We will be creating the image on the right,   using Pen tool/ Freehand and Preset shapes. 

This tutorial is to give you some ideas on how to work with vector layers.  It's tedious but all worth it.  The good thing about it is you can save the vector image to your preset shape and use it as many times as you want.  And you can edit the image and change colors anytime you want.

I would like to thank Mezam and Holder for introducing me to vectors. They are the members of the PlusPlace Group.  You can find them at http://www.plusplace.com.  This is a friendly graphic group.

This tutorial was inspired by a vector challenge from PSP Plus member Mezam. Him and a coordinator Susie Holder thought this bright idea. They provide a pattern for us to create a vector image.

You will find the challenge image and instructions http://mezam.net/6pspe/8forme4c/chalenge.htm. 
or download the challenge image Challenge Image here.

This tutorial required a good understandings of nodes.

 

  

 

 

You need to download the pattern provided by Mezam and Holder .  Open it with your PSP program.  Resize it to 300x417.

Transfer this pattern to 300x730 canvas. Cut and paste each layer in order.   The reason is in case you want to add a full body you will have enough space to do it.

Let's begin:

Start with the face. Make the head selected and flood fill it with a skin tone color.  #d5987c

Click on preset shape/ ellipse and change the foreground/ fill color to #826255. Place an ellipse on the canvas.. This dark shades will make the face look slimmer. Pull both ends upward.

 

 
Add 2 nodes on each sides. Pull both sides outward. Edit them. Change the nodes to symmetric to give it a better curve.
Change the foreground and fill to #d49174. Place 4 ellipses on the face. 1 on each cheek, 1 forehead and 1 on the chin. Now edit the nodes to reshape the ellipses.

  

Now let's put a second layer. Change the foreground and fill color to #d18a6d. Draw ellipses again just a bit smaller than the first one. Draw one on the forehead, cheeks and chin.  Edit the nodes. The same way you edit on the first ellipses.
Let's work on the eyes.

Change the foreground and fill colors to #b0785f. I've always drew lines across the face so I can tell if the eyes and nose are centered on the face. We can always delete it later.

 
Draw 2 ellipses. Edit the nodes.

 
Change the foreground color to black and fill to white/ size 1. Draw another 2 ellipses. Edit the nodes to reshape the eyes the way you want it.

Change the foreground color and fill color to #047749. Draw another 2 ellipses. Edit the nodes.
Change the foreground and fill color to #1e1e1c. draw 2 more ellipses. 

Edit the nodes. Change the foreground and fill color to white. Draw 2 ellipses.

 

 
Change the foreground color to #2e2e2c/ no fill. Draw 2 ellipses to outline the eyes. Edit the nodes.

change the foreground and fill color to black. Draw 2 ellipses for the eyelashes. Edit the nodes to reshape the ellipses.

Draw 2 ellipses for the eyebrows. Reshape the ellipses.

 

Now the eyes are done,  let's work on the nose and mouth.  Continue to Page 2.