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.