Black & White Images With Colorful Elements!

First, start with a black and white image, such as this one:

(click for larger image)

Then create a new layer, either by hitting ctrl+shift+n or clicking Layer->Create New Layer.

With this new layer apply colors where you want them. Make sure to change the opacity of the layer so you can see where the color is going:

(click for larger image)

After you have filled in all the colors that you want, play with the modes to achieve the image you like best. I suggest using either overlay or multiply. Also, use multiple layers for different color for more flexibility.

How to change modes:

My finished products:

Brushes, Gradients and Craziness! OH MY!

I haven't written in a while. I've had a serious lack of inspiration for material, but alas, it is here! So I hope you enjoy what I have in store for you today. I saw a question on Yahoo Answers about getting a gradient on a brush and figured this is something a lot of people may want to know. :)

First, select the brush tool. Then select "use color from gradient."

(Click the images for larger versions.)

Filters

The original intention of my blog was to make it easier for new GIMP users, who may or may not have used P h o t o S h o p, to use the GIMP. I've lost that main track a bit so here is my attempt to make it up to those who may (or may not) feel forgotten.

FILTERS! Now everybody cheer! F-I-L-ters... okay, I never did enjoy cheer-leading, but what I do like is teaching. Now, if you want those PS filters that you are so fond of, check out: http://lifehacker.com/5051650/use-photoshop-filters-in-gimp

I have yet to check it out myself (I know, I know), but I will and when I do, I will update this entry.

I swear I'll create a decent posting schedule. It'll happen... eventually. Anyhow, Art expressed that he'd like to see a full set of keyboard commands SO here they are. :) Better late than never, right? :D I am putting ALL keyboard commands in this post, but will explain a few and put in red the ones that I feel are worth memorizing. It might seem like a daunting task, but if you use GIMP enough, these commands will become as second nature as CTRL + Z.

I'll try to organize this somewhat...

Toolbox:

• Rectangle Select Tool - R
• Ellipse Select Tool - E
• Free Select Tool - F
• Fuzzy Select Tool - U
• Select by Color Tool - Shift + O
  
• Scissors Select Tool - I
• Foreground Select Tool - n/a
• Path Tool - B
• Color Picker Tool - O
• Zoom Tool - Z
• Measure Tool - Shift + M
• Move Tool - M
  
• Alignment Tool - Q
• Crop Tool - Shift + C
• Rotate Tool - Shift + R
• Scale Tool - Shift + T
• Shear Tool - Shift + S
• Perspective Tool - Shift + P
• Flip Tool - Shift + F
• Text Tool - T
• Bucket Fill Tool - Shift + B
• Blend Tool (Gradient Tool) - L
• Pencil Tool - N
• Paintbrush Tool - P
• Eraser Tool - Shift + E
• Airbrush Tool - A
• Ink Tool - K
• Clone Tool - C [The cloning and healing tools are great when you are doing touch-ups.]
  
• Healing Tool - H
• Perspective Clone Tool - n/a
• Blur/Sharpen Tool - Shift + U
• Smudge Tool - S
• Dodge/ Burn Tool - Shift + D

The Box You Do The Work In: (Some are the same as other Windows commands)

• New File - CTRL + N
• Open - CTRL + O
• Save - CTRL + S
• Save As - CTRL + SHIFT + S
• Undo - CTRL + Z
• Redo - CTRL + Y
• Cut - CTRL + X
• Copy - CTRL + C
• Paste - CTRL + V
• Select All (in that layer) - CTRL + A
• Select None - CTRL + Shift + A
• Select Invert - CTRL + I
• New Layer - CTRL + Shift + N
• Duplicate Layer - CTRL + SHIFT + D

I hope these are helpful. First post of the New Year :D
If you like this, comment please!!!