Create an abstract wallpaper in GIMP

Ok, start gimp and make the background black(using the fill tool, unless its allready black)

FIG 1

 

Now press filters>render>nature>flame

FIG 2

Press the edit button inside the flame filter, then choose random in the dropdown box of different flame types. Then press the button random until you find a flame you like, then choose it and press ok.

Create a cool abstract sunset image in GIMP

Step1:

This is the original image we’re going to use, bought at istockphoto. Additionally, we’ll need some vectors from Go Media’s freebie pack.

Step 2:

To start with, I’ll say that most of the steps needed for the tutorial are quite easy, and just some few things will need a workaround to get it working with gimp. We’ll start duplicating the original layer. Then desaturate it, and adjust brightness/contrast.

Step 3:

Next thing to do is apply gaussian blur to our layer. The author of the original tutorial used 2px for this blur, however, after trying some different settings, I’ve settled up to use 5px for it, as I’ve thought it looked more like the original one. This value can be quite different depending on the image you’re using.

Step 4:

Now is time to change the layer mode to ‘overlay’ and opacity 50% . You can find the reason for this at the original text. I’ll just add that knowing how layer modes work opened a new world of possibilities for me.

Abstract Wave Effect in GIMP

Step 1

Open up a square document. Mine is 640 by 640 pixels..

Step 2

Go to Filters>Render>Clouds>Solid Noise. In here we want to check the Randomize and and Turbulent boxes. Increase the detail level to three or four. We’ll leave the size sliders alone.