The Beginning
So you're staring at the screen; you have your stylus in hand, poised and ready to go. You have this inherent desire to create and learn through various software so that you can paint, but you think, “Wait, how do I start the process!?” Well, have no fear. I created this in hopes that you can break past the intimidation and uncertainty that you might face when starting out. The first thing to keep in mind at the beginning is that you want to start with the basics of shapes. Think geometry and practice forming contour lines through sketches; this will allow you to gain the confidence of adding color, texture, plus more!
One of the first things that drew me to digital art was the potential for infinite experimentation. Unlike physical media, where you can only paint over something so many times before it loses its vibrancy, digital tools allow you to work, erase, undo, and remix without losing the integrity of your original idea.
The creative freedom is both exhilarating and terrifying. On a blank digital canvas, you're faced with limitless possibilities, but this also means the potential for getting lost in an overload of options. I remember sitting in front of my screen, feeling both excitement and confusion.
1. Painting with Light
When you step into the digital art world, especially with painting, it’s essential to recognize that every brush kit and filter is centered around lighting. Painting on a screen is vastly different from traditional methods—your source of brightness works differently than on a canvas, where colors may appear darker or lighter based on how they’re applied in digital media.
A great way to start is by painting in black and white. This approach helps you grasp how light and shadow work in your composition, especially when developing perspective. By focusing on value, you’ll begin to see how shadow and light interact, which is foundational to creating depth and realism.
For instance, let’s say I envision a landscape with a mountain range and a twisting valley opening into a scenic lake. The scene is clear in my mind, but forming the composition on a digital canvas can be challenging. Here’s the trick: in addition to sketching the scene, I need to understand where my light tones meet my dark tones. This is about creating value, where darker hues—like muted pinks—can set the tone for calmer, less saturated areas.
When creating a piece like this, applying this awareness of light and shadow is essential. And here’s where every artist’s favorite concept comes in: Color Theory. Having a strong grasp on value will only enhance your understanding of color, allowing you to blend tones more effectively and bring your digital paintings to life.
By the way, you’ll always be learning about color theory, even when you’ve grown in skill.
2. Challenges of painting through a screen
Part of painting in this fashion is being realistic with yourself. What obstacles or issues will I run into?
Limited Physical Interaction: Lack of tactile feedback when using digital tools compared to traditional mediums.
Technical Issues: Software glitches, hardware malfunctions, or connectivity problems can interrupt your creative process.
Learning Curve: Mastering digital painting software and tools can be time-consuming and challenging.
Screen Fatigue: Extended periods of screen time can lead to eye strain and fatigue. But I’m sure you knew that one.
Loss of Original Texture: Digital art may lack the unique textures and nuances of traditional paint on canvas.
Distraction Potential: Notifications and other digital distractions can interrupt focus and creativity, so I’d suggest putting on do not disturb.
Again, don’t let this sway your desire to paint. I think it’s important to keep this in mind.
3. You have Unlimited Power!!
Imagine someone gave you a magical wand and you could create almost anything using pixels. This is how I would describe stepping into digital painting. You have unlimited options, or as a wiseman once said, “Unlimited Power!!!” but how do you use that power effectively? The first step is to start small. For example, with digital art, you have layers and the ability to manipulate your art with filters, proportions, and effects. This can be a good thing, but the key is to not overwhelm yourself. I recommend focusing on understanding how to use the blend and paint tools. If you choose to try them all out, do so in moderation. Too many options can prevent you from working efficiently. It’s good to practice being organized when working in digital art.
4. Where to Next?
You’ve made it this far, and hopefully you can apply the knowledge and advice I’ve shared to help guide you on your journey as you pass through the digital frontier. In any medium or artistic practice, there’s always something new to learn—this is especially true in digital art, where creating textures, finding the right tools, and crafting compositions are all part of the adventure. Discovering your style and selecting the perfect brush kit can make all the difference.
If you haven’t taken the path yet, the final step is choosing a program to begin your journey. I recommend Procreate and Photoshop; both offer cutting-edge tools that get the job done and then some.
Wherever you are on your artistic path, remember that each brushstroke, each color choice, is a step forward. Whether you’re just starting or refining a style, the key is to stay curious and committed to your passion as an artist.
5. Tools for Digital Art
There’s a list of items I’ve compiled below in the ways of devices you can try from Wacom Tablets, iPads, and Monitors; these should all get the job done. Remember to tailor it to your budget, as you obviously want to find the best choice for yourself. If your looking for the ultimate and final upgrade to skyrocket your journey ahead, look into the iPad; it gives you all the tools in one with Procreate.
Using both tools together has transformed how I approach my art. Procreate is ideal for the initial stages, allowing me to lay down ideas with ease and tap into a level of spontaneity that keeps the creative flow going. Once the concept is set, Photoshop then becomes the powerhouse, letting me dive into more intricate detailing, layer manipulation, and high-resolution adjustments. This combination brings out the best of both worlds: the intuitive, tactile experience of Procreate and the advanced, precision-based editing of Photoshop.
Having both tools in your digital art toolkit opens up endless possibilities, letting you work between spontaneous sketching and refined final touches with seamless transitions. If you haven’t tried them side by side, I’d highly recommend giving it a go to see how each complements the other
If you're looking to enhance your digital art journey, these devices offer high-quality performance at a reasonable price point. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned artist, these tools will elevate your creative work:
iPad Air – A versatile tablet with Apple Pencil support, ideal for sketching and creating on the go.
iPad Pro – The powerhouse of the iPad family, offering advanced graphics, smooth performance, and seamless Apple Pencil integration for professional-level work.
Pro Wacom MobileStudio Pro – A premium tablet with professional-grade stylus sensitivity and powerful computing capabilities for digital artists.
Huion Kamvas Pro 16 Plus (4K) – A budget-friendly 4K display tablet with outstanding color accuracy, designed for detailed and high-resolution work.
Stay tuned, because this is just the beginning of our adventure into the digital realm of pixels.
Hope you enjoyed this journey with me! Feel free to drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s chat about the exciting potential of blending traditional and digital art forms.
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