Pool ball

[xmario]

This tutorial is available as a PDF. Click here to view or download it

Pool ball

So here's what we create:

Description of this tutorial in Russian

Plugins needed

alpha mask plugin

Create a new layer. Make a radial gradient. I used the colors red #D70600 and black.

Create a new layer. Draw a circle on it. It will be a mask.

Select all at the layer with the black circle. Copy it to the clipboard. Turn off the visibility of the layer with a black circle. Go to the gradient layer. Apply the alpha mask plugin.

Create a new layer. Create on it is another smaller white circle.

Use the transparency gradient. Fill them bottom-up a white circle.

Create a new layer. Using the Text tool, write the number.

Use a paint.net standard effect Bulge (menu Distort). If you are a beginner, skip this step, it's OK this way.

Create a new layer. Draw a white ellipse.

Use linear gradient in transparency mode on ellipse, to make it translucent.

Create a shadow. Create a new layer below all the layers. Draw on it a black ellipse.

Apply on the black ellipse the standard paint.net effect Gaussian Blur.

Description of this tutorial in Russian

[AGJM]

I used it. I'll put up the photo soon.

It comes out rather pixelly for me, so I used object > Basic Antialias on each layer to smooth it out, along with a larger size.

[xmario]

It's very strange. My method makes it smooth. Antialias not needed. It seems you have changed the technology...

[AGJM]

It's very strange. My method makes it smooth. Antialias not needed. It seems you have changed the technology...

Hmm. Used a strange font for the number, but I like it. (Its called "Pebbles")

I also Gaussian blurred the glare to give it a softer effect.

[ventor1]

Good orb tute, however I think the lighting and shadows give the ball a translucent effect.

In the above image I have made the center of the radial gradient at the top edge of the ball and given the ball a dark shadow.

I have also blurred the lighting a little.

Cheers,

V.

[xmario]

Hmm......

So looks normal range border, painted with paint.net's Shape tool. Radius ~500px.

Your range border looks more pixelly. You make something wrong.

Edited September 27, 2011 by xmario

[xmario]

I think the lighting and shadows give the ball a translucent effect.

I have also blurred the lighting a little.

I think you forgot about the reflexes.

Although, it seems, I am overdone with them.

[jim100361]

I didn't know what number to assign it, so I winged it!

[xmario]

Cool! Only for anti-aliasing, it is better to use the DPY's plugin AA's Asistant.

[Ego Eram Reputo]

Added PDF link