After getting the set of pictures, render each image two or three times larger than the size you plan the final picture to be because we're going to anti-alias them before going any further. Save them again.

Tiera-Zon has its own anti-aliasing filter (look for it under the Convolve menu), but we're going to use the graphics editor to do that task. Thus, close the fractal generator, and open the bitmaps in your favorite graphics editor. Resize each picture to a third of its original proportions, using the RESAMPLE option (Smart Size in the Resize Type drop down list if you're using Paint Shop Pro). This procedure can be done after combining the layers, but we're going to do it now to accelerate the process a little bit. The result is what's called anti-aliasing, a software technique that eliminates the jagged edges (stair steps appearance) that show on images when viewed on-screen.

In our case, the trick is to use the color information to compensate for the lack of resolution. A fractal's complexity goes far beyond the size of a single pixel. That deprives us of seeing all the details that constitute the image, so instead of a sharp and smooth appearance we get a rough or crappy one. Anti-aliasing softens the contours of the image, allowing us a clearer appreciation of the fractal structure.

Without anti-alias. The low resolution of the computer monitor doesn't allow a better on-screen rendition of the fractal's details.

Anti-aliased. Compare the smoothness of this image with the roughness of the one above. Observe that the spiral structures are more noticeable.

After anti-aliasing the images, apply any filter or enhancements you care of (though that's not a must). And don't forget to save your work.

Now, we're ready to use the layer options. Being one of the most powerful and useful tools in any digital artist arsenal, there are a lot of effects that can be achieved using layers. However, we're only going to explore the basics. Afterwards, you can try other alternatives to expand and improve the results.

Using the Copy command, place a copy (what else) of one of the images to the clipboard. Then, select the other one, and under the Edit menu, go to Paste and choose Paste as new layer (Corel Photo Paint users: remember that the corresponding command must be Paste as new object). By doing this, the first picture becomes the background image, while the copy of the other picture, now layer one, should cover it completely.

Next, open the layer properties dialog box (under the Layers menu) or the floating Layer Palette (look for it under View/Toolbars), and pick up the blending mode you want to use to combine the two images. Try all the available options to see a preview of the changes that will take effect after making your final selection. Click OK when ready.

For this exercise, I merged, or flattened, the images whenever I applied a new layer, but it's also possible not to merge them or to merge only those that are visible to produce varied effects.

Another way of mixing two images together is by using the Arithmetic command under the Filters menu. In Paint Shop Pro, this method will automatically generate a third image (this will not affect the original ones), but it's not as easy or convenient as the layer options. Since there's no way of previewing the changes, you must know what you're doing, or go by trial and error. Yet, that's the only possibility in Ultimate Paint. This editor, as has been pointed out already, doesn't include a layering command, but thankfully offers a preview pane in the Arithmetic dialog box.