Colorizing I actually get color effects in different ways. I have outlined only a few options that I repeatedly return to and use [sometimes in the same graphic]. Please also keep in mind that I use Photoshop 6.1 [although some steps can be duplicated in Paintshop].
Naturally - these are 3 ways to add or change up the color in your image. I would always recommend playing with brightness and contrast, gradients, etc. I hope these might have helped and sent you on a good experimenting journey.
In the Image toolbar, click adjust, then color balance
In the color balance menu, I usually play with the color ratios - for all options [shadows, midtones, highlights]
In the image below I have adjusted first Midtones to -15 cyan, +40 green, -8 yellow. Then Highlights to +72 red, +18 green, -5 yellow. Next is Shadows to -59 cyan, -20 magenta, +23 blue.
I usually leave the "Preserve Luminosity" checked.
Keep in mind - that is only one way to change up color. The finished image can then be duplicated and changed around with layer modes and opacities to get your desired effect. /\ back to top
Click Select All, then Edit - copy merged, then Edit - paste.
Make sure the newly created merged layer is on top of the other 2 layers you had previously worked with.
On the new 3rd layer, apply the Filter Video Rave [choosing the Old Film 2 option]. I don't remember where I got this filter either, but I use it all of the time.
In the Old Film 2 option, choose the number 47 - click OK.
Click Edit - Fade Old Film 2, choosing the Luminosity option and bringing it down to 79%. Click Ok.
Still on the 3rd layer, apply the Filter Blur - choosing Smart Blur and have the options at 3.2 Radius and 58.5 Threshold - click OK.
Open your selected image, and then duplicate the background image [so that you now have 2 working layers]. I am using the same image.
Create a new layer [no duplicating].
Choose some of your favorite brush sets and apply them[in this case] with the solid color #B77950, [we will be changing the color for the solid fill more than once].
When using brushes remember to choose one brush apply it once, maybe twice in random spots [which is hard to learn at first].
For the sake of this tutorial - create another new layer for the next brush. I usually apply different brushes with different colors on the same layer as well as in new layers. Choose which you like best.
On the 3rd [newly created] layer, apply your next brush in a new color - in this case #E3E980 at random.
And let's do it one more time - another new layer, change the brush, and change the color to #C52409.
Time to go back and play with layer modes and opacities.
Return to your 2nd layer [the first new layer with the first set of brushes]. Change the layer mode to Difference, opacity 78%. On layer 3, change the layer mode to Color Dodge, opacity 78%. On layer 4, change the layer mode to Multiply, opacity 68%.
