Copy Paste Colors from Renaissance Paintings in Photoshop!

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will learn how to color grade images in Photoshop to match the vibrant and rich colors of Renaissance paintings. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of using a reference image effectively and making precise adjustments to achieve an authentic look. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, these techniques will enhance your photo editing skills.

Chapter 1: Preparing the Reference

1. Open Your Images

   • Load your subject photo and the Renaissance painting reference (e.g., "Portrait of Herman Doomer" by Rembrandt) into Photoshop.

2. Select a Portion of the Reference

   • Use the Rectangular Marquee Tool to select a section from the reference painting.
   • Press Ctrl + C (or Cmd + C on Mac) to copy it.

3. Paste and Position the Reference

   • Switch to the subject image and press Ctrl + V (or Cmd + V on Mac) to paste the selection.
   • Rename the layer to "Reference" and position it in a corner of your workspace.
   • Use Ctrl + T (or Cmd + T) to resize the reference image if necessary.

4. Adjust the Reference

   • Create a Curves Adjustment Layer by clicking on the adjustment layer icon and choosing Curves.
   • Clip this adjustment to the reference by clicking the clipping mask icon.
   • Adjust the curve to enhance the reference image until it matches your expectations.

Chapter 2: Match the Background

1. Create Background Curves Layer

   • Select the background layer and create another Curves Adjustment Layer.
   • Focus on matching the background to the reference painting.

2. Sampling Colors

   • Double-click the middle eyedropper in the Curves settings.
   • Make sure the correct layer is selected to sample colors.
   • Sample the background area from the reference and then from the subject.

3. Adjust Background Colors

   • Go through the RGB channels (Red, Green, Blue) to fine-tune the background color.
   • Increase or decrease the values to achieve a closer match to the reference.

4. Create a Mask for the Background

   • Create a mask for the adjustment layer to limit its effect to the background.
   • Use a soft round brush to paint with black on the mask where you want to hide adjustments.

Chapter 3: Match the Subject - Brightness and Contrast

1. Group Adjustment Layers

   • Create a new Curves Adjustment Layer for the subject.
   • Group this layer by selecting it and pressing Ctrl + G (or Cmd + G).

2. Create an Opposite Mask

   • Copy the mask from the background adjustment layer while holding the Alt key.
   • Invert the mask by selecting it and pressing Ctrl + I (or Cmd + I).

3. Adjust Skin Tone

   • Temporarily remove colors by creating a Solid Color Adjustment Layer filled with gray.
   • Change its blend mode to Color to focus on brightness without color distraction.

4. Match Brightness

   • Use the hand tool in the Curves dialog to adjust the brightness of the skin tones.

Chapter 4: Match the Subject - Skin Tone

1. Create Additional Curves Layers

   • Create more Curves Adjustment Layers targeting specific areas of the skin.
   • Adjust colors by manipulating the RGB channels to achieve a balanced skin tone.

2. Increase Saturation

   • Add a Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer to enhance the overall saturation of the subject.
   • A slight increase (e.g., +10) can significantly improve the painting effect.

Chapter 5: Match the Lips

1. Target Lip Color

   • Create a new Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer specifically for the lips.
   • Use the mask to isolate the lips by painting with white on the mask.

2. Fine-Tune Lip Color

   • Increase saturation and adjust the lightness to achieve the desired lip color.

Chapter 6: Coloring the Clothes

1. Select Clothing Areas

   • Use the Quick Selection Tool to select the clothing areas you want to match.

2. Create Curves Adjustment Layer for Clothes

   • Create a new Curves Adjustment Layer and sample the color from the reference clothing.
   • Adjust to match the clothing color appropriately.

3. Refine Selection

   • Use the mask to erase any visible edges or mismatched areas in the clothing.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can create stunning color matches in Photoshop that emulate the beauty of Renaissance paintings. Remember to take breaks to refresh your eyes and gain perspective during the process. With practice, you will refine your skills in color grading, making your images come to life with rich, authentic colors. Happy editing!