In response with the problem in GIMP, did you see what layer you were drawing on and if the layer is visible?
The eye on the top layer beside the layer thumbnail is not showing, click it and stuff you drew on that layer will show up.
I'm probably gonna get flamed for this. Paint is a good program believe it or not. The picture just has to be very detailed. Making textures in Paint isn't hard and they help to make watermarks more effective.
yush layers were fine, and believe it or not, your stupid leader managed to solve the problem with a little help of you guys. And no why, Paint is good also o.o