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.
Full Specifications
What's new in version 3.0.2406
General
ReleaseNovember 7, 2008
Date AddedNovember 12, 2003
Version3.0.2406
Operating Systems
Operating SystemsWindows 95, Windows 2000, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows, Windows XP, Windows NT
For artists and art teachers who use grids or the grid method, this program places the Paint-By-Grids pattern on any digital JPEG or BMP file quickly and easily. You can scale the grid, move it around with respect to the original image, and print the image at full size with the grid pattern. The pattern used by this program matches those of any Paint-By-Grids canvas or transfer sheet. It's great for new artists and homeschoolers. The software even tells you how to mix standard acrylic paints to get the color that's under your cursor, and prints out a color guide with mixing instructions.