During the Oct/Nov Lite Mapping Challenge, I created a map of Spyrmenchi Island, https://www.cartographersguild.com/s...ad.php?t=39900 , in which I had the idea of creating a new technique to use in CC3+, a technique I called color washing. I've always loved water color paintings, and I've seen a couple of water colored maps a few years back (hand painted) that I thought were just stunning. I wanted to see if I could simulate the water color look in a digitally made map.

My first attempt at this new technique was Spyrmenchi Island. While I ended up producing a pretty cool looking map, I considered the experiment a failure, because I didn't manage to create the look that I wanted. It didn't have the look and feel of being a water color image. Well, if at first you don't succeed, try, and try again!

Well, thanks to Mouse discovering a trick that would allow me to do what I originally wanted, I was able to create Cordeauna Island, my second attempt at color washing. I still have to fine tune, and refine the process, but I consider my second attempt at this experiment to be a success.

Cordeauna Island8LRG.JPG

I created this map using CC3+, The Mike Schley Inks style, and a parchment texture I found at textures.com

The problem I had with the first attempt, is because I assumed that the Mike Schley Inks symbols for cc3+ were transparent. They aren't. the Inks style is a black and white style, and as such, the symbols are black and white. Which meant that creating the color wash to color the map elements didn't work. There was no bleed through to give the hint of color.

Mouse discovered a way to make the Inks symbols seem transparent, even if they aren't, and that was all I needed to create this technique. I hope you enjoy my little experiment! And for those of you that use cc3+, I will be creating a pdf tutorial on how to achieve this, but it will have to be after the holidays.