Paint-By-Grids

Although you can't actually use it to create masterpieces on your PC, this program can prove useful to budding painters. Paint-by-Grids' hand-holding interface walks users through the process of generating a picture to paint by. Open any JPEG or BMP file and choose a canvas size, and the application will apply grid lines to the image and produce a full-size mock-up. Each cell of the picture is used as a guide so artists can create a pencil sketch of the image on an actual, physical canvas. We find the palette function especially useful: just hover the mouse over any part of the image, and Paint-by-Grids lists the colors you'll need to replicate it. A base-color analysis and palette key are printed with each image. This download is fully functional but is limited to five uses, which is a bit puny by our standards. Beginning artists are sure to appreciate this program's tiny learning curve.