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Shadows of Time

PSP's adjustment layer can be used to create the image of an object's shadow. Through a series of shadow images at stepped angles, the artist can create an animation suggesting the passgae of time.

Open a new 200 by 200 white canvas.

  1. Preset Shapes
  2. Choose a shape with a flat bottom.
  3. Center the shape.
  4. Layers —> Convert to Raster Layer
  5. Save the image and open a copy.
  6. Select the shape: Magic Wand —> Click on white background —>. Then Selections —> Invert
  7. Layers —> New Adjustment Layer —> Brightness/Contrast...
  8. Use the slider to achieve a negative value in the Brightness box. I used -32. The higher the number, the darker the shadow. Click OK.
  9. Layers Palette —> Brightness/Contrast
  10. Choose the Deformation tool. Use only the top center deformation node. Hover near the top center node. When you see the two-headed arrow and the rectangle, press the shift key on your keyboard. The rectangle becomes a parallelogram. This allows you to maintain complimentary angles at the top left and right corners as you drag the top of the shadow.
  11. Drag the node out toward the right edge of the canvas. You should see a shadow.
  12. Release the shift key and use the center node to adjust the shadow's height.
  13. Apply the deformation.
  14. Layer Palette. Drag Layer1 to the top of the roster to place it in front of its shadow.



  15. Save as a gif. Use a numerical scheme to make setting up your animation easier. For example: apple1.gif, apple2.gif, etc.

Now, you have an object and its shadow. Create a series of shadow images repeating steps 6 through 15 for each position of the shadow.

If you use a symmetrical object, you can use Image —> Mirror to move the shadow to the left side of the object. Be sure that the Brightness/Contrast layer is selected.

Animation Shop

Use the Animation Wizard to set up your shadow movement animation:
  1. Choose Same size as first image. Next.
  2. Choose Opaque. Next.
  3. Choose Centered in the frame and With canvas color. Next.
  4. Choose Yes repeat indefinitely. Set the time at 40. Next.
  5. Add images. Use the Move Up and Move Down buttons to put the frames in order. Next.
  6. View —> Animation
  7. Adjust frame order and timing as needed.
  8. If your shadow is going counterclockwise: Edit —> Select All. Then Animation —> Reverse Frames.
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