How do I: Create a fade effect as detailed within.

[UnluckyStorm]

Hey there,

 

I've used Paint.net for quite some time, using it mainly for two-tone graphic art or pixel art. Quite a while ago, I created this cool effect that I'll demonstrate with images, however, I have literally completely forgotten how exactly I did it, and if you can figure it out (or vaguely what I'm explaining), I'll greatly appreciate it. Anyway, here's the walkthrough process of the effect, it's a fade in, making it seem like there are clouds at the bottom of the silhouette that cover the black of the lower layer while doing so in a way that is like a gradient, but of course, not so linear and straight - As you can see, like a gradient, but yeah...Anyway, prepare yourself for some very large images, my apologies if this is in the wrong section but I couldn't see a specific 'help' section that doesn't apply to bugs and support.

 

Here's the first image, ignore the shaft of light:

 

 

 

The 2nd image shows the silhouette, the shadow of a colossus, if you will. What I want to do is add something that blends the black to the background, so you can't see his feet:

 

 

 

 

The 3rd image here shows the first layer of fade (and the first layer only), this layer doesn't directly cover up the lower part of the silhouette but it does add some sort of cover for the lower parts of the main silhouette to create a more subtle blend as opposed to straight black over dark green:

 

 

 

 

This is the 4th image detailing the 2nd fade-layer, still separate from the 1st fade layer just to show them separately:

 

 

 

 

And finally, the fifth image showing both fade-layers, the silhouette and the background colour:

 

 

 

 

Ok, so that's that. Basically, how did I do that? What did I actually do? I've been playing around with the image for quite a long time, and the whole reason I'm doing this is because I'm recreating the image in a much higher resolution but I want it to be perfect, of course, and want to recreate and remember this effect.

 

I think, but am not sure, that it may have had something to do with the "Clouds" option, found under "Render". Maybe the Gradient option and blurs.

If you require any clarity or any additional images, I will hopefully promptly deliver.

 

Thanks for taking the time to read this, again, my apologies for the wall of images and text.

Kind regards, Dan.

[pdnnoob]

It looks to me like you added a new layer, painted on it using the background color, then used gaussian blur to blend it so that it appeared to fade.

[Ego Eram Reputo]

Is it as simple as dragging a vertical a transparent gradient over the colossus layer?  I may be missing something here, if not...

 

Activate the Gradient tool then set the mode in the Tool Bar to Transparent and the shape to radial.  Click and drag in a NW to South direction (hint: use the Shift key which limits angles to 15 degree increments).

[Visual]

Try this. I can't do it theway you did, i'm not you. This is how i did it.

 

http://postimg.org/image/8o399xpr3/

 

Different sized circles.

 

http://postimg.org/image/qsk1zsrkv/

 

select that area and create a new layer. Hide the second layer keeping it on the 3rd layer still selected.

 

http://postimg.org/image/ahsekmbtz/

 

As the astute EER said, use a gradient with a transparent for color two.

 

http://postimg.org/image/cmz9ymfc5/

 

Is this what you intended?

Edited April 18, 2013 by Visual

[SAND33P]

I knew i thought that was familiar when i saw it... 

 

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nIu9bdpYEjo/TQbVIhhm7MI/AAAAAAAADns/mE1eoUh2isk/s1600/Shadow_of_the_Colossus_.jpg

[UnluckyStorm]

Excellent! Thanks for all the responses I think!

 

It looks to me like you added a new layer, painted on it using the background color, then used gaussian blur to blend it so that it appeared to fade.

 

Painting over the layer then using Gaussian blur to blend it in sounds like a very good idea! I'll certainly try that one, or may even combine all the techniques here to create a smooth mix.

 

Is it as simple as dragging a vertical a transparent gradient over the colossus layer?  I may be missing something here, if not...

 

Activate the Gradient tool then set the mode in the Tool Bar to Transparent and the shape to radial.  Click and drag in a NW to South direction (hint: use the Shift key which limits angles to 15 degree increments).

 

I assume that a radial blur will create a more organic and less pristine look than that of a straight-edged gradient? I may do that in the shape that Visual suggested! (:

 

Try this. I can't do it theway you did, i'm not you. This is how i did it.

 

http://postimg.org/image/8o399xpr3/

 

Different sized circles.

 

http://postimg.org/image/qsk1zsrkv/

 

select that area and create a new layer. Hide the second layer keeping it on the 3rd layer still selected.

 

http://postimg.org/image/ahsekmbtz/

 

As the astute EER said, use a gradient with a transparent for color two.

 

http://postimg.org/image/cmz9ymfc5/

 

Is this what you intended?

 

Excellent, that's vaguely what I intended, yes. However, the shape of the circles is still quite noticeable. Can you think of a way that'd make the circles less noticeable and more sporadic?

 

I knew i thought that was familiar when i saw it... 

 

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nIu9bdpYEjo/TQbVIhhm7MI/AAAAAAAADns/mE1eoUh2isk/s1600/Shadow_of_the_Colossus_.jpg

 

The image I've created isn't derived from this one in any way, my friend. In fact, Shadow of the Colossus is a video game, and I've created my own design from it. But of course, if you mean it also makes you think of Shadow of the Colossus, then excellent! I didn't include the rest of the image's details, such as "Wanda" (the game's protagonist) or the "Shadow of the Colossus" font, I'll most likely post it when I'm done! c:

Thanks you lot, this has been very helpful.

[UnluckyStorm]

And here it is...

 

I think it looks alright...Not quite as good as it was on the original, but this is a higher resolution which I guess means more to spread meaning less detail for the same level of work.

 

[Ego Eram Reputo]

GREAT image!

[UnluckyStorm]

GREAT image!

 

Thank you! It could use some improvements, but, it's good for a start! (:

And thanks again for the help.