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Post by Sepiana on Jun 10, 2016 19:12:37 GMT
NOTE: Click on image for larger size.
  
Hi everyone,
I created an action (.atn file) to transform an image into a black-and-white sketch. Feel free to download it and give it a try. I tested this action in PSE 7, 10, 11 and above. It worked just fine. I believe the same will hold true for PSE 8 and 9.
If you have PSE 11 and above, load the .atn file via either the Actions panel or the Effects panel.
 
If you have PSE 7 through 10, you need to install this action so that it can be accessed via the Action Player (Guided Edit>Automated Actions>Action Player).
Windows: C:\ProgramData\Adobe\Photoshop Elements\x.x\Locale\en_us (or your locale)\Workflow Panels\actions
Mac: Hard Drive>Library>Application Support>Adobe>Photoshop Elements>x.x>Locale>en_us (or your locale)>Workflow Panels>actions
NOTE:
The results will vary depending on the nature and size of your image. I tested different sizes (in pixel dimensions). The best results were obtained when using images of about 1500 px and above on the shortest side.
When I created this action, I made provision for you to bring some color back to your sketch if you wish to do so. Once you have finished running this action, the layer stack should display two layers -- the B&W Sketch layer and the original background layer. Just reduce the opacity of the B&W Sketch layer to let some of the original color come through. You can also do some selective colorization by adding a layer mask to the B&W Sketch layer and with a soft brush (color - Black) painting over the area(s) where you want to hide the B&W effect to allow the original colors to come through.
Sepianas BW Sketch.zip (986 B)
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Post by Lillias on Jun 10, 2016 19:38:43 GMT
Thank you Sepiana. This looks like another good one and thanks for the instructions on bringing back some colour to the sketch should we want to.
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ChrisAnn
Junior Forum Member
Posts: 227 
Open to constructive criticism of photos: Yes
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Post by ChrisAnn on Jun 10, 2016 21:46:54 GMT
Thanks so much Sepiana. I've been trying to do this for a newsletter I produce and have never been happy with the results. This is just what I need, now I can play to my heart's content.
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Post by Lillias on Jun 11, 2016 13:12:55 GMT
As you can see I brought back a little colour to the B/W sketch effect. Thank you again for this action. Pic from pixabay.  |
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Post by Sepiana on Jun 11, 2016 17:27:04 GMT
BillieJean and ChrisAnn,
You are most welcome! Glad to get both of you into the action.
Thanks so much Sepiana. I've been trying to do this for a newsletter I produce and have never been happy with the results. This is just what I need, now I can play to my heart's content.
ChrisAnn,
You made my day! Pleased to hear this is just what you need. Success with your project!
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Post by Sepiana on Jun 11, 2016 17:29:42 GMT
BillieJean,
You nailed this sketch effect. I love how you brought back just a little color. Beautiful!
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Post by jjr1770 (Judy) on Jun 11, 2016 18:21:56 GMT
Thought I'd give it a whirl - thanks Sepiana for posting this action, I think I'll be using it alot.  |
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Post by ritage on Jun 11, 2016 18:37:05 GMT
A very nice clean sketch, without fuzziness. I like that. Thank you, Sepiana. Image from Pixabay.  |
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Post by Sepiana on Jun 12, 2016 1:38:33 GMT
Judy - I love how you brought back the color in your sketch. It gave your image a grunge look. Very sharp and clean lines!
Rita - Perfect match of image and sketch effect. Beautiful, sharp, and clean sketch.
A very nice clean sketch, without fuzziness. I like that.
Rita,
That was a problem when creating this action -- how to keep the sketch effect clean, no fuzziness, no blotches. I tried several techniques including applying the Find Edges filter at the onset but the results were less than satisfactory. Then, I remember that Timteamouse, a sketch master and longstanding member in the now-closed Elements Village forum, used to recommend sharpening the desaturated layer before proceeding with the sketch effect. So, I did that. |
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Post by Sepiana on Jun 12, 2016 2:02:54 GMT
Here is something else you can do. You can add a color tint to your B&W sketch.
- Create a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer. - Turn on the "Colorize" box. - Adjust the sliders until you are happy with the results.  |
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Moto
Established Forum Member
Posts: 662 
Open to constructive criticism of photos: Yes
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Post by Moto on Jun 12, 2016 5:19:39 GMT
pixabay  Levels. Hard Light blending mode for a dash of color. |
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Post by Sepiana on Jun 12, 2016 5:30:33 GMT
Moto,
Great job! I really like your use of the Hard Light blending mode. It made the sketch pop up. Very creative!
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Moto
Established Forum Member
Posts: 662
Open to constructive criticism of photos: Yes
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Post by Moto on Jun 12, 2016 6:21:53 GMT
Sepiana, I love the resulting details that your action brings out.
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Post by cats4jan on Jun 12, 2016 9:12:19 GMT
Can't wait to work with this new action. I like the idea of adding a hint of color. Thanks, again, Sepiana.
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Post by ritage on Jun 12, 2016 18:13:46 GMT
Rita,
That was a problem when creating this action -- how to keep the sketch effect clean, no fuzziness, no blotches. I tried several techniques including applying the Find Edges filter at the onset but the results were less than satisfactory. Then, I remember that Timteamouse, a sketch master and longstanding member in the now-closed Elements Village forum, used to recommend sharpening the desaturated layer before proceeding with the sketch effect. So, I did that. Sepiana, thanks for these details. Sharpening desaturated layers sounds like it might come in handy in other situations. I have to try that. Yes, I remember TimTeamouse. I still have some of his hatch brushes. A pity we lost him. Rita |
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