I've done this sequence to show you how I experiment with color on the computer. I don't start with anything in mind and gradually create an abstract color image. Even if you don't care for abstract art, this still is a great way to hone your computer skills.
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I begin by simply added a black square to a letter size page.
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Then I add another square and define it with two different colors.
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Next I create a circular shape and color part of it blue and the other section black.
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I decide to add an olive color to the uper left portion of the original square.
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The previos images were all done in Photoshop Elements 2.0. I n ow open the last image in Painter Classic and soften and blend certain areas using different brushes and the water tool.
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I further blend and also add more color brushstrokes.
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I crop the image and change some of the colors and add a white shape to the composition.
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I color the white shape a dark brown and change a few of the colors, added a coupe more shapes and am finished. I could keep going, but am satisfied with the image at this point. This is a fun way to practice and to learn about design and color. I've created hundreds of these types of images and it's been a great help for me to learn about the Photoshop and Painter Classic tools and how they work. Even if you hate abstractions it's still a worthwhile endeavor to experiment this way.