Digital art is something that’s become a big part of my artistic journey lately, and I wanted to share what it is, why I love it and how it fits into my broader work. Right now, the artworks on my website are mostly digital paintings, as I'm in the middle of a major home refurbishment that includes building a brand new dedicated art studio—something I’m incredibly excited about, and I look forward to adding new original canvas collections once the studio is ready!

So, what exactly is digital art?

 In simple terms, it is art created using digital tools, such as a computer screen, tablet, stylus, and software like Procreate or Photoshop. Just like the creation of a traditional art piece, using brushes and canvas, I start with a blank digital space, layering colours, building textures, and refining details until the piece feels complete. Layers in digital art work much like transparent sheets, allowing me to gradually build up colour, texture, and fine details without affecting other parts of the composition.

As an artist who paints both traditionally and digitally, I can say that this is where the similarities in the creative process end. Whilst the idea, the vision or the emotion I want to convey in an art piece is the same, the creation of traditional art and digital art requires completely different skill sets. When I create traditional art on canvas or board, my process begins with texture, and there is nothing more satisfying than manipulating the texture of a painting with raw materials, pastes, tools and knives, even my hands. The building of colour in layers, mark-making and colour blending are all critical techniques that require skill. In some ways, I am far more relaxed when painting in this medium, because I am comfortable with knowing that I will go wherever the piece takes me.

However, when painting digitally, the tools to create the desired effect require a completely different set of skills and knowledge. The array of brushes and tools available at your fingertips is vast, and the only way to master them is through trial and error. The process itself is completely different as brush strokes, colours texture, depth, and definition are built in layers, one by one. The beauty with digital art is that you can easily change something if you don’t like it, adjust the colours and contrast without ruining a canvas. This doesn’t make digital art easier than traditional art, it just makes it different. And this is why the two should never be compared, any more than you should compare watercolour paintings to sculptures.

Digital art can sometimes be misunderstood. Many people assume that because it's digital, it must be just a copy or somehow less valuable compared to traditional paintings. Some may even question if digital art can be considered original at all. However, digital art is as original as any traditional medium—it's crafted with the same level of creativity, vision, and artistic intent. The originality of a digital artwork lies in the artist’s unique vision, style, and the creative decisions made during the creative process; the colours and marks that are painted by hand using digital brushes, built layer by layer.

Fine art is any art that is appreciated for its artistic expression; for the beauty and emotional gravity it conveys to the person viewing it. Fine art also refers to the quality and longevity of the printing materials and processes used to turn it into a physical piece of art.

So, does digital art retain its value when there are multiple copies of the same painting? A digital art piece is not a reproduction of something that already exists—it is created digitally, and only becomes physical through the printing process, making each version of it an original work of art. Unlike reproduction prints, which merely replicate a finished traditional piece, digital art is inherently original from the very first mark made in the digital space. In fact, some of the most expensive pieces of art sold have been digital paintings, selling for millions of dollars whilst still in their digital format even before any versions have been printed.

Kaleidoscope and Bare Confidence Chronicles are both fine art digital original collections. Each painting began as an idea or emotion, brought to life through digital painting, capturing my personal experiences in much the same way as my traditional works. For example, in my piece 'Reflections of Understanding' from the Kaleidoscope Collection, the vibrant kaleidoscopic colours of the buds in the blossom tree represent shifting emotions, while the tree itself shapes the narrative of personal growth and introspection. Each colour of the tiny blossoms was painted on separate transparent layers, building a sense of depth and a 3D-like quality that is key to the artwork's emotional impact. I create all of my artwork by hand, without the use of AI tools. Every brushstroke, every colour, and every tiny detail is done with care and intention. Check out the time-lapse video below to see the process.

Because digital art is created in a digital format, it can be printed on a variety of high-quality mediums—such as fine art paper, canvas, metal, and more. Unlike reproduction prints of traditional works, each print of a digital original is a direct extension of the creative process, giving collectors the opportunity to experience the artwork in a way that best suits their space, without compromising the integrity of the original vision. Unlike reproduction prints, which are copies of a traditional original, digital art only becomes tangible through the printing process, retaining its authenticity and originality across different formats.

To ensure originality, I provide a Certificate of Authenticity with every digital and traditional work I create. It’s my way of guaranteeing that the artwork you’re purchasing is a genuine, original creation from me, and I want you to feel confident knowing that you own something truly special.

Looking to the future, I’m excited to dive into both new digital series and traditional mixed media, abstract paintings inspired by the natural stone found on my land—an idea that materialised during the renovations for my new studio. I can’t wait until I can see my ideas evolve on canvas and to share these pieces with you, so keep an eye out!

Digital art, like any other medium, is just another way for me to share my creativity with you. It’s about the emotions, the ideas, and the unique perspective that I bring to each piece—whether it’s in the digital realm or traditional. I’m excited about what’s to come, and I look forward to picking up those traditional brushes and paints once my new studio is ready. Thanks for being part of the journey with me.