Photoshop Car Tutorial

This tutorial describes how to render this car. I use paths a lot. In this tutorial I also use layer masks and layer filter. The whole thing took about two hours to complete. Drawing out the paths is the most tedious part but once theyre layed out it all comes alive.

1. Path tool

Start by drawing the vehicle using paths. Keep all paths on the same layer and be careful not to accidentally delete them at any stage.

2. Base

Fill the main part of the car with a midrange colour colour. I've filled it in with black then reduced the opacity. This way I can manipulate the colour quicker and more effectively.

3. Shadow

Fill in any area which is creating a shadow or is very dark.

4. Wheels

Model some wheels using a 3D CAD program or download some that fit.

5. Glass

Fill in the areas which are glass. Differenciate interior and areas where you'd see straight through.

6. Glass Blackout

Add some blackout areas. These are areas which hide the glue which would stick the glass to the car.

7. Glass Highlights

And finally add some highlights to the glass.

8. Darkening

Select the base area and add a gradient for the area which are low down on the car.