Create a wallpaper with beauty models and abstract elements

Welcome to another abstract artwork tutorial in Photoshop. In this article I will show you how to create simple and nice looking abstract artworks using a model, some abstract elements and your own created objects.You will learn how to use blend modes to create nice light effects and how to create abstract shapes and backgrounds.

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Final Result

Stock used

Model, Abstract shapes, Green leaves, Lens flares, Particles

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• Step by step version (HTML and PDF)
• Stock images
• Original PSD files

Step 1 – Background gradient

The document size I used for this wallpaper is 2500x1667px. I like to use simple backgrounds for this kind of wallpapers so I usually use the Lens Correction filter or the Radial Blur gradient to create a smooth gradient. This time I used the Radial Gradient and draw a big soft gradient on the Background layer – Gray (#d3d3d3)->White (#ffffff).

Step 2 – Background noise

I also like to have some texture on the background so I decided I would add some noise. First I turned the Background layer into a smart object (this is optional) and then went to Filter->Noise->Add Noise. I added 2% Gaussian Noise with the Monochromatic option activated.

Step 3 – Model and hair masking

I first extracted the woman using the Pen Tool and the Refine Edge to mask the hair from the background using the Smart Radius Feature. You can download the stock image of the model from Shutterstock.

I wanted to keep it realistic so I use the Layer Styles add a Drop Shadow effect on the woman. I used an Opacity of 25%, Distance 57px and Size 79px. These dimensions depend on your canvas size though.

In order to extract the hair, make a rough mask around it and then use the Refine Radius brush option on the Refine Edge window. Paint over the background and the hair to remove the background.

Step 4 – Contrast masking

I wanted an even more realistic effect for the shadow so I used the original image of the woman stock for that. I wanted to use the original shadows of that image so I used the Contrast Masking technique to do that.
Basically, what I did was duplicate the woman and deleted the layer mask so that I also have the background of the original image and then turned the image into black and white and set the blend mode to Multiply.I already have a tutorial about this technique (see video below).

Step 5 – Background shapes

I used the Pen Tool (P) to create some abstract colored shapes on the background below the original shadow layer. I created the some random shapes with smooth rounded corners.

Step 6 – Colorful abstract elements

I added more colored elements using a sample pack I downloaded from www.visualfreaks.com. You can use any 3D render, there are tons of them free on the internet.

Step 7 – Pen Tool shapes

I painted some shapes myself using the Pen Tool. I used brigh saturated colors and then I burned the edges with the Burn Tool using a big smooth brush and dodged the inside. You can find out more about this technique on Creative Fan.

Step 8 – Add colored lights

Use a medium-big soft brush to add some colored light effects. I created a new layer above the woman and the shapes and set it’s blend mode to Screen. Then painted some colors on some places.Play around with color saturation and brightness when you use the color picker. Really bright colors will not look good. I Also had to change the layer Opacity to 60%.

Step 9 – Woman adjustments

After addin the colored shapes and light effects I noticed the woman’s skin was not blending in as I wanted so I added some adjustment layers to make her look better. I used a Gradient Map and a Levels adjustment layer as clipping mask.

Step 10 – Particles

As in many of my other tutorials I used the Media Militia particles pack to fill in the artwork and add more texture. I placed these particles on new layers below the woman layer and above the original shadow layer. This time I used these textures along with some colorful textures as clipping mask to make each particle a different color. You can use this image.

Step 11 – Add more details

Use the leaves stock image and add some different green leaves on the image. I suggest you use a few different types rather than duplicating in order to have more variation. Also, rotate them around and scale them in order to have different sizes.

Add some Drop Shadow to some of the leaves for more depth. You can control the shadow blur usinng the Size slider. Reduce the Opacity of the shadow to about 25%. You can also use linear Gradient Overlay style (black to white) on Overlay to shift the light and make the leaf brighter on one side and darker on the other.

Step 12

I used one of my lens flares to add more light effects. You can use the lens flare stock images with the Screen blend mode to remove the black background.

Step 13 – Blending light effects

I created a final light effect using a soft brush. Create a new layer above all the other layers (I named it color dodge light) and paint a soft dot as shown on image 13 I used the color #803600. I changed the blend mode of this layer to Color Dodge and I reduced a bit the Opacity to 72%.
Then I created a new layer above it which I named Screen light and I used a smaller soft brush and the color #f76900 to paint anotehr color above the other one and blend the two colors together for a nicer effect. The Screen and COlor dodge blend modes work really well together to create light effects with different colors on separate layers.

I hope you liked this tutorial. If you did and want to show your gratitude, you can give it a like and share this page. Thanks 🙂

Video version