I have posted previously about using a digital painting app to produce a sketch prior starting to paint on paper to help inform how I go about producing a physical work. The app I had been using was an old version of Artrage. However, I have discovered while it is a great application, it does have some limitations. Firstly, I find I have to work at low resolution because the application becomes too slow and laggy at higher resolutions. Similarly, when working at a higher resolution, there is a limit to the size of the brushes. As a result, I decided to look into alternatives to Artrage. A web search of free painting apps highlighted an application called Krita. I have been using it a while now and I’ve been amazed by it and it’s hard to believe it’s available free. To test it to the full, I’ve been using it at 600 dots per inch, which is well above the 300 dpi that is considered necessary for giclee printing, and I’ve found I can use it like this on my laptop without issue. I should add, my laptop isn’t especially powerful, new or expensive.
So, this is my latest work of the Jewel In The Crown restaurant on Victoria Road in Swindon. I did the sketch digitally using Krita and then in physical form. I’m enjoying working like this and I’m pleased I discovered Krita. I should say, that I haven’t been able to simulate water colour painting in the way it’s possible with Artrage but I think it’s compensated in other ways.
