Adding A Gradient To an Existing Layer Mask

[Chris]

I was watching the "Cosmic Portrait" tutorial by Panos with interest. I notice that at the 3 minute mark he adds successive gradient masks to the existing layer mask. 
www.panosfx.com/photoshop-tutorials/cosmic-portrait

My question is how can I do this with PSE 2020? Whenever I add a gradient to an existing layer mask it will erase whatever is on the the existing layer mask and replace it with the gradient. I notice there is an option in the gradient fill tool under "MODE" I can choose "Difference" or "Exclusion". However this still does not add the gradient to the existing mask.  The only solution I can think of is to select the object and use control J to add the selection as a separate layer, then apply the gradient mask to that.


Your advice would be appreciated.

Kind regards
Chris

This is the effect I want (in this example easily made on a square object on a separate layer)



But how can I add a gradient to an existing layer mask as shown below?

[Lillias]

Short answer - Yes this can be done in PSE 2020.

If you look at my example...I added two gradient fills to the mask of the lady in this page.

The important thing is that first you must have the actual mask activated - in your second image you have the coloured square activated and NOT the mask.
If you look at the example of my layers mask you will see I have the mask activated and not the subject.

The second thing is in PSE I have found that you must use the Gradient Tool from the Tools Panel on the left hand side rather than choosing the Gradient from the ‘Create new fill or adjustment layer’ which is found under an icon in your Layers Panel.

I hope this helps.

Images from Pexels.

[Chris]

Thank you Lillias for your reply and sharing the example. It's good to know that this can be done in PSE 2020.

I can confirm that the mask is always activated when I use the gradient tool. I am using the gradient tool from the tools panel on the left. But the gradient is replacing the previous mask instead of adding to it. Is there a setting somewhere so I can change from making a "New mask" to "adding to" an existing mask?

Kind regards
Chris

[Chris]

Update:

Thank you again Lillias. Knowing that this can be done gave me the determination to persevere. I have finally succeeded.

In the gradient tool options, the blend mode must be set to "Multiply" and the Gradient set to Black to white. The reverse button unchecked. Then it will work as intended. Previously the blend mode was set to "Normal" and it was replacing the mask.

Kind regards
Chris

[Lillias]

Jul 14, 2023 14:30:37 GMT Chris said:

In the gradient tool options, the blend mode must be set to "Multiply"

I'm glad you have got it to work for you Chris but I am perplexed as to why it wouldn't work for you with the blend mode set to normal because that is the blend mode I used and it worked fine.

Also my gradient is set from Black to Transparent.

EDIT:  I just double checked with the Panos video and it is Black to Transparent he used.

[Chris]

Now that is interesting. I set the gradient tool to Foreground (Black) to transparent with normal blend mode and it will also work that way.

Kind regards
Chris

[fotofrank]

As Lillian pointed out the Gradient used is foreground color to transparent. If you use this gradient, there is no need to play with blend modes.



Your example effect can be done a few different ways.

[Chris]

Thank you Lillias and Fotofrank for all your help.

Kind regards
Chris