When Layers Count

I'm usually not that impressed when someone recounts an enormous number of layers that they have used to create a digital collage.
For some it seems to be a yardstick of "how good"  the piece is. ... Like is bigger better?
No, not always.

Truth is you can create stunning piece of art with a layer or three if you "make it work"!
And that is usually the way I do it.  Half a dozen well blended images and voila, you have created something that is pleasing to the eye.

Layers in digital collage do however have a place and function.  Each layer is editable and that is the key.  You can go and change them with the click of a mouse or the drag of your pen and therein lies the power!

It's particularly important when you are working on an image that has a lot of custom brush work, added textures and pattern fills and you want to be able to tweak and re-tweak at many stages of the process.

If you create a new layer for each tweak and dot, well yes, the process could end up being quite laborious.  But if you group "thoughts" into layers - just as you would with an oil or acrylic painting, then at least in the digital world, you have the ability to edit, adjust or eliminate as desired.

Quite fun really.......

- and yes, this piece has LOTS of layers.  Lots more than two or three, but if I told you how many, then It would seem like bragging, and that won't do :-)

Mind you, if you want a challenge, then have a go at guessing!  I'll be sure and let you know if you get it right!

Comments

[Joanne Thime Huffman]

32?

[Pearl Maple]

i like the way you explain the concepts of layers

[Lennie]

I love a guessing game!
14?

[Seth]

Stunning piece Marie.

[Bren]

Wow, with the fusion going on here I couldn't even guess how many layers it took. It's a stunning piece, and with all those layers you get hits of colours and shapes that run beneath very compelling

[Julia]

I guess about 8! Great image!