Original Image
The beauty of open source code software is that anybody can make applications that are integrated into the product. Open source developers created many of the features incorporated within GIMP, and as a result, GIMP has some features not included with other image editing programs. I am sure that Van Gogh would not be pleased to learn that his famous style has been reduced to an algorithm, but yet GIMP has done just that. So if you always wanted to paint like Van Gogh--but can't handle a brush--just follow the steps below to turn one of your photographs into a work of art.
Instructions
1. Open GIMP and select a suitable file for the effect. I find file selection to be the hardest part. I tried doing this with flowers and buildings, and the effect added nothing to the image. You also have to choose an image that will print well. The ultimate aim in doing this is to provide a print on a good paper that you can sign, matte and frame. These effects look OK on a computer screen, but to create a Van Gogh, even a fake one, you need to have the interaction of ink or toner on paper. Once you have selected an image. choose the FILTERS tab and the Van Gogh Filter from the ARTISTIC tab.
2. As you can see, this applet contains a lot of controls, and therefore, choices you can make. It requires quite a bit of experimentation. Start by using the DERIVATIVE operator and convolve with the SOURCE IMAGE. Gradient will produce an effect that changes from top to bottom and will only be usable for certain images. White noise will work only on certain images as well, and produce a brighter result. For this example I will set the sliders and not adjust them, but change only the EFFECT Channel. As you work with the applet you can use the sliders to fine-tune your Van Gogh.
3. The BRIGHTNESS EFFECT channel uses the difference between highlights and shadows as the base for the rendering. Fine-tune this channel by adjusting the minimum and maximum value sliders. Out of the three channels, this image will be the brightest with the same slider settings.
4. This rendering was done with the HUE CHANNEL. This uses the HUE values in the image to create the rendering. The colors are richer and the image is a little less bright than the one rendered with the brightness channel. Fine-tune this channel using the VALUE sliders and the FILTER LENGTH slider.
5. The final one was rendered using the SATURATION channel. This uses the saturation values in the image to create the rendering. At the same slider settings it is slightly deeper in tone than the other two channels. Use the VALUE sliders and INTEGRATION steps to fine-tune this channel. Once you have set your values, click OK to render the image. The rendered version will appear in the main GIMP editing window. Save your rendered image under a new name and print it on a linen or canvas stock. Sign it, matte it and frame it to hang your own Van Gogh. Don't forget to apologize to Vincent for stealing his technique.
