How to Make Original Images Using Fractals

Adobe Photoshop is one of the world’s most popular software programs, but it is expensive and not affordable for the casual digital photographer. GIMP is a powerful image editing program available for free at gimp.org (see link below). GIMP has a very powerful tool for creating fractals called the Fractal Explorer. A fractal is a geometric shape that can be subdivided into parts. As computers became popular, creative programmers began to develop software algorithms that allowed people to use their computers to create fractals. Now there are thousands of algorithms that can be controlled allowing the user to create spectacular images on the screen. In this article we will begin to discuss the use of the GIMP Fractal Explorer--and you will have to use your own creativity to realize its potential.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• GIMP Freeware installed on a MAC or PC
• A creative Idea or Image Plan

1. Create a New File Start your computer and open GIMP. From the FILE menu, select NEW to create a new file. Select the image resolution you want considering the size of the finished printed piece or size of your monitor. Set the background color to white and hit OK.
2. Fractal Explorer From the FILTERS menu, select RENDER and then open the fractal explorer. The explorer opens in the PARAMETERS tab and defaults to Mandelbrot which was one of the original fractal algorithms. I didn’t want to just create a pretty picture; I wanted to see if I could create an abstract drawing of something simple like a tree. Click on the FRACTALS tab to select the type of drawing you want to make.
3. Select A Fractal I found a fractal I liked for my abstract called PLANT. When you select a fractal click, redraw preview to see your choice. Once you have the fractal you want, click OK.
4. Adjust the Colors I didn’t like the overwhelming color of the abstract. A tree should have a blue sky. Click on the COLORS tab to adjust the color. First try experimenting with the color function. I didn’t want the overwhelming yellow of the fractal. I adjusted the blue to a cosine function which inverted the top part to blue giving the appearance of a sky behind the tree. Changing the color density and number of colors will also change the image drastically.
5. Adjust the Parameters When you have the image and colors the way you want it, click on the PARAMETERS tab. Notice the fractal type is no longer set at Mandelbrot, but is instead set at Barnsley 2. Adjust the parameters to make sure your image is aligned the way you want it. When you are done, click OK to render the image and then save it as you would any GIMP file. Save to a JPEG for screen and TIFF for print.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with all the parameters. Anyone can create a fractal, but it still takes artistic ability to make it into a viewable image.
• Have a goal of what you are looking for or you will just play with the parameters and be frustrated.
• Print on a High Quality linen stock, sign the print and frame it. Jackson Pollack would be proud.