Create a surreal artwork of a city on an island in Photoshop

The author, Arunz Creations, guides us through the process of creating a surreal artwork of a city on an island in Photoshop. The tutorial focuses on the creation of a conceptual art piece featuring an antique city situated on an island in the middle of the ocean.

The author begins by explaining the importance of establishing the overall mood and atmosphere for the artwork. Through the careful selection of colors and lighting, the artist aims to evoke a sense of mystery and timelessness. The next step involves the construction of the island itself, with the author providing detailed instructions on how to shape the landmass and add realistic textures and details.

The tutorial also covers the integration of water elements, such as waves and reflections, to enhance the surreal nature of the scene.

Watch tutorial

Get tutorials & freebies delivered to you.

Subscribe to the Photoshop Roadmap newsletter, a weekly roundup of new tutorials, insights and quality downloads, trusted by 6500+ readers.

Add Floral Patterns to Black Dresses Using Brushes in Photoshop

Transform plain black clothing into vibrant, patterned garments using custom brushes and strategic layer blending. This non-destructive technique combines precise selections with clipping masks to paint realistic floral designs directly onto fabric while preserving the original photograph. The method works particularly well on black materials because the hard light blend...

Complete Photoshop Basics Tutorial: Interface, Tools, and Essential Skills for Beginners

Opening Photoshop for the first time can feel overwhelming. The countless tools, panels, and menus create confusion that keeps many beginners from exploring the software's potential. This comprehensive tutorial breaks down Photoshop into manageable concepts, covering everything from basic installation to advanced workspace navigation. You'll learn...

How to Replace Objects Using Reference Images in Photoshop Generative Fill

Reference images transform Generative Fill from a text-based tool into a precise visual command system. Instead of describing what you want, you show the AI exactly which object to create, leading to more accurate and predictable results. This technique works by combining traditional selection tools with the new reference image...

How to Use Blend If Sliders for Pixel-Perfect Transparency in Photoshop

Blend If sliders control transparency based on brightness levels, making complex selections unnecessary. Understanding how these two simple sliders work with RGB channels opens up precise compositing possibilities that would otherwise require multiple masks and selections. The technique works by targeting specific brightness ranges from 0 to 255, allowing you...

How to Create a Double Exposure Effect in Photoshop Using Screen Blend Mode

Double exposure effects transform ordinary portraits into striking artistic compositions by blending two images seamlessly. This technique works best with high-contrast images—silhouettes against bright backgrounds paired with nature scenes or textures. The key to successful double exposures lies in the contrast between light and dark areas. When you combine...

How to Create a 3D Pop-Out Effect in Photoshop

The 3D pop-out effect creates the illusion that objects are breaking through and extending beyond their original boundaries. This technique transforms flat images into dynamic compositions where subjects appear to leap out of screens, frames, or backgrounds. The method relies on precise selections, layer masking, and strategic positioning to achieve...