Traditional Roots, Digital Branches: My Experience with Procreate
In the realm of art, I've always found my solace in the traditional mediums, particularly watercolor. The tactile experience of brush on canvas holds a unique charm that I believed was exclusive to traditional painting. However, a foray into the world of digital art via Skillshare and Procreate opened up new avenues of exploration and expression, all while reaffirming my love for my traditional roots. This is the story of that journey.
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Navigating Uncharted Territory: My First Steps
As a dedicated watercolorist and traditional artist, I have always nurtured a certain fondness for the tangible feel of the brush against the canvas. The world of digital art seemed like a foreign territory, one that I had been content to observe from a distance. However, that changed when I dipped my toes into the vast ocean of knowledge that is Skillshare.
A Surprising Intrigue: Discovering Procreate
I initially joined Skillshare during the pandemic, hoping to hone my social media skills and familiarize myself with emerging technologies. For a traditional artist, the digital landscape was like venturing into uncharted territory, a bit overwhelming but exciting nonetheless. In my exploration of the learning platform, I found myself magnetically drawn to a series of tutorials on Procreate.
The Hurdle of Transition: Challenges in Digital Art
Unexpectedly intrigued, I decided to download the program onto my iPad Pro, a device previously relegated to late-night Netflix binges, and I equipped myself with an Apple Pencil. The initial phase was fraught with challenges. The digital output felt too polished, too mechanical. It lacked the organic texture and tactile sensation that I cherished in my physical watercolor works. But, armed with a stubborn will, I decided to push forward.
A Touch of Tradition: Crafting My Own Brushes
I embarked on a new quest - creating my own watercolor brushes from scans of my actual watercolor strokes. This task was equally exasperating. Yet, the artist in me refused to surrender. After countless trials, errors, and a significant dose of patience, I finally succeeded in crafting some genuinely enjoyable handmade brushes. These tools added a unique touch to my digital work, making it feel less like pixels on a screen and more like strokes on a canvas.
Bridging the Gap: The Merger of Traditional and Digital
While my soul will always be tethered to traditional art, I've unearthed a newfound appreciation for the ease and versatility of the digital medium. My iPad, once a tool for entertainment, has morphed into an instrument for creation, perfect for those moments when I don't want to get my hands dirty with watercolors or acrylics. It's also an ideal companion for long flights.
Sharing the Adventure: The Power of Persistence
Yes, I might be a late entrant into the digital realm, but I've always found comfort in moving at my own pace. I'm eager to share one of my early pieces with you today, and I look forward to sharing more in the future.
To anyone unfamiliar with Skillshare, I cannot recommend it highly enough. It is a rich repository of knowledge, filled with real people sharing their authentic experiences. https://share.skillshare.com/artist9
Some of my early Digital Works
