A bunch of people ive talked to tell me that using an art program for coloring is hard, so hard that they cant be bothered with it. Well as for me i always thought it was rather easy when it came down to it, its all about knowing what tools to use. Of course, if you use a digital art program the list of tools, effects and so on can be absolutely confusing, but frankly not even after years of using the Gimp, the art program i am something of a specialist in, have i found it necessary to use anything but a handful of tools and effects that it has on a day to day basis. I've tried to explain exactly how i go about it to people but i either bore them or confuse them, sometimes both. So i figured i should get off my feathery tail and do an art tutorial so i can bore and confuse you all!
I purposely used a simple sketch, no corrections of any type besides the errant line here and there. No filling in any soft lines or tiding up at all. I just threw color on it, and then shaded it, my way. I tried to keep it simple as i could get it, no additional tricks or tips to confuse anything, just go straight for a three step method from start to finish that i thought anybody could try and covered the beginnings of the technique. I think i managed it quite well. Sure it needs some outlining and such, but the mare at the end certainly came out nice even without any touch ups.
I'm not saying this is the only way or the best way or even if its the right way to do it, im just saying this is how i do it.
Enjoy...
`V*