better and more realistic shadows

[Wnderlnd]

Hi everyone, I am new to posting here.

I love Scrap Artist and realize that I should only be buying these kits because they are simply the best out there. They print so well!

Instead of doing so many Quick pages, I really want to design my own, but my shadows look so bad. Even if I paint them.

What are your secrets to better looking shadows?

I don't want the canned shadow look--I wish there were actions for PS Elements 5 that I could buy to make this easier.

Thanks.
Wnderlnd

[DianneRigdon]

Hi Wndrlnd! I could swear I had put this tutorial in the gallery here but I can't find it! Here's a link to it on my site:

http://www.shabbyelements.com/?page=tutorials

Some tips...always use a soft brush. I find that a 300 round soft brush works best. Be whimsical about it, not exact. Paint your shadows on their own layer of course, and use the same 300 round soft brush as an eraser. I always go over my shadows with the eraser until they are barely there. Less is more. For the most realistic effect, you don't want a lot of shadows....if you lay paper down on paper in real life there are few shadows. Add a few bends and crumples to the paper and see how it changes, but still it's very subtle.

Also, there's a great gal, our own Traci Murphy, who is selling some shadow actions (including some for pse5 it looks like) and I'll link her below. I haven't used them myself, but I have "read" lots of people just RAVING about them!

http://tracimurphydesigns.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=9&zenid=82f18be33be882de1223a8542e83733b

[Wnderlnd]

THanks Diane,
I will try your way of painting again, but I think I get a little frustrated with myself. I wonder if it will be easier when I get a Wacom pen...still trying to decide which one to get.

I might just take the short cut and purchase a few of the Traci's shadows. I have seen these before, but I can see close enough too see any detail. I just wasn't sure what I'd be buying.

Thank,
Wnderlnd