Effects. Everyone wants to use them, but few know really wich ones are useful and how to use them. It would be impossible to go through all the permutations here but by looking at a task where you can get a flavour of what is available and some of the things you can do - also by combining layers and effects as well.
What do filters do? Basically, they act very much like the manual filters one might use on a camera, but digitally they apply an algorithm to the pixel data in the image to 'distort' the infirmation contained in them. Filters can act on a whole (single layer) image, on just one layer in an image, or if the software supports it, just a selected part of an image.
What do layer effects do? If you are new to digital imaging, you will not appreciate how some programs can further enhance how images are displayed by using layers and different 'modes' of how each layer intereacts with each other. This task will show you three different modes and what they do. Experiment with other modes by loading images into to layers and trying the different mode settings (the drop down lists to the right of the Opacity sliders in the Layers palette).
Tip: Depending on which digital imaging software you use, it's always worth looking out for extra downloadable filters on the web. There are several sites out there. This is one to start with: Paintshop Pro Zero to Hero
Download the fruits image. It's quite a good one for trying out filter effects, as it has a wide range of tones, including a black border, which gives you an indication of whether the effect works on pure tones (black and white).
Download in the usual way, by clicking on the thumbnail left, which will open the full size image in a new window. Right click on that image and choose 'Save image as' to save on your PC/USB stick.
There are a whole plethora of effects filters available in Paintshop Pro and it can be a mystery to know which does what. One (fairly) quick way of getting a look is to use the Effect Browser (EFFECTS > EFFECT BROWSER). Make sure you have an image (fruits) open first.
The browser will take a short while to open. Then you will see a list on the left. Initially it less than intuitive. If you want to see one of the effect categories you will have to scroll down on the list and select it. The browser will then 'rasterize' a set of thumbnails of the image in the workspace. You can select and 'apply' any of the filters from here.
This illustration is adapted from a task on the web site: Dizteq.
The first step is to use the ADJUST > ADD/REMOVE NOISE > EDGE PRESERVING SMOOTH filter.
Set the factor to about 15. This will 'soften' the picture, but without destroying the edges of the fruit.
Already we have a 'watercolour' type effect. (See left)
Now duplicate the layer which we have adjusted. This is done by clicking on the Duplicate Layer icon in the Layers palette. If you can't see the Layers palette, press F8.
Repeat the duplicate layer process two more times, so that you have four layers altogether. It is vital that you pay attention to the use of layers in this task (look at the screen shots to check).
Turn OFF the top two layers by clicking on their eye symbol (see next screen shot)
Start the process by making sure you have selected the first layer above the background and choosing choosing EFFECTS > ARTISTIC EFFECTS > TOPOGRAPHY. In the dialogue box change the settings to: Width: 20, Density 8 and OK
Important: ensure the Color is White by clicking on the palette box and resetting it (arrowed in the screen shot)
Finally, in the layers palette, change the layer mode to Screen (where it currently says 'Normal')
Now add some brush strokes - this time to the third layer (the next one above the one we just worked on).
Use menu option EFFECTS > ART MEDIA EFFECTS > BRUSH STROKES.
It's up to you what you want to set in this dialogue (pictured right). The key part is the 'Strokes' section top right (under the preview). Try different settings. I used 14 for the Length of the strokes to get quite a 'rough' effect.
Click OK when you are satisfied.
Then set the layer's mode to 'Luminance'. See the result on the left.
The final step is to add some 'black lining' to the image. Most painters do this to add crispness to a painting or drawing.
Select the topmost layer and use menu option EFFECTS > ART MEDIA EFFECTS > BLACK PENCIL. Use a Detail setting of 70 or 80 and an Opacity setting of around 60 or 70.
Finally set the layer mode to 'Overlay' and voila! You have a fine impresssionist Painting!
See a finished version here