I wouldn't attempt it with a mouse, it would be like trying to draw with a brick - the graphics pen behave's like a proper pencil/brush in that it is pressure sensitive, the harder you press the thicker and darker/more saturated the stroke - that sort of thing. Plus, a graphics pen feels more natural in your hand when drawing or painting so its more intuitive to use. If you want to do stuff like this then you really need a tablet of some kind. Check out eBay, there are always loads going on there.
that is beautiful alistair..so, now i have installed the wacom and just tried it inms paint =P
could youshow me some kind of tutorials (reference) or could you possibly make one?
cheers