Digital painting Vs. Traditional Mediums...Why Choose?

Ah the age old question, at least digital age old anyway....For me this question is one you hear a lot. My answer is simple. There are upsides and downsides to both, and the favoring of one or the other depends on what your goals are with you painting. For me I paint both ways. some things I simply paint better on a canvas with brushes than with a Wacom tablet and a Pc. Some subjects I treat in the digital realm for much the same reason. Digital painting is just a style and a means to an end as is any other style of painting. The same rules and principles apply no matter your medium. Is digital easier? Not really nor is it faster(if you're doing it right). Sure if you do sketchy work which many digital artists tend to do, it is, but I find that because I can zoom in and rework an area, sometimes I paint it many times over which costs me time. I largely don't think about time when I paint but traditional painting forces you to plan and be decisive and therefor efficient. This is a great reason why you should paint with a brush and canvas at least some of the time. Digital painting cannot do everything a brush to canvas method can and vice-versa. One is neither superior to the other, they really are just different ways of working with similar principles. Sometimes when I paint digitally I force myself not to erase or use undo, which actually gives the digital piece a more energetic and painterly feel when finished. I really think that the digital tools can end up being a crutch, never forcing us to be better painters. When working digitally try to think like a painter and paint as you would on a canvas. This helps you become better just as you would if you were painting on a board or canvas, and progress as an artist is important, if you ever want to get to a masters level. Digital can save you some time, but at what cost? Taking the long road with your painting has so many benefits. Throw that clock out the window and enjoy your painting. Don't try to rush through or be consumed by the need to 'get fast'. There is no reason to paint fast. Instead focus on simply painting well. Get into the nuances of your paintings and really jump in there and love the creation. Don't let it blur by or you'll end up not getting anything out of it. Hope this perspective is helpful to anyone who might be asking these questions or who wants to try out different ways to paint. Try them all, life is too short not to. Best Wishes. D