Computers and Art

Fifteenth Post 06-15-05: Computers and Art

Computer art is well known. It is relatively a young art forum and has taken some time to gain acceptance. Still some traditional artist still don’t appreciate the use of computers and art.

But let’s explore what it takes to make art in the graphics shop, and explore what a computer can and cannot do. Computers can combine clip art and photos, but it is the artist job to decide the placement of the photos and other elements. The artist must know how to use the computer, but without artistic placement of the elements the meaning of the final picture is lost.

Then there are times when the proper pictures are not available. Times that the clip art just doesn’t fit the message the picture is trying to convey. This is when the artist must create an original drawing or painting. The computer has programs to create original work, just as if it were a collection of art tools. Also original drawings can be scanned into the computer.

The computer also makes it easier to print the work. Printing is often difficult with art. Sometimes complex art such as enhance photographs can not be printed, because they are too complex. Simpler line art must be used.

When learning computer graphics, basic traditional art is usually taught first. That is because the tools of the computer programs are based on traditional art and traditional art skills are needed to create art. Also the computer adds thing to art that didn’t exist before like computer animation, game design, and 3D art. Each of these is build on traditional art, but adds a new dimension that isn’t possible without a computer.

The computer is just a tool. It enhances art. It also adds another dimension to art, such as 3D and animation. The computer is not about cheating while creating art and does not complete the art work for the artist. It is about using new tools to create art.