This tutorial will demonstrate how to create great effect using Pixelmator. It is based on an image that I created two years ago using Photoshop. The idea is to mix a photo of a girl with some light effects, using basically default filters, brushes and blend modes.

A really cool thing is that when I was doing it in Pixelmator, I was able to try different filters because of the real time preview that you have in Pixelmator makes a huge difference in productivity.

You can download and try Pixelmator at: http://www.pixelmator.com/download/

Step 1

Create a new document, and use the Gradient Tool (G) fill the background layer with a gradient from black to a dark grey in the center. Use Radial for the Gradient Type.

Step 2

Place an image in the center of the document; I used an image of a girl in a bikini.

Step 3

Duplicate the layer of the girl and click on Image>Desaturate. Then change the Blending of the layer to Overlay. You can also apply a Gaussian Blur.

Step 4

Duplicate the girl layer again, and arrange it so that it is behind the other layers. Then click on Filter>Blur>Zoom Blur. Use 21 for the Amount, and move the controller until you achieve the desired result, like the image below.

Step 5

Now, just change the layerâ