About Digital Explorations

Just because one chooses to use computer software to create paintings or illustrations doesn't mean that the images have to look sterile or computer-generated! I find it interesting how many of the software tools allow you to create visual, apparent texture with which you can enrich your work (although, of course, it is an illusion, since these works are viewed on a flat computer screen). One of the very nice things about digital painting is that it enables me to quickly try out different colours or different effects or even placement of elements. I can save as many versions as I want, and get rid of the ones I don't. Trying out so many variations on paper or canvas would take much, much more time! Although, as described below, the thumbnail process is how I arrive at my composition, I enjoy being spontaneous with the digital paintings and trying out different variations of colour and effects.

About the Techniques

Before ever attempting to use the computer as my painting tool, there is always a process of making many hand-drawn thumbnails on paper. This traditional method is how I choose the best composition, point-of-view, and overall style. It is a process of distilling what works best for the project. The concept and basic image are conceived and visualized before I begin on the computer. Generally speaking, the more painterly works were done with various brush tools in Photoshop; while the more illustrative, 'flat' works were created in Freehand.