While art is often a required course in school, many people find themselves doodling during class, during meetings or just for fun. For some people, drawing is a form of artistic expression that is therapeutic.
Other people draw or sketch simply for the love of drawing. Putting pencil to paper and creating an artistic masterpiece can be both challenging and rewarding. But the world of art is evolving. Artists are able to not only paint or draw using traditional methods, artists can create images digitally.
Although painting or drawing programs are often included in a computer’s software package, the programs are usually quite basic. While some of the programs listed below offer in-depth drawing, sketching and animation programs for the seasoned graphic artist, others are geared towards the beginner.
Free Online Drawing and Sketching Programs
- SketchStar – This online program from MiniClip, creates simple animations out of drawings. In order to make an animation, several frames are needed. SketchStar could not be easier. Create the first sketch, add another blank frame and a transparent image of the first drawing appears. Trace on top of the first drawing and click “Play.” Sketch Star is an easy-to-use program that teaches the basic fundamentals of animation.
- ArtPad – ArtPad offers a clean interface that includes a fun splash tool and a variety of frames. The replaying feature allows artists to watch the drawing process by replaying each stroke. Add finished projects to the Museum Gallery or send the image to a friend or loved one. And for even more fun, users are able to edit projects already completed by others. Projects can also be printed.
- FlashPaint – This online application allows users to draw, save and send finished programs to the online gallery. Watch the drawing come to life by clicking on the image in the gallery; users can see the drawing being created. This entertaining website is just plain fun!
- Queeky – Developed by Philipp Hennermann, Queeky is an online site that offers several services to users. QueekyPaint is a Flash application that includes a drawing timeline and replay function. MultiDraw allows users to collaborate with other artists and the ArtPlayer is used to embed animated projects into blogs and websites.
- iSketch – iSketch is actually an online game that is played with other computer players. It is similar to a very popular drawing game people play “in real life.” The premise is simple; each player draws a word and the other players try to guess it before times run out. To begin, first read the rules. Next, enter a themed room and draw or guess. Themes include movies, TV, toys and games, trivia and more. No letters are allowed in the game. Each game is 10 rounds. Shockwave is required in order to play.
Downloadable Drawing and Sketching Programs
- Pencil - Pencil, a bitmap and vector editor, is a drawing and two-dimensional animation program. The program, based on Pencil Planner by Patrick Corrieri, is a traditional animation program. A user’s forum, manual and art gallery are available online. Pencil is available as a free download and is compatible with Windows, Linux and Mac OS X platforms.
- InkScape - Launched in 2003, InkScape is different than other standard vector graphics editors due to its Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) developed by the W3C. Many of the images on the popular website Wikipedia are used with InkScape. The program is compatible with Windows XP, Mac OS X and Linux.
- FotoSketcher - This entertaining program developed by David Thoiron, converts digital images into sketches and paintings. The tool choices include pencil, ink or paint and frames and text can also be added. Be sure to visit the gallery and blog online.
- Dia - This drawing program, based on Visio, is geared for the creation of informal diagrams, flowcharts and various shapes. Dia is compatible with Windows, Unix and Linux operating systems.
Now anyone can take a blank canvas and create an artistic masterpiece with the free drawing and sketching programs listed above. For more artistic fun, visit Free Photo Manipulation and Editing Services and Free Paint Programs for Aspiring Artists.
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway - +JaceShoemaker-Galloway is more than passionate about online safety awareness. She has devoted and dedicated over five years to Internet ...
Join the Conversation