Digital Painting for Absolute Beginners from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Confidently take on any other course or book with a greater understanding
Know the fundamentals of digital painting

Have a clear sense of how to paint many subjects and create their own paintings

Confidently take on any other course or book with a greater understanding
Know the fundamentals of digital painting
Have a clear sense of how to paint many subjects and create their own paintings

Syllabus

Introduction

Brand NEW PLEASE START HERE

This is an overview of the course and some "housekeeping".

Yes you can use an iPad pro (I have one myself) or any tablet as long as it has a stylus. Mac or PC , it makes no difference. This is a course designed around the fundamentals of painting digitally and not a specific piece of software.

Very Important . Please watch this first.

Photoshop, Sketchbook pro, Procreate or Clipstudio paint the choice is up to you. Making great art starts with skill and making great digital art starts with skill and great software. Software is such a personal choice . Its all about what feels right artistically to you. In this video I will show you some of my methods for choosing the right software and how you can make the best decision for you.

Painting on an entry level graphics tablet can be challenging. The hand eye coordination is something that takes time. It does some getting used to and by showing you not only exercises but my actual live hand moving ,my hope is to give you insight into becoming proficient using an entry level tablet.

This is the first tablet exercise . Its perfectly fine if you are having trouble. If you keep looking up and looking at the tablet that's normal. Don't worry it's what many artists have done in the beginning. Try you best.

Welcome to the second exercise of painting with you tablet. In this exercise I want you to challenge yourself by not looking at the tablet while you paint . This is not about making a pretty digital painting. This is only about hand and eye coordination. Feel free to do this more than once. It's about practice and not perfection.

The third and final exercise for the tablet should be attempted while only looking at the screen. Do not beat yourself up if you are not able to. Everyone works at a different pace. Have fun and if you have questions do not be afraid to ask me.

Digital painting , drawing and digital terms can be scary. Don't know a PSD file from a Multiply layer? Do you get confused at all of the terms people seem to gloss over? Well this entire section is for you. the good news is you obviously have basic computer skills or you wouldn't have found this course. That alone puts you ahead of te millions of people who do not. So I am going to guide you through some of the terms and concepts in the digital realm.

Just as a traditional artist has a studio with an easel or a drafting table and supplies the digital artist has all of that as well. It just so happens to be contained in your laptop or desktop or tablet. this video is meant to show you the similarities of digital and traditional. It is laid out in an easy to understand manner that anyone can follow.

Maybe you enrolled in my course before you actually bought a graphics tablet. maybe you have an older tablet and need a better one. No matter the reason this is a handy guide on picking a good graphics tablet.

This video is about the concept of Layers. Layers are found in any good art app or software that allows you to paint , draw and eve sculpt. Layers allow you to make mistakes change the way something looks and many other things. It is one of the cornerstones of digital art creation. It's what makes digital art so special and forgiving.

In all of digital art software land there are icons. Icons let you know what tool you have selected. Considering most art software is based off of Adobe photoshop it stands to reason that their icons are very similar if not the same. Once you recognize them you will know them no matter the software you are working on.

This video is all about the types of files you will encounter when working digital. From PSD's to PNG's to Tiff. You will learn all about them and when to use them.

File sizes are important for many reasons. you may want to work "big" and that's fine but not if your computer cannot handle it. File sizes have many different factors and can behave slightly different from software to software. I attempt to help you navigate through that in tis video.

You can work traditionally and bring the image in. Here are some of my thoughts on doing just that. I do both, I draw and sketch on paper and on my PC or iPad pro.

Here are some books on painting that can be applied to digital.

This video is newer and it talks about what the blocking section is about. I see after feedback and posting lessons some of you are having a bit of trouble with this. I hope this video helps.

The first step to painting digitally is the block in.It sets the tone of your painting. There are many ways to block in your color. Through time and experience you will figure out how and what methods you will use personally and professionally. In this video you will learn this simple yet important step.

This is the first of four blocking exercises. I'll explain and then you are to use the worksheet provided in the zip file

This is part 2 of 4 in learning how to block in your colors.

Part 3 of 4 adds a bit more complexity and if you do happen to get a little frustrated it's okay. Just take a break if you need to and approach it fresh.

In this final video of blocking I will explain one of the many processes in mixing colors on your block in.

Just a quick video based on student feedback for those that are having trouble blocking.

Understanding form in art is important. Understanding form is painting is very important. No matter the digital painting app you decide upon, form is still form. How you get there will and can vary. This video will guide you in your first steps in not just understanding form but creating it when you paint.

As in traditional media the concept of "dark to light" also can apply to digital. In this video I will show you how I approach it. Don't be afraid to experiment and try something different on your own.

Using the airbrush can be simple and very rewarding. It quickly can create a smooth form. It is possible to overuse the airbrushing technique in digital.

The is a form exercise. It may look simple but achieving a nice clean form is important. it is the basis of your painting. take your time and do not overlook this step.

This the second of the form exercises. the same rules apply.

In this video I go a bit deeper into painting boxes. Boxes make it easier to see form and light and shadow.

Ovals and spheres are also key to form. They can be deceptively simple.

In this video we will build off of the previous lesson and show you how to create organic forms from a box.

In this video I talk about using the blending sheets.I am using them to take the pressure of trying to both draw and then blend an object.

I find it good practice to have a specific brush to blend with. I will give you some tips on making a blending brush.

Blending with a softer touch can be achieved with an eraser and an airbrush.

If you have attempted to paint digitally in the past or seen a video you are familiar with this "blending tool". I use it but I use it sparingly. It can give your work a very "plastic" look if you overuse it.

Mixing colors is a big part of blending. In the traditional art world it is a must to mix colors. Digital does not make it easier but there are benefits.

This is part 2 . Feel free to experiment with mixing colors. Have fun.

This is part 3 of mixing colors. if you have questions please post them in the "Q&A section".

The gradient tool is very powerful. It can create some instant and stunning blends. Use it wisely.

Starting with the basics of value seems appropriate. Value is simply how much dar (or black) and how much light (or white) a color contains. In this video you will learn the basics of High, low and middle key pallets.

Just a brief introduction to color and why you should not be afraid of it.

Shade and saturation goes a bit hand in hand to me. So I teach them side by side.

Complimentary colors are a staple in art and I use them with less saturation . Sit back and relax and enjoy learning about the colors on opposite side of the color wheel.

Monochromatic pallet is simply many shades and tints and saturations of one color.

Taking a look at where color can go and what it can do. this is a bit advanced but I think it is important for the beginning student so be able to begin recognizing complex pallets. You may not use them at first but still pay attention to them. It can give you a roadmap to many possibilities.

In this video I discuss artists color pallets that you can use and how to use them. It is a tool to jumpstart your learning.

This is a simple video on using the provided worksheets contained in the zip file right here.

There are no edges in life. that is true but in digital painting there is edge work. This is an introduction to that concept. It will give you art that "finished" look.

This video is about choosing or creating a specific brush to do edges with.

Hard edges are the crisp edges you see or don't see in art. this video is about how to use them.

The opposite of hard is soft and this video is about what i call soft edges in digital art and how to achieve them.

Using my very basic humanoid shape you will learn the concept of a broken edge . They are very effective and this is a bit more on the intermediate side so please be patient with yourself and take you time.

Even though it's lighting I firmly believe rim lighting is a form of edge work.

Putting dark against light is what I call a contrasting edge. I don't believe I have ever seen a video or a book that contains this concept lately but you can see it over and over again in digital art.

This video is about depth in edge-work which I feel is a concept often overlooked.

This is my introduction to light. I paint light on a separate layer. This is my introduction to why I do it this way.

Overcast lighting is best describes as the light you have on a cloudy day. this video makes you aware of that.

Showing real world examples I explain in detail direct light.

You will recognize part of the cover image and this is how it was created. It uses bounced or reflected light in the shadow area.

I covered the concept of rim lighting in the edge work section but I believe its very powerful seeing it in real life.

Occlusion or ambient occlusion is when there is no light. It exists ans deep shadows or "lines". this video will familiarize you with that.

In this video I bring in the drawing or sketch.

I block in the big shape or base color.

Still blocking in and working in a dark to light fashion. I am blocking in the darker planes

In this video I block in some mid tones.

In this video I block in some light or lightest tones.

Taking a look at the block in I get prepared to do an initial blend.

This is part on of my blending process.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Breaks down digital painting jargon, terms, and techniques, which can help beginners overcome initial intimidation and build confidence

Focuses on fundamentals applicable across different software, which allows learners to choose tools that suit their artistic preferences

Includes exercises for improving hand-eye coordination with a graphics tablet, which is essential for beginners using this input device

Covers digital painting terms and concepts, such as layers and file types, which are foundational for working in digital art software

Explores brush engine basics, including pressure sensitivity and different brush modes, which can help beginners understand and control their digital tools

Teaches blocking in colors, painting forms, blending, using color, and understanding edges, which are all essential skills for digital painting

Reviews summary

Solid digital painting fundamentals for beginners

According to students, this course provides a solid foundation in digital painting, especially for those new to the medium or transitioning from traditional art. Learners appreciate the clear explanations of fundamental concepts like layers, brushes, and blending. The practical exercises, particularly those focused on tablet coordination and blocking colors, are highlighted as very helpful for beginners. While some note the course focuses strictly on basics rather than advanced techniques, students find it effectively delivers on its promise to build essential skills. It's widely recommended as a great starting point before tackling more complex topics.

Prepares you for other courses.

"I feel much better prepared to take on other digital painting tutorials and courses now."

"This course filled in the gaps that many other beginner tutorials skip over."

"It's the missing piece I needed before diving into more specialized topics."

"Taking this first made subsequent learning much easier."

Applicable across various software.

"I liked that the principles taught weren't tied to a single software; I could use Procreate instead of Photoshop."

"It's great knowing these fundamentals apply no matter which digital art program I choose in the future."

"The focus on concepts rather than tool specifics is a huge plus."

"Lessons translated well to the different software mentioned."

Helpful exercises for tablet users.

"The initial tablet exercises were surprisingly helpful for getting used to the hand-eye coordination."

"Those early exercises made a big difference in how comfortable I feel with my pen and tablet."

"I didn't think I needed specific exercises for the tablet, but they were very beneficial."

"Practicing line control early on was a smart move."

Instructor explains concepts clearly.

"The instructor does a great job of explaining complex ideas in a simple, easy-to-understand way."

"His explanations on layers and blending were particularly clear and demystified a lot for me."

"I really appreciate how he broke down the jargon into understandable terms."

"The step-by-step guidance made it easy to follow along."

Perfect starting point for newcomers.

"As a complete beginner, this course was exactly what I needed to get started without feeling overwhelmed."

"I had zero experience with digital painting before this, and now I feel confident enough to practice and learn more."

"This course is tailored perfectly for someone who has never picked up a digital pen before."

"Great for traditional artists making the jump to digital."

Excellent foundation for absolute beginners.

"This course is EXACTLY what it promises to be: A solid foundation for digital painting, from the ABSOLUTE basics up."

"It really focuses on fundamental concepts which is perfect for someone just starting out."

"I feel like I finally have a clear understanding of the core principles needed for digital art."

"The foundation this course provided is invaluable for moving on to more advanced subjects."

Focuses only on absolute basics.

"Be aware this course is strictly fundamentals. Don't expect to learn specific painting techniques for portraits or landscapes."

"It really stays at the beginner level; if you know the very basics already, it might feel a bit slow."

"The course description is accurate - it's only about foundational elements, not complex subjects."

"It gives you the tools but doesn't guide you in creating finished illustrations."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Digital Painting for Absolute Beginners with these activities:

Review Color Theory Fundamentals

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Reinforce your understanding of color theory, which is essential for effective digital painting and color selection.

Browse courses on Color Theory

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Review the color wheel and color relationships.
Practice mixing colors digitally.
Study different color palettes.

Follow Digital Painting Tutorials

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Refine your skills and learn new techniques by following tutorials from experienced digital artists.

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Search for tutorials on specific techniques.
Follow the tutorial step-by-step.
Experiment with different settings and brushes.

Review 'Color and Light' by James Gurney

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Deepen your understanding of color and light principles, which are crucial for creating realistic and visually appealing digital paintings.

View Dinotopia: Journey To Chandara (Calla Editions) on Amazon

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Read chapters on color temperature and light direction.
Analyze paintings in the book for color and light usage.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Practice Blocking in Shapes

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Improve your ability to quickly and accurately block in shapes, which is a fundamental skill for digital painting.

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Create a new digital canvas.
Select a basic brush.
Practice blocking in simple geometric shapes.
Vary the size and position of the shapes.

Create a Digital Value Study

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Develop your understanding of value and how it affects the overall mood and composition of a painting.

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Choose a reference photo.
Create a grayscale version of the photo.
Paint the image using only grayscale values.
Focus on accurately representing the light and shadow.

Review 'Alla Prima II' by Richard Schmid

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Explore advanced painting techniques and develop your personal style by studying the work of a master painter.

View My Still Life Art on Amazon

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Read chapters on brushwork and color mixing.
Analyze paintings in the book for technique and style.

Paint a Still Life

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Apply the concepts learned in the course to create a complete digital painting, reinforcing your skills and knowledge.

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Set up a still life arrangement.
Sketch the composition.
Block in the colors.
Refine the details and lighting.

Career center

Learners who complete Digital Painting for Absolute Beginners will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Concept Artist

A concept artist visualizes ideas for characters, creatures, environments, and props, often for video games, films, and other media. A foundational understanding of digital painting is essential for this role. This course helps you build that foundation by covering the fundamentals. For example, learning about layers, brush engine basics, and color blocking exercises will likely be useful when concepting designs. The course content, dedicated to teaching digital painting from the ground up for absolute beginners, may provide concept artists with a strong base. The course's focus on digital painting basics and fundamentals provides concept artists with the tools it requires to communicate its ideas to the team. Understanding form, blending, and color palettes will enhance the visual storytelling aspect of the job.

See salaries and explore the career path for Concept Artist

Comic Book Artist

A comic book artist creates the visual narrative of comic books and graphic novels. Digital painting skills are becoming increasingly essential in this field for creating dynamic and engaging artwork. The course's emphasis on fundamentals such as brush engine basics, color theory, and painting forms lays the groundwork for aspiring comic book artists. The course's content on edges and lighting is particularly helpful for creating visually striking comic panels. By teaching digital painting from the perspective of an absolute beginner, this course gives comic book artists the necessary skills to succeed.

See salaries and explore the career path for Comic Book Artist

Illustrator

An illustrator creates images for books, magazines, websites, and other media. A solid grasp of digital painting techniques is highly beneficial for creating compelling illustrations. The "Digital Painting for Absolute Beginners" course may suit aspiring illustrators by introducing them to the core concepts of digital art. The course's syllabus features brush techniques, color theory, and form painting. It offers a structured learning path from basic tablet usage to more advanced concepts, which should provide illustrators with the groundwork they need to develop their unique style. An illustrator should take this course to explore the fundamentals of digital painting, which helps build a strong foundation to create vivid artwork to meet their clients' diverse needs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Illustrator

Visual Development Artist

A visual development artist helps define the overall look and feel of an animated film, video game, or other visual project. This role requires a strong understanding of art fundamentals and digital painting techniques. This course's coverage of digital painting basics helps visual development artists build a solid foundation. The course spends time on color theory, form painting, and lighting. These may be useful for developing cohesive and visually appealing art styles. The course is a good match because its focus on teaching absolute beginners may provide visual development artists with the tools to bring their visions to life.

See salaries and explore the career path for Visual Development Artist

Character Designer

A character designer develops the visual appearance of characters for various media. These include animation, video games, and comic books. Digital painting skills are vital for rendering characters with detail and personality. This course helps a character designer by covering the fundamentals of digital painting. The course explores painting forms, blending, using color, and edge work. This may assist character designers in conveying the character's look. The course's focus on breaking down complex concepts into manageable steps, even for absolute beginners, makes it a helpful starting point for designers seeking to refine their digital painting skills. Mastering these fundamental concepts will help the designer create compelling character designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Character Designer

Freelance Artist

A freelance artist works independently, taking on a variety of art-related projects for different clients. The projects can be illustrations, concept art, character designs, and more. Having a strong foundation in digital painting is highly beneficial for attracting clients and delivering high-quality work. This course helps a freelance artist by covering the fundamentals of digital painting. The course explores digital basics, brush techniques, color theory, and painting forms. These should provide freelance artists with a versatile skillset to meet the diverse needs of their clients. By teaching digital painting from the ground up for absolute beginners, this course may provide freelance artists with a wide range of tools.

See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance Artist

Texture Artist

A texture artist creates the surfaces of 3D models for video games, films, and animation. Understanding digital painting techniques and how to create realistic textures is essential. This course's section on brush engines and textures directly contributes to the skills needed for this role. Learning about different brush modes, textures, and how to apply them can assist a texture artist in creating detailed and believable surfaces. This course, designed for absolute beginners, helps texture artists build a foundation in the digital painting techniques they will use daily. Those who want to start creating detailed textures for 3D models can begin with this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Texture Artist

Background Artist

A background artist creates the environments and settings for animated films, video games, and other visual media. Proficiency in digital painting is crucial for creating immersive and believable backgrounds. The "Digital Painting for Absolute Beginners" course helps background artists by introducing them to the core principles of digital painting. The course's section on atmospheric perspective, color desaturation, and lighting techniques has direct applications in creating visually appealing backgrounds. The course's commitment to absolute beginners ensures that background artists can build the foundation they need to create stunning environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Background Artist

Matte Painter

A matte painter creates realistic landscapes and environments for films and television shows, often by digitally painting over photographs or 3D renders. Strong digital painting skills are essential for seamlessly integrating matte paintings into live-action footage. This course may be useful to aspiring matte painters by introducing them to the fundamentals of digital painting. The course includes information on atmospheric perspective, desaturation, and lighting techniques, which are all directly applicable to creating believable environments. Matte painters who want to improve their technical skills and create seamless, realistic environments should take this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Matte Painter

Storyboard Artist

A storyboard artist creates a sequence of drawings that represent the shots in a film, animation, or commercial. While storyboards often involve simpler art styles, a solid understanding of digital painting can enhance the visual communication and clarity of the boards. The course's introduction to digital painting fundamentals, such as blocking in colors, understanding form, and using light and shadow, helps build a strong visual foundation. This is especially beneficial for storyboard artists who want to create more dynamic and visually appealing storyboards. A storyboard artist should take the course since the ability to quickly and effectively convey visual information is invaluable in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Storyboard Artist

Graphic Designer

A graphic designer creates visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. While graphic design often involves vector graphics and typography, understanding digital painting can be valuable for creating unique textures, backgrounds, and illustrations to enhance designs. This course may be useful to graphic designers because it covers the fundamentals of digital painting. The syllabus includes brush techniques, color theory, and form painting. Graphic designers can take this course to explore the fundamentals of digital painting, which builds a strong foundation to create visually appealing designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic Designer

Art Director

An art director oversees the visual style and images for various projects, such as magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and film and television productions. Although an art director might not actively paint every day, they need to understand the artistic process. This course may be useful to art directors because it provides a solid grasp of digital painting principles. The syllabus discusses digital basics, brush engine basics, and color theory. It may enhance the art director's ability to guide and supervise artists effectively. An art director should take this course to explore the fundamentals of digital painting, which builds a strong foundation to lead a creative team.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director

Animator

An animator creates moving images using computer software. A fundamental understanding of digital painting is useful for creating textures and backgrounds. This course may be useful to animators because the course teaches digital painting from scratch. The syllabus includes brush techniques, color theory, and painting forms, which may enhance their ability to create visually appealing animations. Animators can improve their technical skills by taking the course, which teaches the fundamentals of digital painting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animator

Web Designer

A web designer creates the layout and visual elements of websites. Although primarily focused on design and user experience, a web designer can use skills in digital painting to create custom graphics, backgrounds, and other visual assets that enhance the website's overall aesthetic. This course may be useful to web designers because the course explores digital basics, brush techniques, and color theory. These may enhance their ability to create visually appealing websites. A web designer should take this course to explore the fundamentals of digital painting, which builds a strong foundation to enhance website designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer

Video Editor

A video editor assembles raw footage into a finished video product. Although their primary focus is on editing and storytelling, understanding digital painting can be useful for creating motion graphics, visual effects, and other supplementary visual elements. This course helps video editors by covering digital painting basics. The course explores digital basics, brush techniques, and color theory. These may enhance their ability to create visually appealing motion graphics. A video editor should take this course to explore the fundamentals of digital painting, which builds a strong foundation to enhance their video productions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Editor

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Digital Painting for Absolute Beginners.

Dinotopia: Journey To Chandara

Save

Must-read for any digital painter, especially beginners. It comprehensively covers color theory and light behavior, essential for creating realistic and believable digital paintings. Gurney's clear explanations and real-world examples make complex concepts accessible. This book will significantly improve your understanding of light and color, directly addressing a key area covered in the course.

Dinotopia: Journey To Chandara (Calla Editions)

Hardcover

My Still Life Art

Save

While focused on traditional painting, this book's principles are highly applicable to digital painting. It covers composition, color mixing, and brushwork with a focus on direct painting techniques. It's a valuable resource for understanding the fundamentals of painting and developing a strong artistic foundation. provides a deeper dive into painting techniques that can enhance the skills learned in the course.

Digital Painting for Absolute Beginners

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Solid digital painting fundamentals for beginners

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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