I was asked if the Santa image from my previous
post was painted digitally or conventionally, (music
to my ears). I painted it digitally — But that it doesn’t have an obvious
digital look is a compliment I’ll gladly take. Years ago I wrestled with the idea
of using the computer as a medium for painting. Back then the time I spent on
each of my paintings grew to the point that this wonderful career of mine was
starting to feel more like a job and less like an artistic endeavor. I needed to find a
way to keep my enthusiasm and spontaneity up and number of hours spent on each
piece down.
The computer seemed to be just the ticket.
Since going digital my painting skills have improved dramatically.
I tend to take more chances and explore more options because of the flexibility
painting digitally affords, which translates back into my conventional painting.
Bottom line? It doesn’t matter how you get there — as long
as you get there. And the fact that I can paint digitally, have my images look
as if they were created conventionally, and get a little more sleep — is all just icing on the cake.
