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How to Digitally Paint

My favourite media to use for my artwork is digital. Now you, too, can learn how to harness the power of your computer in the name of art!
Digital painting has many advantages over traditional, such as the conveience of layers, quicker access to a variety of colours, and the ability to copy and save your works with ease.
Real media can be messy, expensive, and prone to destruction or loss.
This tutorial will guide you in several easy steps how to get started with creating your own digital masterpieces.



1

The first thing you will need is a good painting program. Photoshop is one of many examples of programs that can be used to create images. The program shown above is Open Canvas 4.5.06 Plus, and is my personal favourite. If you're looking for a program without a price, I suggest downloading the first version of Open Canvas, found here.
Another helpful tool to have is a graphics tablet. With a little hand-eye co-ordination, using one feels just like drawing normally.

2

Now that you've got the tools, you're ready to start! The first step is choosing the background color. This is crucial if you want your foreground to blend in with the rest of the picture.

3

Now, draw your sketch over the background. If you're experienced, you may choose to use another layer for your sketch, but it really doesn't matter.
I chose not to use an extra layer because I was in a bit of a hurry.

4

Time to lay down your colours! If you used a different layer, you could add the colours underneath the sketch. I did not use layers, so I laid them overtop of the sketch.
Add your choice of a highlight and shadow colour. I chose blue and yellow because black and white are boring.

5

Now for shading! Lay down simple washes of light and shadow to define shapes.
Try not to add details yet. Adding details too early will often sap the motivation to finish your picture.

6

Detail time! Zoom in and make your picture wonderous and lovely.

7

After details, you're done!! Unless you want to add textures, that is. I did not, because I was too lazy.

This picture took me less than an hour to complete. With time, effort, and practice, you could create something much better!

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