A pumpkin from paths

A pumpkin from paths

This tutorial will show you how to make a pumpkin from some paths, as well as some strokes.

 

1

First create a new image with a white background.

Then grab the paths tool, and make a path as shown. Make sure its straight, andmake sure its smak dab in the middle.

 

2

Now with the path tool go to the center of the path, click on it, and while holding drag the path to the left, and down just a bit.

Note: The drag handles will give you an indication on your direction.

 

3

Due to the way paths are set up we will have to add a node to the path in order to close it. The problem is that once a path is edited you can't add more nodes.

To fix this just hold down the Ctrl key, and click on the path.

 

4

Before we close the path, lets flatten the top a bit. Simply grab the top drag handle and pull it up just a little.

We wouldn't want our pumpkin to look like an upside down heart.

 

5

Ok, now to close it up simply click one of the ending nodes, and pull a path to the other. Hold down the Ctrl key to close the path. This is just like the very first step so it shouldn't be too hard. Keep this line stright as well.

Now we need a selection out of the path so hit the button that says "Selection from path" in the tool's dialog.

We can now fill the path with black, but before you do, remember to add a new transparent layer, and then fill the selection on that layer.

Once thats done, duplicate the new layer you just filled.

 

6

On the layer you just duplicated grab the Flip tool, make sure its set to horizontal, and flip the layer.

Merge the top two layers together, and do a "layer to image size" in the layers dialog.

 

7

Grab that layers selection, add a new transparent layer and fill it with orange.

Dont release the selection yet.

 

8

This step is a shortcut to add some depth. First add a new white layer, set its mode to multiply. Now on that layer invert the colors, then release the selection, and invert the colors again.

Now blur that layer guassian, about 100 pixels.

Go back to the layer underneath and get the selection again, invert the selection, cut on the top layer and select none.

 

9

You should now have something that looks like this. Merge the "depth" layer down if you like.

 

10

Speaking of depth, we will now add some shadows using some path strokes.

First add a new transparent layer to the top. Then make a path just like the picture shows.

 

11

Now like in the second step, grab the path in the middle and drag it up a bit.

Then hit the Stroke path button in the tool box, set it to 1 pixel, stroke the path.

Be sure your foreground color is set to black.

 

12

Repete that step two more times, on the same layer.

Duplicate that layer when your satisfied..

 

13

Flip the duplicated layer just as before, merge it down, and add one more stroke to the center.

 

 

14

Set that layers opacity to about 10, and duplicate it.

 

15

On the duplicated layer do another guassian blur, about 10 pixels.

Now we will raise the opacity to where we like it, probably all the way to 100.

You might even want to duplicate that layer to get it even darker.

 

16

To add a stem add a new transparent layer, and make a polygone like the one in the image. Be sure to get the bottom side horizontal to the form.

 

17

Now just drag the bottom side's path out just a bit.

 

18

Now change that path into a selection, and fill it with green on the new layer.

Keep a hold on that selection, we're using it again.

 

19

Our stem needs some depth as well so we will do what we did with the pumpkin and add a new white layer, set it to multiply, invert the colors, release the selection, then invert again. Finally using the stems selection inverted to cut whats not needed on the white layer.

Now your probably wondering what to do with that first black form, you can delete it, or use it as a drop shadow, its your choice, your pixels, your pumpkin..... enjoy.