Transform photos with Smudge

Learn the key features of this fun Photoshop tool and create painterly effects with ease

- James Paterson

The Smudge tool might at first seem like it has a limited set of uses. In fact, it can be helpful for all kinds of creative effects, including painterly treatments. The tool works simply by smudging colours into one another. But if we combine this with Photoshop's array of realistic bristle brush tips, we can smudge a photo in such a way that it looks like a painting. As such, even those without any skill in painting can transform a photo into brush-based art.

We'll look at the key features of the Smudge tool here, and explain how to set up your photo for an effect like this. When it comes to painting with the Smudge tool, we can gradually build up the effect, following the natural lines, wrinkles and details in the face. The semi-manual control we have over the smudge painting means our effect is more unique than what can be achieved with generic filters. As well as smudging, we can enhance the brush-based look with the Pattern Stamp tool. Its 'Impressionist' mode can be useful for painterly effects.

1 Oil Paint