Because the file has just been created, there is only one layer: the solid white “Background.” Click the icon at the bottom of the Layers palette that looks like a square with a folded corner to create Layer 1. On the right side of the Photoshop window, below the Color palette, is the Layers palette. After you’ve made your selections, click OK, and a blank canvas will appear. I set my image size to 8 x 8 inches and the resolution at 300 pixels/inch or “dpi.” A resolution of at least 300 will ensure that we can print a nice clear copy of our sketch when we’re done. Open a new file in Photoshop, choosing the options that are right for you. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to Photoshop sketching awesomeness just using the Brush Tool and the Layers palette.

The advantages? Digital sketching allows you to create your desired image and experiment with an endless variety of brushes, colors and styles, and do so easily, naturally, and without consuming valuable materials. But the modern generation of artists use a Wacom pen and tablet, like a Wacom Intuos, and software like Adobe Photoshop, instead of the traditional pencil and paper. “Sketch” and “paper” go together like peanut butter and jelly, coffee and cream, or Sonny and Cher (OK, bad example). The basic ideas will still be the same, however! We post new tips and tricks all the time - click here to explore all the great recent content on the Wacom Community Blog.

Note: This blog post was originally written in 2014 - some of the Adobe Photoshop functionality, including keyboard shortcuts and the placement of certain menus, may be slightly different in modern versions of the software.

Pencil sketch brush photoshop