Galactic Orbs

A simple method of creating fairy or galactic orbs using varying gradients and blend mode combinations.

To begin, I created a new document using Background Color of White and width/height dimensions of 345x435, then created a Color Fill Adjustment Layer using #00394d, then adjust that Color Fill 1 Blend Mode to 'Hard Light', as captured below.

Next, set the Gradient Options:

Create a new empty Layer (Layer 1)
Set Foreground/Background Color Swatches to Black/White.
Select the 'Gradient Tool (G)' from the Toolbar.
Set Gradient Tool Options Bar features.

With the above Gradient settings in place, draw four (at least an even number) of ellipse shapes as captured below.

Then change the 'Blend Mode' of 'Layer 1' to 'Color Dodge', as captured below for the changing effect.

Create a new empty 'Layer' (Layer 2)...

... repeat process.

Finally:

Create a new empty Layer (Layer 3) above the Color Fill Layer
Set Foreground/Background Color Swatches to Black/White.
Select the 'Gradient Tool (G)' from the Toolbar.
Set Gradient Tool Options Bar features.
Choose Reflected Gradient - encircled in Red, then draw a few of them from left to right direction.
Change Layer 3 Blending Mode to 'Vivid Light and reduce it's Opacity to a low percentage.

Here is the final version.

Experiment by adding more gradients for vary effects such as the following.

Filed Under: Painting Techniques