Uthena

Course description

GIMP is the worlds most popular alternative to Photoshop!  GIMP has a lot of the same features and tools and Photoshop... with out the price.

GIMP is free!

This GIMP Made Easy for Beginners class is perfect for, well, beginners.  You'll learn the basics of GIMP and much more...

First, you'll learn how to install GIMP, set up the interface, preferences and more.

Then, you'll begin setting up the GIMP interface for your personal preference and configuring the preferences -->  Yes, I know.  This stuff is boring.  But, it's essential for getting the most out of GIMP.  

Every lesson is created in short bite-size pieces to help you better retain the information and each builds on the next.

1 of the most essential tools in GIMP are Layers.  You'll learn all about Layers and how to work with them. Plus, you'll learn about another powerful type of layer;  the Layer Mask. 

Hint: a Layer Mask, gives you the precision and control to apply edits exactly where you want them.

Oh, these are so fun and awesome. Can't wait to share with you how to take advantage of Layers & Layer masks in GIMP.

Another fun, creative and powerful tool (within GIMP) are Blending Modes.  You'll learn about the 7 distinct types of Blending Mode groups and how to use them to add creative flair to your artwork.

Not one to skimp out and leave no stone un-turned; you'll also learn about the 4 main tools in GIMP...

  • Selection Tools
  • Paint Tools
  • Transform Tools
  • Color Tools


The Selection Tools, are an integral part of your skill-set.  You'll learn about the 7 different types of selection tools to make your job of "selecting" that much easier.  The selection tools are a big part of the advanced GIMP projects and you'll want to learn the basics first (included!).

You'll also learn all about the Paint Tools and how to use them to; add color, modify color, erase, clone, heal, and much more.

What about learning how to use the Transform tools to align graphics, move, rotate, scale, shear and more? Got you covered there too!  Check out the basic overviews of each tool and then master them with the advanced GIMP projects.

Next up;  the Color Tools.  Learn how to use these Color Tools to process and edit your photos like a pro. Learn from my 27+ years as a pro photographer. 

Oh, and I almost forgot about one of my favorite tools in GIMP; the Paths Tool.  Love it!  This tool has a dual purpose and mastering it will go a long way in helping fulfill your creative vision.

Check out the advanced GIMP projects to master the Paths Tool (after the basic overview).  The advanced GIMP projects will give you a lot of practice with it and you will master the Path Tool in no time.

O.k., almost done.

Let's not forget about GIMP filters and Patterns.  You'll learn how to use both!  Learn how to download and install Patterns created by other artists.  Plus, you'll learn how to apply the GIMP filters to enhance your creative artwork.

Course curriculum

  • 2

    Working with Files - the Basics

    • Documents & Canvas

    • File Types and open

    • Pan Zoom + Guides

    • Save Export

  • 3

    Layers

    • Layers 101

    • Layer Masks

    • Layer Attributes

  • 4

    Blending Modes

    • Blending Modes 101

    • Normal

    • Lighten Group

    • Darken blending modes

    • Contrast blending modes

    • Inversion and component

  • 5

    Tools Overview

    • Tools Overview

    • Presets + Palettes

  • 6

    Transform Tools

    • Alignment Tool

    • Crop Tool

    • Unified + Handle Transform

    • Cage + Warp Transform

  • 7

    Paint Tools

    • Gradient Tools

    • Brushes 101 Part 1

    • Brushes 101 - Part 2

    • Create Your Own Brush and Install

    • MyPaint Brushes

  • 8

    Color Tools

    • RAW vs JPG

    • Color Tool Presets

    • Color Balance

    • White Balance

    • Hue and Saturation

    • Exposure

    • Shadow Highlights

    • Brightness Contrast

    • Levels Part 1

    • Levels Part 2

    • Curves 101

    • Threshold

    • Colorize

    • Posterize Desaturate

    • Heal vs Clone

    • Dodge & Burn

  • 9

    Selection Tools

    • Selections 101

    • Lasso Tool

    • Foreground Select Tool

    • Fuzzy Select

    • Select by Color

    • Intelligent Scissors

    • Quick Masks

  • 10

    Text

    • Text 101

  • 11

    Filters

    • Filters 101

    • Filters 1-5

    • Filters 6-10

    • Filters 11-15

  • 12

    Shapes

    • Shapes

    • Shape and Image

  • 13

    Course Resources

    • Download Course Resources

Meet your instructor!

Chris Parker
Photography | Photoshop | Lightroom | GIMP | Taught by a Pro


30 years experience as a pro photographer.  Teaching photography, Photoshop, Lightroom, and GIMP.  

I've photographed thousands of portrait sessions and 500+ weddings in the last 30 years.  I'm also a graphic designer and a lifelong user of Photoshop (since 1991) and Lightroom (since 2007).

Helping photographers achieve their creative vision since 2010.

Take this course today!

"GIMP Made Easy for Beginners"