I first created two empty layers, loaded the image into the topmost and  used the "lasso," and "eraser" tools to remove the background behind the figures (to transparency).

Then I used the "radial gradient" tool to create a background on the bottom layer.

After using the "lasso" to outline each area to be colored, I used the Image> Adjust > Hue/Saturation tool with "colorize" on.  Nothing magic here, just a good eye, a steady hand, and color sense.

Finishing up, I added the drop shadow using Layer> Effects, then flattened the layers and used the "smudge" tool to blend some of the hard edges on the figures into the background..

Most scans are a bit softer than the original, so I used the Unsharpen Mask filter to better define the figures.

Tip:  Select View> New View to open a second window.  Do the close-in work in the original magnified view and instantly review the results in the other.  Saves a lot of time. 

© 1999 by Gene Brawn
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