Digital Drawing and Painting

Overview

Today's freelance artist needs to be able to understand and work using digital platforms. This may require preparatory studies to see how the final image will look or to work digitally for electronic platforms of marketing.

Have you wanted to try drawing or painting with a drawing tablet? Or were you wanting to try out applying your Natural History Illustration skills or drawing skills in a new and exciting way?

This 5-credit module will cover digital drawing and painting techniques, how to use virtual brushes, applying colour and texture. We will also cover how to create your own template and using your own drawings and paintings in a digital format.

Each unit will enable you to practice technique, develop your ideas, reflect upon what you have learnt and conduct research to complement your study and extend your learning. Students should aim to complete at least 50 hours of study (even more is advisable) to get the most out of this module and to fulfil the criteria for the course. All module content is accessed through our online learning portal; you need access to a computer, camera/phone camera and to be proficient in using email.

You will need access to a drawing tablet like an iPad or Wacom drawing tablet and the appropriate software like Adobe Photoshop, GIMP or Krita, please be aware of this before joining the course.

Programme

Have you wanted to try drawing or painting with a drawing tablet? Or were you wanting to try out applying your Natural History Illustration skills in a new and exciting way? This 5-credit module will cover digital drawing and painting techniques, how to use brushes, applying colour and texture. We will also cover how to create your own template and using your own drawings and paintings in a digital format. 

Content

Unit 1 – Introduction and overview

Unit 2 – Starting your Painting.

Unit 3 – Brushes and colour picking.

Unit 4 – Layers and organizing your work.

Unit 5 – Finishing up your work.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:  

1. Undertake tasks from the sequenced units.
2. Create their own Digital Painting demonstrating all the techniques shown in the Module.
3. Demonstrate techniques like, creating a template, using layers and colour picking.
4. Create a video capture demonstrating the techniques learnt throughout the module.

Assessments

1. To produce a video demonstration of you applying the digital techniques shown in the demonstrations and learnt throughout the module. 20% of marks.
2. A final piece of digitally rendered art, showing accurate colours and the techniques learnt throughout the module. 80% of marks.

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course.

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements.

What Do I Need?

You will need access to a drawing tablet like an iPad or Wacom drawing tablet and the appropriate software like Adobe Photoshop, GIMP or Krita, please be aware of this before joining the course. 

• Drawing and painting software e.g., Adobe Photoshop I will be demonstrating in Photoshop, but other similar programs are available, and a few are free of charge.
• Digital drawing tablet like a Wacom or iPad.
• Drawing stylus