Tutorial: Using Layer Masks To 'Erase' Sections of an Image

[regina_random]

Okay, I promised that I would do a tutorial on blending, but as there is already one out there (by 45caliber_icons), I thought I would do something different

Comments

[ex_galadhir]

Thanks for the tutorial :) But I'm puzzled: What is the advantage of using the layer mask, rather than just erasing the texture layer over her face? Is it just that it's easier to undo, or is there some other benefit that I'm missing?

[regina_random]

Basically, it is much easier to undo, and unlike with straight erasing, you can save the image, close down GIMP and come back to it, and start again (which is what I did this time, as the original image was made about two weeks ago).
Also, as you are working on a mask, you are not working on the layer, leaving it intact. Same theory works with blending. It's much easier to just make a couple of slight touch ups both ways, than it is to have to keep clicking undo, and still get it wrong.

[ex_galadhir]

Excellent! Thanks - and I like the idea that you can save it half done and come back to it. I checked out the tutorial for blending that you linked to - thanks for that too. Looks like I have to start learning to use layer masks then :)

Thanks ever so much for lending your expertise - there are so few GIMP tutorials out there that to find people who know how to do things, and are prepared to help you learn, is a wonderful thing.

[regina_random]

Well, I finish uni on Wednesday, and so it's summer for me down here in NZ, so I'll be experimenting, writing tutorials and making brushes - and even giving patterns a go, too.

Any suggestions of what to see are more than welcome!