On the way out, man.

April 27, 2005 8:49 AM

I'd like to make op-art style backgrounds for posters. I've been doing it with french curves by hand, but I'd like to use a computer to cut down the amount of time it requires (and the steady hand— curse you, strong drink!).

I have photoshop CS, and run OS X 10.2.8. Im especially interested in creating moiré swirls (and I know that if I could get one good spiral or so, I could transform it to rotate).
Have any tips?

posted by klangklangston to Media & Arts (4 answers total)

Best answer: Try creating a straight line and applying the twirl filter. (If you can get access to Illustrator, even the demo version, there is a dedicated spiral tool, which would make your job easier)

Also for OS X you could always play with MacSpirograph (and it's free!)
posted by jeremias at 9:17 AM on April 27, 2005

OMFG, MacSpirographic X WINS!
posted by Scoo at 10:34 AM on April 27, 2005

Best answer: funny, I was just doing the same thing in Photoshop.
- Make a gradient that has alternating black and white stops spaced 5% apart.
- Use the angle gradient tool with the gradient you just made
(you'll create a radial burst pattern)
- use Threshold or Levels to force into black and white
- Now make a new layer, fill it with the same gradient but using the Radial gradient tool
- use Threshold or Levels to force into black and white
- Set upper layer blend mode to difference
- Now start playing with the Wave filter
posted by doctor_negative at 10:56 AM on April 27, 2005

dr_neg, that trick is good!

If you wanted to add some color try adding the neon glow filter in the last step.

Oh my eyes!
posted by jeremias at 4:59 PM on April 27, 2005