Digital Painting in Photoshop : A Beginner's Guide from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

You will learn how to use the tools within photoshop to create digital paintings efficiently and effectively.
You will learn how to adjust brush settings so that you can draw and paint more effectively within photoshop.
You will learn popular shortcut commands to improve your speed when working inside of photoshop.

You will learn how to properly use layers and groups to create dynamic pieces of digital art with ease.
You will be able to navigate through photoshop and get to the tools you need with more precision.

You will learn how to use the tools within photoshop to create digital paintings efficiently and effectively.
You will learn how to adjust brush settings so that you can draw and paint more effectively within photoshop.
You will learn popular shortcut commands to improve your speed when working inside of photoshop.
You will learn how to properly use layers and groups to create dynamic pieces of digital art with ease.
You will be able to navigate through photoshop and get to the tools you need with more precision.

Syllabus

Introduction

In this video you will find what to expect from this course.

In this section you will learn how to navigate and control the interface for your digital painting. You will learn many shortcut commands and techniques to use Photoshop more efficiently.

In this lesson, you will learn what some of the major impacts are to file sizes and how to control your documents for improve speed.

In this lesson, you will learn how to move through your canvas. You will learn short cuts to move, rotate, and zoom.

In this lesson, you will learn how to access and use the selection tools within Photoshop.

In this lesson, you will learn how to use the "Quick Mask" feature as well as the "Feathering" option on your selections.

In this lesson, you will learn how to create and organize your "Layers and Groups."

In this lesson, you will learn how to control some of your "Brush Settings" to get a pencil or drawing style brush.

In this lesson, you will learn how to control some of your "Brush Settings" to get a painting style brush.

In this lesson, you will learn how to use the "Eraser Tool".

In this lesson, you will learn how to use the "Paint Bucket Tool."

In this lesson, you will learn how to use the "Gradient Tool."

In this lesson you will learn how to adjust the settings and blend paint with the "Smudge Tool."

In this lesson, you will learn how to control highlights and shadows by using the "Dodge and Burn" tool.

In this lesson, you will learn how to create your colors with the "Color Picker."

In this lesson, you will learn how to use the various "Blending Modes."

In this lesson, you will learn how effective the "Lock Transparent Pixels" tool can be when painting.

In this lesson, you will learn how to make quick color adjustments by using the "Hue/Saturation" slider.

In this lesson, you will learn how to make quick color adjustments by using the "Color Balance" slider.

In this lesson, you will learn how to control the "Rulers and Grids" feature.

In this lesson, you will learn how to draw straight lines in Photoshop by using the ( Shift Key ).

In this lesson, we will begin to stage our work by blocking in some basic shapes to our space scene.

In this lesson, you will learn how to pull ideas from reference and create your own paint work. We will also talk about the use of a "Mood Board."

In this lesson, you will learn how to create cloud like effect with a basic brush in Photoshop.

In this lesson, you will learn how to apply texture to our planet shape.

In this lesson, you will learn how to create a star from the existing planet shape.

In this lesson, you will learn how to study the reference image and apply additional texture to our star shape.

In this lesson, you will learn how to create the glow around our star.

In this lesson, you will learn how to add a light source on our planet emanating from our star.

In this lesson, you will learn to paint in some more effects to the nebula in our scene.

In this lesson, we will continue to add effects to the nebula.

In this lesson, you will learn to modify a basic brush to create stars for the background.

In this lesson, you will learn to create another layer of stars as well as how to adjust them for variation within the scene.

In this lesson, you will learn how to create an additional planet from the existing paint work.

In this lesson, you will learn how to apply some finishing touches to our space scene.

In this Practice Activity, you will learn to blend paint using a chalk brush and the ALT key to select your color.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides a foundational understanding of Photoshop's interface and tools, which is essential for beginners looking to start digital painting

Includes a custom brush pack, which can be a valuable resource for learners who are just starting to experiment with digital painting

Teaches how to study from reference images, which is a core skill for artists looking to improve their observation and painting abilities

Features a real-time project where learners can follow along and implement the tools and techniques discussed in the course

Focuses on a specific project, creating a space scene, which may not appeal to learners interested in other subject matter

Uses Photoshop, which requires a paid subscription, potentially creating a barrier to entry for some students

Reviews summary

Beginner's guide to photoshop painting

According to learners, this course serves as a solid introduction to digital painting using Photoshop, particularly catering to absolute beginners. Students frequently highlight the instructor's ability to explain complex tools simply and the step-by-step project as particularly helpful for putting theory into practice. The inclusion of custom brushes and the layered art file are seen as valuable resources. While some find the course pace and depth perfect for starting out, a few indicate it covers mostly fundamental tools and might require supplementary learning for more advanced techniques, framing it strictly as a foundational course.

Covers basics well, but less on advanced techniques.

"It's truly a beginner's guide, covering the absolute fundamentals of using Photoshop for painting."

"The course gives a great foundation, but don't expect to become a master artist or learn advanced rendering techniques."

"Covers the core tools thoroughly, but I might need another course for more complex workflows or styles."

Custom brushes and layered file are helpful bonuses.

"The included custom brush pack is fantastic and a great bonus for getting started."

"Receiving the layered art file allows me to examine the project at my own pace and understand the process."

"These resources add significant value to the course and are immediately useful."

Real-time project helps apply learned skills.

"Working alongside the instructor on the space scene project solidified my understanding of the tools."

"The real-time project makes the learning interactive and shows how the tools work together in a workflow."

"Building the painting step-by-step was a great way to practice what was taught in the tool sections."

Instructor is easy to follow and engaging.

"The instructor is very easy to listen to and explains things clearly without being boring."

"Robert is a great teacher and makes learning Photoshop approachable."

"I appreciated the instructor's enthusiasm and clear communication throughout the lessons."

Instructor explains core Photoshop tools effectively.

"The instructor explains the tools, such as layers, brush settings, and blending modes, in a very clear and concise manner."

"I finally understand how to use the smudge tool and dodge/burn effectively after this course."

"The lessons on different brush settings and shortcut commands were incredibly helpful and easy to grasp."

Ideal starting point for those new to digital painting.

"As a complete beginner, this course was exactly what I needed to get started with digital painting in Photoshop."

"I had no prior experience with Photoshop or digital art, but this course made everything easy to understand and follow."

"This is a great course for someone just starting out and feeling overwhelmed by Photoshop's interface."

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 in Photoshop : A Beginner's Guide with these activities:

Brush Settings Review

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Review brush settings to improve control and create diverse effects in digital paintings.

Show steps

Open Photoshop and create a new document.
Experiment with different brush presets.
Adjust size, hardness, and spacing settings.
Explore shape dynamics and scattering options.

Layers and Groups Fundamentals

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Review the fundamentals of layers and groups to enhance organization and non-destructive editing.

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Create a new Photoshop document.
Add several layers with different content.
Group related layers together.
Adjust layer blending modes and opacity.

Mastering Digital Painting in Photoshop

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Read this book to gain a deeper understanding of Photoshop's tools and techniques for digital painting.

View Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop CC for... on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of 'Photoshop CC: The Missing Manual'.
Read chapters related to painting tools and techniques.
Experiment with the techniques described in the book.

Four other activities

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Blending Modes Practice

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Practice using different blending modes to achieve various effects and understand their impact on color and light.

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Create a document with multiple layers.
Apply different blending modes to each layer.
Observe how blending modes affect the overall image.
Experiment with different layer opacities.

Digital Painting Speed Challenge

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Create a series of quick digital paintings to improve speed and efficiency in Photoshop.

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Set a timer for 15-30 minutes.
Choose a simple subject or reference image.
Paint as quickly and accurately as possible.
Repeat with different subjects and techniques.

Create a Sci-Fi Landscape Painting

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Start a project to create a detailed sci-fi landscape painting, applying the techniques learned in the course.

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Gather reference images of sci-fi landscapes.
Sketch a composition in Photoshop.
Block in the basic colors and values.
Add details and refine the painting.
Adjust the final image for polish.

Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter

Show steps

Study this book to improve your understanding of color and light in digital painting.

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

Show steps

Obtain a copy of 'Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter'.
Read chapters related to color theory and light sources.
Analyze paintings by master artists, paying attention to color and light.

Career center

Learners who complete Digital Painting in Photoshop : A Beginner's Guide will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Digital Artist

A Digital Artist creates artwork using digital tools and software. This can include illustrations, paintings, animations, and visual effects. This course is a helpful entry point to a career as a Digital Artist, focusing on digital painting using Photoshop. The course content helps one understand the Photoshop interface, how to navigate efficiently, and how to control brush settings. The course project, where you create a space scene in real time, could be a useful showcase of your skills. You get a copy of the layered art file and custom brush pack.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Artist

Concept Artist

A Concept Artist visualizes ideas for use in media such as video games, film, and animation. This role involves creating detailed illustrations and designs that communicate the look and feel of characters, environments, and objects. This course helps build a foundation in the essential tools and techniques needed for digital painting in Photoshop. The lessons on layers, brush settings, and blending modes specifically help in developing the skills to create concept art. The course project, where you create a space scene in real time, directly correlates with the type of work that a concept artist undertakes. Those who learn best by doing will benefit from the hands-on approach, as well as the reference material.

See salaries and explore the career path for Concept Artist

Comic Book Artist

A Comic Book Artist creates the artwork for comic books and graphic novels. This involves drawing characters, backgrounds, and action sequences, as well as adding color and effects. This course can be a starting point for a career as a Comic Book Artist, giving one a strong foundation in digital painting with Photoshop, taught by Ram Studios Comics. The course focuses on the essential tools and techniques needed to create digital art, such as layers, brush settings, and selection tools. The hands-on project, where you create a space scene in real-time, might be useful in learning how to create depth and apply texture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Comic Book Artist

Texture Artist

A Texture Artist creates the surface details and textures for 3D models in video games, film, and animation. This role involves using digital painting and sculpting tools to create realistic and visually appealing textures. This course helps build a foundation in the digital painting skills needed as a Texture Artist. The course covers brush settings, blending modes, and the dodge and burn tool, all of which are essential for creating detailed textures. The space scene project helps in learning how to apply texture with basic brush settings and how to study from reference.

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Matte Painter

A Matte Painter creates realistic backgrounds and environments for films, television shows, and video games. This involves using digital painting techniques to create seamless extensions of real-world sets or entirely new environments. This course helps build a foundation to become a Matte Painter, focusing on digital painting skills in Photoshop. The course covers essential tools like layers, blending modes, and color balance, as well as techniques for creating depth and texture. The course project, where you create a space scene from reference material, might be useful in learning how to create realistic environments.

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Game Artist

A Game Artist creates the visual elements of video games, including characters, environments, and user interfaces. This requires a strong understanding of art principles, as well as proficiency in digital painting and 3D modeling software. This course is an introduction to skills for a career as a Game Artist, developing digital painting abilities in Photoshop. The course covers the basics of Photoshop and fundamental techniques needed to create digital art. The course project helps in learning how to create depth and apply texture.

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Character Designer

A Character Designer creates the visual appearance of characters for video games, animation, and other media. This involves designing the character's features, clothing, and overall style. This course helps build a foundation in the digital painting skills needed for Character Design. The course covers Photoshop tools, along with learning how to adjust brush settings. The course project, where you create a space scene in real time, can provide experience in visualizing and rendering forms and textures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Character Designer

Illustrator

An Illustrator creates images for books, magazines, websites, and other media. They use their artistic skills to visually represent concepts and stories. This course may serve as a building block towards a career as an Illustrator, teaching core skills in digital painting using Photoshop. The course covers essential tools like layers, brush settings, and selection tools. In particular, the sections on color balance and hue/saturation may be useful in creating visually appealing illustrations. The course project, where you create a space scene, might inspire you to develop your own unique illustrative style.

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Fine Artist

A fine artist may make a living by creating and selling paintings, drawings, sculptures, and other original artworks and who often exhibit their work in galleries and museums. Fine artists are skilled in different media and techniques. A course like this would build a foundation of the skills necessary to create digital paintings or drawings. This may be helpful in making prints, selling artwork online, or enhancing their in-person sales.

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Freelance Artist

A Freelance Artist works on a variety of projects for different clients, often managing their own schedule and business. This can include illustration, design, painting, and other creative services. This course may provide valuable skills for a career as a Freelance Artist, teaching digital painting techniques in Photoshop. The course covers the essential tools and techniques needed to create digital artwork, such as layers, brush settings, and blending modes. The space scene project helps build a portfolio piece. Those who learn best by doing will benefit from the hands-on approach.

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Graphic Designer

A Graphic Designer creates visual concepts to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers. They design layouts and artwork for websites, advertisements, brochures, and other marketing materials. This course may be useful in the toolbox of a graphic designer, focusing on the creation of digital paintings within Photoshop. The course material covers tools like the gradient tool, the paint bucket tool, and blending modes, which may be applicable to graphic design projects alongside other software applications. The lessons on rulers and grids may provide a basic understanding of layout.

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Storyboard Artist

A Storyboard Artist creates visual representations of a film, television show, or commercial. They draw a series of panels that illustrate the key scenes and shots, which help filmmakers plan their production. This course may provide useful fundamental skills for a career as a Storyboard Artist, improving digital painting abilities in Photoshop. The course covers basic tools and shortcuts, as well as techniques for using layers and groups. The course project could serve as a learning experience in visualizing a scene.

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Animator

An Animator creates moving images using computer software or traditional techniques. They bring characters and objects to life in films, television shows, video games, and other media. This course may be applicable as a supplemental skill for a career as an Animator, focusing on the creation of digital paintings within Photoshop for backgrounds or assets. The course covers digital painting tools, which may be useful in the broader animation workflow. The lessons on rulers and grids may provide a basic understanding of layout.

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Art Director

An Art Director is responsible for the overall visual style and images of a project, such as a film, magazine, or advertising campaign. This role involves overseeing the work of artists and designers, and ensuring that the visual elements align with the project's goals. An advanced degree is typically required for this role. This course may build a foundation in the digital painting skills which an Art Director may find useful when providing feedback to artists on their team. The course covers the essential tools and techniques needed to create digital art, such as layers, brush settings, and blending modes. The space scene project can provide a practical understanding of digital painting workflows.

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Web Designer

A Web Designer plans, creates, and codes internet sites and web pages, many of which combine text with sounds, pictures, graphics and video clips. A Web Designer creates and maintains the technical aspects of the website, in addition to the website's content. A course in digital painting may be helpful in creating graphics and elements to enrich their website designs. Knowing more about color balance and brush settings may enhance their toolkit.

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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 in Photoshop : A Beginner's Guide.

Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop CC for Photographers...

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Comprehensive guide to Photoshop, covering everything from basic tools to advanced techniques. It's a great resource for beginners who want to learn the ins and outs of the software. It can be used as a reference tool to look up specific functions or techniques. It provides a broader overview of Photoshop than the course, making it useful for understanding the software's full potential.

Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop CC for Photographers...

Paperback

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Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop CC for Photographers...

Kindle Edition

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Dinotopia: Journey To Chandara

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While not specific to Photoshop, this book is invaluable for understanding color theory and light interaction, crucial elements in digital painting. It explains how light and color behave in the real world and how to replicate them in your art. is more valuable as additional reading to improve the student's understanding of light and color. It provides a strong theoretical foundation that complements the course's practical exercises.

Dinotopia: Journey To Chandara (Calla Editions)

Hardcover

Digital Painting in Photoshop

A Beginner's Guide

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Beginner's guide to photoshop painting

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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