Digital painting with Microsoft Surface

The digital world has opened countless doors for artists, giving them opportunities to refine, redefine, and reinvent their creative journey and output. Among the leaders in this revolution is Microsoft Surface with its collection of desktop computers, laptops, and 2-in-1 devices. Renowned for their precision, responsiveness, and vibrant display, Surface devices have become a pivotal tool for both budding artists and professionals alike. Learn more about digital painting and why Surface devices are the perfect tools for digital painters of all backgrounds.

What is digital painting?

Digital painting is an artistic method where traditional painting techniques such as watercolor, oils, and impasto are applied by using digital tools. Instead of a physical canvas and paints, artists use graphics software and devices like computers, 2-in-1 touchscreen laptops, and digital pens to create their works. The outcome is a digitally rendered artwork, but processes like mixing colors and layering paint strokes can closely mimic those used in physical painting. It offers a blend of traditional artistry with modern technology, providing artists with a vast range of tools, textures, and techniques at their fingertips to create vivid and intricate creations that can be easily edited, shared, or reproduced.

Benefits of digital painting

Digital painting has revolutionized the art world, offering benefits that are hard to achieve with traditional methods.

• Limitless canvas. Never worry about running out of space, when you paint on a digital screen you have an ever-expanding canvas.
• Easy edits. Made a mistake? No need for an eraser, a simple undo action will have your artwork back to where you want it.
• Variety of brushes. From digital oil painting to watercolor effects, your options are unlimited.

Techniques to elevate your digital painting skills

Looking to start your digital painting journey with a Microsoft Surface device? Here are some techniques and tips to help you get started.

Layering

One of the major strengths of digital art is the ability to work in layers. You can paint each element on a separate layer, allowing for better control and organization. Plus, switching between layers is effortless. Using separate layers for different elements (e.g., background, foreground, characters) allows for non-destructive editing and better organization of the art.

Blending

Digital oil painting demands a smooth blend to replicate the flow and depth of traditional oil paints. Play around with advanced blending options, create gradients, and even mimic the textures of traditional painting styles on the screen.

Selection tools

Artists can select specific parts of their artwork to move, transform, edit, or apply effects to without affecting the rest of the painting. Make slight tweaks or completely shift the structure of your painting to get the exact outcome that you desire.