seems like the whole idea may be to do this in stages - as per the tutorial here [link is to page 7]:

http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/pai...o-Painting.htm

I don't have painter essentials so I can't compare if there are differences between the way it and painter work

you will maybe get more specific help from a painter forum such as here:

http://painterfactory.com/Default.aspx

couple of other general links here:

http://www.corel.com/content/pdf/px/...John_Derry.pdf
http://www.macworld.co.uk/procreativ...chandate&print

hope this helps.. I've learnt a few new things..