**How Do I Do That??**

I get so many emails asking me how I draw my graphics and if I'd give any tutorials, so I'm going to fill you in, but let me tell you, there's not too much to tell :)

I can't give an actual tutorial, just don't have the time and besides, by following tutorials you're following some other persons ideas and ways of drawing things. It would be considered more your own if you draw your own :0) Tutorials are good if you need to learn how to use a certain tool, but to have someone show you how to draw an angel, for example, you are going to draw the angel that they would draw. You need to have your own style, not somebody elses style. Let your imagination run wild and draw what is in your heart and in your mind.

I use Paint Shop Pro Version 5, you can find the newest version here www.jasc.com

I don't do anything fancy with my work, remember primitive isn't fancy. I use my mouse and the paintbrush and I "draw" the images. I don't use the "tools" too much, if you use the circle tool too much for example, your images will look so "perfect" and primitive isn't perfect. So some of my raggedys have a pretty lopsided head, but that is what makes it unique. I also don't use a lot of the patterns that come with PSP, in my opinion it makes the images look to fake.

Don't do the new "vector" thingy either. To be honest with ya, I don't quite understand it, and how many artists out there when painting on an easel or just a plain piece of paper use this vector stuff? Hmm? Good question. Most artists will use a pencil and sketch out their work, or a paintbrush and paint their masterpiece. That too is what I do. I use a piece of paper in PSP and the paintbrush tool and away I go.......

That's it really, no fancy tools or anything. The simpler the better in my opinion. Keep it simple and they'll look so much better ;) And most importantly come up with your own style and don't try to mimic some other artist's style. Let life be your inspiration and carry you away.

My best advice..... just have fun. Use your imagination and let the creativity flow!

Sheryl