Simple bitmap editing tasks, such as removing defects or suppressing unnecessary details, are entirely possible in Inkscape using its vector tools, without resorting to an external bitmap editor. While this approach is limited, it is often surprisingly useful and fast.
Imagine we need to remove a small blemish in a photo. Start by zooming in closely and drawing a calligraphic stroke over it; then, switch to the Dropper tool and pick a color from the photo nearby. In some cases, this may be all you really need—even such a primitive patch may blend well enough to not be noticeable once you zoom out. More likely, however, the edges of the patch will be painfully obvious on at least one side. Here, a gradient may help; switch to the Gradient tool (10.1 The Gradient Tool), draw a linear or elliptic gradient trying to match the dominant direction of color change in the background, and use the Dropper tool again (8.6 The Dropper Tool) to pick colors for the gradient stops. If the gradient failed to make the patch completely blend into the background, see if a little blurring helps:
Figure 18-7. Covering a small blemish on the cheek with a vector patch path, made “invisible” by gradient and blur
When you’re done retouching, don’t forget to group the bitmap object with all its vector patches so the group can be moved as a single object.