Create a landscape

Part 1. Create a setting for the collage.

Start out and choose the landscape your project will be based on. For example, I picked a desert theme.
Create a new file in PIXLR E. From the presets of new files, choose: Create new >Photo> Landscape 6x4 in
Choose an image for the background. It can be any image with the sky. You can Google this image and save it to your computer, or browse the Image library in PIXLR. I found a picture of a desert and downloaded it to my laptop.
Create a new layer in PIXLR: choose an “image layer” option and find your saved image. The saved image will appear as a new layer.
Select the sky using the Magic Wand tool. Using the Backspace key, delete the selected sky. Use Ctrl D to remove the selection.
Note: you don't have to use only Magic Wand tool. In fact, you may find it much more convenient to use other selection tools, e.g., Lasso.
Find a new picture with a different type of sky. For example, I searched for “Galaxy”.
Repeat Step 4 for placing a new image of the sky in your file. It will appear as a new layer on top of others. Use the Layers panel to drag the sky behind the layer of the ground /desert.
Now you have a setting for your landscape. Your next step will be to decide what will be in the foreground.

Steps to create a landscape setting

Select the needed file size: Landscape 6x4

Paste the image and select the sky

Paste the image of the sky as a new layer

Move the sky layer to the back

The camel will be a focal point for this composition.

Part 2. Foreground and the focal point

Now it's time to decide what will be in the foreground. It should be something that can be a focal point to the whole composition. A focal point is that area of a picture that attracts the eye. The center of interest acts as an “attention-getter.”

For your project, find an image with anything that can serve as a focal point. Place that image on a new layer and delete the extra background. For this, you can use any selection tool that you already know, as well as the Eraser. You may also use the Cutout tool that we didn't explore yet, but you can try it on your own.

PART 3. adding more details

Add several more elements/layers from other images, as you practice more in using selection and removing parts of the image tools. Remember: you need at least 5 more images for your collage.

Additionally, you can explore Layer Blending properties to create interesting effects.

Submit your work by emailing it to semash@staracademyboston.com

How to use Layer blend mode

Project assessment criteria:

It must be a landscape of some kind.
Must include at least 5 different images total.
There must be a focal point that drives the narrative.
There must be a sense of depth and space (your project will include the foreground, middle ground, and background).
The composition needs to be balanced.
Evidence of good work ethic and effort.
Extra points will be added for using layers blend modes and overall creative approach.

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