[Gimp-user] Help with Transparency layering

[rich2005 <forums gimpusers com>]

> Okay, not sure if this is the right forum for this, but I'm trying to
> do some coloring on a greyscale image. Now, I know how to apply a
> transparency, and select down so that the new layer is only taking the
> opaque area that I am working with, but I'm trying to figure out how
> to eliminate the selection I've colored in from further layers. Or in
> other words: I have colored in say, the skin, of my image, now I want
> to create a new layer keeping my prior transparencies but without the
> skin that I have already covered, that way I don't accidentally color
> over the skin while applying color to the figure's hair or clothing.

Just a suggestion, probably more work than you are planning on.

Use layermasks, one for each major colour. Black layer mask and paint in it in
white - this is your selection.

Paint in the associated layer to add details. The great thing about layer masks
is they are non destructive, go back and adjust any time you like.

quick example shown and gimp xcfgz attached.

Alternatives. 

Any selection can be saved as a channel to be called back at a later date.

The Gimp plug-in g'mic www.gmic.eu has an excellant filters to colorize
grayscale photographs. That does the hard work using color swatches, leaving
touch-up to you.

rich: www.gimp-forum.net

Attachments:
* http://www.gimpusers.com/system/attachments/625/original/layers.jpg
* http://www.gimpusers.com/system/attachments/626/original/layermasks..xcfgz

-- 
rich2005 (via www.gimpusers.com/forums)