I have a confession to make...I've been very resistant to digital drawing, like down right stubborn! I love my good ol' fashion pen, paper and watercolors. But after watching my husband (an amazing artist) draw on his ipad for the last two years I finally gave in and decided to play around.
Much to my surprise I liked it- in a strange, out of my comfort zone kind of way! I'm not gonna lie, I would rather be drawing on paper but the last few months my ipad has come in handy for those late nights when I can't get back to sleep. I pull it out and do a little drawing in the dark (something that isn't so easy to do with traditional supplies).
1. Paper 53 2. Sketchbook Pro 3. Noteshelf 4. Procreate
There are TONS of applications out there for drawing on an ipad or touch screen- the above are my favorites. They all have different tools and features but I like Paper 53 the best. Its simple and I prefer simple. I don't like lots of bells and whistles and Paper 53 has enough options for my sketching style.
While you could certainly use your fingers to draw on an ipad, using a stylus makes the process much easier. I use a Bamboo Stylus
The drawing applications all have their own version of pens, brushes, tools and color that you can use in all kinds of ways!
You can also keep your drawings saved and organized in sketchbooks or notebooks.
I have been using this process in the same way that I use my sketchbook- a place to practice and document my ideas.
I'm not gonna lie, digital drawing takes some getting used to. It kind of feels the opposite of drawing on paper and so far I have't been able to just relax and get comfortable with the process. But I have been embracing the challenge of trying something new!
How about you? Have you tried digital drawing? Do you have any favorite applications?
39 comments:
Yike's, I too love tradition, and paint on my hand's, but those look darn good, and now that you've named app's, I am gonna give em a whirl on my Ipad mini...I guess we still can't get in the way of progress!:)
Beautiful drawings.
I have a Bamboo stylus and Sketchbook Pro, but I've never been able to produce anything remotely worth saving!! Maybe you'd consider running a course ?!?
I got the Paper 53 App at Xmas and fell in love with. I didn't have a stylus and it just felt so free and gestural. Then I got a stylus. It's called Jot. It enables me to do more detail but I have trouble with a shaky hand.
I find they both have their place. The IPad is great for those times when it's awkward to get out the paints. It's a great place for ideas and I find my style is a little different, more simplified which will transfer well to my fiber art. Your designs definitely aren't simple. They're beautiful!
Yes, I love digital drawing. I use Paper 53 and others.
You did all those sketches with digital drawing?! I am amazed!
I too have a bamboo tablet which I connect to the computer I have never had the patience to spend hours to practice.
Looking at your drawings makes me want to do that though. They look amazing.
Love,
Breathe Me
I got an ipad for Christmas and also love the paper 53 app. As you said definitely takes some getting used to. I'm still working on that...
Today I found a very cool link from another blog I follow to Mr.Doob.com and choose Harmony.
What a fun program. I just did a sketch (a zentangle) in shaded. Loved the results. Give it a try
Just started posting some digital drawings, love Paper 53, its simplicity keeps your work fresh, but I am also tackling Brushes, quite a different beast, where anything seems possible.
thank you so much for this post, I did not realize how potent the iPad was as a graphic tablet.
How funny! I blogged last week about my new obsession - 53Paper. I adore it. Still need practice and I'm having trouble getting good results with a stylus (or maybe I'm afraid to apply pressure to my iPad). Regardless - this is inspiring and makes me want to play more.
I have played with a bit, but I still like paper, paint, pens, etc. I need to give it another try. Did anyone purchase the additional packages, pens, colors...
Thank you, Alisa, for introducing me to this new tool! I first saw it when you did the sketches on Fashion Friday a couple of weeks ago and immediately went to the App store to figure out what I could get.
I've been playing with Noteshelf but just downloaded Paper 53 and will start working with that now.
I plan to use it when I take clothing design seminars to sketch ideas during the course.
I wondered how you were doing this since your last Fashion Friday post. I have an 8x10 Bamboo pad to draw on, but it's kinda touchy. I'll have to try Paper53 on the ipad now! Thanks!
I downloaded Paper 53 last year but like you USE to be, I have been resistant. Seeing your beautiful artwork come to life on a digital medium has put some inspiration in me and I may just give it another try.
Thank you.
~Dawn
I'd be resistant too, but they do have their own unique fascination, don't they?
I have never tried it, but your reslults are great!!!! Maybe I...
I'm always in an ongoing battle with digital vs. handmade! :) I generally have to be dragged screaming and gripping on immovable items to draw digitally. I love the work others create on it and admire the skills and techniques required to create the wondrous work I see.
It's wonderful to see what you've created and I will try a couple of these programs...but...I do love the messiness of being an artist...it's a soul thing for me. :) :)
i don't have an iPad but draw digitally in Photoshop with a Wacom tablet. I actually prefer it to traditional drawing because i feel i can't "waste" material and i am fearless. And the funny thing is that i produce really fresh drawings that don't need a lot of editing. I prefer black and white sketching the best, but i also illustrate my favourite recipes and i love it!
Actually I've been doing digital art since I was a kid, first with a mouse, then with a graphic tablet. But I haven't used a tablet PC yet, not sure if it has the control and precision I'm used to. I still prefer traditional sketching!
Wow! My stuff never looks like that! Awesome!
I am so excited to see this. Thanks for sharing. Always, always love your sketches.
I use an intuos4 Wacom tablet with GIMP and ive done some photoshop cs5, I must find these apps though, anyone know of theres a good one with watercolor for android?
I love drawing on my iPad (1) and echo the lack of fear of wasting materials mentioned by an earlier commenter - I have drawn so much more lately since i got all the cool toys.
I like Watercolor Pencils which seems a little off the beaten path (it has many kinds of media included) I have never seen it reviewed, for example.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/water-color-pencil/id535371004?mt=8
I also have fun with
Spirdoodle (addictive!),
Wasabi Paint (can look like oils),
Art Set(simple interface)
Finngr Pro (aimed at kids, but had a free graphic look to it)
Iso Sketch (if you are into Geometry this is fascinating)
Frankly I have been very frustrated with Sketchbook Pro's interface - but that's just me.
I was totally inspired by this painting by John Bavaro. I don't even care that much for primates - prefer birds - but this just amazed me and sticks with me.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john_bavaro/4264391227/
So I have iPad 2 and a Wacom tablet. Can I use my Wacom tablet stylus or should I get a special one? I'm new to this but I got that paper 53 app and you're right, it's loads of fun (might just be a useful distraction during boring uni classes coming up!)
No, your Wacom stylus is different. Have fun with Paper!
wow, that is fascinating! This might be the excuse to get an ipad??? love it.
I have been playing with Doodle buddy drawing app for children, I love the simplicity of this app and possibility to choose various backgrounds for my drawings, f.ex. my ipad photos, pictures in the program as well as some ready made stencils. Check my some drawings here, if you like: http://www.flickr.com/photos/88993289@N03/sets/72157631822847763/with/8336111490/ I'm just the beginner, and I always get inspired by your art! And I also got Paper 53 some time ago, love it too, especially watercolors paint :)
wow, I will have to play more with my iPad. Love your work. Very inspiring
WOW! Your digital art is every bit as lovely as your traditional paper/pens/watercolour art, Alisa! I don't own an iPad but my son does so I've just had him install Paper 53 for me to try. Your blog is always so inspirational to me...thanks!
When are you going to be offering course on digital drawing? I have dabbled a little but can't seem to get beyond that kindergarten-like stick figure line drawing with my stylus. Would love to have some very specific guidance with step by step instructions.
I struggled with getting into digital drawing for a while, mostly because drawing on one surface and having it appear on a larger screen at a different angle takes a lot of practice! Since my husband works at Microsoft, we aren't really the iPad types. With the release of the Surface, I have found how fun digital can be. Sketchbook Pro also exists for the Surface, but my favorite is FreshPaint. The stylus isn't as sensitive as I would like, but the program is perfect for late night doodles and on the go color capturing.
I love these sketches. I've always been overly sentimental when it came to good ole fashion pen and ink and paper but recently have broadened my horizons. I'm just curious if anyone who works with an android based tablet has any suggestions for good apps. I have sketchbook pro but find it very cumbersome and hard to use. Maybe it just takes practice! Beautiful art as usual Alisa!
I absolutely love Paper and used it on our recent trip. I need to get another stylus though since mine is not working out real well. I'll try the bamboo. Love your drawings.
Well hello awesome. Those are fantastic. There are stylus' out there now that have an actual paintbrush tip. Sensu is the one I have decided to give a try. (Very funny, was coming online to order it finally and hopped on your blog for a bit first!) So, I haven't tried them but have similar feelings to you on this subject and thought the paintbrush tip would help me feel "more at home."
I always use Bamboo Paper, i think is best free option
My husband bought me a stylus and the paper 53 app for Christmas. I have been messing around with it since but I love my sketchbook so much that I have a hard time passing that up. It would be cool to see more images of your digital sketches and maybe a few tips.
Beautiful sketches!! I really enjoy using my ipad for art work and sketching. It does take some getting used to, but it's such a great tool! Paper by 53 is also one of my favorite apps, but lately I've been enjoying the Tayasui Sketches app. It's similar to Paper in that it is very simple and intuitive, but provides more control over opacity and size of brushes.
I practice in airports, airplanes, and hotels with Procreate and a Sensu stylus, which has a lovely brush nib as well as a classic stylus nib. It took me a long time to get comfortable with sketching and coloring on the iPad, but I love the whole process now for portability and great special effects. The less I carry when I travel, the better.
Alisa, you have on of the better artist's blogs anywhere. Thank you for your generous sharing.
Nice compilation!
Anybody is using creately its a collaboration enebled diagram tool the
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