Microsoft has released a Windows Phone 8 version of its widely praised FreshPaint app for Windows 8. Microsoft describes the app as "the ultimate canvas for your big ideas" and enabling you to "unleash your inner creative". In essence its a painting simulator that is intuitive enough for casual usage, but has just enough sophistication to let you create a serious piece of digital artwork.

FreshPaint originated as a Microsoft Research project code named Project Gustav, which aimed to create a realistic and immersive digital painting experience, taking advantage of modern touch interface technology e.g. multitouch). The Windows Phone version carries this same ethos forward, albeit in a more limited way than the Windows 8 version. Even so, we have no doubt that the patient artist could use the combination of their Windows Phone device and FreshPaint to produce some stunning creations.

Open up the app and you're presented with a blank canvas, complete with rough paper background texture (skeuomorphic design rules the roost here) and a range of variable sized painting tools: two brushes (fine and thick), paint spreading tool, and a paint removal tool. There's also a selection of colours sitting ready in a palette, with further options just a few clicks away (much easier than real world paint mixing).

If you don't want to create a painting from scratch you can import an image, either as a black and white sketch drawing or as a colour oil painting, either directly from the camera or from the camera roll. This offers a quick start and some potential for instant creativity. Finished pieces can be shared using the stand Windows Phone sharing framework (NFC, messaging, email, SkyDrive, Social Media, and more).

Windows Phone description:

Unleash your inner creative with Fresh Paint – the ultimate canvas for your big ideas. 
Fresh Paint is a fun and easy to use painting app. Create original artwork or turn photos into beautiful paintings automatically. From whimsical pictures of your friends to amazing landscapes, Fresh Paint enables you to create anything. 

- Realistic oil paint and brushes
- Transform photos into paintings with artistic camera lenses 
- Easy sharing with a tap, text message, email or SkyDrive
- Custom mix colors to create the perfect shades

FreshPaint is a free download from the Windows Phone Store. It is only available for Windows Phone 8 devices with 1GB RAM (Nokia Lumia 820, 920, 925, 928; HTC 8X; Samsung ATIV S).