Connecticut Background Done

Example with Photoshop lighting filter

Example  drawn freehand with jpeg tools

The background for the Connecticut card is done.  The attempt to reproduce the photoshop lighting effect was not a complete success, nor was it a failure.  I was able to duplicate the colors, but not the luminosity.  I used the jpeg marker and pencil tools for the colors.  The marker tool creates the most transparent effect of the jpeg arsenal. The pencil tool is next best for transparency, and it is the best tool for blending.  The other tools are too opaque to produce the luminous effect I was looking for.  The outcome was ok, don't get me wrong, the background is definitely useable.  It just wasn't as bright as I was hoping for.  I have learned a lot about creating colors during this process however. The jpeg palette is like a matrix using six variables.  Three of the variables are the colors blue, green, and red.  The other variables control color hue, saturation, and luminosity.  By adjusting these variables you can create just about any color you want.  Some of the variables are adjusted by moving the x axis ( moving the adjustment device across back and forth).  The other variables are adjusted by moving the device on the y axis (up and down).  This is a terrific thing to know.  There is a tool in jpeg that looks like an eye-dropper.  It can be used to take a sample of a color.  After the sample is taken, you can use the edit colors button to see what the color value variables are.  With that knowledge you can create and use just about any color you come across.