fading background tools

[Sjm1027]

I have seen a few examples of this and would like to know when using the background tool I want to fade the texture out away from the subject. I just don't get it to look quite right. I don't have that gradual fading technique... Do you all just hammer lighter to the end or also use the modeling tool or a smooth stamp to help take out the texture to get the desired results?

Thanks,

~S

[Beaverslayer]

Myself, I just gradually tap lighter as I work away from the deeper areas.

Ken

[JohnD]

I'm no expert, but the way I've been doing it is to gradually tap lighter and at the same time lift the tool away from the leather as I tap and move away from the subject. Hope this makes sense.

John

[Sjm1027]

Yes, you mean the ol jackhammer!!

[ClayB]

I just posted this link in the question about beveling but I will add it here too. It's a tutorial on matting and backgrounding by Bob Beard.

http://robertbeardtools.com/educational.html

[ClayB]

A couple more things on getting your background to fade. Some of the background tools like the pebble backgrounders come in different sizes. I use the smallest tool closest to the object that is carved. Then when you start to get farther away from the object, go to a larger backgrounder. As was mentioned in the posts on beveling, to get the same depth with a bigger stamp, you have to hit harder. Works in reverse here. The larger tool hit with the same pressure makes a lighter impression, so will help to fade out. An even bigger tool will then fade out more. Do your background when your leather is getting prttey dry will make it easier to fade out also.

[Peter Ellis]

Thank you Clay. That was a tremendously helpful tutorial. Every now and then it's a good thing for me to learn from others instead of trying to figure it all out on my own