Ocean techniques

[Aduym]

Hi All -- I've been experimenting with various techniques for creating a certain style of ocean for a map i'm working on that mimics a kind of hand-drawn-over-parchment sort of look: something like the Anglo-Saxon Cotton World Map (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_w..._Corrected.png) or something more elaborate like the Borgia Map (http://cartographic-images.net/Carto...World_Map.html -- I know this is one is a metal engraving, not parchment, but...).

I have not had much success, and have not been able to locate anything in the tutorials. Anyone have any ideas, suggestions, or know of a tutorial that I've missed? Looking around, I've noticed some examples that approximate what I'm looking for, such as Max's http://www.cartographersguild.com/al...chmentid=59158, or http://www.cartographersguild.com/al...hmentid=59710; RazielKilsenhoek's http://www.cartographersguild.com/at...5&d=1405557950


By the way, I'm working in Photoshop and have no access to a tablet-type pen utility.

[Chick]

Hi Aduym,

You can do anything with a mouse that you can do with a pen, so that shouldn't be a problem.

As for the oceans, I suggest the following:

1. Start with a grungy grey texture that approximates the grunginess you want. More than one is better, as you can merge them in various ways in PS until you get something you like.
2. Add a layer with the blue color you like.
3. Play around with opacities, saturations, and blend modes until you get the look you want.

That's how I did the ocean here, which is similar to what you are describing: http://www.cartographersguild.com/al...chmentid=72441

You can find lots of free grungy textures with a simple internet search such as "grunge texture black and white"

[johnvanvliet]

so basically a blue watercolor
like this watercolor
http://www.solga.com/landscapes/solga_castlelakeMED.jpg

the blue around the far end of that lake

or something like this
http://www.wateryfoundation.com/wp-c...aps-Stamen.jpg
or
http://quellebellevue.com/qbv/wp-con...ercolor-01.png

for this you need to paint it
watercolor is an impressionist technique you do not have to be 100% on the money or even stay in the lines
think of Picasso and Dali