Converting from B&W to colour in Photoshop?

I need this in colour:


Someone told me that I should select what I want in colour (for example - the arm), use the lasso tool to trace the arm then goto
Image > Adjustments > Variations and get the colour I want, but that doesn't seem to work

Can anyone help me/ give me tips and what not on how to get this in colour?
Pleassee

Im using Photoshop 8 if that makes a difference

Thanks in advance

you've sort of got the right idea. i'd trace the arm, create a new layer, fill in the color you want then start playing with the blending modes on that layer till you get the tone you're looking for.

chris

Hi Guys,

One way to add / remove color is to use the "Paths" functions in the layers toolbar.



http://www.australiasigns.com.au/ftp/QSmigrant.psd

I have included the psd file if you want to download with my simple paths. I'll keep it there for a couple of weeks.

1. Duplicate the original layer and use the variations tool to achieve the skin tone you like.
2. On the layers toolbar, select the tab "Paths". At the bottom, add a new path in the same manner as you would add a layer.
Using the pen tool, draw a path around the section of the image to use. Eg. Similar to the lasso tool, you can draw with the pen tool to create a path. The path will 'auto join' when you complete the loop. Like drawing a circle. The end/start node will join.
Then, at the bottom of the Path toolbar, click on the 'marching ants' icon to make your path a selection.
TIP: If required, go to top title bar [select], [inverse]. This will inverse the selection. Then you can delete the unwanted background not associated with your path selection. Immediately, go back to select,inverse to get the selection back to your wanted pixels.

I just used the [image][adjustments][variations] to create this image in color. You could also use the Filter/Noise to add a few pixel colors, use the blend tool to overlay a color etc. You could also use the fill tool and follow up with an eraser with reduced opacity to get great effects.

If it helps, you can download from our site the Photoshop file I used. The paths are very simple but give you idea on using a path to control your images.

Using layers in locked mode. You can also (if you have inversed your layer and deleted the unwanted background) use layer options to make color changes.
In the PSD file, I swapped between two layers. One for dark hair, one for more greyer hair. To do this, I used the [image][adjustments][shadows/highlights].

Hope it helps,
BillyTea
http://www.australiasigns.com.au