I can't list any bug-fixes in this article because the issue preceding this
  one has yet to go out at the time I'm sitting here writing.  At any rate,
  I've decided I'll have a one issue delay.  For example, an error is pointed
  out to me from article 2.  I'll point it out for all of you in article 4.
  Same thing goes for tips.  If you send me a tip right after article say, 6,
  comes out, it won't be in until article 8.
 
  Enough on that, let's get to the main point of this article:
 
  _____DeluxePaint IIe
 
  DeluxePaint (which will forever after be called "Dpaint"), is old.  I'll not
  lie to you.  It's an old program.  However, it is also still the best 256
  color drawing program I've seen (Perhaps some 32-bit apps are better even in
  256 color mode, but they don't count, because they can draw in more colors).
  Dpaint has a variety of commands, shortcuts, and secrets.  Today we'll be
  focusing on the basic commands.  Next issue will deal with more involved
  commands, and the issue following that will handle the shortcuts and secrets
  (Not quite tricky enough to be "tips -n- tricks").
 
  _____Tools
 
  Dpaint offers a variety of drawing tools.  At this point, I'm going to assume
  that those reading this have at least opened up a drawing program before and
  therefore don't need to have the basic tools explained to them.  Dpaint's
  basic tools include: the pencil, the line, the curved line, the circle, the
  square, the fill bucket, the ruled fill tool, the freehand fill tool, the
  eyedropper, the hand, the undo button, the highlight tool, and the spraypaint
  can.
 
  Dpaint's other tools are the font tool, the CAR tool, the 3d tool, the
  pattern tool, the gradient tool, and the rose tool.  These tools are grouped
  in this section because they are either too advanced to fall in the basic
  tools section, or are native to Dpaint.  For example, I have yet to see the
  rose tool in any other paint program.  It is these tools we will discuss
  today.
 
  _____The Font Tool
 
  Similar to the font tools in most other art applications, it allows you to
  bring up one of Dpaint's predefined fonts and write with it.  However,
  because Dpaint is an older program, the font tool has many limitations.  You
  cannot use standard True-type fonts.  You must use the fonts that are already
  included in Dpaint.  There are probably ways to create your own but I have
  not been able to discover them.  You must also realize that, due to Dpaint's
  lack of layers, you have only one chance to undo a font.
 
  If you put it down, colorize it, and then decided you don't like it, too bad,
  'cause it's there for good.  (Unless you saved before adding the font, which
  brings up a quick point...SAVE! Save whenever you make any significant
  changes to your work.  Trust me, someday you'll be happy you did).
 
  _____The CAR Tool
 
  CAR stands for Constrained Aspect Ratio.  This means that when you have the
  CAR tool on, your spheroids will always be circles and your rectangles will
  always be squares (or as close as possible, due to the fact that in some
  resolutions, at some sizes, it is not possible to for Dpaint to achieve a
  perfect circle).  This is a tool I rarely use as I have been working with the
  program for so long that, in relatively low res, I can pretty much eyeball my
  circles and squares.
 
  However, for a novice, the C-AR tool is extremely useful, and I recommend
  toying with it to help obtain the ability _not_ to use it. :)
 
  _____The 3d Tool
 
  The 3d tool allows you to take a flat object and manipulate it along the x,
  y, and z planes.  In common english, it allows you to change your view of the
  object.  Take a piece of paper and hold it flat in front of you.  You'll see
  a long, wide white section.  Now turn it in space until it becomes nothing
  more than a thin white line.  This is the essence of the 3d tool.  It allows
  you to turn, rotate, and move your objects on a 3d plane.
 
  _____The Pattern Tool
 
  This tool is found in quite a few other paint programs.  It simply allows you
  to paint or fill using a pattern as opposed to a single color.  Common
  patterns include patchwork, bricks, dots, etc.  This is a fun tool to play
  with, and at times can be useful, but most experienced artists rarely touch
  it.
 
  _____The Gradient Command
 
  The most powerful, useful, misused, and overused tool in Dpaint.  This
  command simply takes an initial color of the pallette, and ending color, and
  alters whatever colors fall between them to create as smooth a blend as
  possible.  For example, if you set the 33rd palette color as red, and the
  64th as black, and used the `spread' command, Dpaint will take up palette
  colors 34-63 blending the two.  This is a gradient.  These can then be linked
  to create multiple gradients.
 
  _____Conclusion
 
  Well, that brings me to my word limit. :)  I'll finish up with gradients and
  the rose tool at the start of the next column, and then move onto commands
  like translucent, smooth, shade, smear, etc. (as well as tell you how to
  ensure that these effects work at their absolute best).  I have a sneaking
  suspicion this Dpaint section is going to run into 4 articles, instead of the
  initially planned three, but please bear with me.  I'm new to journalism. :)
  Until next time.
 
 

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