[clug] [OT] Bézier curve

[Scott Ferguson]

On 29/05/18 20:08, Bryan Kilgallin via linux wrote:
> Thanks, Scott:
> 
>> They are useful when you want to select an area that's not a
>> square/rectangle, or a circle/oval - or to create a curved (or
>> serpentine) "path" that text (or effects/filters) can be applied to.
> 
> Please refer me to a Web resource on employing such techniques.

There are thousands of them.
https://www.google.com/search?q=gimp+using+paths+tutorial&ie=utf-8

But you are best using a guide that is specific to the software you have
chosen to learn. And GIMP might be a bit steep of a learning curve for you.

https://www.google.com/search?q=mypaint+tutorials&ie=utf-8

> 
>> Example: to create a curved arrow for documentation, I add a transparent
>> layer, then create a curved line on that layer using a Bézier curve,
>> then "stroke" the line.
> 
> I haven't tried using layers!

Imagine you have a piece of artwork on your desktop - which you want to
add to, safely (in case you change your mind of make mistakes).
Put a layer of clear plastic on top of your artwork - that's a layer.
You can add more art to the layer.
You can add more layers. e.g. Base layer, text box layer, text layer,
arrow layer.
You can make certain layers visible, invisible, or toggle the degree of
visibility (opacity).
You can swap layers.
Lastly, you can "merge" layers.

Layers allow you to selectively apply things to an existing image -
without changing the original image. They also allow you to organise
complex additions to an image.

> 
> {The Layers dockpanel is used for organizing files into layers and
> groups of layers. It can be opened from the main application menu
> (Window → Layers Panel), or by clicking its icon on the toolbar.}
> 
> https://github.com/mypaint/mypaint/wiki/v1.2-Layers-Panel
> 
>> This results in a much smoother curved arrow
>> than by just hand drawing one.
> 
> I learned using traditional physical art tools. Please suggest a Web
> resource on using software to make art.

That's a broad question (software, art). Pick a program and then ask
(the program forums) how to do a thing you couldn't find an answer for
in the Frequently Asked Question section.

Or just work through the basic tutorials for your chosen software. e.g.
for GIMP:-
https://www.gimp.org/tutorials/


> 
>> You may find the GIMP guide to creating them useful (or not, depending
>> on how MyPaint allows you to manipulate them - I've never used MyPaint).
> I recently bought a Wacom graphics tablet. Then I looked for software to
> use with it. Ubuntu Software and Synaptic Package Manager both listed
> MyPaint.

I have a Wacom graphics tablet - it works fine with Blender, GIMP, Krita
and Inkscape.

https://www.google.com/search?q=gimp+wacom&source=lnt&tbs=qdr:y
https://docs.krita.org/en/reference_manual/preferences/tablet_settings.html?highlight=wacom
https://docs.krita.org/en/user_manual/drawing_tablets.html?highlight=wacom
https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/wacom_tablet

At a pinch I can (have) used the touchscreen on my mobile phone as a
graphics pad (via KDEConnect).

> 
> MyPaint wiki home is here.
> https://github.com/mypaint/mypaint/wiki


I've looked at it, but it lacks many of the features I use.
I'm gradually replacing GIMP with Krita, which is even more powerful
than GIMP.


Kind regards

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