Ctrl+Paint vs Sketchar

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.

Sketchar is a drawing app that uses augmented reality to place sketches onto real surfaces, including paper, walls and murals. Its digital canvas includes brushes, layers, automatic stroke smoothing, time-lapse recording and a liquid brush. It also offers more than 1,000 lessons in subjects such as anime, portraits, animals and landscapes. For murals, its VR app projects a sketch onto a surface through Meta Quest or Pico headsets and is described as working in daylight without cables or a projector. Listed headsets are Meta Quest 3, 3S and Pro, and Pico 4 Ultra; Apple Vision Pro is described as coming soon. Images can be uploaded to VR through Google Drive, the web app or mobile apps. Downloaded sketches can be used on site without Wi-Fi. Mobile multiplayer supports shared-canvas drawing on iOS and Android with invite links and unlimited participants per room; Meta Quest multiplayer supports up to 10 headsets on one Wi-Fi network. Plans include a free option and paid options, with a 7-day trial.