Ctrl+Paint vs Drawspace

Ctrl+Paint is a web-based learning resource for digital painting basics, taught through short videos. Its free library contains hundreds of videos described as five minutes long, arranged from introductory topics toward more advanced ones. Lessons cover drawing, composition, reference, Photoshop tools, painting techniques, color, masking, and vector tools. The library page says new free videos are released every Tuesday and Thursday. For practice, the Concept Art Playbook offers visual problem-solving challenges modeled on game-industry work, which learners can follow at their own pace. The free library has no ads or subscription fees. Individual premium series cost $10.00 per once and cover beginner-to-intermediate topics. The Digital Painting Starter Kit costs $55.00 per once and includes six video series, 362 minutes of video, worksheets, line art, and PSD files. Premium purchases are followed by an automated email with download instructions and a link. A stylus is needed because pressure sensitivity is essential to the taught techniques; Wacom tablets are recommended. The creator says the site does not offer personal tutoring or portfolio reviews.

Drawspace provides online drawing lessons and printable curriculum for learners of all ages and skill levels. Its library contains more than 500 lessons organized by topic, with downloadable and printable materials rated for reading ease and grade level. Learners can browse lessons independently or take structured Drawspace Courses with weekly assignments. The site says its lessons are used in thousands of classrooms and formatted for classroom environments. Lessons are authored by artists and educators. About 15% of the site's content is free: Free access includes over 50 lessons, followed by three additional free lessons each month after registration. The Member plan costs $9.50 a month and provides 15 lessons immediately, then 10 more each month, with unused credits saved. A one-time 20.00 USD Lesson Credits purchase covers 10 lessons. Unlimited Member costs $149 a year and offers access to all lessons and books in digital and printable formats. Drawspace is a web service launched in 2001.