GIMP 2.4 – Simply way to make a Galaxy
Text, project, and images Copyright (©) 2007 Donald
Below is the final example we’re going to create in this tutorial. What you’ll need to do is get 2.4x Version of GIMP located here (I’m using the Windows version):
After install, launch GIMP. You’ll see a tip (the default operation). Close the tip. In the ‘Tools’ dialog, Choose ‘File’ then ‘New…’:
The ‘Create a New Image’ dialog will launch. Set the options to what you see below ( NOTE: to get to the ‘Advanced Options’, click the arrow icon):
Once you have the options below, Press ‘OK’.
Now, in the ‘Tools’ Dialog make sure you have the ‘Bucket Fill Tool’ selected and the fore-ground has been set to ‘Black’:
Now, Fill the Image with ‘Black’. Once you have this set, you can verify layer in the ‘Layers’ Dialog:
Now, in the ‘Tools’ Dialog box, make ‘White’ the fore-ground (you can use the ‘switch’ arrow or just click on the fore-ground color) and set it to white if you have a different color:
What we need to do now is make the ‘image’ dialog visible again and follow the steps listed below:
First, select the menu ‘Filters->Noise->HSV Noise…’ from the Image Dialog. Set the options as noted below:
Click ‘OK’. This will give you a basic ‘star field’.
Now, in the ‘Image’ dialog choose the menus ‘Filters->Lights and Shadows->Sparkle’ and set the options below (we’re still in the ‘Background’ layer):
Click ‘OK’. You should see something similar to what I have below. If not, you can modify the settings in the dialog above and repeat (just remember to ‘undo’ your last changes before you modify them):
Now, we’re going to create a new ‘Transparent’ layer to begin our ‘stars’ constellation. Right click on the ‘Background’ Layer. Chose ‘New Layer…’ and set it to the options below:
Click ‘OK’. Your new layer is now selected as the current layer:
Now, make the ‘Images’ dialog visible again. We’re going to create a ‘sun’ this time.
Use the menu “Filters->Light and Shadows->Gradient Flare…’. Chose the tab listed below and select the ‘Hidden Planet’. You’ll need to move the hidden planet so click on the areas you see below:
Now, click the ‘Settings’ tab and set the options below:
Click ‘OK’. You should see this now:
Now, make the ‘Layers’ dialog visible again. This time we’re going to create our ‘Sun’ effect. Create a New layer and set it to the options below (you can right click and choose ‘New Layer…’):
Click ‘OK’. You should now have the new layer as the ‘current’ selection:
Now, make the ‘Image’ dialog visible again. Chose menu ‘Filters->Light and
Shadow->Gradient Flare…’. Make sure the selector tab is active and
select the option ‘Distant Sun’:
Now make sure the settings are set below:
Once you have these settings, click ‘OK’. You should see something similar below:
From here you can:
Add clouds, add more stars/constellations, etc..
If you want the project (xcf) It is located here:
http://www.accelerationtech.com/gimp/gimp_galaxy.zip
Click here for the PDF of this tutorial:
http://www.accelerationtech.com/gimp/gimp_galaxy.pdf
Enjoy!
-Don