I want to start "drawing" or creating artwork on the computer but don't know where to even start.

Question

Free programs too please. I don't want to pay or at least not much for the software.

Answer 1

You probably already have a paint program, loaded into your computer, such as "Windows Paint" or something similar.  Look in your "accessories" directory.

Once you find it, you can begin be drawing with a mouse.  It's a bit awkward, but it can be done.

You can also consider investing in an inexpensive flatbed scanner.  With this scanner (around $50) you can create your drawings on paper, and then scan it it to color or modify.

Another handy tool is one of those digital tablets.  These can be found for under $50 ( http://geeks.com ) and with one, you can draw on the tablet and the image shows up on your computer.

Both the scanner and the digital tablet works in Paint, but, eventually you will probably want to upgrade to a better graphics program.  I recommend Photoshop Elements as the best one to start with.  It costs under $100 but is a VERY good introduction to the kind of application the pros use.