In this tutorial, I will show you how to create an abstract illustration by combining several stock images with abstract elements in Adobe Photoshop. In addition to standard blending methods with adjustment layers, masking, and brushes, you will also learn how to create an abstract object, apply textures, increase the depth of field, and more.
Final image:
1. Adding a landscape and texture
Step 1
Create a new document with a size of 1500 x 1000 pixels with the following settings:
Step 2
Open the image with the landscape. Drag this image onto our white canvas with the tool Move Tool 
(Move) (V).
Step 3
Go to menu Filter> Blur> Gaussian Blur (Filter> Blur> Gaussian Blur) and install Radius(Radius) at four pixels:
Step 4
There are unwanted parts in the sky, namely the cloud. As we strive to isolate all the main objects in the center, this detail can spoil the effect.
Create a new layer and take the tool. Clone tool 
(Stamp) (S). Use this tone to clean the specified area:
Step 5
Drag the grunge texture onto the landscape and rotate it 90 degrees clockwise through the menu Edit> Transform> Rotate 90 CW (Edit> Transform> Rotate 90 clockwise). Then flip it vertically through the menu. Edit> Transform> Flip Vertical (Edit> Transform> Flip Vertically). Use Free transform (Free Transformation) (Ctrl + T) to change the texture to fit the dimensions of the existing canvas:
Change the blending mode to Soft light (Soft Light) c Opacity (Opacity) 100%:
Step 6
To reduce the yellow saturation of the scene, go to the menu Laye r> New Adjustment Layer > Hue/ Saturation(Layer> New Corrective Layer> Hue / Saturation). Specify in the dropdown list Yellows (Yellow) and change Saturation(Saturation) -78:
Step 7
Add adjustment layer Curves(Curves) to darken the background of the landscape. The main light on the model falls in front, so the background should be darker.
2. Adding a model
Step 1
Separate the model from the original image and place it in the middle of the canvas.
Step 2
Click the second icon at the bottom of the panel. Layers (Layers) to add a mask to the model layer. Use Lasso Tool 
(Lasso) (L) to make a jagged selection on the model’s head:
Select the mask and switch the foreground from black to white, and then press the Delete key.
Step 3
Create a new layer under the model layer. Use Lasso Tool (Lasso) (L) to make a selection behind the model’s head. Try to make it jagged, as in the previous step:
Fill this selection with a dark brown color (# 281e1e):
Step 4
On the model layer, use again. Lasso Tool (Lasso) (L) to distinguish two areas: one on the visible eye and one on the arms and back:
Go to menu Layer> New Adjustment Layer> Curves (Layer> New Adjustment Layer> Curves) (don’t forget to tick the Use Previous Layer to Create Clipping Mask (Use the previous layer to create a clipping mask)) and increase the brightness.
The selected areas now appear brighter than the original skin.
Step 5
Use adjustment layer Hue / Saturation (Hue / Saturation) as a clipping mask to reduce redness on the model:
Step 6
Create an adjustment layer Color balance (Color Balance) and change in the settings Midtones (Mid Tones). This step aligns the color of the model with the background.
Step 7
Create an adjustment layer Curves(Curves) to brighten the contour, especially the back, cheek and darker arm. Use a soft black brush to paint over the front and return the original brightness to these areas.
3. Adding mountains
Step 1
Open the image of the mountains. Scroll mountain using only Magic wand tool 
(Magic wand) (W). Place it on the head of the model and reduce its size to a much smaller one.
Step 2
Add a mask to this layer and use a hard black brush to erase the area overlapping the eye. Also remove the excess part outside the head so that the mountain part matches the size of the head. Leave a few voids for depth and shadow.
Step 3
Use adjustment layer Hue / Saturation (Hue / Saturation) to completely discolor the mountain:
Step 4
Create an adjustment layer ColorBalance (Color Balance) and change in the settings Midtones (Mid Tones):
Step 5
Apply adjustment layer Curves(Curves) to enhance the contrast of the mountain – it looked foggy.
4. Create background circles
Step 1
Return to the original image with the landscape. Using tool Elliptical Marquee Tool
(Oval Area) (M) Select the circle on the right:
Click Ctrl +C to copy the selection. Create a new layer above the texture layer (below the adjustment layer Hue / Saturation (Hue / Saturation)) and press Ctrl +V to paste the copied part on the layer. Place it behind the model.
Change the layer’s overlay mode to Soft light (Soft Light) with Opacity 100%:
Step 2
Load a selection by holding down the Ctrl key and clicking its layer icon. Go to menu Select> Modify> Contract (Select> Modify> Compress) and set Contract by (compression) in 30 pixels:
Click on the icon Add layer mask 
(Add layer mask), and then press Ctrl + I to invert the mask.
Step 3
Duplicate this layer and, using (Ctrl + T), rotate it to the right and reduce the size.
On the mask of this layer, switch the foreground to white and take one of the brushes. Spray. Use different brush options. Spray, to restore the circle and create some rough and crumbly edges:
Step 4
Create a new layer above the adjustment layers. Hue / Saturation (Hue / Saturation) and Curves (Curves) (PART 1). Select PenTool
(Feather) orEllipseTool
(Ellipse) with parameter ShapeLayers(Layer-shape) and color # e3e3d0. Draw a circle behind the model and cover existing circles with it.
Change the blending mode of this layer to Soft light (Soft Light) with Opacity (Opacity) 100%:
Step 5
Add a mask to this layer and make the circle appear thin with some visible edges:
5. Creating an abstract circle
Step 1
Open Illustrator. Create a new document with the following settings:
Use EllipseTool (Ellipse) to draw a circle with color # 716E72 (don’t forget to specify Fill(Fill) in None(Without color) and install Stroke(Stroke) 8 pixels).
Step 2
Hold down the Alt key, drag this layer, duplicate it. Use Free transform (Free Transformation) (Ctrl + T) to reduce a little the size and place it in the center of the drawn circle. Change the stroke color to a darker # 3E3D3F.
Step 3
Duplicate the first layer and place it in the center of the previous one, making it much smaller.
Step 4
Draw a circle filled with color # 231F20 inside all existing circles.
Step 5
Select all the layers with circles and go to the menu Object> Blend> Blend Options(Object> Transition> Transition Parameters):
Click Ctrl-Alt-B, to create a smooth transition between circles with the above settings. You should get a similar result:
Step 6
Press F5 to open the menu. Brushes (Brushes). Click on the panel Brushes (Brushes) and select Open Brush Library> Artistic> Artistic Ink (Open the brush library> Artistic> Artistic ink) and select Dry Ink 2 (Dry ink 2):
Save the brush as an EPS file for future use.
Next on a new layer again using Elliptical Marquee Tool (Oval selection area) select the circle, but already smaller, specify in Feather(Feather) 8-10px and go to the menu Edit> Stroke (Edit> Stroke), specify a value of 1-3 px, stroke color # 3E3D3F. Place this circle in the center of the first.
On the next layer using Marquee Tool (Oval selection area), draw a circle and fill it with color # 231F20, go to the menu Edit> Stroke (Edit> Stroke) and specify a width value of 1 px, color set to white. Place this circle in the center of the already drawn.
Download any art brushes Dry ink (Dry Ink) and walk them in circles or use the archive Decorative circles: put any one you like on the shape, add a layer mask and erase parts of the circle. To discolor the decorative circle, apply an adjustment layer. Hue / Saturation (Hue / Saturation) with Saturation (Saturation) -100.
Experiment with masks, blend modes and adjustment layers, try to create your own unique abstraction.
Merge all layers with circles into one.
6. Adding an abstract circle
Step 1
Go back to our working paper in Photoshop. Insert a file with an abstract circle, rasterize it with the settings below, if necessary, reduce or increase its size.
Step 2
Place this circle behind the model and rotate it slightly. Change the blending mode for it to Soft light (Soft Light) with Opacity(Opacity) 100% and apply a layer mask with a brush Spray, to make torn edges of a circle, creating a rough grunge look:
Step 3
Create an adjustment layer ColorBalance(Color Balance) as a clipping mask and change the parameter Cyan (Blue) in the settings Midtones (Mid Tones):
Step 4
Duplicate this layer and change the blending mode for the copy to Multiply(Multiplication) with Opacity(Opacity) 100%. Place a duplicate on top of the head behind the mountains and apply a brush. Spray, to mask his edges. Make the edges ragged in a convenient way for you – you do not need to make them look like mine at 100%.
Step 5
Duplicate this layer several times and change the blending mode to Soft light (Soft light). Place them near the model, on her face and shoulder, make them with a brush Spray as if crumbling.
Lower Opacity(Opacity) circle to the right to 50% (highlighted in the screenshot). You do not need to have them as mine, do not be afraid to experiment and use your creative potential!
Step 6
Create a new layer as a clipping mask above the model layer and change the blending mode to Overlay(Overlap) with Opacity(Opacity) 100% and fill with 50% gray:
Take the tool Dodge tool (Clarifier) and Burn tool (Dimmer) (O) with settings: Range (Range): Midtones (Mid Tones), Exposure (Exponir.) 15-20%. Use it to paint over the edges of bright, ragged areas of skin created with Curves(Curves) and abstract circles to make them look real. Also darken the area around the mouth a little. Below you can see how this is done in mode. Normal(Normal) and result mode Overlay(Overlap):
7. Adding Forest
Step 1
Open file Forest. Use Rectangular marquee tool 
(Rectangular Selection Area) to select the top of the image and place it on the back of the model. Rotate it as shown below:
Use a layer mask with a black brush of medium hardness so that part of the forest is only in the back area.
Step 2
Create an adjustment layer Curves(Curves) to darken this part with the forest stronger.
Paint over the layer mask to improve the light and shadow of this area and make it part of the back completely.
Step 3
Take another part of the original image Forest and add it to your head:
Use some brushes. Spray on the mask of this layer to get a slight grunge effect, as shown below:
Step 4
Use the same method to add more effects to your face, body, hands, clothes, and mountains. There are no rules for this – we create abstract things, so just experiment and do not limit your imagination until you are satisfied with the result!
8. Create lines
Step 1
Place a new layer on top of all layers. Take the tool Line tool 
(Line) (U) with Weight (Thickness) 2 px and the color is # 1b1101. Draw a few sloping lines from left to right over the model’s head.
Step 2
Make a group for the layers with lines and add a mask to it. Use a soft black brush to blur part of the line on the head: we should not make it too obvious.
9. Adding decorative circles
Step 1
Open sets Decorative circles and rasterize them, as we did with the abstract circle. Choose the ones you want to place on the model body and between the lines:
Step 2
Add a mask to some of these circles and connect them to the model’s body. I changed the circle mode on the shoulder to Soft light (Soft Light) with Opacity (Opacity) 100%:
Step 3
Use adjustment layer ColorBalance(Color Balance) where you need to change color or reduce saturation.
10. Adding colors
Step 1
Open image Flower. Drag it onto the upper back of the model.
Connect the flower with the back using a layer mask.
Step 2
Create an adjustment layer Hue / Saturation (Hue / Saturation) and decrease the value Saturation(Saturation) to -66:
Step 3
Change the color of the flower using the adjustment layer ColorBalance(Color Balance):
Step 4
Darken the flower with a correction layer. Curves(Curves):
Step 5
Duplicate the flower twice and move the duplicates slightly to the left. Place one on your hands:
Change the blending mode of both layers to Overlay(Overlap) with Opacity(Opacity) 100%. Paint over their layer masks, creating a fading effect on the skin.
Step 6
Make a group for these two layers with colors in mode Overlay(Overlap), 100%. Use adjustment layer Hue / Saturation (Hue / Saturation) to reduce Saturation (Saturation) to -79:
Step 7
Apply adjustment layer ColorBalance(Color Balance) so that the effect matches the rest:
Step 8
Make the effect on the back more visible with an adjustment layer. Curves (Curves). Save brightness on your hands and fingers using a layer mask:
11. Adding halftone and dots
Step 1
Open the image archive Halftones. Choose the one you like best and place it on the model’s body.
Press Ctrl + I to invert this semitone, and change its blending mode to Soft light (Soft Light) with Opacity(Opacity) 100%. Using a layer mask, make the manifestation effect softer.
Step 2
Duplicate this layer and move it to the back area.
Step 3
Create a new layer and change the foreground color to # e6fafa. Take a hard brush to paint several dots of various sizes around the model and existing circles.
Change the blending mode of this layer to Soft light (Soft Light) with Opacity(Opacity) 100% and apply a layer mask to make some points disappear, giving a feeling of abstractness.
12. Final Correction
Step 1
We’ve finished adding all the elements, so now it’s time to color the whole scene. Create a correction layer on top of all layers. ColorBalance(Color Balance). Change Midtones (Mid Tones) and Highlights (Sveta):
Step 2
Add adjustment layer PhotoFilter(Photo Filter) and select color # 03ec07:
Step 3
Use adjustment layer Vibrance(Juiciness) to enhance the final effect:
Congratulations, you’re done!
I hope you have learned new techniques and methods for your future projects. The main thing – do not try to make your images the same as mine, be creatively independent!
