## 10. Drawing Simple Objects

In this section, you will learn how to create simple objects in GIMP.

### 10.1. Drawing a Straight Line

Let's begin by painting a straight line. The easiest way to create a straight line is by using your favorite brush tool, the mouse and the keyboard.

1. Create a New Image

   Figure 7.31. A new image

   The dialog shows a new image, filled with a white background.

   Create a new image.

2. Choose a Tool

   Select a brush tool from the Toolbox, for example the Pencil tool or the Paintbrush tool.

3. Select a Color

   Select a foreground color, but be sure that the foreground and background colors are different.

4. Create a Starting Point

   Figure 7.32. The start of the straight line

   The dialog shows a new image, with the first dot which indicates the start of the straight line. The dot has a black foreground color.

   The size of this dot represents the current brush size, which you can change in the Brush Dialog.

   Create a starting point by clicking on the image display area with the left mouse button. Your canvas should look similar to Figure 7.31, “A new image”.

5. Draw the Line

   Figure 7.33. The helpline

   The screenshot shows the helpline, which indicates how the finished line will look.

   Now, hold down the Shift key on your keyboard and move the mouse away from the starting point you created. You'll see a thin line indicating how the line will look.

6. Finish the Line

   Figure 7.34. The line after the second click

   The line created appears in the image window after drawing the second point (or end point), while the Shift key is still pressed.

   If you're satisfied with the direction and length of the line, click the left mouse button again to finish the line. The last step is to let go of the Shift key. GIMP displays a straight line now.

#### 10.1.1. Examples

Figure 7.35. Example I

Set Dynamics to “Color From Gradient” and set Color Options to “Incandescent”. Under Fade Options, set Repeat to “Truncate”. Depending on the size of your underlying image, you might want to change the Fade length as well.

Select the Clone tool and set the source to “Maple Leaves” pattern.

Figure 7.36. Example II

Use Filters → Render → Pattern → Grid to create a grid. Use the Smudge Tool to draw a line with a slightly larger brush.

Use Filters → Render → Noise → Plasma to create the cool plasma cloud. Use the Erase Tool with a square brush to draw a line.

Figure 7.37. Example III

Use the rectangle select tool to select a rectangle, and then fill the selection with a light blue color. Select the Dodge/Burn tool. Set the type to Dodge and paint along the top and left side using an appropriately sized brush. Set the type to Burn and paint along the right and bottom.

9. Presets |  | 10.2. Creating a Basic Shape

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