[solved] How to use Inkscape? - objects and nodes

[Ralf Mardorf]

On Sat, 2012-08-25 at 18:06 -0500, HaPK wrote:
> [snip] To work with Bezier curves you need to understand, a bit,
> mathematically how they work, and then you may have a bit more control
> over them.
> [snip] Vectors need more skill, and are suitable for a range of
> things. [snip]

I don't agree. Regarding to Inkscape I do agree, resp. I don't think you
need to know about the math, you need to have the skills to use
Inkscape. IOW you need to know what capabilities/advantages and what
drawbacks it has got and this is very time consuming to learn. You also
need practice in using a mouse or have the gift to use a mouse.

I started with neu.Draw on an iPad and then wanted to continue with
Inkscape.

Here is the example how to make a circle, become a hand:
http://a1.mzstatic.com/us/r1000/077/Purple/v4/6b/0a/b9/6b0ab93e-914c-4514-e7d9-478aff5c9038/mzl.exutsrow.480x480-75.jpg

But you don't need to do it that way, drawing with the finger on an iPad
you already can draw a good curve, that after doing that, in addition is
intuitive to manipulate.

Only drawbacks, it's missing many features Inkscape has got, but most of
them perhaps aren't that important for artists, all those special FX IMO
are more useful for amateurs, but of course, some are missing for
artists too. The other drawbacks are that you only can export, but you
can't import pictures from another OS and that the app isn't stable, it
crashes more often, than you can draw.

But IMO the main advantage is something Inkscape is missing completely,
that you can draw very good using your fingers and that manipulating a
Bezier or object is very easy and doesn't need tons of mouse movements,
resp. doesn't need tons of finger movements.

I don't know vector drawing apps for Windows and Mac, perhaps there are
some proprietary and FLOSS that can be used similar easy as neu.Draw. It
also might be that there are some for Linux too, that I would like.
However, at least Xara doesn't know how to handle SVG. The Wiki claims
it does, I should reboot and test it on different Linux installs, I
didn't use Ubuntu Studio today.

However, if you want to draw Icons for Ubuntu Studio, you can't do it
with pixel orientated apps, because SVG files are needed. I don't know
if I really would contribute with icons, I just wanted to test how long
it takes to make an icon using a vector drawing app. Until now I needed
enough time to make a fresco, but only got an unfinished kindergarten
drawing.

The only good drawings done with Inkscape on YouTube where made by trace
over another drawing, resp. some where ok without doing it that way, but
they where done in a specific style, deformed, airbrush like animals,
plants etc..

Regards,
Ralf