Avoid the Mess: Paint Digitally

If you've been looking for a creative outlet, and you're into technology, why not try your hand at digital art?  In this post, I'll share some resources to help you get started in a subset of digital art – digital painting.  With digital painting, you can express yourself without making a mess!

Here are two examples (both in the Public Domain) of digital paintings. Just like traditional paintings, they can be realistic, abstract, or somewhere in-between.

For further examples, take a look at these 54 Mind-Blowing Digital Paintings. For more, check out some Amazing Digital Painting Landscapes, and these 30 Examples of Highly Creative Abstract Digital Art.

Now that you're inspired to create, you'll want to explore these resources for budding digital artists.

Tips and Tutorials

1. Digital Painting 101: The Complete Guide: Concept artists Matt Kohr teaches the basics of digital painting.
2. Ctrl+Paint: A free video resource dedicated to the basics of digital painting.
3. Digital Painting Training and Tutorials from lynda.com: Find out how to access lynda.com now that IU's agreement with them has expired.
4. 20 Tutorials for Learning Digital Painting Techniques: A collection of step-by-step tutorials hand-picked by Chris Spooner of Spoon Graphics.
5. 6 Easy Tips for Making Realistic Digital Paintings: Tips for adding realistic elements to your digital paintings

Tools and Software

1. Top 10 Photoshop Alternatives for drawing and painting: This article suggests alternatives to Photoshop for creating digital art.
2. 15 Gadgets for Artists: Cool tools for physical and digital art.
3. Best painting software for artists: Six of DigitalArts' favorites for digital painting.
4. 24 best iPad art apps for painting and sketching: Creative Bloq recommends apps for iPad artists.
5. 18 Apps Every Creative And Artist Type Should Download Right Now: For inspiration,  list of mobile museums and art-honoring programs for artists and art-lovers.

Digital Artists

1. 20 Amazing Digital Artists to Follow on Behance: A list of artists on the Behance network who "produce high quality and awe-inspiring work."
2. 15+ digital visionary artists that you NEED to know:  SolPurpose.com lists its favorite digital artists.
3. List of Famous Digital Artists: Ranker's list of  the world's most prominent digital artists, living and dead.
4. Category:Digital artists: Wikipedia's a to z list of digital artists.
5. 35 Digital Painters you shouldn't miss: Be amazed and get inspired by the artists listed in the article.

Build Your Skills

If you're ready to start painting digitally but need more skills, sign up for Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator workshops and webinars from IT Training. You can even get one-on-one help in one of our Coaching Sessions.

Happy painting!