How to turn a photo into a painting using the Generative Fill function in Photoshop

Whether you want to turn your photo into a watercolor, oil painting, or some other type of painting, here's how to create the effect using Generative Fill in Photoshop.

Step 1: Open your photo

Because the AI ​​that generates the image always replaces the original image detail with new detail (even when applied at low intensity), the painting effect created with Generative Fill tends to work best on photos like landscapes and nature shots, where precise details are not as important as, say, someone's facial features.

So the tutorial will use this photo from Adobe Stock.

How to turn a photo into a painting using the Generative Fill function in Photoshop
Original photo.

Step 2: Switch to Quick Mask mode

To apply a Generative Fill at less than 100% strength, you need to start in Photoshop's Quick Mask mode.

On the toolbar, click the Quick Mask icon (near the bottom, just below the color swatches). Or you can press the letter Q on your keyboard.

How to turn a photo into a painting using the Generative Fill function in Photoshop
Quick Mask icon on the toolbar.

An easy way to know you're in Quick Mask mode is that the Background layer in the Layers panel is highlighted in red.

How to turn a photo into a painting using the Generative Fill function in Photoshop
Red highlight indicates Quick Mask mode.

Step 3: Open Fill options

While Quick Mask mode is active, go to the Edit menu in the Menu bar and select Fill.

How to turn a photo into a painting using the Generative Fill function in Photoshop
Go to Edit > Fill.

Step 4: Choose a dark gray fill color

In the Fill dialog box , change the Contents option to Color.

Note that even if a Color is already selected, you still need to select it again for the Color Picker to open.

How to turn a photo into a painting using the Generative Fill function in Photoshop
Fill Dialog Box in Photoshop

In the Color Picker, set the H (Hue) and S (Saturation) values ​​to 0 to work with gray. Then set the B (Brightness) value to 30%.

Think of the luminance value as the AI ​​intensity value. The higher the value, the more impact Generative Fill will have on the image (and the more the image will change). The lower the value, the more original detail will be preserved.

For this painting effect, 20 - 40% usually works best, and 30% tends to be the sweet spot. But you can always repeat these steps with different brightness values ​​to compare results.

How to turn a photo into a painting using the Generative Fill function in Photoshop
Set H and S to 0, B to 30% in Color Picker

Step 5: Exit Quick Mask mode

Click OK to close Photoshop's Color Picker. Then click OK to close the Fill dialog box.

Since you're in Quick Mask mode, your image will appear with a red overlay (another easy way to tell you're in Quick Mask mode).

How to turn a photo into a painting using the Generative Fill function in Photoshop
Red overlay in Quick Mask mode.

Exit Quick Mask mode by clicking the Quick Mask icon on the toolbar again or pressing Q on your keyboard.

How to turn a photo into a painting using the Generative Fill function in Photoshop
Click the Quick Mask icon to close it.

Step 6: Select Generative Fill

In Photoshop's Contextual Task Bar, click Generative Fill .

How to turn a photo into a painting using the Generative Fill function in Photoshop
Click Generative Fill in Photoshop's Contextual Task Bar

Step 7: Enter the drawing prompt and click Generate

In the prompt box, type the type of painting you want to create. For example, type watercolor painting .

Then click Generate .

How to turn a photo into a painting using the Generative Fill function in Photoshop
Enter the image style and click Generate.

Step 8: Choose the best result

You will need to wait a few seconds for Photoshop and Adobe Firefly to generate the results.

This is the original watercolor effect. Applying Generative Fill at just 30% strength allows for a lot of the original detail to be retained so that the flowers and windmills can still be distinguished.

How to turn a photo into a painting using the Generative Fill function in Photoshop
Photo converted to watercolor using Generative Fill in Photoshop

As usual with Generative Fill, you'll see three variations of the result in the Properties panel so you can choose the one you like best. Or click Generate to try again.

How to turn a photo into a painting using the Generative Fill function in Photoshop
Choose from three variations in the Properties panel.

Step 9: Try different drawing styles

After creating the initial drawing effect, you can easily try out different drawing styles simply by changing the prompt in the Properties panel.

For example, change the prompt from watercolor to oil painting. Then click Generate.

How to turn a photo into a painting using the Generative Fill function in Photoshop
Enter another drawing style and click Generate.

This is my favorite of the 3 oil painting results.

How to turn a photo into a painting using the Generative Fill function in Photoshop
Oil painting effect created with Generative Fill.

And that's it! That's how easy it is to turn a photo into a painting using Generative Fill in Photoshop.

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

How to create poster effect for photos in Photoshop

How to create poster effect for photos in Photoshop

Add a quick and easy poster effect to your images using Photoshop to recreate the classic look of posters printed with limited ink colors.

Adobe Photoshop or Photoshop Elements is the right software for you?

Adobe Photoshop or Photoshop Elements is the right software for you?

Adobe offers a variety of tools, Photoshop and Photoshop Elements are two options that have very similar features.

Photoshop Tutorial for Beginners

Photoshop Tutorial for Beginners

When you first open Photoshop, you may be confused for a few seconds and then, you will contact Freelancer - freelance design specialist to learn how to use it. But rest assured, you will not have to do this alone because I am here.

Instructions for using Adobe Photoshop Express

Instructions for using Adobe Photoshop Express

Explore the features of Adobe Photoshop Express, a free photo editing tool that allows users to enhance their images easily and effectively. Discover tips for photo editing with Adobe Photoshop Express today!

Instructions for using Photoshop filters for beginners

Instructions for using Photoshop filters for beginners

Instructions for using Photoshop filters for beginners, Each filter in Photoshop has its own algorithm and uses. Below are instructions for using the internal filter

How to change screen mode in Photoshop

How to change screen mode in Photoshop

How to change screen mode in Photoshop, You can change the Adobe Photoshop interface according to working style or screen size. And switch screen mode

3 ways to edit sunsets in Photoshop

3 ways to edit sunsets in Photoshop

3 ways to edit sunset in Photoshop, Sunset is always a scene that every photographer wants to capture. However, taking sunset photos is not easy. Wear

How to remove shadows on photos simply and easily

How to remove shadows on photos simply and easily

Shadows are a common problem when taking photos. How to delete them the easiest way? Join us to find out how to remove the shady shadow image effect offline!

Instructions for inserting links in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop

Instructions for inserting links in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop

You can insert links into images or text in Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator with the simple steps following the instructions in the following article.

How to use Glyph beautifully in Adobe Photoshop CC

How to use Glyph beautifully in Adobe Photoshop CC

The word "Glyph" comes from the Greek word, "carved", outside the basic alphabet. Glyph can be currency symbols, copyright marks, & ... You are free to create them in Adobe Photoshop CC.

How to regain access to hard drive, fix error of not being able to open hard drive

How to regain access to hard drive, fix error of not being able to open hard drive

In this article, we will guide you how to regain access to your hard drive when it fails. Let's follow along!

How to use dental floss

How to use dental floss

Dental floss is a common tool for cleaning teeth, however, not everyone knows how to use it properly. Below are instructions on how to use dental floss to clean teeth effectively.

How to gain muscle according to experts

How to gain muscle according to experts

Building muscle takes time and the right training, but its something anyone can do. Heres how to build muscle, according to experts.

The Best Diets for Heart Health

The Best Diets for Heart Health

In addition to regular exercise and not smoking, diet is one of the best ways to protect your heart. Here are the best diets for heart health.

How to cure insomnia for pregnant women in the last 3 months

How to cure insomnia for pregnant women in the last 3 months

The third trimester is often the most difficult time to sleep during pregnancy. Here are some ways to treat insomnia in the third trimester.

Scientifically Proven Ways to Automatically Burn Calories

Scientifically Proven Ways to Automatically Burn Calories

There are many ways to lose weight without changing anything in your diet. Here are some scientifically proven automatic weight loss or calorie-burning methods that anyone can use.

All about iOS 26

All about iOS 26

Apple has introduced iOS 26 – a major update with a brand new frosted glass design, smarter experiences, and improvements to familiar apps.

Yoga exercises to treat insomnia

Yoga exercises to treat insomnia

Yoga can provide many health benefits, including better sleep. Because yoga can be relaxing and restorative, its a great way to beat insomnia after a busy day.

What is the flower of the other shore? Meaning and legend of the flower of the other shore

What is the flower of the other shore? Meaning and legend of the flower of the other shore

The flower of the other shore is a unique flower, carrying many unique meanings. So what is the flower of the other shore, is the flower of the other shore real, what is the meaning and legend of the flower of the other shore?

Healthy snacks that help you lose weight

Healthy snacks that help you lose weight

Craving for snacks but afraid of gaining weight? Dont worry, lets explore together many types of weight loss snacks that are high in fiber, low in calories without making you try to starve yourself.

What to do when you have trouble sleeping?

What to do when you have trouble sleeping?

Prioritizing a consistent sleep schedule and evening routine can help improve the quality of your sleep. Heres what you need to know to stop tossing and turning at night.

How to add a printer to Windows 10

How to add a printer to Windows 10

Adding a printer to Windows 10 is simple, although the process for wired devices will be different than for wireless devices.

The most commonly deficient nutrients in the diet

The most commonly deficient nutrients in the diet

Diet is important to our health. Yet most of our meals are lacking in these six important nutrients.

How to get beautiful nails quickly

How to get beautiful nails quickly

You want to have a beautiful, shiny, healthy nail quickly. The simple tips for beautiful nails below will be useful for you.

The best laptops for students in 2025

The best laptops for students in 2025

Students need a specific type of laptop for their studies. It should not only be powerful enough to perform well in their chosen major, but also compact and light enough to carry around all day.