this question came up because odin suggested i should make a tutorial for each of my alphabet letters, focused on how i layer the elements. i tried with the first letter i posted but as usual it got far too long and wordy and i didn't really know what level to put it on and besides, my alphabet letters haven't exactly raised a stormcloud of interest anyway, so maybe the composition of them isn't so good after all . but it got me thinking of how few of our tutorials are really focused on composition. we have lots of tutorials on making nice effects but not one that i can think of that's focused on making whole pictures. i think i personally have a lot to learn in this respect and i think i have something to teach as well. is there anyone else who is interested in either following or writing this kind of tutorial? anyone who will for example write a tutorial on applying the golden rule to your pictures, or using colour perspective or how to keep away from clutter (i really could use that one!) or anything like that?

One tutorial about one letter was all I was thinking about, sorry for the confusion
I just meant pick some of the different techniques you use and maybe wrap them together in a tutorial if you like.

I think this is typically something for which there is no "tutorial". Tutorials are cooking recipes, and no cooking recipe will tell you when you have added too much salt. But the matter isn't specific to Gimp or even to computer graphics... and there are plenty of art books out there.

On the contrary, I know that this kind of tutorials is available on the Network, the reason we don't see them here at GC is connected to what you already said, these tutorials are not gimp specific (nor tool specific), they're about learning how art is made. Besides, they require a strong dedication, it's not some knowledge you read and apply on the fly, it has to gently grow in yourself. It may sound too much work for those who do hobbyism more than art or design.

not true at all

the composition is great but its hard to talk about it

your stuff is always so "tightly rolled up"

i think a lot of decisions with composing happen instinctively (is that even a word in english ?)
this is art - practice helps and getting constructive criticism from other people

True but logical , similar tutorials can't be specific for a program, rules of compositions don't change according to the software used, if you use real brushes on canvas or a advanced computer program , Gimp or Photoshop , illustrator or Painter they will remain the same

THAT IS A GOOD NEW because make all this cool tutorial useful also for gimp users

http://www.fractalforums.com/art-discus ... 49072/#new

a really good selection in my opinion

Of course if follow the rules may give good result violate them could give even better results

But if there is 1 single valid rule in Art if that to successfully violate rules is better first to understand them :
once you understand a rule then you don't need any more to "follow " it,
but instead you may play even doing apparently the opposite of what prescribed.

BUT i am going OT
on the link a list of quite good tut

well, if there's no interest, there's no interest . i don't think the tutorials need to be gimp spedific to have their place in this forum, though - many photography forums have composition schools and i think it's a natural thing. this forum has noobs coming in to learn the basics, i thought it would be a great service to them to have composition focused tutorials here too. and personally i just can't get enough of that kind of stuff . i love hearing how different compositions come about.

it did sound a bit crazy. one tutorial was all i was ever thinking of writing though and as it turned out i gave up even that .


yes of course. but don't you learn from how other people do things too? i do, all the time. and analysing someone elses composition helps me immensely with my own stuff.

photo comix: that is a good collection of links, thanks for sharing!

I took a look at your xcf and I see there are no paths saved. i wonder if you have really used the path tool, for this picture or if you used the free select tool, instead? it's only the pathtool that really makes paths, the other tools only make selections. but if you want to fix the jagged edge of the jar with the help of a path you can always alpha select the jar and go to the selection dialog and click "selection to path", then turn off the selection and go to the paths dialog and turn on the path - and there it will be, ready for you to edit. by the way, i think it looks like your picture is coming along nicely! looking forward to seeing the end result.

Whatever you make I watch.