Digital Painting Basics – Complete Cheatsheet & Reference Guide

Introduction

Digital painting is the art of creating artwork digitally using painting software and tools that simulate traditional painting techniques. Unlike photo manipulation or vector graphics, digital painting involves creating original artwork from scratch using brushes, colors, and techniques that mimic traditional media like oils, watercolors, and acrylics.

Why Digital Painting Matters:

• Unlimited experimentation – No material costs, infinite undos
• Professional opportunities – High demand in gaming, film, illustration, and concept art
• Accessibility – More affordable than traditional art supplies long-term
• Versatility – Combine multiple techniques and styles seamlessly

Core Concepts & Principles

Fundamental Art Principles

• Value – Light and dark relationships that create form and depth
• Color Theory – Understanding hue, saturation, brightness, and color relationships
• Composition – Arrangement of elements to guide the viewer’s eye
• Form & Structure – Creating 3D illusion through light, shadow, and perspective
• Edges – Hard, soft, and lost edges that define surfaces and depth

Digital-Specific Concepts

• Resolution & Canvas Size – Pixels per inch (PPI/DPI) and dimensions
• Layers – Separate drawing surfaces for non-destructive editing
• Blend Modes – How colors interact between layers
• Opacity & Flow – Brush transparency and paint buildup
• Digital Color Models – RGB vs CMYK color spaces

Step-by-Step Digital Painting Process

Phase 1: Planning & Setup

1. Define your concept – Sketch thumbnails, gather references
2. Set canvas specifications – Choose resolution (300 DPI for print, 72 DPI for web)
3. Create base layers – Background, sketch, and main painting layers
4. Establish lighting direction – Decide on primary light source

Phase 2: Foundation

1. Block in basic shapes – Use large, soft brushes for major forms
2. Establish value structure – Work in grayscale first (optional but recommended)
3. Define composition – Place key elements using rule of thirds
4. Set up layer organization – Name layers, use groups/folders

Phase 3: Development

1. Add base colors – Flat colors on separate layers
2. Model forms – Add shadows and highlights to create volume
3. Refine edges – Vary edge hardness for depth and focus
4. Develop details progressively – Work from general to specific

Phase 4: Finishing

1. Final details and textures – Add surface details and finishing touches
2. Color correction – Adjust overall color balance and contrast
3. Final composition check – Ensure clear focal points and flow
4. Export optimization – Save in appropriate formats and resolutions

Essential Tools & Techniques by Category

Brush Categories

Layer Techniques

Essential Layer Types:

• Normal – Standard painting layer
• Multiply – Darkens, perfect for shadows
• Screen/Add – Lightens, great for highlights and glows
• Overlay – Increases contrast, useful for lighting effects
• Color – Changes hue while preserving luminosity

Layer Organization:

• Background – Bottom layer, usually neutral
• Base painting – Main artwork layers
• Details – Fine details and textures
• Effects – Lighting, atmospheric effects
• Adjustments – Color correction layers

Color Application Methods

Direct Painting:

• Paint colors directly as they appear
• Faster workflow
• Requires strong color mixing skills

Indirect Painting:

• Start with values, add color later
• More controlled approach
• Better for beginners

Glazing Technique:

• Apply transparent color layers
• Build up rich, luminous colors
• Use low opacity (10-30%)

Software Comparison

Common Challenges & Solutions

Technical Issues

Problem: Muddy, lifeless colors

• Solution: Maintain color temperature contrast (warm/cool)
• Solution: Avoid over-mixing colors
• Solution: Use higher saturation in focal areas

Problem: Flat, dimensionless artwork

• Solution: Strengthen value contrast (light/dark)
• Solution: Use atmospheric perspective (distant objects less contrast)
• Solution: Vary edge quality (sharp focus, soft background)

Problem: Overworked, tight painting style

• Solution: Use larger brushes longer
• Solution: Step back and assess overall composition
• Solution: Work at lower zoom levels

Workflow Issues

Problem: Slow painting speed

• Solution: Learn keyboard shortcuts for common tools
• Solution: Create custom brush sets for frequent use
• Solution: Use reference photos efficiently

Problem: Inconsistent style

• Solution: Develop a consistent brush set
• Solution: Create color palettes for projects
• Solution: Study and emulate admired artists systematically

Essential Best Practices

Technical Best Practices

• Save frequently – Set up auto-save, keep multiple versions
• Work on adequate canvas size – Minimum 2000px on longest side for detailed work
• Use separate layers strategically – Don’t overdo it, but maintain flexibility
• Keep brush opacity varied – Mix high opacity for bold strokes, low for blending
• Maintain good file organization – Name layers, use folders, consistent naming

Artistic Best Practices

• Start with strong foundations – Master basic shapes and forms first
• Study from life and photos – Build visual library of forms, lighting, textures
• Focus on values first – Strong value structure supports any color choice
• Develop color relationships – Consider color temperature, saturation, and harmony
• Practice regularly – Consistent practice beats intensive sessions

Learning Acceleration Tips

• Master one software thoroughly before exploring others
• Focus on fundamentals – Drawing, value, color, composition
• Study traditional painting principles – Digital tools don’t replace artistic knowledge
• Analyze artwork you admire – Break down techniques and approaches
• Seek feedback regularly – Join communities, share work in progress

Quick Reference: Essential Shortcuts

Universal Shortcuts (Most Software)

• B – Brush tool
• E – Eraser
• I – Eyedropper/Color picker
• [ / ] – Decrease/Increase brush size
• Ctrl+Z – Undo
• Ctrl+Shift+Z – Redo
• Ctrl+T – Transform/Free transform
• Alt+Click – Sample color while painting

Photoshop Specific

• X – Switch foreground/background colors
• D – Default colors (black/white)
• Shift+Click – Straight lines
• Alt+Drag – Sample and paint simultaneously

Learning Resources & Next Steps

Essential Online Resources

• Ctrl+Paint – Free digital painting basics video series
• Proko – Figure drawing and anatomy fundamentals
• Schoolism – Professional concept art and illustration courses
• YouTube Channels: Aaron Blaise, Marc Brunet, Sinix Design

Practice Recommendations

1. Daily sketching – 30 minutes minimum, focus on observation
2. Master studies – Copy paintings by accomplished artists
3. Reference painting – Work from photos to understand light and form
4. Imaginative work – Apply learned techniques to original concepts

Community Engagement

• ArtStation – Professional portfolio platform, inspiration
• DeviantArt – Large community, feedback opportunities
• Reddit communities – r/DigitalPainting, r/ArtCrit, r/LearnArt
• Discord servers – Real-time feedback and community support

Advanced Learning Path

1. Master basic techniques (3-6 months consistent practice)
2. Develop personal style (6-12 months exploration)
3. Specialize in interest areas (character design, environments, etc.)
4. Build professional portfolio (ongoing refinement)
5. Seek professional opportunities (freelance, studio work)

Remember: Digital painting is a skill that develops over time. Focus on consistent practice, strong fundamentals, and gradual improvement rather than immediate perfection. Every professional artist started with basic shapes and simple colors.