A lot of artists today create their masterpieces with a computer and image software of some kind. There are a number of graphic editing software products with a full set of drawing tools that allow users to draw images on a computer just as they can by hand. The programs range from free to expensive. There are also mouse pens available that allow users to draw more naturally, mimicking the feel of writing objects in digital mode. It may take some getting used to, but drawing on a computer can inspire your imagination and open an almost limitless world of digital art possibilities.
Step 1
Select a graphic software package that includes a full complement of drawing and artistic tools. Photoshop is one option that many artists use, but it can be expensive. GIMP is a full-featured image program that's comparable to Photoshop. It's free and available for Mac and PC. ArtRage is another program that comes with a set of art tools that mimic pens, pencils, paint brushes, oil and watercolor. Any of these programs will allow you to use your computer for drawing purposes.
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Step 2
Open up your drawing software, go to the "File" menu, and choose the "New" option. Set the size you want your image to be. For starters, consider keeping the image to a standard sheet of computer paper. Click OK when your blank document is set.
Step 3
Choose a tool to get started. A simple pencil tool is best for drawing. Make a few scribbles on the digital paper to get used to drawing with a mouse or a digital pen. Although you move your hand the same way you do with a real pencil or pen, getting used to keeping your hand steady may take some time.
Step 4
Familiarize yourself with some of the automatic drawing tools. Art software typically has pre-defined lines and shapes to help you draw basic elements of your image perfectly straight. Click on a line tool and hold your left mouse button down to draw the line. You'll notice when you release the line it will snap in place and you will have a perfectly straight line. The same with circles, squares, triangles and other shapes. Use as many of these elements as you can in your drawing. If you prefer not to use pre-defined shapes, you can select the freehand tool and draw without your shapes snapping into place.
Step 5
Draw a simple image to begin with. You don't need to be an artist to learn to draw on a computer. With practice, you can bring the details of your computer drawings to a more complex level. When you get a feel for drawing on a computer, experiment with the coloring tools to draw in color or to color your drawings. You can also experiment with paint brushes and paint textures and charcoal pencil textures to give your computer drawings a more realistic art look. Typically, these tools are easily accessed on a "Tools" menu or a floating palette, so click on them and let your imagination go. Art drawing programs also come with an erase tool, so you can wipe away anything you don't like.
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