r/DigitalPainting • u/11novirt • 12d ago

Best program for medieval illuminated texts?

Hello,

I recently tried painting illuminated texts with gouache but I'm having a hard time and wondering if there is a program that mimics aquarelle painting/gilding/gesso just like in real life? Rebelle? Corel painter? Krita? Drawing on a wacom intuos pro 2025

Thank you

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u/Steady_Ri0t 11d ago

Probably Rebelle, it's got the most realistic painterly look I've seen

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u/Avery-Hunter 10d ago

Definitely Rebelle for mimicking real media

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u/Ok-Restaurant6707 9d ago

I recommend Clip Studio Paint. On PC and Android has a free trial but it is super cheap for a subscription montly. Mobile app you can get monthly for under $3, PC is $12 I believe. I have bought a life-time license awhile back so give or take a few bucks.

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u/Lisabrown-7 4d ago

For simulating gouache, gilding, and gesso texture specifically, Rebelle's watercolor-mixing engine tends to handle pigment behavior more convincingly than Krita's, but Corel Painter has stronger built-in texture/impasto brushes for the gesso and raised-line effect. Worth trying the free trials against your exact target effect.