Historically the art world has used natural media for expression; paint, charcoal, graphite, chalk; but now as computers become more powerful, and interfacing technology more organic, the ability to produce artwork comparable to traditional media is causing the computer to become the medium of choice for two-dimensional, visual artwork.
Though traditional media is not going away anytime soon, especially in the fine art community; commercial artists are taking full advantage of powerful software that combines all of their tools into one package, and eliminates some of the cost and time related problems of traditional media. Dynamic interfacing devices help to simulate the natural motions associated with drawing and painting.
Tools
Software such as Photoshop™ and the Corel™ line of products each contain a wide variety of tools that simulate different traditional media, as well as offering new effects and techniques which are impossible to replicate outside of a computer. Some of the features that digital painting software offer are:
- custom brush creation
- independent drawing layers
- multiple filter effects
- traditional paint simulation
- zoom navigation
- …and much more
Used in combination with digital graphics tablet technology, such as that offered by Wacom™ these features allow an artist to work much more efficiently as they no longer must wait for paint to dry, worry about accidental smudging or smearing, and can undo or erase mistakes and try again.
Tablet technology allows an artist implement natural movement which is especially important for draftsmen. With pressure sensitivity, tilt sensitivity, programmable buttons, and other features, an artist can replace his entire tool collection with a single drawing pad and stylus.
Benefits of Digital Drawing and Painting
Digital Art is allowing many amateur artists and art students who cannot afford the high ongoing expense of materials used in traditional painting and drawing, to learn and experiment with a medium that costs nothing after initial investment (which admittedly can be expensive as well). Digital painting and drawing frees an artist to experiment with new concepts and techniques without the fear of destroying hours of work in a single mistake.
The endless variability of digital art means that only an artist’s imagination can limit him/her. It is encouraging student and amateur artists to try many different media styles that they might be hesitant about otherwise and in turn producing diverse and creative artists who mix and combine different techniques.
Creating art on a computer means that it is immediately available for sharing and displaying through email and the World Wide Web. Artist communities are popping up all over the Internet where instruction, critique, and the showing of work is taking place. Because of digital art’s connection with computers it has been an important tool in facilitating the growth of these artist communities.
Future of Digital Art
Traditional media has a long history and will continue to be very popular long into the future, especially in the fine art community. Digital art is becoming the preferred medium in the commercial art world and as long as computer technology continues to evolve the its capabilities expand, computers will continue to be implemented more and more into all areas of artistic expression.
 |
