Painting on layers, instead of painting directly on the canvas, allows you build an image gradually and with more control. For example, if you add a series of brushstrokes to a layer and you’re not satisfied with the result, you can delete the layer and start over. You can paint on layers using any of the Corel Painter brushes. The purpose of this section is to provide you with tips and techniques for painting on layers.
Pick up colors from underlying layers
When painting using brush variants that push paint, rather than apply paint, you can choose to pick up colors from underlying layers. For example, if you have red paint on the top layer, and blue paint on the bottom layer, you can blend the red and blue paint. In most cases, brush variants that allow you to blend colors within an individual layer will also support the picking up of colors on underlying layers.
Brush methods and painting on layers
The Natural-Media environment allows brushstrokes on different layers to interact with each other. However, mixing brushstrokes that use the Cover and Buildup methods on the same layer can produce unexpected results. This is caused by a conflict between the brush method and the layer’s composite method.
For more information, see Blending layers by using composite methods and General controls: Methods and subcategories.
General tips for painting on layers
The following are tips for painting on layers:
You can also pick up color from underlying layers by choosing Layers Pick Up Underlying Color or clicking the Layer options button in the Layers panel, and choosing Pick Up Underlying Color.