Finally found the best way (so far) to learn Corel Painter, free

I finally tried the Getting Started Guide for Corel Painter X3. The other tutorials and resources found earlier on the Corel site and help files didn't really cover the basics I need for this program, so the Getting Started Guide is so far helping out a lot. I also found the link online if you want to read it before you have the app on your computer: Corel Painter X3 Getting Started Guide.

Go download this, if you want a good basic start with Corel Painter

It's a PDF and you can download it so you can easily follow along with your Corel Painter window open, and also highlight things you want to find quickly later.

I'm working through it myself today, so that I can complete my cat drawing started earlier. I also want to begin working quicker and without frustration, for all my other ideas on my list.

My ever-growing list.

I draw every day, and I believe this is good practice, just like you'd do if you were learning a new language or learning to cook. Ideas don't do me much good sitting on my list.

Give Painter a try - I got a 90-day trial version when I bought my Wacom tablet, which is a good amount of time to decide whether I'd want to purchase the regular or light version afterwards. I have a feeling Photoshop will be a little inadequate for some techniques I want to do, such as the infamous digital watercolour paint effects that Corel Painter is so capable with.

Share your comments here...have you made any digital drawings or paintings, using Painter or any other app?

On that note, check out Painter's user contributions page. A lot of Painter-made samples show up that will inspire you. It's like going to an art gallery, but at home.

Also have a look at what happens if you search "using Corel Painter' with Google. What do you notice? My blog post shows up on the first page of the results ("Another kitty drawing"), because I apparently use that phrase frequently enough, and share it on my Google profile!

Happy digital painting!