Scrolling Gradient/Colors Animation

I have Photoshop 7/ImageReady and Paint Shop Pro/Animation Shop 3, and I was wondering, how do you create blinkies with scrolling gradients/colors that go horizontally, vertically, and diagonally? Like this:


I'd prefer not to do it frame-by-frame, which I can do. There's an easier way, right?

I've looked back and there was an entry that somewhat asked what I asked, but the thread provided no help. It was pretty vague too, so I guess I'm not asking the same question; I'm trying to be as specific as I can.

The icons above are from sissykazam, making-a-memory, GLAM0URiFiCxx, and give-out-demolition at Iconator.

I'd also like to know how to make the "crazy" part of the animation from this icon (from give-out-demolition):


Thanks for any help. =)