Rotating the clone stamp source: Is there a better way?
Hello, Everyone. This image illustrates the problem I'm trying to solve.
The larger branches of this dead tree were created by slicing, dicing, warping, and blending strips from images of dead trees that I have in my database. Transform>Warp allows me to make a decent attempt at getting the tree textures to follow the form of the branches. Using the same method to create smaller branches is impractical. I painted in some smaller branches. I could attempt to hand paint textures on to those smaller branches. Sad to say, I lack the skill to match the detail in a photo. An alternative is to clone textures on to the painted branches, rotating the clone stamp source from the angle section in the clone stamp panel to try to get the textures to follow the form. Given the twists of those smaller branches, that would be extremely time consuming.
If it were only a matter of laying a texture on to the branches, I could use a clipping mask strategy. The problem is getting the "grain" or texture to follow the twists of the branches. Rotating the source through the clone stamp panel is the only approach I can think of. Is there a better way?

