Create a Coloured Sketch Effect with Photoshop CS2

(beginner to intermediate level)

This blending mode tutorial will show you how to turn a photograph into a coloured sketch by using the Multiply blending mode and the Find Edge and Guassian Blur filters.

Original Image courtesy of Adobe Stock Photos	Colourized Sketch

Step 1: Setting up the image

Start by opening the photograph you wish to use.

Then duplicate the background layer by dragging the background layer over the new layer button at the bottom of the layers palette.

Step 2: Using the Find Edges Filter

Select the bottom layer and choose Filters > Stylize > Find Edges

(Tip: turn off the visibility of the top layer by clicking the eye symbol on the layerso you can see what is happening on the bottom layer)

Then choose Image > Adjusments > Desaturate

Step 3: Guassian Blur

Select the top layer and apply a Guassian Blur. In this example the radius was set to 2.0 pixels to give quite a soft feel.

Step 4: Set the Blending Mode and Opacity

Select the top layer and choose Multiply from the Blending Mode drop down menu. Play with the Opacity slider till you get the look you want.

Tip: if you find the black lines too much double-click the bottom layer to change it from a background layer and then lower the opacity slightly.