Playing with Digital Art Programming for PC

So I am amazed to see how realistic some digital paintings can be. I'm not there yet myself but I know some really amazing digital artisits. The problem I have is knowing which program to use and the effects needed. Lately I have been playing around with Corel Painter, Gimp, and Autodesk Sketchbook. I always do my drawing concepts in ADSB because I like the realistic pencil look. It's affect is almost just like drawing on paper. For example here, is a basic that I did on ADSB.

While ADSB has been the program for concepts, Gimp has been my program for inking cartoon style drawings like the one above. Gimp is a free program you can get online and I must add that it's functionality with the Wacom Bamboo Create is absolutely fantastic. It's the smoothest program for line art that I have found so far. I haven't got the compete hang of things but I am quickly picking new techniques up on Gimp. I would advise anyone to Google Gimp and look at maybe some tutorials about it on Youtube. Frankly, I don't think you will be disappointed. Here is the line work and comic style shading that I added to the above drawing.

Now while these bother are fine and dandy, I must admit, I am really liking the realistic looking brushes on Corel Painter. I do think there are some flaws in the programming but I still enjoy it greatly. I have showed you a few paintings on a past post. I am slowly learning new techniques now that are bringing my digital paintings to slow, realistic stretch. So, here is a drawing done in Corel Painter that I call Viking King. Hope you enjoy. It isn't done yet. I love that you can draw in certain digital mediums (digital chalk, watercolor, oil, and acrylic) and use blending brushes to get the effects that you desire. This was done mainly with digital chalk and blended with the round oil brush. It looks good but I want to slowly learn how to make picture perfect art. This program and Gimp both will slowly get me there.

My advice for today, play around with several art programs. There are many good, free versions and demos out there. Figure out which best suits the style of art you prefer and then practice until you achieve professionalism with it. Proficiency comes with practice, as I slowly am figuring out. 

If you know of any good programs or tips, feel free to post below. Lets share to love with other artists. Thanks for reading guys. Have a great day.

DeviantART Gallery

Ok guys, I finally created a deviantART Gallery. Feel free to go check it out. Just click on this link >>>>> ~ashleysarts

I am going to try to create an Etsy and Fine Arts account soon. I will definitely keep you posted. 

Between my Bamboo Graphics tablet and the Internet, I hope to create more options for my art and I can't wait to share my experiences with you. Thanks much guys.

Oh, and for those who don't know what a graphics tablet is, I am going to share a picture for ya. I love it. To be honest, I am officially addicted to it. You plug it into your computer and you can draw like you would on paper but it shows up on your computer. Gotta love the ease and clarity of it.

A few updates and what's to come...

Well, all my readers out there, I am excited to say that now I can blog on an actual desktop so that means that there will be more frequent blog posts now with all kinds of art and what not. Happily I can also say that I now have a graphics tablet so I will be able to post digital art as well as traditional art such as the painting below. It looks like paint but it is actual done on Corel Painter Essentials. Neat huh?

Oh, and awesomely enough, I can get back into cartooning. I love that. It is a secret passion. Here's one for you to enjoy on my way out.

Enjoy and have a blessed evening guys!

Think Outside The Block

There are days that ya just need to think outside of the block. Okay, I know the saying is "Think outside the box." But as an artist, sometimes it is a block that you need to see past.

Any sculptor would understand. Most start with a block of wood, granite, marble, etc. etc.

After we worked on our house, I had like a million pieces of scrap wood laying around. Everyone kept trying to throw them away but I couldn't let them. I think most artists understand repurposing. I painted scenes on several peices because that was what I was used to but one begged for something more.

It was the size and shape of a coffee table leg. 2"x2"x2 1/2' to be exact. What could I have painted on something so small? I looked at it for weeks wondering myself.

When I was unpacking our stuff I came across one of my rotary tools. I set it out in the notion to carve on some rocks (Again, this is what I am used to doing). A few days later, I realized that maybe I should carve the block of wood instead.

It soon became a face on the corner of the block. The more I carved, the details shown through as a Native American man. When I got done, I could see the paint that needed to highlight the face.

Before long, it became a finished piece that had it's own personality. I had officially achieved a mixed media that popped.

Remember, the next time you are setting down to create, think outside the block. Try something different and go beyond your comfort zone. Push yourself. You may amaze yourself or even learn something new.

Fine Art, The Sweeney Todd Way

Howdy out there! Ashley here again. I wanted to post an actually art based post as well to get us started off right.

Lately, I have been doing a lot of pencil based art. People don't realize how important pencil sketchings are when in relation to fine art, or any type of art for that matter. Many famous pieces started out as mere sketches. Some became paintings while others became elaborate drawings. Both are considered fine art.

Well, anywho, my favorite piece that I have done is Johnny Depp in a street scene as Sweeney Todd. I want to give you an idea of how my sketch became a work of fine art.

I hope you enjoy my process. It starts out with a picture of Johnny and follows the steps through until the completed artwork.

I also hope this inspires others to create. Please leave a comment. I can handle constructive criticism.

Creating My Studio Space

Hi guys out in the artistic web world! Ashley here! Welcome to my blog.

This is my first post and what better way to start a blog than to show you were I create?

I believe every artist dreams of the perfectly suited studio. In other words, every artist wants a taylor made studio to fit their individual and artistic needs.

For the past few years I have moved quite a bit or haven't had the space for a studio. Since I have found a permanent residence, I am excitedly pleased to say, I have studio space! Isn't that awesome?

My drawing table isn't shoved into a tiny corner and my paint brushes and pencils are no longer neglected in shoe boxes. My yarn isn't closed up in a million boxes and my art books have found a home as well. Oh, and let's not forget that my rotary tools and jewelry making supplies have found a nice little stations of their own. I even removed the doors on the closet and shoved an entertainment center in it to make it open and beneficial for some of my craft supplies.

It isn't a complete process yet. My walls are blank canvases which beg for some mural paintings and the floor is rough but at least my supplies are unpacked and organized so that I have a room to work and build stock.

I can't tell you how beneficial it is to have your own space to create and work. It makes it so much easier when things are organized yet comfortable.

If you need ideas on how to create your own space, check out Pinterest. There is so many ideas for turning spaces of all shapes and sizes into a dreamy studio. Just search craft room or studio. It will blow your mind at how awesome some of these ideas are.

Some other incredible studios and craft rooms can be found at Craftin' Desert Divas's Linky Party. Click on the link and hop over there and see their neat studios.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope I have inspired you to set up your own studio. Good luck and hope you check back soon to see some of my projects.