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Step 14
Add new layer. You'll make bigger sparkles. Change size of sparkles brush to bigger. Draw some strokes from bottom to center. And from top to left side.

Step 15
It's time for model! :) Place stock to your file and mask it. Use hard round brush for edges of stock. Use soft round brush for making linear gradient between bottom of the stock an background.
Step 16
Stock photo is very light. Too light for underwater themes. Add new layer. Click on it with RMB and choose "Create clipping mask". Then, pick soft, round brush, around 60px size. Set #65585a color. Draw on overexposed parts of stock.

Step 17
Time to fix contrast on your stock. From adjustments menu, choose Brightness/Contrast. Set it as is shown. Then, click on it with RMB. Choose "Create clipping mask".
Step 18
Now you should add more realistic colors. At first, add Color Balance adjustment layer and make it a clipping mask.
Step 19
Then, in your color picker set turquoise colors. Add adjustment layer with Gradient Fill. Click on it with RMB and choose "Create clipping mask".

Step 20
Next, add adjustment layer with Hue/Saturation. Make it a clipping mask! :)
Step 21
Now you'll make shadows. Add new, clipping layer. Pick soft round, dark-grey brush and draw some shadows on her belly and arms.

Step 22
There was shadows, so now you should take care of lights. Add new layer, also make it a clipping mask. Pick really light color. Use soft brush and draw lights on her hands, arms and head. Follow the light source.

Step 23
Colors are still not good. try to fix that! :) Add adjustment, clipping layer with Gradient fill (set similar gradient fill as in step 19). Set it as is shown, then change blending mode to "Color" and opacity to 50%.
Step 24
Again, add new clipping layer. Set brush, like from step 22. Use #257775 color, or - if you using other colors, pick shadow of color, which you used in step 22. Draw lights on model - arms, hands, breast, back.

Step 25
Wow! That was long :). Now you should start working on mermaid tail. Add new layer. With hard round brush (I recommend pressure size), draw base for your tail. Keep calm - it's only shape.
Step 26
Load "Silky scales" brushes (If you don't know, how to load brushes, go to step 12). Add new layer with clipping mask to tail (RMB > Create clipping mask). Pick dark blue color and let scales flow! :).
Step 27
Click on created layer with RMB. Go to "Blending options". Then set "Bevel and Emboss" - Scales will be convex! :).
Step 28
Add new layer. Click on it with RMB and choose "Create clipping mask". On this layer, You will create shadows of tail. Pick big soft brush and gently draw shadows. For making shadows, I prefer brush with pressure opacity.
Step 29
Now add lights - new, clipping layer and light color. Remember about light source!
10 comments on “Create an Underwater Scene of a Mermaid”
thank you!!
How do you download the brushes.
Thanks
MsRiotte DigitalArt :)
This dosent take too long and looks awesome! Saved my grade in photo class
thanks :D
Next time I am looking at some downtime with photoshop, I will be trying this tutorial out. Thanks for posting the steps so clearly!
its really helpful for new learners like me..
That's totally amazing! I want to try to make one tomorrow. If nothing else, I'm going to learn a ton of new stuff about adjustment layers (haven't been using photoshop for many years, and never knew about them). Thanks a lot for your effort in making this tutorial!
Vicky tu trouve pas quelle ressemble a annabelle?!
Oui a la des airs :)