What is digital painting?

I think of what I do as digital painting, for the most part. So what is that exactly?

Digital painting is an emerging art form in which traditional painting techniques (such as watercolor, oils, impasto, etc.) are applied by means of a computer, a digitizing tablet and stylus, and software. I work with a Wacom tablet, Corel Painter, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.

Digital painting is a type of digital art but it is not “computer-generated” art, in that it does not involve the computer automatically generating an image from mathematical models created by the artist. In digital painting, the artist uses painting techniques to create the image directly on the computer.

Digital painting is also distinct from digital manipulation of photographs, in that it is an original construction “from scratch”. While photographic elements may be incorporated into digital paintings, they are not the primary basis or source for them. In some of my images, I use no photographic elements at all.

My images are the result of conceptualizing an idea and then implementing that concept as a digital file from one or more original elements that I acquire or create, primarily with a pen tablet, a digital camera or scanner and software tools.

The original artwork is a digital file and is not normallly seen or sold. Limited edition prints are made from the digital file for exhibition and sale.