Exploring further workflows in Architectural Visualization, SketchUpArtists would like to present a NPR (Non-Photorealistic) rendering approach kindly contributed to us by Jeremy Kay. No rendering software was used in this tutorial, only basic SketchUp output, with all final work carried out in Photoshop.
There is great power in an effective concept drawing. Hovering somewhere between a hand sketch and a realistic rendering, it has the ability to communicate the design intent and convey the spirit of place while avoiding getting mired in the small details of a more polished piece.
To me, there may not be a more fluid combination of software than SketchUp and Photoshop when used together. The speed and depth of both programs create an extremely potent pipeline for producing quick imagery that sell ideas. The following tutorial illustrates just how quickly you can develop an effective concept drawing using just these two programs. This image used in the tutorial was done as a part of a larger master plan for a new river-front revitalization in Peru with the uber-talented group at PLACE Alliance. Laid out below is my workflow
For your reference, here is the simple SketchUp model that I used. You can see that Ive built it up over top of a hand-sketched master plan.
SketchUp Model
In SketchUp
Image Export
Ill typically export out three main Layers out of any given model. The linework, the shadows and a color selection Layer (more on that later). When exporting out an entire scene from SketchUp, Ill set the height at a minimum of 2000px.
Image Export Settings
Now that I have my export size set, Ill export just the lines. Its important to make sure that your background settings in your Styles pallet are all set to white, otherwise youll end up exporting a color in your sky, which we dont want right now. Also, set your line Profiles to 1. This ensures that any curved surfaces will also export with a line.
Export Lines Image
Next, Ill export out just the Shadows. This is achieved by unchecking your Line Styles, turning your scene to the Black and White Line Mode and then pressing the Shadow icon. Your model should look like the image below.
Export Shadows
Next Ill export a color selection Layer. This is achieved by painting large areas of the same materials very vibrant colors within your SketchUp model. This will greatly aid you in your selections for painting in Photoshop. Once you have colored and exported your image, you dont need to save these colors and can just undo them within SketchUp until youre back to your original colors.
Export Color Selection Layer
Element Export
One shortcut that helps in both selections and layering in Photoshop is to just export certain elements from SketchUp. Ill usually just export certain pieces that are important to the scene. In this case, I exported out just the bridge section and the tables and chairs with their large umbrellas. In the image below, you can see that Ive just done a Select All within my model, then, holding SHIFT (on a mac), I deselect the bridge piece. I then Hide the rest of the model and I am just left with the element I wish to export.
Select Certain Elements
Now that I just have the element I want, Ill export this selected piece at the same resolution as the overall images I exported before. One major difference here is that Im now exporting this piece as a .png file. This will create a file we can use in Photoshop that will only have the element we need on a transparent (and not white) background. Make sure you have Transparent Background checked in the appropriate dialogue box.
Export as PNG File
Mac has better support for transparent image export straight from SketchUp, this option is not available on PC. If you have LayOut, there is a workaround for PC users to obtain a transparent background. LayOut is a kind of a presentation tool for SketchUp, that comes with the Pro version. This workaround will be of no use to those using the free version (SketchUp Make) as LayOut doesnt come with it. You will have to resort to removing the background in Photoshop (Magic Wand possibly).
- Go to Window >Styles >Edit, then check through the options until you get to some little check boxes that say Sky and Ground. Turn off Sky and Ground and make sure that the background is set to perfectly white (RGB values: 255,255,255).
- Save it and go to File>Send to LayOut.
- Once open in Layout, save it as a PDF. It will then open in Photoshop with transparent background.
Once I have exported all my elements as .pngs from SketchUp, Im ready to work in Photoshop now.
Photoshop
Set Up
Once inside Photoshop, Ill open the linework, shadow and color selection files. Starting with the linework file, double-click on the Background Layer in the Layers Pallet and change the Layer from a locked background to an editable Layer. I usually rename this Layer Lines. I then set this Layer to Multiply in order for the paint Layers to show through beneath it. I then place in my Shadow Layer in this file and set the Shadow to Multiply too.
To make sure your files come in precisely on top of (or below) one another, go to the file you want to import, do a Select All command, then come back to your original file and Paste in Place. Ill do this for all the files Ive exported from SketchUp. Youll notice that your elements should come in exactly where you want them as well.
Paste in Place
One technique I have been using for years is to import some sort of paper texture. I find this helps roughen up the drawing a bit, adds great depth and helps to keep the image conceptual in nature. You can find countless paper textures on-line. Ill bring in the one I like, Desaturate it, then play with the Layer settings until I get a texture that feels pretty good. Its important to find the settings that work for you, so have fun and experiment.
Import a Paper Texture
Youll see that I have now got some great texture within the Shadow Layer already and more will continue to show through once I continue painting. At this point, Ill also mess with the Hue/Saturation of my Shadow Layer to bring it from a dead grey to a more natural hue. Finally, while still on the Shadow Layer Ill Burn in some areas to mimic a bit of Ambient Occlusion.
Shadow and Texture Layers Combined
One last item Ill add to my drawings is a bunch of construction lines. Growing up in the age where I did a fair amount of work by hand, this type of setup was vital to getting an accurate drawing. Even though 3D modeling has done away with the need to have this type of linework, to me there is a richness of craft that carries over to the digital drawing. The images seem to feel deeper and much more layered. It also really helps the drawing to stay in the conceptual realm. You can use a myriad of techniques to achieve these lines so I encourage you to explore to find a method that works for you as you find your artistic voice.
Add Construction Lines
Paint
Im now ready to start layering in paint. Ill always create new Layers for each new section Im painting in. For instance, in the image below, I have painted in the sky on its own Layer using the Gradient Tool and then layered in a photograph of some of the mountains that exist near the site on their own Layer. This not only makes it easy to edit each painted area, but it also allows for quick selections of everything on that layer (On a mac, hold the Command key over the Layer thumbnail image and click).
Paint in Sky on its own Layer
Next, I have layered in the river on its own Layer, using colors sampled from the sky and mountains to keep the mood consistent.
Place River on its own Layer
Then, the grassy areas. Im able to quickly select all the areas of green by utilizing my Color Selection Layer. I will select the aqua color and then right click and select Similar.
Select Grassy Areas
With the Gradient Tool, I then painted in the paver areas. For the darker striping, I was able to use the Magic Wand Tool on my Line Layer and select just the bands I wanted. With them selected, I went back to the Layer with the paver color and adjusted the Hue/Saturation.
Use Gradient Tool to Paint Pavers
Next, Ill start blocking in trees. Because this is a quick concept drawing and not a final rendering, I want something that is fast and believable to add a bunch of trees to the scene. I downloaded some free tree brushes off the internet and stamped in a bunch of different trees into the scene. Ill typically add a dark Stroke around the trees to make them mimic the SketchUp linework.
Blocking in Trees
Using the same process above, Ill paint more trees into the scene on a new Layer.
Add More Trees on New Layer
And some more and within a few minutes I have a scene that looks like this.
More Trees
When the vegetation is massed in, Ill start painting in color on the architecture.
Adding Color to the Architecture
Next, Ill add some more colorful details, like the windows in the background buildings, banners and some kind of art piece in the background, each on their own Layer of course, so its easy to modify if need be.
Adding Some Detail
Texturing
Once Im done with the general blocking in of color, Ill start to bring some textures into the image. To do this, Ill grab photographs and place them over the areas I want to give texture to. Ill then set the Layer to Overlay and then create a clipping mask to contain the textures just to the areas I want.
Adding Textures to the Image
In the following image, you can see that I used this method to texture the grassy areas, pavers and river.
Textured Grass, Pavers and River
Lighting
Once I texture the areas I want, I am ready to light my scene. To start, I really wanted a nice procession of lighting to lead the viewer through the scene and let them experience the curvature of the river walk. To achieve the small point lights, Ill grab a lens flare image from the internet and set the Layer Mode to Screen.
Add Lighting
Next Ill paint in a setting sun and some atmosphere.
Add Sun and Atmosphere
Now I am ready for some final detailing of the image. Here, I blocked in some flower beds, pumped up the red banners, added bridge cables and added some reflection to the river. I also created a new Layer and named it Tree light (real creative, I know) and lightly painted in some warmer tones on the areas of the trees that would be catching light (20.jpg)
Final Detailing
People
One tip you can use for appropriately scaling people to your scene is to create a whole bunch of 2D people in your SketchUp model and scatter them throughout your model. Then, export just the 2D people using the method outlined earlier in the Image Export section. If you paste them in place in your Photoshop file theyll show up as perfect scale figures to scale your Photoshop entourage to. (22.jpg)
Add Appropriately Scaled People
Shadows
Using a Multiply Layer, I paint in shadows for the trees and people. I sampled the same shadow color on my SketchUp Shadow Layer to get the same tones.
Paint in Shadows
Final Color Corrections
At this point, the drawing is nearly done and Ill save a copy of the Photoshop file and flatten it. In this particular image, I felt like I needed to bring in more of the blues and purples of the mountains down into the bottom of the scene. Using a new Layer set to a low Opacity, I painted in some more of the ambient color by sampling the mountain color. This really helped unify the drawing. Finally, I adjusted some of the levels for the overall scene and the bridge element to get it to pop more.
Final Adjustments
Final Image
After some final tweaking, and realizing I forgot the light reflections in the water, I officially called this sketch done.
Final Image
Im often asked how long these types of drawings take. My answer is typically as long as It takes to effectively communicate the idea. This particular drawing was put together in one very long afternoon.
I hope you find this tutorial helpful, and that the steps listed above become more tools for your ever growing tool chest.
Jeremy Kay
Colorado based Architectural Illustrator Jeremy Kay opened studioJDK in the fall of 2010 where he produces innovative and forward thinking design strategies that draw from architecture, environmental branding, graphic design and research that ultimately lead to differentiated, meaningful and engaging spaces. Before starting studioJDK, Jeremy began his career as a designer for Communication Arts in Boulder having obtained a degree in Environmental Design from the University of Colorado. During his time there he was involved in multiple large scale entertainment and retail oriented projects located around the world and learned the value of blending the disciplines of architecture, graphic design and place making to create unique projects.
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