A'ight I just posted those links without background information. I have used Dyne:Bolic live CD in early 2000s for Linux audio development, and provided support to users who used this live CD (complete 'technoobs'; not meant as offense).

Here is some: there are Linux distributions, even live CDs/DVDs, which you can boot and get a full environment for creating artwork. Isn't limited to only audio.

Once you used these applications and see which ones are good and which ones aren't you can check their dependencies and check if there is a Debian/ARM(EL) port available. If yes, chances are software will compile on sbox and run on Maemo.

Meanwhile, if you found functionality good, you need to think of the following: will this application run OK on Maemo 5 with N900? Think of screen size, input methods, resources available. Sometimes the only way to know this is practice ie. run the program on N900.

I listed a few quality GTK and Qt to give you an idea of how these programs are optimized for mouse usage while at the same time exciting you about Linux/x86-32 audio development. Same for list of Linux audio applications.

Linuxmusicians might be a good platform. I don't know. You need mindshare, but take into account most Linux users do not run Maemo 5 on Nokia N900 while wanting to do audio development on the device. Nevermind finger touch UI for that purpose. Entire new reality! Although some may have seen some other platforms doing this.

The OpenMoko list is a different beast: it shows us which applications are touch friendly right now.

Good luck!!