This course is designed so that you can practice the topics in the order they are presented. 

Your first step is acquire the software you'd like to work with. If you've got your eyes set on Photoshop, don't forget to start with the free trial!  Once you've secured your software, familiarize yourself with the interface. Move things around, dock and undock, move windows where you'd like them, and find out which UI works best for you.  Then, open up a new canvas and practice using the tools at your disposal. Explore the brushes, filters, and experiment with layers and adjustments. There are a lot of things to get used to when it comes to digital painting that can be daunting if you're coming from traditional art, so really take the time to familiarize yourself with all the new tools and information coming your way. 

Once you start to get comfortable with the software, your next step will be to start painting! I'd recommend starting simple, with a subject matter you're already good at painting, or something you're otherwise accustomed to. As you work, pay attention to what you're doing that is working for you. What do you like about your painting? What tools and brushes are easy for you to use? Then, think about what isn't meeting your expectations just yet. Do certain tools not feel natural? Once you address these questions, it's much easier to figure out what to work on further and how to move forward.