Tag Archives: Bristly Dabs

Pressure Sensitivity with Cool Spring for Painter 12

Posted by Skip Allen on

Hello Everyone,

I have heard from some folks that they cannot get the same sort of marks with Cool Spring and Bristly Dab variants that I can get.  I think I know why.  Pressure sensitivity is the key.  A Wacom Intuos 4, fabulous machine, is able to use 2048 levels of pressure.  That’s a wow in anyone’s book.  But, are we using all 2048 levels; I’m not sure, but I surely want to try.  And if I want to get any kind of decent marks with these variants, I must apply paint very sensitively.

“Ha, you sensitive? Never going to happen!”

“Awe, Kevin, you promised you wouldn’t bother me any more while I am making posts.”

“And you promised to feed me better, but all I get is bugs!  I know you like a bug free machine, but making me eat them is plain mean,” he whimpered in his best hurt voice.

“I thought you liked bugs.  Aren’t they nutritious and tasty?”

“I would like to remind you that good viruses eat memory, not bugs.  Making a good virus eat bugs is comparable to your dog eating the neighbor cat’s pooh!”

“Alright, that is enough…get in the closet…NOW!”

Sorry about that, now where was I?  Oh yes, pressure sensitivity is the key to making good marks with Cool Spring.  I did a quick video while making the following sky.

Sky created in Painter 12 using Cool Spring variants. See Video

I hope the video shows pressure sensitivity when using Cool Spring as well as Bristly Dabs is crucial.  It is very important to play with your brush tracking settings.  But, more importantly, practice making strokes.  Practice, Practice, Practice is key.

Please feel free to comment, ask questions, or console Kevin.

Enjoy,

skip

Tim Shelbourne Demonstrates Bristly Dabs

Posted by Skip Allen on

Hello Everyone,

I have a special treat for all of you.  I hope those who have visited will come back for this new video from Tim Shelbourne, the creative genius behind  The Artist Quarter.  I am a big fan of Tim, the way he paints, and most of all his method of teaching.  He approaches everything from a traditional artist standpoint, even though he has painted digitally for many years.  I am a subscriber of The Artist Quarter and highly recommend it for everyone.  Tim is at home with Photoshop as well as with Painter 12.  He has a very unique way of cloning in Photoshop CS5 that I have not seen anywhere.

Check out his impasto sketch that he did with the Bristly Dabs in Painter 12.  And then for a real treat, watch the video and see him talk about how he is using them.  He is a bit gushy about the brushes; I turned red, but I can’t tell you how pleased I am that someone with his painting skills likes the new variants.  And, he is going to show you some nice tricks with Painter 12.  Tim, my friend, thank you so much for sending this video.

Before I go to the image and video, I wanted to mention something that Tim is doing that is very unique.  He is having online ateliers, French for workshop.  I have attended several and they are fantastic.  It is like having a workshop in person, but you don’t leave your house.  The workshop last for several days or weeks.  We have video materials, PDFs, and even special brushes to download.  On the first day we meet via Go To Meeting and Tim gives a live demonstration and takes questions.  Tim records the live demonstrations and makes them available for the attendees.  Then we meet several more times for live demonstrations and a chance to show our work to other participants and get live critiques.  I love these workshops.  Visit The Artist Quarter, you will be glad that you did.

Here is the quick impasto sketch that Tim demonstrates in the video:

Tim's Impasto Sketch done in Painter 12

Tim is all about teaching how to paint.  You will see in his video:

Tim, I want to thank you again for doing this video.  I think many folks will paint with these new variants thanks to your inspiration.

I hope y’all enjoyed this special treat, if you did let us know.

Skip

Bristly Dabs for Painter 12 and Backward Compatible to Painter IX.

Posted by Skip Allen on

Hello Everyone,

I have just made a download page for my newest brush set, called Bristly Dabs.  Thanks to David Gell, Master of all things Painter, the sets are backward compatible to Painter IX. Thank you David!!!

Download one or both sets.  One called PIX_Bristly_Dabs.zip does not use rotation expression.  The other called PIX_Bristly_Dabs_Rtn.zip uses rotation expression in three variants.  If you have an art pen for any version of a Wacom tablet, download the file with Rtn in the name.  I think you will enjoy using barrel rotation with these brushes.  The brushes contain impasto and non-impasto brushes.

There are some very specific caveats when using these brushes especially in Painter 12.  I prepared 3 videos illustrating how to use the brushes.  The first one describes the techniques used with Bristly Dabs.  The other two give more details about using the variants and information about impasto in general.  It is imperative that you watch the videos.  All three are helpful, but the last two are the most helpful.  If you do not watch any videos, do at least read the points listed on the download page.

Here is the sample painting done with Bristly Dabs in Painter 12:

Vase and Windwo

Using Bristly Dabs in Painter 12

The next video takes you through the process of the painting.

These two videos are specifically about the brushes.  Part 1 talks about the Well Panel with Resaturation, Bleed, Dry Out and Brush Loading

Part 2 illustrates the Impasto Panel. 

I hope you enjoy the videos and the brushes. 

Don’t forget, I have these classes starting October 22 at the Digital Art Academy.  Click the class name for more information.

Basics of Watercolor in Painter 12

Basics of Brush Making in Painter 12

Painter 12, a New Beginning  (this is for experienced painter users who are upgrading to Painter 12)

You may want to take Elaina Moore-Kelly’s class, Introduction to Painter 12 – Part 1, designed for someone just starting out with Painter 12.  It is a fabulous course. Also, Elaina teaches Creative Collage: Scrap Techniques With Painter, which uses Painter 11.

Do visit the Digital Art Academy and look at the other classes available.

I guess that is it for this post.  I can go let Kevin out of the bathroom.

“I’m behind you.”

“Gasp! Kevin you scared me half to death!”

“Yeah, well you tried to lock me in the bathroom.  I chewed my way out.”

“What, you did what?” I dashed to the bathroom. 

OMGosh, it is awful, there is a man-sized hole in the door.  Shutting the door offers no privacy now.  I hear a cackling laugh coming from the computer room.  I got to run.  I think I am going to need a new bathroom door. 

Y’all let me know how you like the brushes,

skip