Apps for Artists Course, Week One

4/6/2013

The "Blank Canvas" Specialists

Starting from a blank canvas, these Apps enable the artist to draw or paint directly in various media. They usually do only one thing, but do it very well. They also tend to be a lot of entertaining fun. There are some traditional media simulators that do a remarkable job, and a number of not-so-traditional approaches that only a computer could produce. Here are some of my favorites.

Art Specialists - iPhone

ART SPECIALISTS

Here are the Art Specialists that I use. Some are iPad only, some are for both iPad and iPhone. Many of these apps are free, or come in a free version to try out. I get the paid version whenever possible, though, for several reasons.
- They may have more tools, or better controls, or be able to work at higher resolutions
- They cost very little anyway. Amazingly little in fact. I don't understand how Apps can be so inexpensive. Some are not worth it even if they are free, but many are amazing tools.
- I don't like the ads cluttering up the limited screen
- I want these software designers to continue to improve their product, and they need material support to do it.

Art Specialists - iPad

Fun Artists paint and Draw Apps - iPad

Fun Art and Paint Apps

These are some Apps that I've collected that are fun or entertaining or meditative. They generally don't have enough control to produce real art with, but might be able to be used for special effects, or are just fun to play with.

Click on the pictures to get the full list

Camera Apps - the Other Way to Get Started

One of the most exciting developments is the ability of digital cameras and their apps to show the effects of various filters and distortions as you take the picture. This is tremendously helpful in framing your compositions, and in getting the right feel for the picture.

Mostly I use my phone camera for photography, it's easier to handle and is more likely to be with me. There are, however, a few that work only with one or the other.

iPhone Camera Apps

More iPhone Camera Apps

iPad Camera Apps

Some Very Useful Graphic Apps

Useful Graphic Apps - iPhone

Useful Graphic Apps - iPad

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About
the Artist

Nancy Freeman is a native of California who lives now in Washington, DC. A lifelong artist, she paints portraits and other commissions for a living, which keeps her traditional skills tuned and supports her decades-old obsession with computer art, and pastel painting.

She is currently using her 15th, 16th, 17th, and 18th computers, but remembers
when Dick Tracy had to make do with a two-way wrist radio.