Computersight -

Step One: Choosing a photograph

By now you should know how to open up the image that you want to use.  Make sure it is one that has a color that stands out.  The photograph I am using today is one with a big purple flower in the middle.

All images by author.

Step Two: Turning your image into a black and white/gray-scale photo

• First you want to duplicate the layer (found in the paths, channels, layers dialog box)
• Then go to colors and desaturate
• Here you can choose whichever of the three choices you want.  Lightness, luminosity, and average are what you can choose from.  For my photo I chose luminosity.


The above photograph shows the layers, paths, and etc dialog box where you will find the duplicate layer button.  For those new to the program, it is the button that I have highlighted.

Step Three: Adding Color

• Create a layer mask.  To do this, right click on the background copy in the layers dialog box and go to layer mask.  Make sure it is on white (full opacity) before pressing OK.
• Zoom in so what you are coloring is close enough that you can see the edges.
• Choose a fairly big brush size to start off with.  When you get to the edges then make it smaller. 
• To make the color appear, make sure you are using the color black.  If you make a mistake and color outside the area change the foreground color to white and it will erase the color. 

  

 

Step four: Professionalise the image.

To make it look more professional, use the smudging tool and go over the edges.  This basically just makes it look like there is not a harsh line around the edges.

The finished product looks like:

As always, be sure to save your work once you are done.

Other Tutorials by Poetic Enigma:

Gimp Pop
3D Crystal
Vintage