Some scenes are so iconic that they can be reduced to simple blocks of color and still remain instantly recognizable. The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, is a case in point. In this project, we look at how to transform the flowing lines of the building into graphic shapes like a minimalist painting.
For this tutorial, we’re showing you the steps using Affinity Photo software, but there's no reason why you couldn't use any of the best photo editing software to try it yourself. You can use the start image to follow along, and remember that the same technique can be used for all kinds of images, not just buildings, so if you have a photo of your own in mind, give it try!
There are two stages to this effect. First, we transform our photo into a pencil sketch using a clever combination of layer blend modes and blur filters. This gives us a fine degree of control over the look of the sketch effect, as we can make the lines thicker or thinner by adjusting the blur strength.
The second stage here takes slightly longer, but results in a graphic look that would be impossible to achieve with filter effects alone. We use the Pen tool to isolate sections of the building, then copy and blur them into single blocks of color. This means spending time with the Pen tool to trace around surfaces and objects. If you’ve not used it before – or if you’re a little rusty – this is a great way to brush up on your Pen tool skills.
Download the start image here to follow along with the image-editing tutorial…
1. Photo to sketch
Hit Cmd/Ctrl+J to copy the bottom layer, then Cmd/Ctrl+U to bring up HSL. Drag Saturation to -100. Highlight the middle layer, hit Cmd/Ctrl+I to invert, set Blend Mode to Colour Dodge in the Layers panel. Go to Filter>New Live Filter Layer>Blur>Gaussian Blur.
2. Boost the contrast
Increase the blur to make a sketch effect. Next hit Cmd/Ctrl+L for Levels and drag in black and white points to increase contrast. Next hit Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+Alt+E to merge a copy of all the layers. Rename the new layer Sketch, then hide all but the bottom layer.
3. Trace around the building
Grab the Pen tool. Choose a surface and click on the corner to add a point. Click+drag to make another – the wider you drag, the more curved the line. Plot anchor points to trace around a section of the building, then click on the first point to close the path.
4. Blur the surface
Click the Selection button in the Pen tool options at the top to convert the Pen tool path to a selection. Press Cmd/Ctrl+J to copy the selected area to a new layer, then go to Filter>Blur>Average. Press Cmd/Ctrl+D to deselect, then highlight the bottom layer.
5. Build it up
Grab the Pen tool, trace around another section, then repeat the process to copy and blur it. Continue, isolating areas with the Pen tool, then blurring them until the whole image is covered. Once done, press Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+Alt+E to merge a copy of all layers.
6. Tone and blend
Click the Tone Mapping Persona at the top-left. Choose a preset – we used My Eyes See In HDR. Finally, reveal the Sketch layer at the top and change the Blend Mode to Multiply. Add a layer mask and paint black to hide any unwanted parts of the sketch.
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If you enjoyed this tutorial but want a bit more power from your laptop, why not look at the best photo-editing laptops? If you're really keen to improve your skills further than online photography courses could be the way to go.
