This tinted sketch effect using the GIMP looks like a pencil or pen sketch with water color tinting applied.
The other day, while poking around on Pinterest, I saw some pretty tinted sketch composite image art. They were trying to sell some Photoshop actions, but, as I often do, I wondered if I could find a method in the GIMP. Turns out it was pretty simple. This effect looks good with a variety of images, landscapes, floral close-ups and cityscapes as well.
Method
I combined two layers: the original and one with a pencil sketch effect.
Pencil sketch effect
First to get a sketch-like effect. There are a few different ways but I found one that was super simple.
Step 1: Load image
Load your chosen image and resize it. I like to work with my final size so there aren’t any surprises. Make a duplicate copy of your base layer, selecting the duplicate then turning off the visibility of the base layer. This allows you to work non-destructively, and you need the base layer again later to create the color tinting.
Step 2: Create sketch effect layer
Duplicate your base image. Then change the new layer’s blend mode to Dodge.
Step 3: Invert colors
Invert the colors: Colors>Invert. This makes most everything disappear, but fear not.
Step 4: Apply Value Propagation filter
Apply the Value Propagation filter with the “More black” option chosen. Filters>Distorts>Value Propogate. Repeat this step until you have the lines the weight you would like them. You can repeat by selecting Filters>Repeat or by pressing Control F.
Step 5: Desaturate
Desaturate both your base image and the working layer to make this look like a pencil sketch. At this point I like to put the two layers into a layer group or make new layer from visible or merge the layers. This is your sketch effect layer (or layer group.
Put together the composite
In this part you use a copy of the original image to apply color to the sketch effect layer.
Step 1: Make color layer and position it for painting
Make a copy of the base layer. Drag the copy to the top of the stack and add a black layer mask.
Step 2: Prepare brush
Select a brush and resize it to be appropriate to your image size. I like the effect I get from powder paint brushes. Reduce the opacity of the brush to 15-25%. Ensure that your foreground color is white.
Step 3: Paint the mask
Paint the mask with the brush to bring in color where you want it. When I use the powder brushes I position the brush and tap it instead of painting with it. You can build up areas with more intense color by painting over them more than once.
That’s it. You’ve created a tinted sketch.
If you make something cool I’d love to see it. Why not share it in the One to Three Photo Processing Challenge? If you don’t have a blog you can post on Instagram with hashtag: #tsc_1to3.
For more ideas about using the GIMP check out my GIMP Articles and Tutorials page.
Take care.
Quick note: I got the powder paint brushes from brusheezy.com. The GIMP can use photoshop brushes with no problem.
You simply download the zip file containing the brushes, then expand the file and place the resulting .abr file into this directory: C:>Users>yourusername>AppData>Roaming>GIMP>2.10>brushes. (The italics on “yourusername” indicate that you should replace that with your own username).