Ever wonder how to turn a sketch on paper into a vivid image on your screen? Digital painting lets you do just that, using a tablet or even a mouse. You don’t need a fancy studio—just a computer, some software, and a willingness to experiment. Below you’ll get the basics, the gear you really need, and a few quick tricks to make your first pieces look polished.
Digital painting is basically painting with pixels. Instead of brushes and canvas, you use a stylus and a virtual canvas inside programs like Photoshop, Corel Painter, or free apps such as Krita. The big win is undo – you can erase a mistake with a click instead of starting over. Layers let you work on background, midground, and details separately, so you keep control over every part of the image.
1. Pick a program. If you’re on a budget, download Krita or GIMP – they’re powerful and free. If you have a budget, Photoshop offers industry‑standard brushes and color management. 2. Choose a device. A basic drawing tablet (Wacom Intuos, Huion) works fine, but many artists love the feel of a screen tablet like the iPad Pro with Procreate. 3. Set up your workspace. Create a new file at 300 dpi for good quality, add a few layers (background, line art, color, shading), and select a brush preset that mimics the medium you want (oil, watercolor, etc.).
Now try a simple exercise: import a photo of a simple object, trace its outline on a new layer, then fill in flat colors on another layer. Play with the opacity and blend modes to add shadows. This routine teaches you the core workflow without overwhelming you.
If you need a step‑by‑step walkthrough, check out our article “How to Turn Your Drawing Into Digital Art” for detailed scans, coloring tips, and shortcuts that speed up the process.
When you feel comfortable with basic shapes, experiment with texture brushes. Most programs include a “wet” brush that mimics watercolor bleed, or a “dry” brush that gives a chalky feel. Adding texture early saves time later because you won’t need to paint every tiny detail by hand.
Don’t forget to save often. Use the .psd or .kra format to keep layers intact, then export a final .jpg or .png for sharing on social media or your portfolio. A good naming system (e.g., "projectname_v1.psd") helps you track progress and revert to earlier versions if needed.
Finally, get feedback. Upload your finished piece to Concept Showcase’s tag page for “digital painting” and see what the community says. You’ll pick up new techniques, discover useful brushes, and maybe even find collaboration opportunities.
With a little practice, the line between traditional and digital art blurs – you’ll be able to paint anything from a simple character study to a detailed fantasy landscape. Keep experimenting, stay curious, and let the pixels do the heavy lifting.
Converting an image into a digital painting can be a fun and creative process. With the right tools and techniques, you can transform your photos into artworks with just a few clicks. In this article, we'll explore the basics of digital painting, look at some popular software options, and share tips to enhance your creations. You'll learn how to bring out the artist in you and give your images a unique, personal touch.