Here I'll teach you how I do my digital paintings. There is more than one-way to do something, so what I'm going to teach you is just the way I do it. I'm no expert, so any feedback on this tutorial would be nice. I hope I don't confuse you too much:P

As you can see from the above images, my process of painting is a lot like molding clay. Because I have to draw with a mouse, the begining picture looks like crap. But like clay its just the piece you start with. After several hours of hard work the final result is something you should feel good about.

If you can afford a tablet, I highly recommend you learn how to use it. Since I can't afford one as of now. I'll be teaching you the techniques I use to paint with a mouse and keyboard.

What you will need:

• Photoshop (since that is what I use). 6 or higher is probably best. I use 7.
• Mouse and Keyboard (you can use a tablet, but I'm teaching this as if you only had a mouse and keyboard)
• Basic knowleged of Photoshop is recommended, but if it's your first time I think that'll work, too.
• You'll definitely need time.
• Most importantly you'll need "PATIENCE".

Tools you'll be working with: Paintbrush, Dodge/Burn, eraser, eye dropper, and the all mighty smudge tool!

Note: Even though I'm doing this tutorial with the thought that you might not have any knowledge of Photoshop, I highly recommend you learn your tools.

Paintbrush: Used to set flat colors, detailing, fixing shaded and highlighted areas, define edges.

Eraser: Used to define edges by erasing the paint and also just to erase anything you don't want.

Smudge Tool: Used for detailing and polishing up your lines.

dodge/burn: Used for highlighting and shading.

Eye dropper: Used for selecting colors you've painted on your canvas.

Your Photoshop screen.

First lets open up Photoshop. Your screen should look something like this, depending on which version you are using.

Next decide what size canvas you will need. In my case I'm going to be using 1000 x 1000 pixel canvas with a resolution of 72 pixels/inch. (If you are creating a painting for print you should set it to at least 300 ppi. The higher the resolution the slower Photoshop becomes though. It also depends on your computer!)

1. Click on file and select new. Here you will be given the option to set your canvas size, mode, resolution, and background. You can also name the canvas if you like. I'm working in RGB Mode, so if its not already set to RGB, go ahead and set it. I also work with a white background, but you should use whatever you feel most comfortable with. I find that white can be a little tricky so you might want to use an earth tone color.
   
   

Setting up the layer.

Now that you have your canvas, lets begin!.

In this painting I only used one layer because I didn't know better. You should use at least two. The first thing you want to do is create a new layer.

1. In the lower right hand corner you have your LAYER Window that gives you access to every layer you create. There are six icons in the lower portion of the the window. Click on the second icon from your right to create a new layer (the icon next to the trashcan).
2. Once you do that you will see that a new layer has been created called, 'Layer 1'. Double click where it says, 'Layer 1' and rename it "paint". This is where you will paint the main subject.
   
   

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