Re: [Gimp-user] Adding color to file

[Elle Stone <ellestone ninedegreesbelow com>]

On 10/06/2017 12:39 AM, Guy Stalnaker wrote:
> I'd like to suggest an alternative method for coloring an image that has
> some great advantages.
>
> Use layers with masks!

<snip>
>     5. Add new layer
>        1. Fill with a color you want for some part of your image
>        2. Give layer name (e.g., face, jacket, etc.)
>        3. Set the Mode to Soft light, or some other appropriate Mode (in the
>        example Soft Light lets the background show through)
<snip>

> Hope this is as helpful for you, if you have not used this technique
> before, as it was, and has been, to me.

I agree with Guy, this approach - which he describes perfectly - is a 
wonderful way to add color to an image. Soft light is a good blend mode, 
probably the best for GIMP 2.8, and useful in any image editor.

If you have access to GIMP-2.9 (preferably GIMP-2.9.6), there are some 
new blend modes, specifically the LCH blend modes, which I use (a lot) 
for coloring/recoloring black and white images. If you might be 
interested, I wrote up an introductory tutorial which has a simple 
example of adding color in Part C: 
https://ninedegreesbelow.com/photography/gimp-lch-blend-modes.html

Best,
Elle