Digital painting is an exciting and versatile medium that allows artists to explore endless creative possibilities. Whether you’re transitioning from traditional art or starting fresh, learning how to paint digitally can open up a world of new techniques and artistic opportunities. If you’re wondering where to begin, we’ve got you covered!

At The Online College of Art and Design , we offer expert-led courses designed to help you build your digital painting skills from the ground up. Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to get you started!

1. Choosing the Right Tools

Before you dive into digital painting, it’s important to have the right tools.

Hardware: A drawing tablet is highly recommended for precision and control. Popular options include Wacom, Huion, and XP-Pen tablets, or if you prefer an all-in-one device, an iPad with Procreate is a great choice.

Software: There are plenty of digital painting programs to choose from, including:

• Adobe Photoshop – Industry standard with powerful features.
• Procreate – Intuitive and beginner-friendly for iPad users.
• Clip Studio Paint – Excellent for illustrations and comics.
• Krita – A free, open-source option with professional tools.

2. Understanding Layers and Brushes

One of the biggest advantages of digital painting is the ability to work with layers . Layers allow you to separate different elements of your artwork, making it easier to edit and refine your work.

Brushes: Digital software offers a vast range of brushes that mimic real-world tools. Start with basic brushes like soft and hard round brushes, then gradually experiment with texture and specialty brushes to add depth to your work.

3. Mastering Basic Techniques

To get comfortable with digital painting, practise these fundamental techniques:

• Blending Colours: Use a soft brush or the smudge tool to create smooth gradients.
• Shading and Lighting: Apply light and shadow to give your artwork depth and realism.
• Opacity and Pressure Sensitivity: Take advantage of your tablet’s pressure sensitivity to control brush strokes.

Tip: Try painting simple shapes with shading to get a feel for digital brushes and blending techniques.

4. Working with Colour and Composition

Digital painting offers incredible flexibility when it comes to colour selection. Use the colour wheel to explore harmonious colour palettes and experiment with different moods in your artwork.

Composition: Follow basic composition rules, such as the rule of thirds , leading lines, and contrast, to create visually compelling pieces.

5. Practise, Experiment, and Keep Learning

Like any skill, digital painting improves with consistent practice. Set small challenges for yourself, follow tutorials, and most importantly—have fun!

Join Our Digital Art Courses!
If you’re serious about learning digital painting, structured guidance can accelerate your progress. At The Online College of Art and Design , our expert-led courses provide step-by-step training to help you build confidence and refine your skills.



Enrol today and take the first step towards mastering digital art! Visit here to explore our courses.