I can’t draw. I’ve never been able to. But I can trace and I can color. Not just can I, but I actually LIKE tracing and coloring. Enter my new toy: The Wacom Bamboo Fun Pen Tablet.
I originally got it to help me draw diagrams for my patterns, but I think it’s going to be able to do a lot more. There’s a lot for me to learn, but here’s what I’ve done so far:
Picture 1: Photo taken at our local botanical gardens.
Picture 2: My sketch using the pen tablet in Photoshop. I think this could be done using a mouse, but it’s much easier with a pen. I created a transparent layer over the original and started tracing on the transparent layer. Then, I deleted the layer with the original photo and here’s what I was left with.
Picture 3: Coloring in using the mouse in Photoshop. I used the paintbrush tool and reduced the opacity so the colors wouldn’t color over my black sketched lines.
I can already hear some of you Photoshop and graphic design people out there thinking, “Poor girl, I can’t believe she’s posting this sorry stuff.” :o) But for me this is big! I’m no artist, but maybe with some time I could pass as slightly better than a 7 year old.
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I think that’s pretty darned cool!!
You did such a nice job. I’ve been looking at one of those. It looks like so much fun.
I am COMPLETELY impressed!!! I’ve been eyeing those tablets and wondering what the heck people use them for. Now I know!
This is very cool- I love what you’ve done! Keep up the great work.
oh way cool! Oh that is really too much fun – I gotta get one of those too!
I love this! =) I can tell that you had fun making this, which I think is the most important thing when it comes to art.
I need to get me one of those!
Well, I like it!
That’s really cool. 🙂
Oh wow. I think that’s MY botanic gardens too!
You have such a photographic eye. I probably have walked past that spot 100 times and not stopped to notice. Too busy chasing crazy people. Will you do my portrait next? From the neck up, of course. Oh, and on my good side. And only from a 27* angle from the horizon. And during the wee dawn hours. I look best from that light.
Looks pretty good to me.
Cool idea – love the outcome.
I really like that! There is so much potential for adding that into your work. It looks like so much fun. Love it!
That looks like fantastic fun! As a kindred-spirit “non-drawer” I feel your pain…..I’d love one of those tools too!
Oh, no! This looks so neat! Looking forward to seeing more creations with your new toy. 🙂
i am an Illustrator user, not Photoshop, but i think what you did is awesome! I want a wacom and I want one NOW. My birthday is in July, in case anyone wanted to know.
Hey, I think that’s AWESOME! Wow. I have always thought those tablets would be fun.
Very nice, Linda. Your Photoshop skills far exceed mine 🙂
Wow! I’ve been researching the Wacom tablet myself, and it’s nice to see someone crafty who’s got one. I like using the computer to draw, and the mouse just does not cut it. I think I’ll get one when I get a surplus of money… so that means maybe Christmas!
I think that looks great. Just think of the cute cards you can make!
Very nice pictures and I love the Bamboo
Well I’m impressed! I can’t draw either. I did a sketch of a crow today for a cushion I’m planning and hubby (bless his dear little heart-I have a deep freezer planned for him one of these days LOL) asked if it was a landscape of hills. I honestly didn’t believe I was THAT bad, but he couldn’t even see the crow when I told him! I think I may actually NEED one of your gismos. 🙂
Ya know, I have one of those tablets and never really learned all there was to do with it. Thanks again for a great idea!!
As a Photoshop novice…I’m VERY impressed!
This discovery is big for me too. Makes me wonder why I’m bothering to learn to draw properly and suffering the taunts of my friends at my ineptitude with a pencil and paper. All hail Photoshop!
go on witcha’ bad self!
Great Job!! I went to the site. Those tablets are pretty neat!! maybe I can convince hubby to get one!
Thanks for the idea! I got the Bamboo about a month ago, and I downloaded some free drawing programs from apple, but I never thought of using it with photoshop. Your drawing is lovely.
That is a really cool tool. I don’t think you should put yourself down!!! It looks great to me!
I am so glad I read this. I have a Wacom Tablet with my 4D Embroidery program. Like you I can’t draw, but I am a darn good tracer. This is such an even better idea using Photoshop to add color. I think you did a great job! Thanks for sharing this.
Great post!
I check in each day and always learn something new.
Thanks
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I got a Bamboo Fun for Christmas, and I never thought of doing this! It’s a cool method, thanks for posting it!
I love your drawing! I have never even heard of the tool, but will definately look into it!
My husband and daughter bought one of those (or some similar Wacom product). As far as I know, they’ve never used it. I’ll have to show them your post to inspire them!
You did an amazing job! I am really interested in the Bamboo Fun Tablet and your post has helped me a lot. Blessings!