GIMP is a free image-editing application that runs on most operating systems including Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. The software allows for basic image adjustment, including cropping, resizing and file conversion, as well as more complex procedures such as layered editing, free-form drawing and GIF animation. Although the interface is simple and straightforward, GIMP is used by amateurs and professionals. By utilizing several tools and a filter effect, you can turn a digital snapshot into a masterpiece that resembles a watercolor painting.
Run GIMP and open the picture that you wish to convert to watercolor.
Locate the Layer palette on the right side of the screen. Your original image will be named "Background." Select the "Duplicate Layer" icon at the bottom of the palette to create a new copy layer from your image; it will be named "Background copy."
Click the "Eye" icon to the left of the first layer to hide it. "Background copy" should remain in the Layer palette.
Select the Smudge tool, represented by an icon of a hand with a pointed finger, from the toolbox in the upper left of the screen. Click-drag the tool across the sharply defined areas of your image to give it a watery, dreamy effect. Repeat until you achieve the desired results.
Click the "Filter" tab from the menu bar at the top of the screen. Scroll to "Artistic" and select "Oilify." Set the "Mask size" slider bar to a value between 10 and 16 to achieve a watercolor effect. You may alter this value to achieve the desired result. Click "OK."
Choose the "Blur" tool, represented by an icon of a water drop, from the toolbox. Click-drag the tool around any part of the image you wish to blur to increase the watercolor effect.
Save your work when you've achieved the desired effect. To preserve the original file, be sure to give the edited image a different file name when you save it.
- Experiment with the different settings of each tool before saving your work.
- Give your image a canvas effect by selecting "Apply Canvas" from "Filters > Artistic."
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