Master The Art of Background Removal with Photoshop

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Scanning and Opening Artwork in Photoshop
3. Clipping Out Each Flower
4. Pasting the Copied Image onto a New Layer
5. Naming Each Layer
6. Tidying Up and Removing the Background
7. Using the Magic Wand Tool
8. Expanding and Feathering the Selection
9. Removing the Background for Different Artwork Styles
10. Using the Quick Selection Tool
11. Cleaning Up the Outlines
12. Using the Eraser Tool
13. Finalizing the Cleanup Process
14. Conclusion

Introduction

In this tutorial, I will guide You through the process of digitally removing the background from traditional artwork using Photoshop. This technique is useful when you need to separate each painted element to Create Patterns and designs for your products. We will cover various steps, including scanning and opening artwork, clipping out each flower, pasting the copied image onto a new layer, tidying up and completely removing the background, and more. So let's jump right in and learn how to transform your traditional artwork into digital masterpieces!

1. Scanning and Opening Artwork in Photoshop

To begin, you'll need to scan your artwork and open it in Photoshop. If you're unsure about the scanning process, you can refer to my previous Vlog for detailed instructions. Once you have the scanned image, it will appear as a flat image in Photoshop, preserving the texture of the watercolor paper in the background.

2. Clipping Out Each Flower

The first stage of the background removal process is to clip out each flower from the page. You can achieve this by using the Lasso tool in Photoshop. Simply select the lasso tool and roughly draw around the first flower, ensuring to join up the lasso to surround the entire element. On a Mac, press Command + C to copy the flower. For Windows users, the shortcut is Ctrl + C.

3. Pasting the Copied Image onto a New Layer

After copying the selected flower, create a new layer and paste the image onto it. On a Mac, press Command + V, and for Windows, use Ctrl + V. It's a good practice to name each layer as you create them for easier management.

4. Naming Each Layer

As you work through each flower, remember to select the original layer before copying the image of the next element. This ensures that you have the correct layer to copy from. Continue pasting each element onto a new layer, which will separate the copied artwork from the original file and from each other. This step is crucial for using the illustrations to create designs or patterns later.

5. Tidying Up and Removing the Background

Now that you have separated the artwork elements, it's time to completely remove the background. Start by selecting the magic wand tool in Photoshop. We will work through each element individually, so make sure to select the layer of the element you're working on.

6. Using the Magic Wand Tool

The magic wand tool selects everything of similar color within a selected area. By clicking on the white background of the flower, you'll see that it roughly masks out the white area and outlines the flower. However, there might be some small areas that have been missed, which need to be fixed before deleting the background fully.

7. Expanding and Feathering the Selection

To ensure a cleaner background removal, navigate to "Select" on your Photoshop toolbar, go down to "Modify," and select "Expand." Add in the value of 5 pixels and click OK. This step helps grab any little areas that may have been missed. Next, go back to "Select," then "Modify" again, and choose "Feather." Feather the selection by 2 pixels (you can adjust this value Based on your artwork) to smooth the edge of the selected area around the artwork.

8. Removing the Background for Different Artwork Styles

The process of removing the background may vary depending on your artwork style. For example, if your colors are lighter and there is less distinction between the flower and the background, you might encounter some difficulties using the magic wand tool alone. In such cases, an extra step using the quick selection tool can be helpful.

9. Using the Quick Selection Tool

To access the quick selection tool in Photoshop, right-click on the magic wand tool and select "Quick Selection Tool." This tool allows you to add to or subtract from the selection, giving more control over the process. You can also adjust the size of the selection tool based on your needs.

10. Cleaning Up the Outlines

During the cleanup stage, use the eraser tool to go around each element, cleaning up the outlines and fine details. If you have an iPad, it can provide more precision, but a mouse or trackpad works too. Every artwork style differs, so the amount of cleaning up required will depend on your style and desired outcome.

11. Finalizing the Cleanup Process

To deal with intricate or light-colored paintings, there is one last cleanup stage. Use the eraser tool to draw around the entire image and remove the background as we did before. Taking your time and being meticulous in this step will ensure a professional result. Adding a dark-colored background layer behind the painted elements can serve as a helpful guide.

12. Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully digitized and cleaned up your traditional artwork. It is now ready to be used in patterns, designs, or any other creative projects you have in mind. If you found this Vlog helpful, please let me know in the comments below. If there are any other art and design processes you'd like me to go through in more Detail, feel free to suggest them. Thank you for watching!

Highlights

• Learn how to remove the background from traditional artwork using Photoshop.
• Scan and open your artwork in Photoshop to begin the process.
• Clip out each flower by using the lasso tool and copy them onto new layers.
• Tidy up and completely remove the background using the magic wand tool.
• Expand and feather the selection for a cleaner background removal.
• Use the quick selection tool for artwork styles with lighter colors.
• Clean up the outlines and fine details using the eraser tool.
• Finalize the cleanup process by erasing the background completely.
• Save your work and get ready to use your artwork in designs and patterns.
• Share your feedback and suggestions for more art and design processes.

FAQ

Q: Can I use this technique on paintings created with mediums other than watercolors? A: Yes, this technique can be applied to any type of traditional artwork, regardless of the medium used.

Q: Will this process work for complex or detailed artwork? A: Yes, the process can be adapted for complex or detailed artwork. You may need to spend more time on the cleanup step and adjust the selection tools accordingly.

Q: Can I use a graphics tablet instead of an iPad for the cleanup stage? A: Absolutely! A graphics tablet can provide even more precision and control during the cleanup process.

Q: Can I Apply this technique to digital artwork as well? A: No, this tutorial focuses specifically on removing backgrounds from traditional artwork. Digital artwork already exists in a digital format, so background removal is not necessary.