Creating a shadow for a complex object is a little more involved than the freehand shading we’ve done so far. In this section, we’ll create a shadow for a more intricate object, a complex tree .

1. First, isolate the tree or open a new image with a tree.

2. Make a selection of the tree and create a new multiplied shadow layer. On the new multiplied layer, fill the selection with a 98% black, as I’ve done below.

3. Next, select Edit Transform Path Skew. Move the transform center pivot point of the transform tool to the bottom of the tree, so that it will be the pivot point of the shadow, as shown below. Then, adjust the corner handles and distort the shadow layer until the desired shadow angle is achieved. The desired angle of the tree shadow will of course be determined by the direction from which the light is coming.

4. Let’s say the sun would be coming from the right side of the image. You can see this if you look carefully at the tree trunk, as the right side of the tree has an orange glow to it from the sun and the left side of the tree is dark, or in the shadow area. This would mean that the tree shadow would fall to the left and be placed flat on the ground.