Even More Instant Gratification: Digital Painting
Corel Painter has some delicious brushes, and they feel so nice when applying paint with a pen and stylus. It’s just a real pleasure to explore all of the possibilities, which I think are endless. Everything is a variable, including pen pressure, paint flow, brush texture, and brush size. One can move easily from oils to pastels to watercolor and every mark making tool imaginable. Should you want to choose a substrate, there are all kinds of virtual papers and canvas textures.
These two little pieces were done mostly with a variety of F-X brushes, my favorite of which is “Gradient Flat Brush.” I like to use it to smear existing color around the picture. The F-X brushes are a lot of fun because they simulate all kinds of crazy marks and fun textures.
I’m still learning what’s new and different with this program compared to PhotoShop and PhotoShop Elements. I have been informed that there are packages of additional brushes available for PhotoShop. PhotoShop Elements already has a dizzying array of brushes, but Corel Painter even has that one beat.
In addition, Corel Painter has a unique feature which allows you to “clone” a photograph while at the same time adding your own painterly strokes, resulting in a painting of the original photograph.
Perfect quick art break at the end of a busy day!
An Artist's Journal 
These are really beautiful Martha. I am still sitting on the ground with this stuff. Dumb as dirt. Oh well….maybe soon….sigh…
Btw, my favourite is the top image. Curious as to its projected finished size.
Thanks, Karen! Actually they weren’t created at a very high resolution and size. Just playing around. These programs just take getting in there and trying out things. I’m loving it.
Oh my gosh….so sophisticated. I can see why you love it. It looks addicting but for me I have a hard enough time using this computer properly. This past week I have been trying to set up my website and that has been a challenge…..lots of frustration and headaches but I think I have done it.
Thanks, Karin Lynn! Congratulations on setting up your website. I hope I can see it by clicking on your blog. Otherwise, let me know the link!
Both of these paintings are very lovely Martha! I’d say you are doing an excellent job learning Corel. I have Corel and need to figure out how to do the basics. You really inspire me to tackle it when I look at all your lovely digital paintings! 🙂
Thank you, Itaya! Just get on youtube and do a search on Corel Painter tutorials. There are a lot of them — some are good, some not so good. But they give you an idea how to proceed! Good luck!
they really do look painted. Corel is definitely on my list of ‘wants’ now.
Sassa, it’s really addicting. Such a non-messy way to think of ideas and explore.
I can really see you going back and forth between photo, paint, digital, paint etc in this loop of creativity and inspiration. That’s one of the things I love about following your blog, and your art journey – your total passion for what you do. Hugs across the miles Martha.
Aw, Cath!! Hugs back to you too! I know we are kindred spirits.
That first is beautiful – I really need to get back to that program. I spend too much time in Photoshop..
Cathy, thank you! I resisted Painter for a long time because I was getting along just fine with PhotoShop and PhotoShop Elements. But Painter has a bazillion fun brushes! And the ability to clone a photograph is wonderful too.