Product: 1590595874

I’m the first to admit that my graphical skills are limited. I have a version of PaintShop Pro that’s a few revs out of date, and it does just what I need it to do… crop images, circle items of note, and erase the stray word or two. I’ve downloaded GIMP before, but I just don’t have the time or motivation to explore all the options it appears to have. But after reading Beginning GIMP: From Novice to Professional by Akkana Peck, I think I’m about to make the switch to GIMP, and to make it permanently. This is a really well-done book…

Contents: Get to Know the GIMP; Improving Digital Photos; Introduction to Layers; Drawing; Selection; Erasing and Touching Up; Filters and Effects; Color Manipulation, Channels, and Layer Modes; Advanced Drawing; Advanced Compositing; Plug-Ins and Scripting; Additional Topics; Getting and Installing the GIMP; Installing the GIMP on Windows; Installing the GIMP on Mac; Installing the GIMP on Linux or Unix; Building From Source; First Startup; Index

Peck has tried to create a book that allows graphical neophytes like me to figure out what’s going on, while also including material for those who have been doing this awhile. She definitely hits the first mark, and I think she nails the second one, also. The book starts with the basic of the GIMP interface, with an abundance of screen shots and images to illustrate the points. Even someone like me can easily see what’s possible with the software, and I was able to quickly find and focus on the few tasks I do often with my existing software. I normally start to zone out when books start to head into the layers and color manipulation area, because I’ve never had much luck when it comes to that. But the author actually had me fishing out a few digital photos to try some things. I can even start to fix some of my good photos that were a victim of the demon red-eye effects… :)

Bottom line… My old PaintShop Pro is now on the way out, as well as my out-of-date book on it. GIMP’s getting loaded on all the PCs, and with the help of this book, I might even become… GRAPHICALLY CREATIVE!
Rating: 5
1590595874
Count: 6