A nice lesson is about searching the composition from basic PS effects and filters.

Start. Create new document. 1024×768 px.

Use gradients on it.

We did it 2 times + 2 different layers.

Now make a copy of one of the layers, making it 3 layers.

Use Wave filter on the top layer.

And set the mode to the layer.

Now I want to use some layer styles (on the top layer).

I’ve created a new layer and used another gradient on it.

Note the Mode is set to Color Burn. See the result (with wave filter).

 
I want to create a new INVERT layer that can be found on the bottom of the layer box.

Set the mode to linear light.

I like the color now. Now it is time to paint a little bit (I’ve never thought it will be a painted illustration). So create a new layer and begin.

I’ve used this brush.

Result:

Set some details.

 
I’ve used the same wave filter on the copy of the painting layer.

On this stage the idea still was to create an Abstract Illustration. I’ve done some details and lights.

And this was the first step to create an environment. Another layer:

Yes )).

Use little Brush Flow value to make the lighting.

For little objects I’ve used this kind of brush.

A little color correction using gradient layer:

 
And final result – Sci-fi Cityscape Scatch.

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