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I'm currently trying to learn the use of layers. This is proving problematic: some of my favourite tools include the Variable Oil Pastel and Wet Detail Brush. Now, these tools are a joy to use. The blending of colours hits my happy spot! Sadly, when using these tools on a new layer it produces hideous white splotches. I have a vague idea of why this happens, and yes, I know I can't blend two colours on different layers.

At the moment I'm stuck using completely opaque colors when using layers, and it creates an effect I really dislike.

My question is this: how is it possible to create translucent colours and fade-outs, using layers (and possibly the afore mentioned tools), without creating those god-awful blotches of white? As in, a stroke, on one layer, starts out opaque, then gradually becomes transparent until it fades into the background color, which is on a different layer.

Hi Ilkka,

There is currently no way to use a brush variant that has blending and smearing characteristics to paint on transparent areas of a Layer and have the brush stroke fade to transparent.

We can either remove those blending and smearing characteristics, change the Layer Composite Method to Gel or Multiply, or check the Pick Up Underlying Color box at the upper left corner of the Layers palette so brush strokes painted on transparent areas of the Layer will blend with underlying colors on other Layers or the Canvas.

All three options can be used successfully and each of the three has potentially unwanted side effects.

Read this tutorial on my PixelAlley site to learn more:

Hazards to Avoid when Painting on Transparent Areas of a Layer
Using Brush Variants that Have Blending and Smearing Characteristics

You'll just need to think ahead a few steps, plan carefully, then choose the option that works best in your situation.

Good luck!

Jinny

Jinny Brown:

There is currently no way to use a brush variant that has blending and smearing characteristics to paint on transparent areas of a Layer and have the brush stroke fade to transparent.

... darn.

Jinny Brown:

 

We can either remove those blending and smearing characteristics, change the Layer Composite Method to Gel or Multiply, or check the Pick Up Underlying Color box at the upper left corner of the Layers palette so brush strokes painted on transparent areas of the Layer will blend with underlying colors on other Layers or the Canvas.

All three options can be used successfully and each of the three has potentially unwanted side effects.

Read this tutorial on my PixelAlley site to learn more:

Hazards to Avoid when Painting on Transparent Areas of a Layer
Using Brush Variants that Have Blending and Smearing Characteristics

Thanks for the tips, I'll check them out!