is a tablet and in this tablet you can choose the size, effect and dimensions of your palette brush. Choose what works for the area you want to edit and remember that if you make a mistake, you can always go back and undo it. In the palette brush, you can use other effects from the brush library. These include chalk, scatter and spray effects. You can also find designs like snow flakes, stars and squiggles to help give an extra pop to your photos!  

 

Playing around like I said is one of the best ways to learn the most, fast. Try moving around the scatter and hardness of the palette brush, by adjusting these the effect will be very different. The sharper you make the palette brush, the closer together the color will be. By playing with the sharpness on the palette brush you can sharpen and soften edges on people, scenes and edges in general.

 

<h2>Where Else Can You Get Help?</h2>

 

While looking online and reading what other people have to say about programs and their applications can be very helpful, if you are looking for an in-depth guide to a program like Photoshop, it is usually a great idea to find a tutorial. If you are interested in learning palette brushes, then chances are there is a lot you can still learn. Try looking for online tutorials or CD-ROM tutorials that you can order that will give you the information you need. Companies exist, one such being Video Professor. Video Professor offers a great Learn Adobe Photoshop tutorial and it takes only three hours. The 3-disc set is fun, easy to use and you will learn tons! From the palette brush to the most advanced features Photoshop has to offer, you can know it all.