Thanks for all the tips!
Update so far:
We’ve acquired a tablet - not officially “hers” but attached to the family laptop and she’s been so happy using it every night with the included software ArtRage Studio. She’s taught herself to use the layers and brushes etc and ha managed to wear down the stylus nib already. Hmm… But she made a pretty anime girl drawing with it.
Maybe Photoshop wil be a bday gift.
I told her that starting now she should try to sketch stuff from real life, like maybe at least once a week, and after a year, when she’s a sophomore in HS, we’ll bring her sketchbook (and whatever stuff) to National Portfolio Day to get early feedback. So if she wants to make a Portfolio for college apps she’ll be well prepared for her HS’ Portfolio elective in Junior or Senior year.
I told her that it seems like sketching from real life is to artists what doing scales and practicing pieces is to pianists. (Dunno if that’s a good analogy)
I’m looking at local art classes to see what’s available & makes sense. She does have Art at school too.
@mathmom question for you - how can a kid figure out if they want to go into Architecture?