Drawing a space background in Adobe Photoshop CS5. How to draw space: the simplest methods and tools

In this tutorial, we'll show you how to create an incredible space-themed composition using elements taken from published images by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Skillfully using a variety of techniques, such as adding depth to the image through the use of multiple layers, applying transparency, as well as deft manipulation of tools such as: Twisting e (Twirl), Spherization(Spherize) and filters Plastic(Liquify filters), we will show you that achieving the desired result is much easier than you thought. Along the way, we'll also show you how to create a custom star brush using a method that you can later adapt to create your other custom brushes.

This tutorial uses stunning images from the Hubble Space Telescope. This is an excellent image resource even for creating works with non-space themes. Always choose to upload images in the highest quality and use TIFF images.

Note: Some images are missing from the tutorial source. In the archive you will find an alternative version of materials for completing the lesson.

Step 1

Let's start our work by creating a new document of size Width(Width) 1500 pixels and Height(Height) 2000 pixels. Fill our base layer with black: Editing - Filling(Edit > Fill) or Shift + F5 and select black color in the dialog box. Now let's use the tool Ellipse(Ellipse Tool (U)) to draw a circle approximately in the center of our document. It doesn’t really matter what color it will be, since this circle will only serve as a guide for us in the first steps of our work, in the future it will need to be deleted, so you can make it like in the screenshot.

Step 2

Download the Carina Nebula 'Mystic Mountain' image. Next, use the selection tool Oval area(Elliptical Marquee tool), set it to feather radius(feather radius (shift+f6)) 100 px to soften the edges. Click on the image and drag to select a fragment of the image approximately as shown in the screenshot. Copy (Ctrl+C) and paste (Ctrl+V) this fragment into your main document on top of the created circle.

Step 3

Transform the inserted image fragment using the tool Free transformation(Free Transform tool (Ctrl + T)), compressing the width of this fragment approximately three times. Then place what you got to the left of our reference circle. Next use the command Filter - Distortion - Spherization(Filter - Distort - Spherize), and then use the command Filter - Distort - Twist(Filter - Distort - Twirl) to create a ripple effect. Experiment with these filters until you get something like a curved flash at the edge of your reference circle, as shown in the screenshot below.

Step 4

Download images of other nebulae from http://hubblesite.org. On these images, repeat steps 2 and 3, using several selections of different sizes from these two images. The basic idea is to use these curved flashes to form a ring-like shape. Once you have succeeded in forming this ring-shaped structure, you no longer need the guide circle layer, and accordingly you can delete it.

Step 5

Now, we will add even more of the same flashes so that we have something more similar to some kind of nebula. We'll do this using the same methods, simply repeating steps 2 and 3, but this time, styling our new flares so that they appear as if they are breaking out of the ring and crossing it.

Step 6

To add a depth effect, work on each flash layer individually and try adjusting the opacity level for each layer. Lowering the opacity will create the effect of flash fragments falling into our black background. Next, try blending the intersections between flashes using the tool Eraser(Eraser tool (E)) and a soft brush for each layer to make it all look more natural. The main goal here is to create an organic feeling of movement.

Step 7

Now, we'll move on to processing our background layer by adding what I call "space particles" to it. Create a new layer (Ctrl+Shift+N) on top of the black background layer(background), then take soft brush(soft brush (B)) and select blue color as shown in the screenshot below, setting it as main(foreground color). Using alternately high and low values opacity(opacity), paint over the entire document, but mainly focus on the top right and bottom left corners.

Step 8

Let's add another layer above this, set it as background colors(background color) black. Then we use the command Filter - Rendering - Clouds(Filter - Render - Clouds). Next, adjust the Levels (Ctrl + L) to make the effect lighter. Then add an adjustment layer Layers - New Adjustment Layer - Hue/Saturation(Layer - New Adjustment Layer - Hue/Saturation). Saturation(Saturation) set to +6, Brightness(Lightness) -15.

Step 9

Reduce opacity(opacity) of the layer you created in step 7 to 10%, thereby creating a very subtle effect for the background layer. Now let's create something like a vapor trail in the lower left by duplicating one of the darkest and most transparent of the flare fragments you created earlier and move it away from our created ring nebula. Move this layer down below all the layers, but so that it is directly above the layers with “cosmic particles”.

Step 10

Select Plastic filter(Liquify filter (Shift+ Ctrl + X)). Apply the settings below:

• Brush Size(Brush size) 300
• Brush Density(Brush Density) 0
• Brush Pressure(Brush pressure) 100
• Brush Rate(Brush speed) 0
• Turbulent Jitter(Vibration) 50
• Reconstruct Mode(Reconstruction Mode): Revert(recovery)

Next, work with the tools Pucker Tool(Wrinkle / "S" key) Bloat Tool(Bloating / "B" key) and Turbulence(Turbulence / T Key) along our created vapor trail until you achieve a result that suits you. A graphics tablet would make this task much easier for you, as it allows you to have much better control over the brushes you're working with.

Step 11

To seamlessly blend the steam trail with our background and space particles, desaturate it by pressing Ctrl + Shift + U, then set blending mode(blending mode) for this layer Screen(Screen), and level opacity(opacity) reduce to 20%. Repeat steps 9 to 11 several times to create many of these vapor trails around our composition.

Step 12

For this composition, since it is space themed, we need to add some stars by creating a "star brush". Upload an image and change it height(height) up to 2500 pixels (Ctrl + Alt + I). Next, invert the image (Ctrl + I) and desaturate it (Ctrl + Shift + U).

Step 13

Adjust the Levels (Ctrl + L) as shown in the screenshot. Select the entire image and apply the command Editing - Define Brush(Edit - Define Brush). Name your custom brush 'Star Brush'. It should now appear at the very bottom of the Brushes palette.

Step 14

We return to our composition, select our newly created brush, having previously set it as foreground colors(foreground color) white. Now, add a new layer on top of all the others. To quickly change the size of your brush while working, use the keys with square brackets, in the Russian layout these are the letters X and B. Next, click once in different places to place our stars. Also, if suddenly you didn’t like the location of the stars somewhere, you can use the tool Eraser(Erase tool (E)) with a soft brush to remove these unnecessary fragments.

Step 15

Our nebula still looks a little muted, so let's add a new adjustment layer Layers - New Adjustment Layer - Brightness/Contrast(Layer - New Adjustment Layer - Brightness/Contrast). Brightness(Brightness) +60, Contrast(Contrast) +10. Create another new layer and paint different colors all over the document using a soft brush as shown below. Install opacity(opacity) of this layer is 70% and blending mode(blend mode) Overlap(Overlay). This will improve the overall color of the image. All is ready. Congratulations!

In this tutorial we'll learn how to create a space background that can be used as wallpaper or background for a wide variety of designs. We'll be doing a lot of brush work, using filters and layer styles. Having mastered the technique of creating this illustration, you can easily create similar backgrounds in other color variations.

Result:

Create a new document ( Ctrl+N) V Adobe Photoshop CS5 size 1920px on 1200px(in color mode RGB) and resolution in 72 pixels/inch. Tool Paint Bucket (G) fill with color #090F27 new background layer.

Create a new layer.
Give it a parameter Fill V 0%. Double click on the layer icon in the palette Layers to indicate to him Layer style/Layer style. Select.

This is what you should get:

Create a new document ( Ctrl+N) size 1200px on 1200px (RGB) and with resolution in 72 pixels/inch.

Create a new layer and give it a layer style Gradient Overlay.

Set up the gradient as shown below.

This is what you should get:

Now we need to rasterize the resulting layer. To do this, create a new empty layer below this one and click CTRL+E to merge layers. Apply to the resulting layer Filter > Distort > Wave.

This is what you should get:

Apply Filter > Distort > Polar Coordinates/Filter>Warp>Polar Coordinates.

Result:

Move the resulting rays into the first document we created. With help Free Transform/Free Transformation (Ctrl+T) stretch them across the entire canvas.

Specify parameter Fill for this layer in 9% and change to Divide.

Create a new layer and tool Paint Bucket (G) fill it with color #28828F.

Specify Fill V 50% And Blending mode - Hard Light.

In the palette Layers click on the icon Create new fill or adjustment layer(it's at the bottom of the palette). Select type Curves and configure them as shown below.

Result:

Create a new layer and brush Soft Round create a large spot of color in the center of the document #FF00CB.

Refer to the picture below:

Specify Fill V 80% And Blending mode - Lighten/Replacement with light.

Create another layer with the same brush, but with a white color and the parameter Opacity V 20%, draw a spot of smaller diameter:

Tool Ellipse/Ellipse (U) draw an oval as shown below.

Select the oval layer Fill V 0% and layer style Stroke.

Result:

Rasterize the oval layer in the same way as we did earlier. Apply to the rasterized layer Filter > Blur > Gaussian blur/Filter> Blur> Gaussian Blur.

Result:

Specify layer Fill V 30% .

Create a new layer and brush Hard Round white paint many small circles, changing the brush size and parameters Opacity.

This is how it should look:

Select the layer with the circles Fill V 50% And Blending mode - Overlay.

Duplicate the circles layer.

Duplicate the circles layer again and specify the copies Fill V 100% .

Apply a layer style to the layer Outer Glow/External glow.

Result:

Create a new layer and brush Soft Round paint other small circles by changing the brush size and opacity using color #93308F.

Result:

Create a new layer and in it with the same brush draw more circles with color #232B41. Change the size, opacity and hardness of the brush.

Continue drawing circles in a new layer with a brush Hard Round white color with opacity 20% .

Result:

Create another layer and brush Hard Round Add more white circles. Also change the brush settings.

Result:

Change Blending mode for this layer on Overlay.

In a new layer with a white hard brush, paint circles even smaller than in the previous step. Change your brush settings to keep things varied.

Result:

Another new layer and more white circles with a hard brush at low opacity.

Result:

Tool Ellipse/Ellipse (U) draw a shape of color #CCC2C9.

Apply a layer style to the ellipse layer Gradient Overlay.

Set up the gradient as shown below.

Result:

Create a new layer and fill it with black.

Apply Filter>Render>Lens Flare/Filter>Lighting>Flare.

Result:

Specify the highlight layer Blending mode Screen/Lightening.

Create a new layer and add some circles with a soft round white brush. .

Result:

In the palette Layers click on the icon Create new fill or adjustment layer/Create a new adjustment layer or fill layer and select an option Curves/Curves. Set up the curves as shown below.

Result:

Create a new adjustment or fill layer again, this time select Hue/Saturation. Set the correction as shown below.

Result:

Merge all layers into a group. To do this in the palette Layers select all layers by holding down the button CTRL then click on the icon Create a new group/Create a new group at the bottom of the palette.

Now we need to rasterize the group. Select it in the palette Layers and press CTRL+E to merge layers.

Apply to the resulting layer Filter > Sharpen > Unsharp Mask/Filter>Sharpness>Unsharp Mask.

Result:

That's all! You can download.

Translation – Duty room

The theme of space is an endless field for creativity; each artist will be able to find his own plot and create a unique cosmic landscape with bright lights, distant stars, mysterious planets and dangerous comets. You can draw space using various materials, but a drawing made with paints will look most impressive and vibrant.

Necessary materials:

• half of whatman paper;
• watercolor paints;
• white gouache;
• brushes of different sizes;
• a glass of water;
• a simple pencil;
• eraser;
• Toothbrush.

Manufacturing:

To make the drawing unusual, space can be depicted in a circle. To do this, in the center of whatman paper we draw a circle of the required size according to a pre-prepared template. Then moisten the surface of the circle with water using a thick brush - this will allow you to get smooth streaks of watercolor paint. We paint the center of the circle with light shades: yellow, orange, lilac, blue.

Now we mix two shades of blue on the palette: mix one with purple paint, the other with black. Apply the resulting colors to the drawing in small and random strokes. In this case, the brush should be washed after each shade. It is necessary to draw the image from the edges of the circle, gradually approaching the center of the illustration. Try not to apply dark colors over light colors, as it will be impossible to return the original version.

When the circle is completely filled in, you can begin to draw the details of the cosmic landscape. In the center of the circle, where the light tones of the picture are outlined, apply red and yellow watercolors with a thin brush.

All that remains is to complete the picture with many bright stars. To do this, apply white gouache to a toothbrush and, bending the edges of the bristles, spray the paint onto the image.

If you wish, you can draw several passing comets and a couple of small planets.

How to draw space with gouache

Necessary materials:

• hoop with thick paper;
• gouache;
• brushes of different sizes;
• white cardboard cutouts in the form of beautiful geometric patterns;
• beautiful photo card;
• colored cardboard;
• printed paper;
• white acrylic paint.

Manufacturing:

We moisten the blank in the form of a hoop with thick paper generously with water. Then use diluted gouache paints to create a blue-violet background. When the drawing is dry, use a thin brush to apply white dots with acrylic paint, which will imitate shining stars.

We complement the cosmic landscape with geometric shapes - constellations, made using a pre-prepared template, a thin brush and white paint. We cut out various shapes from colored cardboard and printed paper and create a beautiful composition from them, in the center of which there will be a successful photograph. Glue the resulting composition to the image.

The finished drawing will be an excellent option for a gift or an original decoration for your home interior.
Video on the topic

In this short tutorial you'll learn how to create a simple sparkling space background. We'll start by creating a gradient mesh, then add some sparkling stars using the Symbol Spray, and finish off our image by adding a colorful planet made up of simple radial gradients. This tutorial is great for beginners who want to learn more about transitions, symbols, and gradient meshes. Let's begin!

Step 1

Create an RGB document of any size. For better colors and shine, the document should be in RGB format. Draw a rectangle the size of your artboard and fill it with black (R=0 G=0 B=0).

Step 2

Create a new rectangle above the black rectangle you just made, and then go to Object > Create Gradient Mesh. I set 8 rows and 4 columns. If you want to use more colors, then you should increase the quantity. I want to use purple and blue, so I kept the number of columns and rows to a minimum.

Step 3

Use the Direct Selection Tool (A), select several points and distribute them across the rectangle. I moved the left and right columns of nodes closer to the periphery.

Step 4

Select several of these points by clicking on them while holding Shift and using the Direct Selection Tool (A). Color the selected points using the color panel and deselect them. Repeat the same process with other grid points and select a new color. You should end up with something similar to the image below. Remember to leave some parts black, this will make your background look more like outer space.

Step 5

When you're done coloring the mesh, select it using the Selection Tool (V) and open the Appearance Panel (Window > Appearance). Go to the bottom of the Appearance panel and click on the Add New Effect button ( f(x)), there go to Warp and select Fisheye. I set the Bend to 84%, you should, according to the size of your document, select the deformation that is best suited. You can evaluate this by checking the View option.

Step 6

With the gradient mesh selected, go to the Opacity options in the Appearance panel and set the Opacity to 10%.

Step 7

Take the Ellipse Tool (L) and draw a circle. The size of the circle should be twice the size of the stars you want to make. Fill it with a Radial Gradient from Black to White. Open the Gradient panel (Window>Gradient) and make sure there is a white point in the center. You can see the gradient settings I used in the image below. Open the Symbols panel (Window > Symbols) and drop a circle into the Symbols panel.

Step 8

Take the Symbol Sprayer tool (Shift + S) and spray your stars across the artboard. I sprayed mine on the sides to leave room for the planet. The symbols form a group, so after you've finished creating the stars, select them with the Selection Tool (V) and go to the Appearance settings. In the Opacity Settings, change the blend mode to Color Dodge and set the Opacity to 30%.

Step 9

While the stars are selected, click the Add New Effect button in the design panel (fx) and then select Warp and Inflate. I set the bend to 75%, you should look at your drawing and see what value works best for you. If necessary, enable the View option. Some of your stars may extend beyond the border of the design, scale them to fit within the rectangle created in step 1.

Step 10

Take the Ellipse Tool (L) and create a large circle in the middle of the artboard. Fill it with a Radial Gradient from White to Black. Go to the Gradient panel and make sure you have a black dot in the middle and a pure white area on the border. You can see my settings in the picture below.

Step 11

Go to the Opacity settings and set the Blend Mode to Color Dodge.

Step 12

To finish creating the planet, click on the Add New Effect button f(x) in the Appearance panel and select Stylize > Outer Glow. I set the glow to 100% opacity and 50 px blur. The blend mode remains unchanged, as the blend mode for the circle will be applied. Click OK.

Step 13

Make a copy of the stars Command + C and then double click on the circle for the planet. Paste the stars Command + F (Insert in Front) and go to the bottom of the Appearance panel and click the Add New Effect button (fx), go to Warp and then apply the Fish Eye Warp. Change the opacity for the stars to 80%.

Step 14

Make a copy of the circle for the planet (Command + C) and then paste it above the second set of stars (Command + F). Select the stars and planet and make a Clipping Mask (Command + 7). Double click on the artboard and go back to the main illustration.

Conclusion

Now you have a shiny space background. You can later add big stars, more planets, or draw a character or some objects. I hope you enjoyed this tutorial.

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We get this result:

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You should get this result:

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