Simple Galaxy

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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)

Step 1

After install, launch GIMP. You’ll see a tip (the default operation). Close the tip. In the ‘Tools’ dialog, Choose ‘File’ then ‘New…

Step 2

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)

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Now, Fill the Image with ‘Black’. Once you have this set, you can verify layer in the ‘Layers’ Dialog:

Step 5

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:

Step 6

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’.

Step 6

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):

Step 7

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):

Step 7

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:

Step 8

Click ‘OK’. Your new layer is now selected as the current layer:

Step 9

Now, make the ‘Images’ dialog visible again. We’re going to create a ‘sun’ this time.

Step 10

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:

Step 11

Now, click the ‘Settings’ tab and set the options below:

Click ‘OK’. You should see this now:

Step 12

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…’):

Step 13

Click ‘OK’. You should now have the new layer as the ‘current’ selection:

Step 14

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’:

Step 15

Now make sure the settings are set below:

Step 16

Once you have these settings, click ‘OK’. You should see something similar below:

XCF& PDF of this tutorial is attached below.

Enjoy!
-Don

Text, project, and images Copyright (©) 2007 Donald Hamm and may not be used without the author’s permission.