GiMP - Creating a Pencil Sketch

[MaxwellEdison]

Normally when creating a set of plans for our log homes we will use the AEC Section/Elevation Tools to make an isometric, or use an isometric viewport set to shade hidden. This works in almost all cases, however we are currently working with a client that wants the cover sheet of the drawings to appear more like a hand drawn pencil sketch rather than our notmal precision. We first attempted to use the jitter and overhang options in the visual styles manager to accomplish this, but with each log, and all trim individually modeled the results look to muddied, even without isolines displayed.

 

So I figured some post-processing was going to be required, I've done this sort of thing in Photoshop (though never on so large an image as this, a 980 meg monster .jpg) and I have a bit of familiarity in GiMP for my home use. Since we will not be doing this all that often I figure using GiMP will be a good short term option for us.

 

Does anyone know of any good filters/methods/tutorials for converting a line art/photogrey image into a pencil sketch using GiMP 2.6.4? I've attempted some settings with the GImpressionist Filter, but it's very hard to gauge the results in the small preview window. As always, any advice is greatly appreciated

[f700es]

There used to be a canvas filter in GIMP that was pretty cool for this effect. I don't have it installed on this machine at the moment but have a look for it.

Honestly, I would just import the file into SketchUp and go that route. you have more control of the settings in the Styles panel.

[Geoffers]

would ACAD Impression bo useful?

[MaxwellEdison]

I was not familiar with this product, downloading it now to give it a look, any helpful tips?

[Geoffers]

I was not familiar with this product, downloading it now to give it a look, any helpful tips?

 

lots of styles lines fill patterns, available and customisable, i have have experimented a few times, you do need to reduce you basic drawing to essential lines... let us know how you get on...

 

Geoffers

[rustysilo]

You could always try one of the lisps to give your lines some character. I have two of them. One is called wiggle.lsp and the other is freehand.lsp. This might require some "dumbing down" (aka - exploding) of your aec objects to normal entities first, but it might work out well for you.

 

Another alternative might be to try taking it into Sketchup. Doesn't that have some effects like that?

 

I think I'd try those sorts of things before going raster with it in the GIMP.