[Figure 15.14] Select Make Fractal Pattern.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Custom Cloud Brush
In the next few steps, I show you how to create the Custom Cloud Brush I used to create the dust. You can add it to your Painter arsenal.

         1.          I begin by using the Pattern Selector menu in the Patterns palette (or use Ctrl/Cmd+9 to bring up the menu) and select Make Fractal Pattern. Then I decide which adjustments I prefer. See Figure 15.14.

[Figure 15.15] Select Effects, Tonal Control, Negative.

         2.          After I finish creating the fractal pattern, I click OK, and the pattern is created in a new window. Next, I select Effects, Tonal Control, Negative. This takes some of the black out of the fractal and makes a better brush. See Figure 15.15.

[Figure 15.16] Feather and Invert Fractal.

         3.          I use the Oval Selection tool and create a small circle in the middle of the fractal. Then I choose Select, Feather and set it to 50 pixels. See Figure 15.16. After that, I choose Select, Invert Selection, and click Backspace/Delete to delete the remaining fractal.

[Figure 15.17] Circular fractal pattern.

         4.          Figure 15.17 shows what I am left with after the previous steps.

[Figure 15.18] Select Capture Dab.

         5.          I go to the Sponges Brush palette and select Dense Sponge. Then I use the Rectangular Selection tool and select the fractal I just created. I go to the upper-right corner and select the black arrow next to the brush descriptions, and I click on Capture Dab. See Figure 15.18.

[Figure 15.19] Save Variant and name.

         6.          In Figure 15.19, I go back to the same black arrow in the upper-right corner and select Save Variant. I choose a name for my new brush. Then I go into the Sponges Brush palette and find the sponge brush that I just created. Now I am ready to use it.

[Figure 15.20] Change settings for different strokes.

         7.          Now I can use the new brush and create different brushes from it. In Figure 15.20, I use the Brush Controls palette to change different settings and create new brushstrokes. This is the outcome of the brush.

Just have fun with Painter and figure out the best way for you to use the software. I use many techniques and play around a lot to figure stuff out. Give yourself some time to play, and don’t worry about your art.