Okay. This is mainly aimed at those new to GIMP. This tutorial assumes you have a basic knowledge of creating layers, using the bucket tool, changing foreground colors, using the gradient tool and changing gradients. You can follow the tutorial to a certain point, where you will get this picture,

Or you can keep going where you will get one of these two:


Okay. Allons-y!

First, open up a new image. The size really doesn't matter. I'm using 400x300. The background should be white. In the GIMP main window, double-click the gradient icon. This window should open up:

Now set the gradient mode to 'Difference'.

Now change the foreground color to whatever color you want. I'm choosing a pastel-like tourquoise.

Your default gradient should now be your color fading to white. With the gradient tool, click and drag around image in a circle about 10 times. (Hint: The paths you drag along should form the sides of a shape similar to a cirle, such as a hexagon or an octagon.)

Now open up the layers dialogue. (Dialogs>Layers)

Now in the layers window, right-click the background layer and select 'Duplicate Layer'.

Rename the layer 'Variable Layer'. We're naming it that because it will change the bottom layer, depending on the variable's value.
Now in your new layer, go Filters>Distort>Whirl and Pinch. Play with the settings until they fit your liking.

Now, if we used what we learned about difference modes, we'd set the new layer's mode to difference and get this:

But we're not going to do that. Select the Variable layer.

Now set the layer mode to 'Grain Extract'. It seems to do the opposite of 'Difference'.

You should now have this:

If you use a more colorful gradient, you can get these:



You can stop here, if you want, or you can keep going.

Merge the Variable layer onto the bottom layer. Now create a new layer and fill it with white.

Rename it 'Brick Wall'.

Now go to Filters>Artistic>GIMPressionist. Use the settings I have below.



You should now have this:

Now create a new layer above the background layer and fill it with red. Set the layer mode to Overlay and merge it down.

Now do the same to your brick layer, but use the opposite of the red you used previously.

Your layers dialogue should now look like this:

Now select the brick layer. Set the layer mode to 'Value'.

You should now have this:

Now go to Filters>Map>Map Object.

You now have a mosaic on a brick wall.

You can also add a person's shadow for perspective.


I got this one using a black and white gradient:

Huh. I knew this wasn't on the lines of current popular fashion, but I didn't know it was that uninteresting...

Thats pretty sweet


nice tutorial I might have to try that effect someday good work :w:

i like the swirly effect, it's cool-looking!

no sympathetic but fake comments please. The thing about it being uninteresting was just a comment, not a plea for attention.

i could not quite get this tut so it did not work and i am not new to this

soory to disapoint you :

Nice tutorial, useful to make pictures of graffiti on walls.

Thanks...i was looking for a way to make a graffiti banner...this was very helpful.

Here's Mine: