Lemons and Celtic princesses

This week I downloaded a trial version of Corel Painter Essentials 4, as my new computer didn't like my old Painter program. I couldn't afford the full version so thought I would give Essentials a trial. They are very generous with the time – 60 days and they only count the days that you open it! I have to say I am impressed – it has everything I need and I am tempted to buy it straight away as they have it at nearly half price at the moment (must be a new version coming out soon)

A good test of a paint program is to see how painterly it is. So I decided to paint some lemons and their peel. Above is a close up and below is the finished work!

I find that if you want deep colour in digital painting it is a good idea to have a very dark canvas. Also I found that I needed to lower the opacity of the paint to get that textured look. I would say that it passed the painterly test.

Next, I wanted to test how it worked with transparent brushes such as watercolour. I decided to use a drawing I did for the 29 faces challenge. I had done a digital version in Photoshop so it would be interesting to compare.

However I decided I would make it different dimensions, so I doubled the width.  As I was working I thought it would make a good journal page, so I added the text and the digital Celtic stamps in Photoshop.

Below is the Photoshop version I painted for the 29 faces challenge.

I think that Painter passed the transparent test as well.

Below is the Photoshop version I painted for the 29 faces challenge.

I think that Painter passed the transparent test as well, as it looks more natural than the Photoshop version.  Depends what effect you are after really.

 

So I am a little happy painter, a new program that is better than my old expensive one, who could ask for more!

Have a wonderful week creating lovely art out there. My scripture that I am taking into the coming week is:

“But you, be strong

and do not lose courage,

for there is reward for your work.”

2 Chronicles 15:7

Linking with Sunday Sketches

PS. Here is a little bit of whimsy I did this morning in Painter. I do so love this program!