Requirements

For this tutorial I'm assuming that you're able to

• crop images
• add layer masks
• make selections
• apply filters

Step 1: Crop to area of interest

The first step is to crop the image down to the area of interest.

Don't crop too much since the blur removes parts of the outer image.

Step 2: Add layer mask

In the second step we add a layer mask by right-clicking on the layer, then clicking "Add layer mask".

In the "Add layer mask" dialog that appears, select White (full opacity) and click "OK"

Step 3: Highlight fade-out edge area

Select the area around the edge that you want to fade out.

The select tool you use will depend on the area (for example the rectangle select for a rectangular or square area).

In our case we use the lasso select tool to highlight an area along the bottom and right edges.

Step 4: Hide fade-out edge area

Fill the selected area with black.

Since we're working on the layer mask this means the selected area will be colored transparent, effectively hiding (not removing!) the fade-out edge area.

Step 5: Blur the layer mask

Deselect the selection (Ctrl+Shift+A). Then goto "Filters" -> "Blur" -> "Gaussian Blur".

In the dialog that appears, select 20 pixels as the horizontal and vertical blur radius. Leave the Blur Method as "IIR".

Since we're still working on the layer mask the filter will apply only to the layer mask, blurring the fade-out edge area.



That's it!

For the curious, the original image is The Forge of Vulcan by Diego Velázquez.

Tags: Gimp