dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Linda you and Dixiegirl are leading me astray... my life was settled with the tools I know and love... now look artistic brushes... whoa is me!!
https://www.sketchbook.com/blog/category/free-brush-sets/

I am addicted to Dynamic Autopainter [DAP] and Google's Deep dreams. [ https://deepdreamgenerator.com/ ]

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

The joys of exploration!

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Oh yippee, more toys to play with! Thanks so much, Don.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

As you know Linda, I’m a big fan of Ps, yet I’ve never really got into this brush thing! I’ve made brushes as an exercise and once created an unusual snowstorm of little robin-shaped flakes, buts that’s it, for all the composites I do I only ever use the standard brush set, and then in a limited way. I just don’t seem to need a ‘picture’ brush - texture and (Ps)hair brushes may be useful though.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Thanks, Dave. I like the snowstorm flake idea!

The standard brush sets are extensive, that's for sure, and I see how they would be all one would need for composite work when using elements from other images.

So, you've never added a single "unbird," eh?

Pixelpixie88 Loc: Northern Minnesota

Thanks so much Linda! I love this idea and will give it a try. I'll let you know how it goes.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Yes, please, Marsha, post here! Thanks for your interest.

wham121736 Loc: Long Island, New York

Linda,
Now that I have the brush, how do use it?

(Download)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Wowsa, that's gorgeous!

1. First, you must invert it to be black on white if you want only the bird as the brush; see #1 below. Clone out any stray black/gray outside the bird itself, if you wish.

2. While the jpg is open in your workspace, go up to the top of PSE and click Edit/Define Brush (per the second screenprint on page 1 of this topic, for PS it's called "define brush preset"). That opens a little window where you can keep same file name or change.

3. The image is now saved as a brush and you can use it like any other brush, including changing color and opacity. You can also change its orientation via the "tool options section" or use it on a separate layer and rotate/flip that way. See #2 below.

The confusion I first ran into was understanding where the brush is once it is saved. It will initially save to whatever set of brushes you have open. What came with PSE are groups called "assorted brushes," "basic brushes," "dry media brushes" and so forth. I started out with my newly created brush saving into the "basic brushes" set. I'm a bit fuzzy on how I was eventually able to create a new folder that holds only my own brushes (it's not like a regular computer file folder system) But as long as you note where it is now, you can worry about re-organizing later.

One last note: every time you add a newly created brush to a set, the system will ask if you want to save when you exit, and then whether to create a new folder or write over the existing.

Please let me know if I need to expand/clarify anything!

(Download)

wham121736 Loc: Long Island, New York

Linda,
You're a dear. I should have realized I needed to invert the image duh! Thanks for the detailed explanation and beautiful examples. I'm anxious to use this brush and one I'm thinking about using a dragonfly.
Again, thanks.
Bill H

Pixelpixie88 Loc: Northern Minnesota

Thank you for pursuing this...I downloaded some brushes from Linda's free site....hope to get busy with trying them out soon. And, make my own brush!

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Super! I'd love to see what you do, if you're willing.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Just another little toy in our playpen

Pixelpixie88 Loc: Northern Minnesota

Yes....and love these toys!!

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Especially the free ones!