Instead of doing watercolor painting traditionally with physical media, some artists are now painting digitally. Digital painting uses a computer, digitizing tablet, stylus, and software. The painting is not generated or rendered by the computer but is created directly on the computer by the artist, using painting techniques. There’s no cleaning up brushes or workspace, and there’s no paint odor.

Digital painting uses a digital palette consisting of millions of colors. Some programs allow mixing of colors, which can then be saved for the next painting session. Digital watercolor painting uses paint that is “wet”; it even runs and drips. Colors merge and sink into the “paper.” Digital watercolor brushes emulate traditional watercolor brushes. Artists can choose brushes from the program choices or even create their own custom brushes. Brush controls also change the size, texture, or stroke of the brush. Any media or canvas size is available for digital art. Pressure sensitive digitizing tablets allow for changes in color or line intensity by the amount of pressure exerted on the stylus. A painting can be partially completed and saved; and because the paint won’t dry too quickly on the paper, the painting can be retrieved later for the artist to correct mistakes or make additions to the art.

Digital artwork is often used for production art. Final paintings can be easily emailed, downloaded, or printed. But this technology is rapidly changing. While digital software is available in both MAC and PC formats, a computer is no longer the only way to do digital painting. Both the iPhone and the iPod Touch can be used as digital painting platforms. While the screen is small and the painting is done with a finger, there are digital painting apps specifically available for these handheld devices, so art can go where the artist goes.