How to Do Lineart on GIMP
By utilizing layers in GIMP, you can use any photo or sketch as a template to create your own lineart. The key to creating realistic effects when using a photo is to focus first on the most prominent lines in the image, particularly those created from shadows. In a portrait, these are usually below the jaw, the hairline, below and beside the nose, and around the eyes. Add as many layers as you want when working on different aspects of the image. Just remember not to draw on the layer containing the background image because this layer will be deleted when you finish the drawing.
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Instructions
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Launch GIMP and open the image that you want to use as a template. Click on the "Image" menu and select "Scale Image" to adjust the size of the document required for your lineart. Click the "Opacity" slider on the Layers Panel and move it to 70 percent.
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Click the "Layer" menu, then click "New Layer."
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Select the "Paintbrush Tool" from the Toolbox. Select a color by clicking on the "Foreground Color" icon. Select the "Circle (07) (9 x9)" brush from the Brushes panel.
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Zoom into the image as needed so you can work comfortably on the document. If you zoom in by 500 percent the image may pixelate but the lines will still be visible.
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Drag the brush across the major lines of the image, working with the shadows and using short strokes. When you finish one section, scroll across the image to start another section. Press "Ctrl-Z" at any time to remove a line if you make a mistake.
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Click the "Background" layer when you are finished and reduce the opacity to "0" to examine your lines. Add additional lines or use the "Eraser" tool to erase lines as needed.
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Restore the opacity of the background image to "70." Create a new layer. Select the "Circle (03) (5 x 5)" brush and draw all of the fine lines on the new layer.
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Click the "Background" layer in the Layers panel when you are finished. Click the "Layer" menu, then click "Delete." Only the lineart is visible now.
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Save your lineart in any format by clicking "Save As" from the "File" menu. Click the "Select File Type" drop-down menu and select a format, such as "jpg" or "png." Type a name in the Name field and click "Save." A dialog box may open asking that you export the image first. Click "Export" and click "Save" again.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have difficulty focusing on the lines in the image, try turning the background image upside down. This helps the mind to focus on the actual lines rather than what the mind believes should be there.
