A method, system, and computer-readable storage medium are disclosed for generating a mask based on a color model. In one embodiment, a selection of at least one color in an input image is received. A color model may be determined based on the selection of the at least one color, wherein the color model comprises one or more truncated Gaussian functions. A mask may be generated based on the color model. The mask may comprise a respective value indicating a degree of membership in the mask for each of the plurality of pixels in the input image, wherein the degree of membership in the mask is a function of a similarity in color to the selection.