Step 51

Go to the eraser tool and turn off shape dynamics. Then, setting the brush size to 3 pixels, erase two curving lines across the midsection of the pot. This may take some time, and a lot of redoing, but it is worth it in the end, because of the golden effect it gives.

Step 52

Change the brush size to 1 pixel and erase swirling patterns within the two lines.

Step 53

Merge the layer down onto the “pot” layer.

Step 54

Make two new layers, one above the “plants” layer, and another below the “pot” layer. Name them “column 1” and “column 2”. We will be working with both layers at the same time to get the columns done.

Step 55

Fill in the columns with color #FFF8E4 (opaque, hard edged brush).

Step 56

Turn shape dynamics on again for the eraser tool, and shift + drag down to erase some of the white from the columns. Try to focus on erasing only one side of each of the little “flutes” running through the column.

Step 57

Create a new layer titled “floor” above the background.

Step 58

Color the tile area with color #B12C00, using a hard-edged opaque brush.

Step 59

Add shadows around the tiles with color #611700 with a soft-edged brush set to 41% opacity.

Step 60

On a new layer above the last (this will be merged down), add a highlight to the center of each of the tiles with color #F0681D (use a 105 pixel brush set to 18% opacity).

Step 61

Use the burn tool set to midtones mode and 46% exposure to add shadows to the floor. Make sure that the darkest shadows are cast by the columns and the potted plant.

Final Results

And you're done with the background! The third part shows how to draw and color a roman woman. Continue to Roman House Part III – Finishing.