How to Draw With Microsoft Paint

Draw your own computer graphics with Paint.

As people do more and more things on the Internet, such as ordering groceries, having family meetings and tending to farms, artists can hone their skills and create new works digitally as well. Graphics packages range from simple to intricate and are available either as part of the initial computer bundle or as additional purchases. For a free way to draw and sketch, use the Microsoft Paint program, found in the "Accessories" bundle available from the "Start" button on the computer.

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Paint

Instructions

1. Open Microsoft Paint, then select "File" (the top left menu item) and click "New." If the resulting space is too small, select "View," "Zoom" and then "Large Size."

2. Click the "Pencil" tool in the "Tools" palette on the left side of the screen. Then select a color from the bottom of the screen (click in a colored box to draw with that color). For example, click a brown box.

3. Click once on your cursor to enable it, then drag your mouse on the screen to draw. Draw a vertical rectangle, for example, for the base of a tree.

4. Select another color from the color box, such as green, then move your cursor around to draw tree branches.

5. Save yourself time from filling in all the color by clicking the "Fill" icon, which looks like a tipping paint bucket in the "Tools" palette. Click the "Fill" icon, then click an area in your picture to fill entirely with color.

6. Click the "Paintbrush" icon to apply large strokes of color. Select a paintbrush head from the palette that opens below it. Remember to choose a new color from the color box if you desire.

7. Add a touch of street imagery to your picture by clicking the "Spray Can" icon (looks like an angled spray paint can). Change your color, then hold down your mouse and move it across your picture. Three different spray styles (from light to dark) are available under the "Tools" palette.

8. Touch up your image by erasing dots or specks with the "Eraser" tool in the "Tools" palette. Click on the "Eraser" icon, select an eraser size from below the palette, then click once and drag across your picture.

9. Save your drawing with a new name (never save on top of the old one) by clicking the "File" menu, selecting "Save As" and giving the drawing a different name.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't worry if you don't like what you've just drawn. Click the "Edit" menu on the top tool bar, then select "Undo." This removes your last action. You can continue to click "Undo" to go back multiple steps.

References

• Microsoft: Microsoft Paint Overvoew