Professional Digital Art Course for Beginners

How to Start Learning Digital Art?

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teens digital drawing and painting course with manga subject Visual Arts Centre

students are exploring digital art device and software with subjects like manga character under teacher’s guidance

Scroll Below for More Information & Explore 3 Steps on How To Start Learning Digital Art!

Getting started with digital art is simpler than you think!

Step 1: Choose The Right Digital Tools & Software

Here’s a breakdown of the digital tools and software you’ll need:

1. Devices and Software

To begin, all you need is a device and software—no need for expensive gadgets!

Computer/Laptop

If you have a computer or laptop, you’re ready to go! Pair it with a USB digital tablet and free apps like MediBang, Krita, or IbisPaint to start creating.

Digital Tablets

If your budget allows, investing in a digital tablet and stylus is a great option. Popular apps like Procreate (iPad-only), MediBang, Krita, and IbisPaint work well on most tablets, including iPads and Samsung devices.

Mobile Phones

Even your mobile phone can be a fantastic starting point for digital art. Many artists create stunning artwork on their phones using apps like IbisPaint due to its accessibility and affordability.

digital drawing and painting course in singapore visual arts centre

Step 2. Digital Art Software Applications

Digital tools have made art more accessible than ever. Whether you prefer free or paid options, there’s something for every budget:

Paid Applications

  • Adobe Photoshop: Industry-standard but costly unless you have free access as a student.
  • Procreate: iPad-exclusive with a one-time purchase fee.
  • Clip Studio Paint: Popular among professionals but may not be necessary for beginners.

Free Applications

  • IbisPaint: Perfect for beginners and mobile users.
  • MediBang: A versatile option for both tablets and computers.
  • Krita: Ideal for desktops and tablets with advanced features for free.

Start Small and Explore

You don’t need the best devices or software to begin your digital art journey. Start with what you have, experiment with free tools, and upgrade as your skills grow. Remember, creativity matters more than tools!

In short, to choose the right tools, take note of the hardware & software:

Hardware: Start with a drawing tablet or iPad. Some great options include Wacom, Huion, iPads with Apple Pencil, or Galaxy Tab A with S Pen.
Software: Use beginner-friendly programs like Procreate, Krita, or MediBang.

Tip: You don’t need expensive tools to begin your digital art journey—just pick what suits your budget!

How to Learn Digital Art Effectively

digital drawing and painting course in singapore visual arts centre

Step 3. Digital Art Drawing & Painting Technique Applications on Basics & Advanced Levels

Learning digital art takes time and consistent practice—just like any other art form. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you get started:

Start with the Basics

  • Drawing Fundamentals: Practice simple shapes, proportions, perspective, and composition.
  • Color Theory: Learn to mix colors, create contrasts, and add lighting and shadows.
  • Layering: Understand how layers work to separate and organize your artwork.

Move to Advanced Techniques

  • Learn digital painting techniques, including blending and texturing.
  • Explore advanced tools like clipping masks, custom brushes, and special effects to polish your work.


With the right tools and dedication to practice, you’ll improve your skills and create stunning digital art in no time!

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Professional Digital Art Course by Visual Arts Centre

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Our professional digital art course is designed for beginners to learn and acquire a strong foundation in digital art. The art course introduces learners to a broad range of topics from essential digital art techniques and tools, to drafting and workflow processes, so that learners may utilise digital art skills confidently in creating and completing finished art projects. 

Course Outline:

Part 1: Basic Tools and Techniques

  • Be introduced to digital art tools using Procreate or other software (students may use an iPad or a Wacom tablet) 
  • Understand the interface, shortcuts, and basic features, and be able to utilise them 
  • Practice simple line exercises and layering techniques.
  • Understanding the various applications of digital art, and personal goals for learning, through which, the independent art projects will be tailored according to learning goals and interests. 

Part 2: Light, Composition, and Texture

  • Master light sources, shading, and texture rendering.
  • Explore perspective drawing and learn light and composition principles for visually striking art.
  • Learn to work on digital art projects and practise applying tools and techniques to complete independent artworks such as illustrations of objects, still life painting, landscape painting and others.

Part 3: Creativity and Independent Digital Art Projects 

  • From the third lesson, gain a foundation in digital art to be able to work on independent basic digital art projects according to learning goals and interests. [ For example, those with an interest in character design could work on projects to create their own character design digital artwork, and those with specific interest in illustration could work on digital art illustrations. ]
  • Continue to learn and improve on digital art skills while working on independent art projects.
  • Improve digital drawing and painting techniques, learn to appreciate digital artworks and think about the practical creative process.
  • Learn to refine and polish your work, be achieving a foundation in digital art and be able to complete a minimum of four independent art projects during the course. Be on your next step to building a digital art portfolio to express your creative vision!
Click here to find out more about our 12 sessions digital drawing course!
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What You’ll Learn in 12 Sessions Professional Digital Art Course:

  • Introduction to digital art tools and applications.
  • Foundations of digital art, including line drawing and freehand sketching, with practise in pencil and apple pencil for warm up in each class.
  • Techniques for coloring, blending, texturing with layers.
  • Learn effective work flow processes in creating digital art
  • Learn digital drawing and painting techniques and skills
  • Create and refine digital artworks, work towards improving digital art confidence and skills, and building more complexity into digital artworks.

Join us and embark on this exciting digital art journey!

Lesson Schedule:

Monday 5pm-7:15pm / 7:30pm-9:45pm
Thursday 3:30pm-5:45pm
Saturday 6:30pm-8:45pm

Course Fees: 12 Sessions $1,188nett (*digital art device is not provided)

Venue: Visual Arts Centre Dhoby Ghaut Art Studio (within Dhoby Ghaut Green Park, above Dhoby Ghaut MRT exit B- left turn 20m)

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Contact Us

Call, WhatsApp or Email us to find out more!

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  • Dhoby Ghaut Art Studio

    10 Penang Road,
    #01-02 Dhoby Ghaut Green,
    Singapore 238469

  • MacPherson Art Studio

    140 Paya Lebar Road,
    #03-04 AZ@Paya Lebar Building,
    Singapore 409015

  • Opening Hours

    Dhoby Ghaut Art Studio
    Monday to Sunday: 11am – 8pm Closed on Public Holidays, except by appointment.

    MacPherson [Office & Storage]
    By appointment only

VISUAL ARTS CENTRE

Visual Arts Centre is an exhibition gallery and art studio at Dhoby Ghaut Green supported by the National Parks Board and the National Arts Council.

Since its initiation on 31 January 2016, the Visual Arts Centre Exhibition Gallery has hosted over two hundred international and local art and design exhibitions, boasting a diverse range of art styles and programmes.

Email:
info@visualartscentre.sg

Phone:
+65 6255 0711
+65 6733 2155

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Foundation In Digital Art

Embark on a captivating journey into the vibrant world of digital art! Our Foundation in Digital Art workshop invites budding creatives aged nine and above to unleash their imagination and hone their artistic skills in a dynamic, supportive environment. From mastering basic digital tools to crafting mesmerizing digital masterpieces, children will explore a spectrum of techniques guided by seasoned mentors. Through hands-on activities and interactive sessions, participants will discover the endless possibilities of digital expression while fostering creativity and critical thinking. Join us for an exhilarating adventure where young artists transform ideas into stunning visual realities, igniting a passion for digital art

Colour & Texture Exploration With Acrylic Painting & Collage

Prepare to unleash your inner artist in a kaleidoscope of color and creativity with ‘Colour Blast: Acrylic Painting & Collage Techniques’! Dive into a whirlwind adventure where vibrant hues and mesmerizing textures collide in a symphony of imagination. From mastering the art of seamless color blending to discovering the magic of mixed media collage, this journey is a playground for your artistic soul. With each brushstroke, explore new techniques that breathe life into your canvas, transforming it into a vibrant tapestry of expression. Join us and let your creativity run wild as you embark on this colorful escapade!”

World of Manga [Foundation & Styling]

A manga art workshop for children and teenagers sounds like a fantastic idea! Here’s how you might structure it:
Introduction to Manga: Begin by introducing what manga is, its history, and its influence on popular culture worldwide. Show examples of different manga styles and genres to give participants an overview.
Basic Drawing Techniques: Start with the fundamentals of drawing, such as line work, shapes, and proportions. Provide step-by-step instructions on how to draw basic manga characters, focusing on simple shapes that can be built upon.
Character Design: Move on to character design concepts, including creating unique characters, designing their personalities, and developing backstories. Encourage participants to get creative and think outside the box.
Expression and Emotion: Teach how to convey emotions and expressions through facial expressions, body language, and positioning of characters. This can be a fun and interactive exercise where participants practice drawing various emotions.
Storytelling and Paneling: Explore the basics of storytelling in manga, including paneling techniques, pacing, and layout. Show examples of different panel structures and discuss how they affect the flow of the story.
Inking and Coloring: Introduce participants to inking techniques using pens or markers. You can also cover digital inking for those interested. Then, demonstrate basic coloring techniques using markers, colored pencils, or digital software.
Feedback and Collaboration: Provide opportunities for participants to share their work and receive feedback from their peers and instructors. Encourage collaboration by having them work together on short manga projects or collaborative drawings.
Final Showcase: End the workshop with a showcase of participants’ work. This could be in the form of an exhibition, digital gallery, or printed booklet. Celebrate everyone’s creativity and progress throughout the workshop.
Remember to create a supportive and encouraging environment where participants feel free to express themselves and explore their creativity. And don’t forget to have fun! Manga is all about imagination and passion, so let that spirit shine through in your workshop.

Academy Drawing Traditions

The academy drawing and sketching tradition, rooted in centuries of artistic practice, emphasizes disciplined study of form, proportion, and technique. Originating from Renaissance workshops and formalized by institutions like the Royal Academy, it prioritizes meticulous observation and mastery of fundamental skills. Students progress from basic exercises to complex compositions, learning to depict still life and common objects with precision and expression. This tradition values both classical principles and innovation, encouraging artists to push boundaries while maintaining a deep respect for tradition. Through rigorous training and critique, artists within this tradition cultivate a strong foundation for creative exploration and artistic excellence.

Chinese Ink Painting and Calligraphy

This course on Chinese ink painting and calligraphy introduces young learners to the rich traditions of Chinese art. Through hands-on activities, students explore the basics of brush techniques, ink control, and the delicate art of Chinese script. They learn to appreciate the cultural significance of calligraphy and painting, developing skills in creating elegant strokes and expressive brushwork. The course fosters creativity, patience, and fine motor skills, while also providing insights into Chinese history and aesthetics. By the end, children gain confidence in their artistic abilities and a deeper understanding of Chinese cultural heritage.

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Funk With Graffiti Workshop for children is an engaging and creative program aimed at introducing young artists to the vibrant world of graffiti and funk-inspired street style art. Participants learn the basics of graffiti history, techniques, and safety. Guided by professional graffiti artists, children explore the art of designing their unique tags, emphasizing creativity, expression, and individuality. The workshop includes hands-on activities, from sketching concepts to creating final designs with spray paint on provided surfaces. By the end of the session, children gain confidence in their artistic abilities and an appreciation for graffiti and funk as legitimate forms of street art. Each child completes two original artworks, which they proudly take home, showcasing their newfound skills and personal style.

Batik Tales

In the Batik Introduction Handkerchief Painting workshop, participants will learn the traditional art of batik, a wax-resist dyeing technique originating from Indonesia. The workshop begins with a brief history and overview of batik, highlighting its cultural significance and various techniques. Participants will then observe a demonstration of applying wax with tjanting tools and dyeing the fabric. Following the demonstration, each participant will design and create their own batik handkerchief, applying wax to create patterns and then dyeing their fabric. The workshop concludes with a group discussion, allowing participants to share their creations and reflect on their learning experience.