Digital art is still in it's infancy and there are many iterations of how one creates art digitally.  Some write code and others draw images electronically.  A few of us now use a digital art editing application to create images through various means.  I begin all my images with a close-up photograph which I use to give color and texture to each piece.  Then through manipulation and the addition of design elements and recoloring in PhotoShop I create each piece.  I have told some that I consider PhotoShop my canvas and through "Jackson Pollock" processes I create what speaks to me.  Enjoy.