Instructify

We realize Instructify has neglected the art teachers out there (not on purpose, of course). To try to make peace, we’ll point you toward some software whose name implies hate and violence. Presenting ArtRage 2, a free paint simulation program that turns your computer into a canvas, and your meager supplies budget into something almost adequate.

After you select a canvas, you can choose from an array of brushes, pencils, chalk, crayons, or markers. All are adjustable for size, pressure, and for brushes, how much paint you load. Everything works like its real-life counterpart—smear paint over the canvas, and smudge chalk and pencil lines. Brushes run out of paint, and colors blend with each other. You can even see the definition in each brush stroke.

The image above is an example of what someone with actual artistic skills could do with ArtRage 2. Programs like Photoshop have tricked me into thinking I wasn’t a total artistic failure. How realistic is ArtRage 2? Just like real paint, whatever I make looks like crap. Consider the following masterpiece.

If you want to splurge on more features like a roller, or the ability to squeeze paint straight from the tube, you can purchase a full version for about twenty bucks. You also get an airbrush, in case you want to hone your t-shirt painting skills.

Students can use ArtRage 2 at home to practice technique. You might want to try it yourself, since it’s tough to afford those trips to art supply store on a teacher’s salary. Just don’t let your administration catch wind of ArtRage 2, or you can kiss your supplies budget goodbye. –BILL FERRIS

ArtRage 2