Transform your photos into stunning oil paintings!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Getting Started
3. Choosing the Brush
4. Customizing the Brush Settings
5. Smudging the Image
6. Painting with Small Strokes
7. Emphasizing the Curves of the Face
8. Painting the Body
9. Enhancing the Background and Hair
10. Cleaning up the Image
11. Adding Highlights and Shadows
12. Adding Texture
13. Final Touches

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore how to transform a photo into a beautiful oil painting using Affinity Photo. With just a few simple steps and the right tools, You can Create stunning art without the need for traditional painting supplies. We will guide you through the process of smudging the image, painting with small strokes, emphasizing the curves of the face, enhancing the background and hair, and adding texture. By the end, you will have a masterpiece that resembles a HAND-painted oil painting.

Getting Started

Before we begin, make sure you have Affinity Photo installed on your computer. You can also download the image we will be working with from the link provided in the video description. While using a drawing tablet is recommended for a smoother experience, you can also use a mouse if you don't have one.

Choosing the Brush

To achieve the oil paint effect, we need to select the right brush. Open the Brushes panel and explore the various categories available in Affinity Photo. We recommend trying out different brushes under the Oils category. For this tutorial, we will be using the fifth brush down, called "Large Fibers Oil." It provides a nice textured effect that resembles oil paint strokes.

Customizing the Brush Settings

To further customize the selected brush, double-click on it to open its settings. In the Dynamics tab, feel free to tweak the settings according to your preference. We suggest lowering the accumulation and flow to create a smoother and more controlled smudging effect. You can also adjust the size jitter Based on your pressure sensitivity or set it to "none" if using a mouse.

Smudging the Image

Now that our brush is set up, we can start smudging the image to create the oil paint effect. Duplicate the layer by pressing Command/Control + J. This will allow us to work non-destructively. With the smudge brush selected, simply click and drag to smudge the colors in the desired areas. The smudge brush works by blending and smearing the colors, creating a realistic oil paint-like look.

Painting with Small Strokes

To achieve a more detailed outcome, we recommend using small strokes. Adjust the brush size using the bracket keys on your keyboard. Keep the strokes short and controlled, especially in areas where you want to preserve more details, like the eyes. Experiment with different brush sizes to find the right balance between detail and overall effect.

Emphasizing the Curves of the Face

When using the smudge brush, pay Attention to the direction of your strokes. It might take some practice to get it right, but the goal is to emphasize the curves of the face and body. For example, paint in the direction of the eye Shape for the eyes, and Trace around the nostrils to highlight that area. Duplicate the layer if you're unsure and try painting in different directions until you achieve the desired effect.

Painting the Body

Apply the same principles of emphasizing curves when painting the body. Use downward strokes for the limbs to create a natural flow. The direction of your strokes should follow the contours of the body, enhancing the overall shape and form. Take your time and work on different areas incrementally to achieve consistency throughout the painting.

Enhancing the Background and Hair

To give the painting a more polished look, we will now focus on the background and hair. Click and drag the brush in circular motions, mixing the hair's flyaways with the background. This step helps to Blend the elements together while maintaining the texture and brush strokes. Be mindful of the direction and consistency of your strokes to create a Cohesive painting.

Cleaning up the Image

After the initial smudging and painting, it's time to clean up the image and add more painterly brush strokes. Duplicate the painting layer (Command/Control + J) and switch to the brush tool (B). Select the previously used "Large Fibers Oil" brush. Reduce the brush size and sample colors by holding down Alt/Option and clicking on the desired area. Gradually add highlights or shadows by adjusting the flow and applying the paintbrush in strategic areas.

Adding Highlights and Shadows

Using the brush tool, strategically add highlights to brighten up the painting and create depth. Focus on areas with natural highlights, such as light spots on the face or clothing folds. Similarly, add shadows to enhance the contrast and give the painting more depth. Pay attention to areas where extreme contrast exists, such as dark shadows or creases in clothing. Experiment with brush size, opacity, and colors to achieve the desired effects.

Adding Texture

To add authenticity and simulate a canvas-like texture, we can incorporate a woven texture overlay. Find a suitable woven texture image and paste it into your painting. Adjust the size and position to fit the canvas. Change the blend mode to "Multiply" to blend the texture with the painting. To ensure a subtle effect, reduce the opacity of the textured layer. Finally, make any necessary adjustments to the overall brightness or contrast using adjustment layers like curves.

Final Touches

Review your painting and make any final adjustments or refinements as needed. You can experiment with different brushes, colors, and techniques to add additional details or personal touches. Consider adding more highlights, shadows, or texture to areas that require more depth or interest. Remember that practice makes perfect, and each painting is a learning experience.

FAQ

Q: Can I achieve the oil paint effect using a mouse instead of a drawing tablet? A: Yes, you can still create the oil paint effect using a mouse. However, using a drawing tablet can provide better control and a more natural painting experience.

Q: Can I use different brushes for this technique? A: Absolutely! Feel free to explore the various brush categories in Affinity Photo and experiment with different brushes to achieve your desired effects. The "Large Fibers Oil" brush is recommended, but you can try others that suit your style.

Q: How long does it take to master this technique? A: The time required to master this technique varies depending on your familiarity with digital painting and your artistic abilities. With practice and experimentation, you will gradually improve your skills and achieve better results.

Q: Can I apply this oil paint effect to different types of photos? A: Yes, you can apply this oil paint effect to a wide range of photos. However, keep in mind that some images may require more adjustments and experimentation to achieve the desired artistic look.

Q: Are there any limitations to using Affinity Photo for this technique? A: Affinity Photo provides a powerful set of tools and features for creating digital paintings. However, it's important to experiment and adapt the techniques to suit your workflow and style. Be creative and explore different possibilities.

Highlights:

• Transform a photo into a beautiful oil painting using Affinity Photo
• Smudge, paint, and blend colors to create a realistic oil paint effect
• Customize brushes and settings to achieve desired results
• Emphasize curves and details for a more artistic look
• Enhance the background, hair, and clothing to complete the painting
• Add highlights, shadows, and texture for depth and realism
• Experiment with different brushes, colors, and techniques
• Use a drawing tablet for better control, but a mouse can also work
• Practice and refine your skills to master the technique
• Apply the oil paint effect to various types of photos using Affinity Photo's powerful tools

Conclusion

With Affinity Photo, you can unleash your creativity and transform ordinary photos into stunning works of art. The process of turning a photo into an oil painting is both captivating and rewarding. By smudging, painting, and adding texture to the image, you can achieve a mesmerizing effect that resembles a traditional oil painting. Remember to experiment, practice, and have fun along the way, and soon you'll be creating impressive masterpieces using digital tools and your artistic vision.