Step 1: Select the Object
To create shading in Paintnet, you need first to select the object or area that you want to apply the shading to. This is done by using the Selection Tool on the toolbar. Click and drag it over the area you want to select. You can also use the Magic Wand Tool to select an area with a similar color.
Step 2: Create a New Layer
Once you have selected the object or area, create a new layer by clicking on the ‘New Layer’ button on the Layers Window. This new layer will help you to apply the shading without changing your original image. Then, name the new layer so that you can easily refer to it later.
Step 3: Choose the Color
Select the color of the shading that you want to use. You can choose any color that complements your original image from the Colors Window. Some preferred shade colors are often a darker shade of the existing color or colors that are opposite according to the color wheel. For example, if the area you want to shade is blue, you can choose a darker shade of blue.
Step 4: Adjust the Brush Size
Now it is time to choose the size of the brush that you will use to apply the shading. To do this, you can head over to the Brush Size dropdown menu in the toolbar. Then adjust the size of the brush accordingly, depending on the size of the object you want to shade.
Step 5: Start Brushing
Once you have determined the brush size, you can start applying the shading by brushing over the area. Try to make light strokes and build on to darker tones, so be careful not to overdo it. It is good to periodically step back and look at the overall image to make sure that the shading looks appropriate for the area that is selected.
Step 6: Blend the Shading
After the shading has been applied to the selected area, it’s time to blend them. To do this, you can use the Blending Tool in the toolbar. Click and drag over the shaded area until the shading blends seamlessly with the original image. Keep in mind to apply gentle pressure to avoid removing much of the shading.
Step 7: Adjust the Opacity
Finally, adjust the opacity of the shading layer. By adjusting the opacity, you can make the shading lighter or darker, depending on the effect you want to achieve. To adjust the opacity, open the Layers Window, and move the opacity slider of the shading layer up or down.
Once you’re happy with the result, you can save your file in various formats. Congratulations, you’ve successfully added shading to your image in Paintnet.
Conclusion
Creating a shading effect in Paintnet is a straightforward process with the right techniques. With some practice, you’ll be able to apply shading to your images to add depth and dimension. Remember to choose the right color, brush size and go easy on the strokes to avoid overdoing it. Don’t forget to experiment and have fun!