About coding questions, there is kinda a secret. Especially to people new to coding. IRC. I cant count (ok.. I could and it would be a big number) how many times the fantastic people on freenode#python have helped me out. Ask a well formed question, pastebin your example and what you tried, and I promise someone will help you out. It's the closest thing we have to a magic bottle.

O ya, and use Linux. You wont regret it. Dont spend your valuable time developing for a closed system, if you cant open the hood, dont drive the car:)

As for your drawing app question:

1. That's a big project to start from scratch. I write quite a bit of py, and it would take me years (because I would build it on independent primatives, writing and perfecting each).

2. If you really want to take a shot at it, find a py code base that is "closest" to what you actually want to do, and modify it. Often, I gotta start modifying something to even realize _what_ I want it to do.

3. I dont recommend JS. Sure you can make real apps that run independent of the browser, but it's going to be a harder road I promise. Stick to what the scientific community uses (drop into C if necessary [it's not]) because we often just "need to get it done" and py does that beautifully.

-----------EDIT: I hit my comment limit for the night, so here is a reply to your reply:)

There is no secret handshake:) I dont know where you were, but in pro-irc enviroments, people are relatively professional. #python is for sure. Almost nobody shows up and mentions gender btw. There are communication differences that are more common between guys, so that's easier for me for example, but you really _must_ have thick skin. Stuff that sounds dismissive is often just fast or frank advice, OR your question is too vague. Lurk a bit and observe. If you dont get a response, wait and improve your question and ask again. sometimes it takes a day for me to get an answer if it's a difficult topic, or I havent figured out how to ask it in a way that makes sense to other people. Dont assume anyone knows you are a woman, and while I appreciate it when someone makes it clear, especially if they want me to take it into account as there are communication norms that are just different (for some people!) you may find it easier to just not mention it. Or just clue it with your nic. IDK. Dont get stuck on that:) If you are getting a negative vibe, dont reply in-kind.

As for freenode, here is the cliffnotes (look for a irc intro/howto and read it over).

1. find a open source irc client (I use weechat)
2. /connect irc.freenode.net
2. follow the on screen instructions to register your nic-name
4. /join #python
5. ask specific question. put some work into it. if you just want advice, say that.

yep py is short for python (my github is in my profile, I think everything there is py) Often big graphics apps (like gimp) are written in C++. I dont recommend a beginner go down that route. A nice list: https://github.com/vinta/awesome-python

If it's not FOSS, then you cant modify it and/or you cant share your modifications.

No problem:) This stuff is tough, it took me as least as long to learn it as it takes to become a good writer (I started on a Apple II in the 80's). As you get better, you learn _how_ to learn it faster. I sometimes spend a day on a single simple (in retrospect after you solve it!) problem. Learn to put it on hold and try another angle or a different problem. If I get stuck I open vi (the linux txt editor) and make a outline of what I want to be able to do.

And _really_ use Linux. You will thank yourself later. Debian is a good intro. Personally I use (and cant live without) Gentoo, but the learning curve is steeper (but worth it!).

---- EDIT #2

I havent tried these, but they look like good starts: https://pythonprogramming.net/kivy-drawing-application-tutor...

https://docs.python.org/3/library/turtle.html (I especially like this one because it's in the python standard library and looks like a fantastic way to get into the basics)

Also checkout the game frameworks in that curated list above.

It gets fun:) Stick to python3 only. I like this series: https://github.com/ubarredo/LearnPythonTheHardWay

Also youtube has endless linux/python tutorials. That's a great way to see people using it in action.