What is Skill Now? 

The art of drawing has historically been the domain of skilled and talented artists who devoted much time and effort to the creation of images. 

Computers now provide a rapid and simpler process for creating many graphic representations that earlier demanded a high level of skill. Computers offer easy access to precise detail and high resolution, to photo-realistic representations, stylized illustrations and technical sketches.

Computer technology for producing more abstract and expressive work is less advanced. Most of the published work on digital painting is concerned with the problem of emulating the process of traditional artists’ tools, and creating both filters and interactive tools that produce the results that look similar to those produced by their predecessors.

Artists carry over skills from their previous work, and continue to use the new medium in the old way. 

The importance of skill, of the mastery of a medium is partially lost in using commercial image software. The act of programming, however, provides the sort of complex understanding that is necessary to move beyond a preoccupation with the medium, and allow a greater comfort that will cause the artist to concentrate on content and meaning instead of tools.