Instructify

June 6, 2008

You want me to draw a picture for you? Well, I’ve got the programs to do it. Who doesn’t want more self-expression? Who has longed for something more interesting than MS Paint? Here, dear readers, are alternatives!

art.com artPad will let you paint with two tools, a brush (which you can change the size on) and in an homage to Jackson Pollack, a paint can that you can use to splatter paint from.
Flash PAINT will give you a grid to work on (nice for linear work), and you can change the paint/pencil depth create a realistic pencil or watercolor effect.
offtype.net has the easiest interface, and starts you immediately on a canvas. This one is great for young ‘uns, or folks with limited computer skills. Oh, you can also embed (put a copy) of the drawing canvas in your blog or Webpage.
Cubescape will give you a three dimensional option, PLUS you get to blow up (as in explode, not expand) your work, or replay its construction.
viscosity - it’s difficult to describe what you are creating here. Imagine a multi layer pudding in a clear bowl, and swirling a spoon through it moving the layers and colors. That’s sort of what you end up with. Anyway check out the example above. It’s really easy to use, and the results are interesting.

art.com artPad
Flash PAINT
offtype.net
Cubescape
viscosity

I’d like to credit Larry Ferlazzo for tipping me off to most of these. -ALICE MERCER