Practical Paint.NET

Phillip Whitt has a passion for images, and has been involved with digital image editing and graphic design since the 1990's. As a freelance photo editing/restoration and graphic design professional, he has retouched and restored countless photographs. Mr. Whitt holds a number of certifications, which include one for Adobe Photoshop CS from Expert Rating, as well as a number of others for demonstrating proficiency in Desktop Publishing, Scribus Basics, GIMP 2.6, and Photo Impact. Mr. Whitt is the author of several Apress titles such as Beginning Photo Retouching and Restoration Using GIMP, Pro Freeware and Open Source Solutions for Business, and Pro Colorizing With GIMP.

Introduction Paint.NET Quite Possibly the Perfect Solution What can Paint.NET Do? What You'll Learn from this Book Part I: Acquiring, Installing, and Getting to Know Paint.NET Chapter 1: An Overview of Paint.NET Chapter Overview Acquiring Paint.NET Downloading and Installing Paint.NET Overview of the User Interface Changing The User Interface Color Scheme Supported File Formats Installing Plugin Pack The Main Window The Title Bar The Menu Bar The Tool Bar The Image List The Canvas The Tools Window The Layers Window The History Window The Colors Windows The Status Bar Chapter Conclusion Chapter 2: Layers Chapter Overview Understanding Layers How Layers Work Why Layers are Important Layer Blend Modes A Closer Look at the Layers Window Chapter Conclusion Chapter 3: An Overview of the Tools Chapter Overview The Brush Tools The Selection Tools Other Tools Chapter Conclusion Part II: Working with Digital Photos Chapter 4: Correcting Tonality, Contrast and Exposure Chapter Overview An Overview of Image Tonality Tutorial 1: Correcting Exposure Using the Auto-Level Adjustment Tutorial 2: Correcting Exposure Using the Brightness/Contrast Adjustment Understanding the Curves Adjustment Tutorial 3: Correcting Dull Contrast Using Curves Adjustment Understanding the Levels Adjustment Tutorial 4: Correcting Underexposure Using the Levels Adjustment The Curves Dialog Tutorial 5: Improving Tonality Using Curves Tutorial 6: Correcting Local Tonality (Darkening a Light Area) Tutorial 7: Correcting Local Tonality (Lightening a Dark Area) Chapter Conclusion Chapter 5: Enhancing, Correcting, and Working with Color Chapter Overview Tutorial 6: Correcting Color Using the Auto-Level Adjustment Tutorial 8: Reviving a Faded Color Photo Using Levels Tutorial 9: Correcting Color Balance (Color Balance Plugin Required) Tutorial 10: Turning a Color Image to Black and White (Black and White + Plugin Required) Tutorial 11: Using The Sepia Adjustment Tutorial 12: Colorizing a Black and White Photo Chapter Conclusion Chapter 6: Modifying, Retouching and Restoring Photos Chapter Overview Tutorial 13: Removing Unwanted Objects Tutorial 14: Straightening An Image Tutorial 15: Brightening Teeth Tutorial 16: Removing Blemishes Tutorial 17 Repairing Scratches and Damage Chapter Conclusion Chapter 7: Compositing Images Chapter Overview Tutorial 18: Adding an Element to an Image Tutorial 19: Simple Background Replacement Chapter Conclusion Part III: Creating Digital Art Chapter 8: Drawing Basics Chapter Overview Using the Pencil and Paint Brush Tools Tutorial 20: Drawing a Simple Sketch Tutorial 21: Drawing a Shamrock Tutorial 22: Drawing a Ladybug Chapter Conclusion Chapter 9: Creating Digital Artwork Chapter Overview Tutorial 23: Creating a Scenic Sunset Tutorial 24: Creating a Starry Night Tutorial 25: Drawing a Smart Phone Chapter Conclusion Chapter 10: Applying Effects Chapter Overview Tutorial 26: Applying a Dream Effect (Dream Plugin Required) Tutorial 27: Applying an Ink Sketch Effect Tutorial 28: Applying an Oil Painting Effect (Oil Painting + Plugin Required) Tutorial 29: Applying a Pastel Effect (Pastel Plugin Required) Tutorial 30: Applying a Pencil Sketch Effect Chapter Conclusion Appendix: More About Paint.NET Plugins