Using interesting brushes along with textures can add a lot to a portrait. For this image, I used several Slate textures, a Vintage wall texture and a number of brushes to add a bit of the subject’s character to the piece. For each of the textured layers I played around with the percentage of overlay opacity so as not to overwhelm the subject. I didn’t want it to look too busy.

I then add brushes to several of the layers. (I keep all the layers open throughout this process). Using the brushes gave me the ability of fine control of adding texture directly. I think this gives the image another dimension.

Note that it is nice to play around with these tools and techniques, however, the image should be a great image to start with. Nice technique over a bad image does not go unnoticed.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I will be glad to help in any way I can. Below is a url for Free Textures…

http://www.designshard.com/freebies/300-free-hi-res-grunge-textures-youve-never-seen-before/