Drawing on a computer is a useful and fascinating process. Of course, it’s more convenient to do this on a special tablet. However, if it is not there, but you really want to draw, then you can do this with a regular mouse. Read on for how to use your mouse to draw.
In which programs can I draw with the mouse?
Mouse drawing has its own specific features. For example, with its help it is very difficult to draw a perfectly smooth line and draw a contour. Here graphic programs come to the rescue. At the initial stage, it is better to pay attention to editors designed for beginners. We list the most popular editors:
Adobe Photoshop The program was developed more than 20 years ago and has unlimited possibilities, hundreds of tools and thousands of effects. It is better to download and install a paid version of the program, which will open the whole spectrum of its capabilities. You can also find a free product, but with limited functionality. It is a multifunctional thing: suitable for both raster and vector graphics. However, the main potential is laid for working with the raster.
Paint Tool SAI. The program works with raster images and photographs, as well as a vector format. The interface is understandable. There are eight tools for working on the screen. Learning advanced features takes time. Almost all hotkeys are taken from Adobe Photoshop.
Paint This is one of the editors understandable and familiar from childhood. It is standardized and is already installed on the computer. Of the shortcomings, only limited functionality can be noted.
How to learn to draw with the mouse: tips
In order to master the process of drawing with a mouse, first of all, you need to have a lot of sterling, as well as a reserve of patience and zeal. The main recommendations should be carefully studied:
- To create a picture, it is better to choose the brush tool. It is with its help that it is easier to achieve a goal than, for example, with a pencil that draws only hard lines. You can adjust its rigidity, degree of pressure, as well as transparency.
- Instead of drawing one whole line, it’s better to use more individual strokes and lines.
- There are already many ready-made elements in the editor. These are various figures and lines that can be transformed as you wish. For example, you can specify the color, thickness.
- You should master the set of hot keys that allow you to quickly switch between tools.
- The eraser should be used with a low level of opacity, which will reduce the sharpness of the lines.
- When working, it is very advantageous to use layers, since when painting, you can go beyond the edges of the layer, and if desired, completely remove them.
- To smoothly paint over a certain area, you must first select it. This will allow you not to go beyond the boundaries and make the image more accurate.
ATTENTION! It is worth working on an enlarged scale to make the lines look more error-free and flexible. Periodically, the scale should be reduced to evaluate the results.
Where to begin?
For starters, it's best to choose simple drawings to bring some drawing processes to automaticity. These can be pictures based on ordinary geometric shapes: circles, triangles, ellipses and others. A vivid example is a snowman or a Christmas tree. Having made the location of the main contours, you can begin the process of filling. This can be done with a special “fill” tool or with a brush. Next, the shadows and more detailed nuances are worked out.
REFERENCE! Before you start drawing on a computer, it is recommended that you make a preliminary drawing on paper. Therefore, the experience of conventional drawing will certainly come in handy.
In case of difficulty, you can draw the composition on paper, then take a picture of it or scan it and load it into the editor. It’s even easier to take a printout of the finished picture or outline and scan it. According to the finished template, it is much easier to trace lines, change their thickness, color. You can also upload a picture to the program and draw, constantly seeing it before your eyes. Often there are situations when a person masters the process so well with the mouse that you don’t even want to switch to a tablet.
How to prepare for drawing with the mouse
Computer graphics has a number of undeniable advantages compared to drawing on a piece of paper. A large set of tools is involved here, and you do not have to buy a variety of brushes and paints. In addition, it becomes possible to quickly fix defects and inaccuracies in just a couple of clicks.
Digital drawing does not deteriorate under the influence of external factors such as rain, moisture, direct sunlight and much more. To facilitate the process of drawing on a computer, you should carefully prepare for it. Buy convenient fixtures in advance:
Mat. Most manufacturers have a series of rugs specifically designed for graphic designers. They use special material that is not subject to rapid abrasion and looks like new for a long time. Also calculated the slip coefficient.
Mouse. It should be large and comfortable in the hand. Nothing should strain or constrain movements, since the drawing process can be very long. The reaction rate from each movement made should be lightning fast. The mouse must have a precise cursor position when pressed. A quality product can be expensive, but the result of the process is worth it.
IMPORTANT! Download and install a graphical editor in advance so that you no longer get distracted from the main process. Some are distributed free of charge, but with limited functionality, while others cost a lot of money. There are also programs already installed on the computer.
Computer graphics are very popular. Thanks to an ordinary computer mouse, you can begin to master the drawing process and, possibly, go on a more professional level in the future. We hope that this article will be useful and will help in the development of new skills.
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