GIMP Question

[jguy100]

I recently downloaded GIMP for Windows, and have been enjoying it so far. I had previously done a lot of small, hobby-like projects in MS Paint, and thought it was time to move up in the world. I've been playing around, and have figured out quite a few of the tools. But one point I'm still stuck on is how to effectively use the color and gradient tools.

I have a little personal project that I'm working on that should be pretty easy, but I'm stumped on how to go about it. I was wondering if you guys could lend me a few hints on how to proceed.

Exhibit A: A stereotypical Jedi

Exhibit B: A Spork


I wish to edit the Spork in place of the lightsaber, which I can already do easily with the selection tools. My dilemma is figuring out how to color the entirety Spork the same hue as the lightsaber, such that the Spork looks like a strangely-shaped lightsaber. Thoughts?

Thanks for putting up with my newbness!

 

[Erik Mesoy]

Here's what I did with le spork, no use of gradient at all:

(As preparation: Take spork, strip out white surroundings, rotate counterclockwise to orient it similarly to lightsabre.)

Note that all values should be tweaked to your personal preference. For example, use triple instead of double layers in 4b for a thicker aura.
1. Tools -> Color Tools -> Colorize. Hue=192, Saturation=70, Lightness=40. This makes it vaguely lightsaber-ish in color.
2. Duplicate Layer. The upper will retain the spork; the lower will be used for the "aura".
3. On the bottom layer, Tools -> Color Tools -> Brightness-Contrast to +50 Brightness.
4a. Still on the bottom layer, Filters -> Blur -> Gaussian Blur. Horizontal=Vertical=25.
4b. Duplicate the bottom layer, then merge it down into its duplicate.
5. Repeat step 4 a couple of times.
6. On the uppermost layer, Tools -> Color Tools -> Brightness-Contrast to +50 both.
7. Merge layers together.
8. Filters -> Blur -> Blur.

Result attached.

 

[jguy100]

Much thanks, friend! I hadn't though of experimenting with the filters. I'll have to play around with that sometime.