SketchUp+Shaderlight+Marker = Hybrid Watercolor!

I’ve been learning how to combine Google SketchUp models, Shaderlight Photorealistic rendering software and hand drawing in what I call “Tradigital Imaging” i.e., merging traditional drawing techniques with digital tools to create hybrid visualizations.

This step-by-step exercise was an exploration layering different visual elements together to achieve an amazing hybrid watercolor effect. This process was developed with three software programs: Google SketchUp (free version is OK), Shaderlight (a plugin for SketchUp, and Adobe Photoshop. I have added printing (standard ink jet printer) and a hand coloring step with Chartpak AD colored markers. Try this method of visualization and let me know if you how well you did as I am always looking to share new quick tips and digital techniques with others! All of the images below are cropped versions of the original composition.

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1- SketchUp Model 2 - Export Edges

Step 1. I constructed a basic Google SketchUp with a mix of 2D and 3D landscape components. I adjusted trees to cast good leaf patterns across the deck and walls. The model was exported at 5000 pixels wide to maintain the high resolution detail and linework.

Step 2. I then turned off the sky, materials, shadows, ground and exported a high resolution (5000 pixels wide) jpeg of just the 3D model edges. The linework would eventually be added back into the composite image later in step 7 of the process.

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3- Export Shadows 4- Shaderlight (SL) Rendering

Step 3. I also exported a high resolution image from the SketchUp model of just the shadows. This would be added to the composite image following the rendering process.

Step 4. Using the photorealistic rendering plugin for SketchUp named Shaderlight, I rendered the model view to capture the variable quality of light and shadows plus the rich color and reflections of the glass. Although the rendering was more than adequate to represent the scene, I chose to explore options for enhancing the image and improving the overall photorealism by layering in additional digital information.

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5 - SL Chalk Render 6 - SL Draft Composite

Step 5. I rendered the SketchUp model a second time in Shaderlight using the “Chalk Render” option. This is referred to as Ambient Occlusion, which attempts to approximate the way light radiates in real life, especially off what are normally considered no-reflective surfaces. Notice how some of the landscape components look like folded paper. This was eventually corrected in Photoshop using a smudge to soften the geometry. Note: use high quality 3D landscape components when producing photorealistic renderings!

Step 6. I added the export shadows (3) and chalk render (5) to the Shaderlight Rendering (4) which increased the depth of the shadows. The cast shadows of the leaf patterns which were not present in the photorealistic rendering really improved the sunlight effect. Still, the image was missing some important linework and model edges around the windows and furniture.

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7- SL Final Composite 8 - Lighten Image and Print

Step 7. I added the layer of export edges (2) to the composite image and was very satisfied with the blend of photorealism and detail. Saving a jpeg copy I then proceeded onto the next step of image lightening and printing.

Step 8. I lightened the image by 25% in Adobe Photoshop and printed it 9”x16” on Epson coated bond paper using my Epson Workforce 1100 ink jet printer.

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9- Colored Markers 10 - Photoshop Watercolor

Step 9. I colored the print with Chartpak AD markers, dabbing color onto the print with informal and overlapping strokes. The imperfect marks from the color markers disguised the computer generated image giving it a softer and more hand drawn character. I also added some white highlights using a Prismacolor pencil. The pencil created informal line patterns to the landscaping, window reflections and top edges of furniture.

Step 10. I scanned the final colored print at 300dpi, adjusted the contrast and applied a watercolor filter in Adobe Photoshop. The resulting digital hybrid image has the wonderful loose character of a hand drawing, the appearance of a watercolor painting and has realistic shadows, reflections and architectural detail!

Look for other interesting articles on my blog, visit my website www.drawingshortcuts.com and read my new book Drawing Shortcuts Second Edition.

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