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PAINTS AND PIXELS USING THE COMPUTER
TABLET AND STYLUS AS A PAINTING MEDIUM
By
Doris K Rutherford
A Master Thesis submitted to the Graduate Faculty of the Department of Media
Arts of Long Island University Brooklyn Campus in Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Media Arts
Date of Oral Defense i^Ul foj
Date of Thesis Exhibition
Department Media Arts
Media Arts Graduate Program Coordinator
Name
Signatun
VVT4 yAlt
bullj^tlteuro^r Jkbdquo
ITP Advisors
Name (theory)
Signature
Name (production) (YjAftAsx IhfiJ WjMt^
Signature llqktJM^
UMI Number 1478406
All rights reserved
INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted
In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages these will be noted Also if material had to be removed
a note will indicate the deletion
UMT Dissertation Publishing
UMI 1478406 Copyright 2010 by ProQuest LLC
All rights reserved This edition of the work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17 United States Code
ProQuest LLC 789 East Eisenhower Parkway
PO Box 1346 Ann Arbor Ml 48106-1346
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I would like to express heartfelt gratitude to my thesis advisor Prof Maureen
Nappi for her inestimable support encouragement supervision and useful suggestions
throughout this research Her professional support and constant guidance empowered me
to complete this work successfully I am also very grateful to my production advisor
Prof Marjan Moghaddam for her expertise generosity and most of all her abiding
patience
Special thanks and appreciation to the administrator and staffs of the Media Arts
Department at Long Island University Brooklyn Campus for providing the support and
equipment needed to produce and complete this thesis I would also like to express my
gratitude to the Writing Center for their technical and non-technical support
I am as ever indebted to my parents Mr and Mrs Gerard Rutherford for their love
and support throughout my life and especially during this research period To my brothers
and sisters I convey gratefulness for their support and understanding during this period
And finally much thankfulness to Mr Gregory Glasgow and Mr Randy
Bentinck who provided invaluable guidance and advise in the initial stages of this
research
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
LIST OF DIAGRAMS AND PAINTINGS
CHAPTER
I INTRODUCTION 1
NEW MEDIA MEETS OLD MEDIA 1
II WHAT IS DIGITAL ART 3
III THE EVOLUTION OF THE DIGITAL PAINT SYSTEM 4
TV ANALYSIS OF DIGITAL ARTWORK 5
V CONCLUSION 15
BIBLIOGRAPHY 16
LIST OF DIAGRAMS AND PAINTINGS
Figurel Diagram of Pixels 5
Figure 2 Joan Truckenbrod Lyric Catalyst 6
Figure 3 Joan Truckenbrod MotherDaughter 7
Figure 4 Joan Truckenbrod Womb Clothes 8
Figure 5 Joan Truckenbrod Artificial Frame 8
Figure 6 Cynthia Beth Rubin Daffodil Scroll 10
Figure 7 Cynthia Beth Rubin Another Place Another Time 11
Figure 8 Cynthia Beth Rubin Orchard Street Synagogue 12
Figure 9 James Faure Walker Happy Circle 13
Figure 10 James Faure Walker Pigeons Kyoto 13
Figure 11 James Faure Walker For the Bees Night 14
Abstract
PAINTS AND PIXELS USING THE COMPUTER TABLET AND STYLUS AS A
PAINTING MEDIUM
Artistic revolutions come in many varieties and often cause divergent effects
some tear down established notions or norms perhaps destructively while others forge
new paradigms through constructive means In either case both have their places in the
history of art With the advent of the computer the artistic landscape has changed
dramatically such innovations have influenced changes in the creative expressions of
visual art Thus this thesis seeks to analyze how technology has affected the making of
art and will examine the effects of using the computer tablet and stylus in the creative
process of making art In addition I will discuss the work of three digital artists Joan
Truckenbrod Cynthia Beth Rubin and James Faure Walker who have pioneered the use
of the computer tablet and stylus in their artwork The overview of their work will cover
a thirty-year period between 1975 and 2005 while examining their individual methods
and creative processes
I INTRODUCTION
Artistic revolutions come in many varieties and often cause divergent effects some tear
down established notions or norms perhaps destructively while others forge new paradigms
through constructive means In either case both have their place in the history of art With the
advent of the computer the artistic landscape has changed dramatically such innovations have
influenced changes in the creative expressions of visual art
Thus this thesis seeks to analyze how technology has affected the making of art and will
examine the effects of using the computer tablet and stylus in the creative process of making
art In addition I will discuss the work of three digital artists Joan Truckenbrod Cynthia Beth
Rubin and James Faure Walker who have pioneered the use of the computer tablet and stylus in
their artwork This overview will cover a thirty-year period between 1975 and 2005 of each
artists work while examining their individual methods and creative processes As advances in
paint programs and software continued to emerge these developments served to broaden the
artists toolset and knowledge base and gave the artists unconventional techniques to create
artwork These artists view their roles as a vital communicator to convey new ideas concepts
and information through visual imagery by using digital tools
NEW MEDIA MEETS OLD MEDIA
Although the relationship between art and technology preceded the computer the
introduction of the first digital computer certainly intensified this dialogue It opened the doors
for a wider audience to have access to new technology As the author Jonathan Raimes cites in
his book The Digital Canvas
By the mid-1960s the world was waking up to the possibilities of an age in which computers might play a significant role in the way we live [He pointed out that]
1
[While] in residence at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Vanderdeek created early computer art in an effort to get as close as possible to [the] functioning of the human nervous system1
As a result of this innovation a larger number of traditional artists were able to make greater use
of digital tools
While traditional painting requires several brushes tubes of paint palettes and canvases
todays digital artists with a few clicks of the mouse may select brushes and colors from their
hardware and software Most digital artists are aware of the use and benefits of digital
technology because they have spent many hours learning the techniques Similarly traditional
artists have used digital computers as a new creative way of painting and drawing Thus the
introduction of digital technology has enhanced the old ways of doing things by providing artists
with more advanced painting tools
Indeed hundreds of drawings and paintings can now be scanned and saved electronically
on ones computer Digital technology has allowed artists to use techniques that significantly
allow artists to manipulate colors and palettes more effectively than before However the use of
technology still requires the creativity of your most basic tools your hands eyes toes mouth
etc An artist whether using a brush or stylus must coordinate their senses in order to achieve
optimal creativity All tools both digital and traditional require some amount of coordination to
get the job done According to Malcolm McCullough author of Abstracting Craft the Practiced
Digital Hand
Under visual guidance Hands acquire some independence through training but they still turn to the eyes for purposes When in action a skillful touch remains subsidiary to focal vision Because this kind of coordination satisfies we pursue it in play too sports musical performance building projects traditional handicrafts give pleasure
1 Raimes Jonathan The Digital Canvas discovering the art studio in your computer New York Harry N Adams Inc 2006 p i 1-12
2
through coordination Reflection finds harmony in the steady flow of hand eye tool and material2
Digital media certainly has its advantages the choice of colors tools and unlimited canvas size
This allows the artist to go beyond boundary lines that traditional artists may encounter such as
additional time spent to mix paints stretch a canvas and arrange a work area
As a result more artists are engaging in the use of digital techniques and are now using
digital technology as a tool to create images These images include digital paintings digital
photographs and digital animations Artists have since discovered that by using digital media
they have more tools at their disposal
II WHAT IS DIGITAL ART
Digital art is like any other contemporary art form However rather than using traditional
tools artists now use a computer a tablet and a stylus to create art Although it requires some
level of technical training digital art has opened the door for artists to access a wider variety of
painting tools For most digital artists this technology has replaced the brush paint and canvas
their conventional tools for production The author Glen Wilkins defines digital artwork as
any image that has been processed by a computer at some stage in its creation The artwork may have been created digitally or [have] been altered by [a]computer in some way it includes images that have been scanned for print production as posters books or magazines3
Digital art is now a more widely accepted artistic practice because the use of digital
technology has stretched the level of the artists imagination to become more creative Digital
tools are very essential in the creative process of digital artwork a computer a tablet and stylus
2 Malcolm McCullough Abstracting Craft The Practiced Digital Hand Cambridge MIT Press 1996 p 32 3 Glen Wilkins Painting with Pixels How to Draw with your computer New York Sterling Publishing
CoInc 1999 p 10
3
are the basic tools an artist needs to launch their creative process of making art As the artists
skill advances they begin to utilize other forms of digital tools such as digital cameras and
scanners With these tools in place artists can quickly and precisely render images that
previously would have been done on a canvas
Digital technology has brought about many changes amongst the arts artists are no
longer confined to traditional techniques In addition digital computers made the process of
developing a piece of art easier because of the simplicity of the new programs The development
of digital paint method revolutionized the traditional process of making art
III THE EVOLUTION OF THE DIGITAL PAINT SYSTEM
An in depth history of digital paint systems is beyond the scope of this paper however
they evolved to contemporary programs such as Adobe Photoshopreg Corel Painterreg and Photo
Draw2000reg These programs were developed to facilitate digital artists with a wider array of
painting apparatus
The first digital frame buffer was developed at Xerox Palo Alto by Dick Shoup thus
ushering in the paint system Alvy Ray Smith noted in his article Digital Paint Systems An
Anecdotal and Historical Overview that
A digital paint program and a digital paint system are distinguished by their functions A digital paint program essentially does no more than simulate painting of a brush on a canvas A digital paint system does much more using the simulation of painting as a familiar metaphor to seduce artists into the new perhaps forbidding digital domain Of course they are both programs but the term system will imply many more features it will be more complete In fact a system might even use several well-integrated programs 4
Alvy Ray Smith Digital Paint System An Anecdotal and Historical Overview January 8th 1997 5th March 2009 httpwwwalvyraycom
4
As technology became more advanced there was a sudden increase in the demand for digital
paint system Thus the digital paint systems of the 1980s such as the Quantal Paint Boxreg and
Artronics reg became very popular A few years later other advanced paint programs followed
All digital paint programs incorporate pixels Pixels derived from Picture Elements (See
Figl) Authors Isaac Victor Kerlow and Judson Rosebush stated in their book Computer
Graphic for Designers and Artist that Pixel is the basic quantum unit of an image Pixels are
discrete modular units often organized in a rectangular matrix Each pixel corresponds to one
square on the graph 5
Fig1 Pixels (magnified xl2)
wwwscantipscom
Bitmapped images are graphic images that are comprised of pixels on a grid Each one contains
information about the color in a given image Bitmapped images have a permanent resolution
that cannot be resized without losing image quality
IV ANALYSIS OF DIGITAL ARTWORKS
The artwork of Joan Truckenbrod Cynthia Beth Rubin and James Faure Walker represents
a significant departure from traditional art and prove that the creative processes of using digital
technology are successful Each artist has developed an individual set of digital skills For
5 Isaac Victor Kerlow and Judson Rosebush Computer Graphic for Designers and Artist Hew York John Wileyamp Sons Inc 1997 p 12
5
example there is a clear difference between Joan Truckenbrod and Cynthia Beth Rubins work
even though they both use similar digital technology to create their art
Joan Truckenbrod born in Greensboro North Carolina is currently a Professor of Art at
the School of Art Institute in Chicago Ms Truckenbrod is one of the many digital art pioneers
who have exhibited artwork in New York London and Berlin She has made tremendous
contributions in the education of young artists According to the online source Digital Art
Museum among the pioneers at Digital Art Museum [Truckenbrod] shared an interest in
[the] early video paint system However she started with an algorithmic approach that led to
some of her best known early work 6
Most of Truckenbrods early works of art were drawings recorded onto a 16 BPI tape As a
result her early paintings consisted of monochromatic images that depicted an invisible realm of
her understanding for digital art Truckenbrod believes that [Her] early images evoke the
contrast of the digital life and the analog life7 (See Fig2) Her interest in this area has led her to
Fig2 Joan Truckenbrod
Lyric Catalyst 1975 Inkjet print 9x9
6 DAM] Digital Art Museum Joan Truckenbrod httpdigitalartmuseumorgtruckenbrodindexhtm 7 Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25th Mar 09 E-Mail
6
combine traditional and digital images that embody natural forces with in her paintings By 1984
the images within Truckenbrods work began to depict a sense of tension as a result of the
juxtaposition of images within her work(See Fig3) In an email correspondence Truckenbrod
revealed [that] the stroke of the brush is conducted through ideas [that] flows from the
body into the artwork The hand embodies that idea and transfers [it] to the surface of the
paperscreen and translates the artists vision into imagery8
Fig3 Joan Truckenbrod
MotherDaughter (1984) CIBA chrome print 24x24
When asked how useful digital technology has been in creating her artwork Truckenbrod said
The tablet and pen have provided the freedom and flexibility [she] need[s] to work simultaneously with multiple layers of ideas and imagery The pen allows for a specificity of line shape and color necessary to communicate [her] intention One unique aspect of working with the computer is that ones brush carries shape form object photo etc in addition to color Working this way ones palette is only limited by ones own imagination9
With access to advanced software program Truckenbrod was able to manipulate images within
her artwork which created a new sense of artistic freedom In one of her latter painting series
8 Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25th Mar 09 E-Mail 9 Ibid
7
Truckenbrod used scientific and mathematical symbols together with hand-drawn figures
to create images of women and men (See Fig4-5) The emotion of these images has been
heightened by the use of bright colors and shadowy reflection on distorted figures On closer
inspection viewers are able to see massive light waves reflecting off the images bringing our
Fig 4 Joan Truckenbrod
Womb Clothes 1994 IRIS Print 32x 36
Fig 5 Joan Truckenbrod
Artificial Frame 1994 IRIS Print 32x 36
attention to the focal point at the center Her use of unusual natural objects and computer
programs allowed her to create some breath-taking pieces of digital art Truckenbrods recent
Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25 Mar 09 E-Mail
8
artworks are magnificent computer- based projects that exhibited her interest digital technology
such as the scanners to recreate images of her world
Similarly the artist Cynthia Beth Rubin uses a scanner to input images and a tablet and
stylus to paint or augment those images within her work Rubin started her career as a traditional
painter whose work consisted mostly of abstract painting Rubin began experimenting with
digital media during the 1980s while teaching art at Rhode Island School of Design
Rubins artwork has been featured in international exhibitions and has become
educational for younger artists Most of her earlier digital artwork was painted on the Artronics
system which was designed for artists who wanted to create electronic art It consisted of a tablet
and two monitors (one for the menu and one for the image)This style of tablet was not pressure
sensitive like the Wacom tablets of today
The movement from traditional paint to electronic art provided Rubin with the flexibility
she needed to transfer her new artistic ideas into works of art Currently her paintings consist of
hybrid forms which show the relationship between aesthetics and creativity Rubin believes that
[Her] work is an investigation of the threads of cultural memory which [she] feel both from [her] own visual experiences and through that mysterious transmission of sensibility which comes from some place beyond the individual [Her] images grow from the affinity between [her] life as a contemporary American and what [she] regard[s] as [her] heritage11
As a result most of her paintings are made up of multiple layers that are quite revealing
and symbolic thus echoing the uncertainty of the world in which she lives The elements within
her paintings are also bounded by the interweaving of colors textures and the fragmented images
of her memories For instance the painting in Daffodil Scroll (Fig6) depicts Rubins capability
to juxtapose images within her painting This painting was done on the Artronic system which
was at the time easier for Rubin to create an intricate connection among elements within the
1 Cynthia Beth Rubin httpwwwcbrabinnet
9
painting At first glance the strong use of color and lines in the painting make it look a little
mystical However upon closer inspection of the painting elements of coral reefs that are
intertwining into a structure become noticeable revealing the artists experience of thinking
feeling and reacting
Fig6 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Daffodil Scroll 1985 Inkjet print 16x 24
When asked how effective the tablet has been in creating her artwork Rubin said There are no
disadvantages of using the tablet Without it [her] wrist hurts and [her] gestures are forced to
come from [her] wrist instead of [her] arm muscles And every one knows artists use arm
muscles12 With access to a highly developed software program Rubin sees the computer as a
means to expand her visual expressions Working with the computer and a tablet is a very natural
medium for Rubin because her work is based on imaginative arrangement of elements within her
paintings According to Rubin
Before working on a computer [She] was cutting stencils and blocking part of evolving painting just so that [she] could artificially arrive at the same surprise of juxtaposition of materials that is so natural in the computer [Rubin also pointed out that] in the digital world [she] can explore the range from realism and
Cynthia Beth Rubin PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 27th Mar 09 E-Mail
10
recognizable imagery to highly expressive abstractions and put all of these element together in creating a coherent unified work
In creating her artwork Rubin explored a variety of digital painting techniques This is evident in
most of her later work where Rubin created multiple layers by pulling and pushing objects to
reveal whats underneath On many occasions she uses a pressure sensitive tablet to paint or
draw and a scanner to import photographic images into her painting Rubin believes that The
scanner has had the biggest impact without question Combining canned filters with quick
14
scans has produced an army of digital image marker In this painting patches of pure color are
merged together to produce the image of Another Place Another Time This scene has
outstandingly rich surface colors which partly cover the structure in the background This
particular feature is visible in most of Rubins artwork and may be influenced by her Jewish
Fig7 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Another Place Another Time 1991 IRIS print 17x 24
culture There is a distinct use of digital technology in her artwork It creates a new environment
for Rubins art and in fact changes the method of her artistic approach (See Fig8) The
elements in this painting symbolize Rubins cultural and personal histories Digital technology
13 Cynthia Beth Rubin The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Oct 09 httpeducationsiggraphorg
14 Ibid
11
has not only expanded Rubins visual understanding of imagery but allowed her to reveal her
inner most thoughts and feelings
Fig8 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Orchard Street Synagogue 2000 Archival inkjet print 13x 19
On the other hand the artist James Faure Walker combines the use of digital technology
and other traditional tools to create his artwork Walker began his art career as an artist working
in oil paint but later developed a love for digital art As an artist and critic Walker worked on a
collaborative educational project that helped young artists to enhance their artistic skills One of
Walkers main interests as an artist [is to] raise art awareness [through] the development of
software [and] new fine art courses15 With works such as Happy Circle Pigeons Kyoto Dawn
Tree and For the Bees (Fig 9-11) James Walker combines digital paint and traditional paint to
create breathtaking pieces of art
In creating his digital art Walker uses a tablet and stylus to paint and arrange
images in his work In each case he started by playing around with line drawings of the subject
matter In his book Painting the Digital Rivers he stated that [He first] learned about
15Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting With the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
1
painting and computer graphicas a complete outsider by looking at the tools the way things
when he became first fascinated with digital technology and wanted to find out how each gadget
worked Through the playing and mingling of shapes with the use of the computer and a tablet
Walker created a sense of mystery within the painting The interplay of these randomly placed
shapes represents the early stages in the creative process of a new era in Walkers artistic life
Fig9 James Faure Walker Happy Circle 1988 Inkjet print 6x 8
Fig 10 James Faure Walker
Pigeons Kyoto 2002 Giclee Iris print 29 x 43
However Pigeons Kyoto (Fig 10) represents a more progressive stage for Walker This
bold new style is evident in the complicated shapes he created through the controlled use of a
tablet In this painting the artist played freely with the technology He was able to merge
13
paintings drawing and photographs to create a series of shapes that dance across the painting A
further sense of depth was created by the objects which appear to extend beyond the dangling
shapes in the foreground As a result it contributes to the effective play of light
On the other hand in For the Bees Night (Fig 11) the radiant colors and forms from an
expressionistic quality within the elements of the painting The freely flowing lines within this
painting evoke imagery from a childs drawing These mysterious lines express the artist ideas of
the changing use of technology in drawing and painting When asked how useful the tablet has
been in creating his artwork Walker said [If] I dont have one it is hard to get excited about
drawing [because] I dont really have much of a starting point- ie ideas or subject matter-I just
play around16 The thought of creating artwork with a use of a tablet and a computer created a
new means of merging traditional paint and digital paint For James F Walker the use of digital
technology to create his artwork has now become possible after years of trial and error In fact
Figll James Faure Walker
For the Bees Night 2004 Archival Inkjet print 20 x 27
most of his digital artworks are abstract images that resemble collages watercolors and ink
drawings 17 Walkers technique of applying traditional paint onto paper before printing his
16 James Faure Walker PaintingsDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 23rd Mar09 E-Mail 17Artistscuratorswriters httpwwwcommentartcomartistJames_Faure_Walker
14
digital work gives his work added intensity and depth
Upon completion of his book Painting the Digital River Walker stated that he
remained fascinated too by the shifting attitudes towards the use of technology in his drawing
and painting18 It was his interest in digital technology that allowed him to create some breathshy
taking pieces of digital art As a digital artist James Walker has opened a world of new ideas and
concepts to his fellow counterparts On top of this Walkers background as a painter and digital
artist has allowed future digital artists to embrace his work and learn from his experimentation
with digital technology
V CONCLUSION
The use of digital technologies has not only challenged the traditional notion of painting
but it has created a whole new shift within the arts The most obvious shift is that digital
technology has given artists immense freedom they can easily edit and reconstruct images
within their work in a shorter period of time It has also provided artists with resourceful
opportunities not available to more traditional artists
The use of a computer stylus and tablet makes it easier for digital artists to produce
various kinds of output and to gather huge amounts of images and use them in whatever way
they see fit
It is my belief that the digital tools are similar to having a treasure chest of interactive
programs that are designed to improve our artistic skills or styles Since the introduction of
digital technologies digital artists have utilized these tools to create some outstanding forms of
art In conclusion digital media are valid tools for painting as effective as oil acrylic and silk
screening allowing the artists greater freedom in experimentation and exploration
SCIRA Reading in Painting with the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
15
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Goodman Cynthia Digital Visions Computer and Art New York
Harry N Abrams Inc 1987
Kerlow Isaac Victor and Judson Rosebush Computer Graphics for Designers and
Artists New York John Wiley amp Sons Inc 1997
Malcolm McCullough Abstracting Craft The Practiced Digital Hand Cambridge
MIT Press 1996
Nappi Maureen Language Memory and Volition Toward an Aesthetic of Computer
Arts Diss New York University 2001 Ann Arbor UMF 2002 Print
Raimes Jonathan The Digital Canvas Discovering the Art Studio In Your Computer
New York Harry N Adams Inc 2006
Spalter Anne Morgan The Computer in the Visual Arts Boston Addison Wesley
Longman Inc 1999
Walker James Faure Painting the Digital River New Jersey Pearson Education Inc
2006
Wilkins Glen Painting with Pixels How to Draw With Your Computer New York
Sterling Publishing Co Inc 1999
Electronic Sources
Walker James Faure Artists Curators writers Web
24th April 09lthttpwwwcommentartcomartistJames Faure Walkergt
DAM] Digital Art Museum Joan Truckenbrod Web
09th May 09lthttpdigitalartmuseumorgtruckenbrodindexhtmgt
16
Fulton Wayne A Few Scanning Tips What is a Digital Image Anyway Web2008
10 May 09lthttpwwwscantipscombasicslbhtmlgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth Web 10th October09lthttpwwwcbrubinnetgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Web
10th Oct 09 lthttpeducationsiggraphorggt
Smith Alvy Ray Digital Paint System An Anecdotal and Historical OverviewWeb
30th May 9724th Oct 09lthttpwwwalvyraycomgt
Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting with the ComputerWeb
24th April 09lt httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk gt
INTERVIEWS
Rubin Cynthia Beth PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
27th Mar2009 E-Mail
Truckenbrod Joan Painting Digital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
25th Mar 2009 E-Mail
Walker James Faure PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
23rd Mar2009 E-Mail
WORKS OF ART
Truckenbrod Joan Lyric Catalyst 1975 lthttpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
Truckenbrod Joan MotherDaughter1984 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
17
Truckenbrod Joan Womb Clothes 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Truckenbrod Joan Artificial Frame 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Daffodil Scroll 1985 lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Another Place Another Time 1991lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Orchard Street Synagogue 2000lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Walker James Faure Happy Circle 1988 lt httpdamorgdoxgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure Pigeons Kyoto 2002 lt wwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure For the Bees Night 2004 ltwwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
18
UMI Number 1478406
All rights reserved
INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted
In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages these will be noted Also if material had to be removed
a note will indicate the deletion
UMT Dissertation Publishing
UMI 1478406 Copyright 2010 by ProQuest LLC
All rights reserved This edition of the work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17 United States Code
ProQuest LLC 789 East Eisenhower Parkway
PO Box 1346 Ann Arbor Ml 48106-1346
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I would like to express heartfelt gratitude to my thesis advisor Prof Maureen
Nappi for her inestimable support encouragement supervision and useful suggestions
throughout this research Her professional support and constant guidance empowered me
to complete this work successfully I am also very grateful to my production advisor
Prof Marjan Moghaddam for her expertise generosity and most of all her abiding
patience
Special thanks and appreciation to the administrator and staffs of the Media Arts
Department at Long Island University Brooklyn Campus for providing the support and
equipment needed to produce and complete this thesis I would also like to express my
gratitude to the Writing Center for their technical and non-technical support
I am as ever indebted to my parents Mr and Mrs Gerard Rutherford for their love
and support throughout my life and especially during this research period To my brothers
and sisters I convey gratefulness for their support and understanding during this period
And finally much thankfulness to Mr Gregory Glasgow and Mr Randy
Bentinck who provided invaluable guidance and advise in the initial stages of this
research
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
LIST OF DIAGRAMS AND PAINTINGS
CHAPTER
I INTRODUCTION 1
NEW MEDIA MEETS OLD MEDIA 1
II WHAT IS DIGITAL ART 3
III THE EVOLUTION OF THE DIGITAL PAINT SYSTEM 4
TV ANALYSIS OF DIGITAL ARTWORK 5
V CONCLUSION 15
BIBLIOGRAPHY 16
LIST OF DIAGRAMS AND PAINTINGS
Figurel Diagram of Pixels 5
Figure 2 Joan Truckenbrod Lyric Catalyst 6
Figure 3 Joan Truckenbrod MotherDaughter 7
Figure 4 Joan Truckenbrod Womb Clothes 8
Figure 5 Joan Truckenbrod Artificial Frame 8
Figure 6 Cynthia Beth Rubin Daffodil Scroll 10
Figure 7 Cynthia Beth Rubin Another Place Another Time 11
Figure 8 Cynthia Beth Rubin Orchard Street Synagogue 12
Figure 9 James Faure Walker Happy Circle 13
Figure 10 James Faure Walker Pigeons Kyoto 13
Figure 11 James Faure Walker For the Bees Night 14
Abstract
PAINTS AND PIXELS USING THE COMPUTER TABLET AND STYLUS AS A
PAINTING MEDIUM
Artistic revolutions come in many varieties and often cause divergent effects
some tear down established notions or norms perhaps destructively while others forge
new paradigms through constructive means In either case both have their places in the
history of art With the advent of the computer the artistic landscape has changed
dramatically such innovations have influenced changes in the creative expressions of
visual art Thus this thesis seeks to analyze how technology has affected the making of
art and will examine the effects of using the computer tablet and stylus in the creative
process of making art In addition I will discuss the work of three digital artists Joan
Truckenbrod Cynthia Beth Rubin and James Faure Walker who have pioneered the use
of the computer tablet and stylus in their artwork The overview of their work will cover
a thirty-year period between 1975 and 2005 while examining their individual methods
and creative processes
I INTRODUCTION
Artistic revolutions come in many varieties and often cause divergent effects some tear
down established notions or norms perhaps destructively while others forge new paradigms
through constructive means In either case both have their place in the history of art With the
advent of the computer the artistic landscape has changed dramatically such innovations have
influenced changes in the creative expressions of visual art
Thus this thesis seeks to analyze how technology has affected the making of art and will
examine the effects of using the computer tablet and stylus in the creative process of making
art In addition I will discuss the work of three digital artists Joan Truckenbrod Cynthia Beth
Rubin and James Faure Walker who have pioneered the use of the computer tablet and stylus in
their artwork This overview will cover a thirty-year period between 1975 and 2005 of each
artists work while examining their individual methods and creative processes As advances in
paint programs and software continued to emerge these developments served to broaden the
artists toolset and knowledge base and gave the artists unconventional techniques to create
artwork These artists view their roles as a vital communicator to convey new ideas concepts
and information through visual imagery by using digital tools
NEW MEDIA MEETS OLD MEDIA
Although the relationship between art and technology preceded the computer the
introduction of the first digital computer certainly intensified this dialogue It opened the doors
for a wider audience to have access to new technology As the author Jonathan Raimes cites in
his book The Digital Canvas
By the mid-1960s the world was waking up to the possibilities of an age in which computers might play a significant role in the way we live [He pointed out that]
1
[While] in residence at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Vanderdeek created early computer art in an effort to get as close as possible to [the] functioning of the human nervous system1
As a result of this innovation a larger number of traditional artists were able to make greater use
of digital tools
While traditional painting requires several brushes tubes of paint palettes and canvases
todays digital artists with a few clicks of the mouse may select brushes and colors from their
hardware and software Most digital artists are aware of the use and benefits of digital
technology because they have spent many hours learning the techniques Similarly traditional
artists have used digital computers as a new creative way of painting and drawing Thus the
introduction of digital technology has enhanced the old ways of doing things by providing artists
with more advanced painting tools
Indeed hundreds of drawings and paintings can now be scanned and saved electronically
on ones computer Digital technology has allowed artists to use techniques that significantly
allow artists to manipulate colors and palettes more effectively than before However the use of
technology still requires the creativity of your most basic tools your hands eyes toes mouth
etc An artist whether using a brush or stylus must coordinate their senses in order to achieve
optimal creativity All tools both digital and traditional require some amount of coordination to
get the job done According to Malcolm McCullough author of Abstracting Craft the Practiced
Digital Hand
Under visual guidance Hands acquire some independence through training but they still turn to the eyes for purposes When in action a skillful touch remains subsidiary to focal vision Because this kind of coordination satisfies we pursue it in play too sports musical performance building projects traditional handicrafts give pleasure
1 Raimes Jonathan The Digital Canvas discovering the art studio in your computer New York Harry N Adams Inc 2006 p i 1-12
2
through coordination Reflection finds harmony in the steady flow of hand eye tool and material2
Digital media certainly has its advantages the choice of colors tools and unlimited canvas size
This allows the artist to go beyond boundary lines that traditional artists may encounter such as
additional time spent to mix paints stretch a canvas and arrange a work area
As a result more artists are engaging in the use of digital techniques and are now using
digital technology as a tool to create images These images include digital paintings digital
photographs and digital animations Artists have since discovered that by using digital media
they have more tools at their disposal
II WHAT IS DIGITAL ART
Digital art is like any other contemporary art form However rather than using traditional
tools artists now use a computer a tablet and a stylus to create art Although it requires some
level of technical training digital art has opened the door for artists to access a wider variety of
painting tools For most digital artists this technology has replaced the brush paint and canvas
their conventional tools for production The author Glen Wilkins defines digital artwork as
any image that has been processed by a computer at some stage in its creation The artwork may have been created digitally or [have] been altered by [a]computer in some way it includes images that have been scanned for print production as posters books or magazines3
Digital art is now a more widely accepted artistic practice because the use of digital
technology has stretched the level of the artists imagination to become more creative Digital
tools are very essential in the creative process of digital artwork a computer a tablet and stylus
2 Malcolm McCullough Abstracting Craft The Practiced Digital Hand Cambridge MIT Press 1996 p 32 3 Glen Wilkins Painting with Pixels How to Draw with your computer New York Sterling Publishing
CoInc 1999 p 10
3
are the basic tools an artist needs to launch their creative process of making art As the artists
skill advances they begin to utilize other forms of digital tools such as digital cameras and
scanners With these tools in place artists can quickly and precisely render images that
previously would have been done on a canvas
Digital technology has brought about many changes amongst the arts artists are no
longer confined to traditional techniques In addition digital computers made the process of
developing a piece of art easier because of the simplicity of the new programs The development
of digital paint method revolutionized the traditional process of making art
III THE EVOLUTION OF THE DIGITAL PAINT SYSTEM
An in depth history of digital paint systems is beyond the scope of this paper however
they evolved to contemporary programs such as Adobe Photoshopreg Corel Painterreg and Photo
Draw2000reg These programs were developed to facilitate digital artists with a wider array of
painting apparatus
The first digital frame buffer was developed at Xerox Palo Alto by Dick Shoup thus
ushering in the paint system Alvy Ray Smith noted in his article Digital Paint Systems An
Anecdotal and Historical Overview that
A digital paint program and a digital paint system are distinguished by their functions A digital paint program essentially does no more than simulate painting of a brush on a canvas A digital paint system does much more using the simulation of painting as a familiar metaphor to seduce artists into the new perhaps forbidding digital domain Of course they are both programs but the term system will imply many more features it will be more complete In fact a system might even use several well-integrated programs 4
Alvy Ray Smith Digital Paint System An Anecdotal and Historical Overview January 8th 1997 5th March 2009 httpwwwalvyraycom
4
As technology became more advanced there was a sudden increase in the demand for digital
paint system Thus the digital paint systems of the 1980s such as the Quantal Paint Boxreg and
Artronics reg became very popular A few years later other advanced paint programs followed
All digital paint programs incorporate pixels Pixels derived from Picture Elements (See
Figl) Authors Isaac Victor Kerlow and Judson Rosebush stated in their book Computer
Graphic for Designers and Artist that Pixel is the basic quantum unit of an image Pixels are
discrete modular units often organized in a rectangular matrix Each pixel corresponds to one
square on the graph 5
Fig1 Pixels (magnified xl2)
wwwscantipscom
Bitmapped images are graphic images that are comprised of pixels on a grid Each one contains
information about the color in a given image Bitmapped images have a permanent resolution
that cannot be resized without losing image quality
IV ANALYSIS OF DIGITAL ARTWORKS
The artwork of Joan Truckenbrod Cynthia Beth Rubin and James Faure Walker represents
a significant departure from traditional art and prove that the creative processes of using digital
technology are successful Each artist has developed an individual set of digital skills For
5 Isaac Victor Kerlow and Judson Rosebush Computer Graphic for Designers and Artist Hew York John Wileyamp Sons Inc 1997 p 12
5
example there is a clear difference between Joan Truckenbrod and Cynthia Beth Rubins work
even though they both use similar digital technology to create their art
Joan Truckenbrod born in Greensboro North Carolina is currently a Professor of Art at
the School of Art Institute in Chicago Ms Truckenbrod is one of the many digital art pioneers
who have exhibited artwork in New York London and Berlin She has made tremendous
contributions in the education of young artists According to the online source Digital Art
Museum among the pioneers at Digital Art Museum [Truckenbrod] shared an interest in
[the] early video paint system However she started with an algorithmic approach that led to
some of her best known early work 6
Most of Truckenbrods early works of art were drawings recorded onto a 16 BPI tape As a
result her early paintings consisted of monochromatic images that depicted an invisible realm of
her understanding for digital art Truckenbrod believes that [Her] early images evoke the
contrast of the digital life and the analog life7 (See Fig2) Her interest in this area has led her to
Fig2 Joan Truckenbrod
Lyric Catalyst 1975 Inkjet print 9x9
6 DAM] Digital Art Museum Joan Truckenbrod httpdigitalartmuseumorgtruckenbrodindexhtm 7 Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25th Mar 09 E-Mail
6
combine traditional and digital images that embody natural forces with in her paintings By 1984
the images within Truckenbrods work began to depict a sense of tension as a result of the
juxtaposition of images within her work(See Fig3) In an email correspondence Truckenbrod
revealed [that] the stroke of the brush is conducted through ideas [that] flows from the
body into the artwork The hand embodies that idea and transfers [it] to the surface of the
paperscreen and translates the artists vision into imagery8
Fig3 Joan Truckenbrod
MotherDaughter (1984) CIBA chrome print 24x24
When asked how useful digital technology has been in creating her artwork Truckenbrod said
The tablet and pen have provided the freedom and flexibility [she] need[s] to work simultaneously with multiple layers of ideas and imagery The pen allows for a specificity of line shape and color necessary to communicate [her] intention One unique aspect of working with the computer is that ones brush carries shape form object photo etc in addition to color Working this way ones palette is only limited by ones own imagination9
With access to advanced software program Truckenbrod was able to manipulate images within
her artwork which created a new sense of artistic freedom In one of her latter painting series
8 Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25th Mar 09 E-Mail 9 Ibid
7
Truckenbrod used scientific and mathematical symbols together with hand-drawn figures
to create images of women and men (See Fig4-5) The emotion of these images has been
heightened by the use of bright colors and shadowy reflection on distorted figures On closer
inspection viewers are able to see massive light waves reflecting off the images bringing our
Fig 4 Joan Truckenbrod
Womb Clothes 1994 IRIS Print 32x 36
Fig 5 Joan Truckenbrod
Artificial Frame 1994 IRIS Print 32x 36
attention to the focal point at the center Her use of unusual natural objects and computer
programs allowed her to create some breath-taking pieces of digital art Truckenbrods recent
Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25 Mar 09 E-Mail
8
artworks are magnificent computer- based projects that exhibited her interest digital technology
such as the scanners to recreate images of her world
Similarly the artist Cynthia Beth Rubin uses a scanner to input images and a tablet and
stylus to paint or augment those images within her work Rubin started her career as a traditional
painter whose work consisted mostly of abstract painting Rubin began experimenting with
digital media during the 1980s while teaching art at Rhode Island School of Design
Rubins artwork has been featured in international exhibitions and has become
educational for younger artists Most of her earlier digital artwork was painted on the Artronics
system which was designed for artists who wanted to create electronic art It consisted of a tablet
and two monitors (one for the menu and one for the image)This style of tablet was not pressure
sensitive like the Wacom tablets of today
The movement from traditional paint to electronic art provided Rubin with the flexibility
she needed to transfer her new artistic ideas into works of art Currently her paintings consist of
hybrid forms which show the relationship between aesthetics and creativity Rubin believes that
[Her] work is an investigation of the threads of cultural memory which [she] feel both from [her] own visual experiences and through that mysterious transmission of sensibility which comes from some place beyond the individual [Her] images grow from the affinity between [her] life as a contemporary American and what [she] regard[s] as [her] heritage11
As a result most of her paintings are made up of multiple layers that are quite revealing
and symbolic thus echoing the uncertainty of the world in which she lives The elements within
her paintings are also bounded by the interweaving of colors textures and the fragmented images
of her memories For instance the painting in Daffodil Scroll (Fig6) depicts Rubins capability
to juxtapose images within her painting This painting was done on the Artronic system which
was at the time easier for Rubin to create an intricate connection among elements within the
1 Cynthia Beth Rubin httpwwwcbrabinnet
9
painting At first glance the strong use of color and lines in the painting make it look a little
mystical However upon closer inspection of the painting elements of coral reefs that are
intertwining into a structure become noticeable revealing the artists experience of thinking
feeling and reacting
Fig6 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Daffodil Scroll 1985 Inkjet print 16x 24
When asked how effective the tablet has been in creating her artwork Rubin said There are no
disadvantages of using the tablet Without it [her] wrist hurts and [her] gestures are forced to
come from [her] wrist instead of [her] arm muscles And every one knows artists use arm
muscles12 With access to a highly developed software program Rubin sees the computer as a
means to expand her visual expressions Working with the computer and a tablet is a very natural
medium for Rubin because her work is based on imaginative arrangement of elements within her
paintings According to Rubin
Before working on a computer [She] was cutting stencils and blocking part of evolving painting just so that [she] could artificially arrive at the same surprise of juxtaposition of materials that is so natural in the computer [Rubin also pointed out that] in the digital world [she] can explore the range from realism and
Cynthia Beth Rubin PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 27th Mar 09 E-Mail
10
recognizable imagery to highly expressive abstractions and put all of these element together in creating a coherent unified work
In creating her artwork Rubin explored a variety of digital painting techniques This is evident in
most of her later work where Rubin created multiple layers by pulling and pushing objects to
reveal whats underneath On many occasions she uses a pressure sensitive tablet to paint or
draw and a scanner to import photographic images into her painting Rubin believes that The
scanner has had the biggest impact without question Combining canned filters with quick
14
scans has produced an army of digital image marker In this painting patches of pure color are
merged together to produce the image of Another Place Another Time This scene has
outstandingly rich surface colors which partly cover the structure in the background This
particular feature is visible in most of Rubins artwork and may be influenced by her Jewish
Fig7 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Another Place Another Time 1991 IRIS print 17x 24
culture There is a distinct use of digital technology in her artwork It creates a new environment
for Rubins art and in fact changes the method of her artistic approach (See Fig8) The
elements in this painting symbolize Rubins cultural and personal histories Digital technology
13 Cynthia Beth Rubin The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Oct 09 httpeducationsiggraphorg
14 Ibid
11
has not only expanded Rubins visual understanding of imagery but allowed her to reveal her
inner most thoughts and feelings
Fig8 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Orchard Street Synagogue 2000 Archival inkjet print 13x 19
On the other hand the artist James Faure Walker combines the use of digital technology
and other traditional tools to create his artwork Walker began his art career as an artist working
in oil paint but later developed a love for digital art As an artist and critic Walker worked on a
collaborative educational project that helped young artists to enhance their artistic skills One of
Walkers main interests as an artist [is to] raise art awareness [through] the development of
software [and] new fine art courses15 With works such as Happy Circle Pigeons Kyoto Dawn
Tree and For the Bees (Fig 9-11) James Walker combines digital paint and traditional paint to
create breathtaking pieces of art
In creating his digital art Walker uses a tablet and stylus to paint and arrange
images in his work In each case he started by playing around with line drawings of the subject
matter In his book Painting the Digital Rivers he stated that [He first] learned about
15Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting With the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
1
painting and computer graphicas a complete outsider by looking at the tools the way things
when he became first fascinated with digital technology and wanted to find out how each gadget
worked Through the playing and mingling of shapes with the use of the computer and a tablet
Walker created a sense of mystery within the painting The interplay of these randomly placed
shapes represents the early stages in the creative process of a new era in Walkers artistic life
Fig9 James Faure Walker Happy Circle 1988 Inkjet print 6x 8
Fig 10 James Faure Walker
Pigeons Kyoto 2002 Giclee Iris print 29 x 43
However Pigeons Kyoto (Fig 10) represents a more progressive stage for Walker This
bold new style is evident in the complicated shapes he created through the controlled use of a
tablet In this painting the artist played freely with the technology He was able to merge
13
paintings drawing and photographs to create a series of shapes that dance across the painting A
further sense of depth was created by the objects which appear to extend beyond the dangling
shapes in the foreground As a result it contributes to the effective play of light
On the other hand in For the Bees Night (Fig 11) the radiant colors and forms from an
expressionistic quality within the elements of the painting The freely flowing lines within this
painting evoke imagery from a childs drawing These mysterious lines express the artist ideas of
the changing use of technology in drawing and painting When asked how useful the tablet has
been in creating his artwork Walker said [If] I dont have one it is hard to get excited about
drawing [because] I dont really have much of a starting point- ie ideas or subject matter-I just
play around16 The thought of creating artwork with a use of a tablet and a computer created a
new means of merging traditional paint and digital paint For James F Walker the use of digital
technology to create his artwork has now become possible after years of trial and error In fact
Figll James Faure Walker
For the Bees Night 2004 Archival Inkjet print 20 x 27
most of his digital artworks are abstract images that resemble collages watercolors and ink
drawings 17 Walkers technique of applying traditional paint onto paper before printing his
16 James Faure Walker PaintingsDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 23rd Mar09 E-Mail 17Artistscuratorswriters httpwwwcommentartcomartistJames_Faure_Walker
14
digital work gives his work added intensity and depth
Upon completion of his book Painting the Digital River Walker stated that he
remained fascinated too by the shifting attitudes towards the use of technology in his drawing
and painting18 It was his interest in digital technology that allowed him to create some breathshy
taking pieces of digital art As a digital artist James Walker has opened a world of new ideas and
concepts to his fellow counterparts On top of this Walkers background as a painter and digital
artist has allowed future digital artists to embrace his work and learn from his experimentation
with digital technology
V CONCLUSION
The use of digital technologies has not only challenged the traditional notion of painting
but it has created a whole new shift within the arts The most obvious shift is that digital
technology has given artists immense freedom they can easily edit and reconstruct images
within their work in a shorter period of time It has also provided artists with resourceful
opportunities not available to more traditional artists
The use of a computer stylus and tablet makes it easier for digital artists to produce
various kinds of output and to gather huge amounts of images and use them in whatever way
they see fit
It is my belief that the digital tools are similar to having a treasure chest of interactive
programs that are designed to improve our artistic skills or styles Since the introduction of
digital technologies digital artists have utilized these tools to create some outstanding forms of
art In conclusion digital media are valid tools for painting as effective as oil acrylic and silk
screening allowing the artists greater freedom in experimentation and exploration
SCIRA Reading in Painting with the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
15
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Goodman Cynthia Digital Visions Computer and Art New York
Harry N Abrams Inc 1987
Kerlow Isaac Victor and Judson Rosebush Computer Graphics for Designers and
Artists New York John Wiley amp Sons Inc 1997
Malcolm McCullough Abstracting Craft The Practiced Digital Hand Cambridge
MIT Press 1996
Nappi Maureen Language Memory and Volition Toward an Aesthetic of Computer
Arts Diss New York University 2001 Ann Arbor UMF 2002 Print
Raimes Jonathan The Digital Canvas Discovering the Art Studio In Your Computer
New York Harry N Adams Inc 2006
Spalter Anne Morgan The Computer in the Visual Arts Boston Addison Wesley
Longman Inc 1999
Walker James Faure Painting the Digital River New Jersey Pearson Education Inc
2006
Wilkins Glen Painting with Pixels How to Draw With Your Computer New York
Sterling Publishing Co Inc 1999
Electronic Sources
Walker James Faure Artists Curators writers Web
24th April 09lthttpwwwcommentartcomartistJames Faure Walkergt
DAM] Digital Art Museum Joan Truckenbrod Web
09th May 09lthttpdigitalartmuseumorgtruckenbrodindexhtmgt
16
Fulton Wayne A Few Scanning Tips What is a Digital Image Anyway Web2008
10 May 09lthttpwwwscantipscombasicslbhtmlgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth Web 10th October09lthttpwwwcbrubinnetgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Web
10th Oct 09 lthttpeducationsiggraphorggt
Smith Alvy Ray Digital Paint System An Anecdotal and Historical OverviewWeb
30th May 9724th Oct 09lthttpwwwalvyraycomgt
Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting with the ComputerWeb
24th April 09lt httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk gt
INTERVIEWS
Rubin Cynthia Beth PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
27th Mar2009 E-Mail
Truckenbrod Joan Painting Digital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
25th Mar 2009 E-Mail
Walker James Faure PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
23rd Mar2009 E-Mail
WORKS OF ART
Truckenbrod Joan Lyric Catalyst 1975 lthttpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
Truckenbrod Joan MotherDaughter1984 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
17
Truckenbrod Joan Womb Clothes 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Truckenbrod Joan Artificial Frame 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Daffodil Scroll 1985 lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Another Place Another Time 1991lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Orchard Street Synagogue 2000lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Walker James Faure Happy Circle 1988 lt httpdamorgdoxgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure Pigeons Kyoto 2002 lt wwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure For the Bees Night 2004 ltwwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
18
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I would like to express heartfelt gratitude to my thesis advisor Prof Maureen
Nappi for her inestimable support encouragement supervision and useful suggestions
throughout this research Her professional support and constant guidance empowered me
to complete this work successfully I am also very grateful to my production advisor
Prof Marjan Moghaddam for her expertise generosity and most of all her abiding
patience
Special thanks and appreciation to the administrator and staffs of the Media Arts
Department at Long Island University Brooklyn Campus for providing the support and
equipment needed to produce and complete this thesis I would also like to express my
gratitude to the Writing Center for their technical and non-technical support
I am as ever indebted to my parents Mr and Mrs Gerard Rutherford for their love
and support throughout my life and especially during this research period To my brothers
and sisters I convey gratefulness for their support and understanding during this period
And finally much thankfulness to Mr Gregory Glasgow and Mr Randy
Bentinck who provided invaluable guidance and advise in the initial stages of this
research
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
LIST OF DIAGRAMS AND PAINTINGS
CHAPTER
I INTRODUCTION 1
NEW MEDIA MEETS OLD MEDIA 1
II WHAT IS DIGITAL ART 3
III THE EVOLUTION OF THE DIGITAL PAINT SYSTEM 4
TV ANALYSIS OF DIGITAL ARTWORK 5
V CONCLUSION 15
BIBLIOGRAPHY 16
LIST OF DIAGRAMS AND PAINTINGS
Figurel Diagram of Pixels 5
Figure 2 Joan Truckenbrod Lyric Catalyst 6
Figure 3 Joan Truckenbrod MotherDaughter 7
Figure 4 Joan Truckenbrod Womb Clothes 8
Figure 5 Joan Truckenbrod Artificial Frame 8
Figure 6 Cynthia Beth Rubin Daffodil Scroll 10
Figure 7 Cynthia Beth Rubin Another Place Another Time 11
Figure 8 Cynthia Beth Rubin Orchard Street Synagogue 12
Figure 9 James Faure Walker Happy Circle 13
Figure 10 James Faure Walker Pigeons Kyoto 13
Figure 11 James Faure Walker For the Bees Night 14
Abstract
PAINTS AND PIXELS USING THE COMPUTER TABLET AND STYLUS AS A
PAINTING MEDIUM
Artistic revolutions come in many varieties and often cause divergent effects
some tear down established notions or norms perhaps destructively while others forge
new paradigms through constructive means In either case both have their places in the
history of art With the advent of the computer the artistic landscape has changed
dramatically such innovations have influenced changes in the creative expressions of
visual art Thus this thesis seeks to analyze how technology has affected the making of
art and will examine the effects of using the computer tablet and stylus in the creative
process of making art In addition I will discuss the work of three digital artists Joan
Truckenbrod Cynthia Beth Rubin and James Faure Walker who have pioneered the use
of the computer tablet and stylus in their artwork The overview of their work will cover
a thirty-year period between 1975 and 2005 while examining their individual methods
and creative processes
I INTRODUCTION
Artistic revolutions come in many varieties and often cause divergent effects some tear
down established notions or norms perhaps destructively while others forge new paradigms
through constructive means In either case both have their place in the history of art With the
advent of the computer the artistic landscape has changed dramatically such innovations have
influenced changes in the creative expressions of visual art
Thus this thesis seeks to analyze how technology has affected the making of art and will
examine the effects of using the computer tablet and stylus in the creative process of making
art In addition I will discuss the work of three digital artists Joan Truckenbrod Cynthia Beth
Rubin and James Faure Walker who have pioneered the use of the computer tablet and stylus in
their artwork This overview will cover a thirty-year period between 1975 and 2005 of each
artists work while examining their individual methods and creative processes As advances in
paint programs and software continued to emerge these developments served to broaden the
artists toolset and knowledge base and gave the artists unconventional techniques to create
artwork These artists view their roles as a vital communicator to convey new ideas concepts
and information through visual imagery by using digital tools
NEW MEDIA MEETS OLD MEDIA
Although the relationship between art and technology preceded the computer the
introduction of the first digital computer certainly intensified this dialogue It opened the doors
for a wider audience to have access to new technology As the author Jonathan Raimes cites in
his book The Digital Canvas
By the mid-1960s the world was waking up to the possibilities of an age in which computers might play a significant role in the way we live [He pointed out that]
1
[While] in residence at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Vanderdeek created early computer art in an effort to get as close as possible to [the] functioning of the human nervous system1
As a result of this innovation a larger number of traditional artists were able to make greater use
of digital tools
While traditional painting requires several brushes tubes of paint palettes and canvases
todays digital artists with a few clicks of the mouse may select brushes and colors from their
hardware and software Most digital artists are aware of the use and benefits of digital
technology because they have spent many hours learning the techniques Similarly traditional
artists have used digital computers as a new creative way of painting and drawing Thus the
introduction of digital technology has enhanced the old ways of doing things by providing artists
with more advanced painting tools
Indeed hundreds of drawings and paintings can now be scanned and saved electronically
on ones computer Digital technology has allowed artists to use techniques that significantly
allow artists to manipulate colors and palettes more effectively than before However the use of
technology still requires the creativity of your most basic tools your hands eyes toes mouth
etc An artist whether using a brush or stylus must coordinate their senses in order to achieve
optimal creativity All tools both digital and traditional require some amount of coordination to
get the job done According to Malcolm McCullough author of Abstracting Craft the Practiced
Digital Hand
Under visual guidance Hands acquire some independence through training but they still turn to the eyes for purposes When in action a skillful touch remains subsidiary to focal vision Because this kind of coordination satisfies we pursue it in play too sports musical performance building projects traditional handicrafts give pleasure
1 Raimes Jonathan The Digital Canvas discovering the art studio in your computer New York Harry N Adams Inc 2006 p i 1-12
2
through coordination Reflection finds harmony in the steady flow of hand eye tool and material2
Digital media certainly has its advantages the choice of colors tools and unlimited canvas size
This allows the artist to go beyond boundary lines that traditional artists may encounter such as
additional time spent to mix paints stretch a canvas and arrange a work area
As a result more artists are engaging in the use of digital techniques and are now using
digital technology as a tool to create images These images include digital paintings digital
photographs and digital animations Artists have since discovered that by using digital media
they have more tools at their disposal
II WHAT IS DIGITAL ART
Digital art is like any other contemporary art form However rather than using traditional
tools artists now use a computer a tablet and a stylus to create art Although it requires some
level of technical training digital art has opened the door for artists to access a wider variety of
painting tools For most digital artists this technology has replaced the brush paint and canvas
their conventional tools for production The author Glen Wilkins defines digital artwork as
any image that has been processed by a computer at some stage in its creation The artwork may have been created digitally or [have] been altered by [a]computer in some way it includes images that have been scanned for print production as posters books or magazines3
Digital art is now a more widely accepted artistic practice because the use of digital
technology has stretched the level of the artists imagination to become more creative Digital
tools are very essential in the creative process of digital artwork a computer a tablet and stylus
2 Malcolm McCullough Abstracting Craft The Practiced Digital Hand Cambridge MIT Press 1996 p 32 3 Glen Wilkins Painting with Pixels How to Draw with your computer New York Sterling Publishing
CoInc 1999 p 10
3
are the basic tools an artist needs to launch their creative process of making art As the artists
skill advances they begin to utilize other forms of digital tools such as digital cameras and
scanners With these tools in place artists can quickly and precisely render images that
previously would have been done on a canvas
Digital technology has brought about many changes amongst the arts artists are no
longer confined to traditional techniques In addition digital computers made the process of
developing a piece of art easier because of the simplicity of the new programs The development
of digital paint method revolutionized the traditional process of making art
III THE EVOLUTION OF THE DIGITAL PAINT SYSTEM
An in depth history of digital paint systems is beyond the scope of this paper however
they evolved to contemporary programs such as Adobe Photoshopreg Corel Painterreg and Photo
Draw2000reg These programs were developed to facilitate digital artists with a wider array of
painting apparatus
The first digital frame buffer was developed at Xerox Palo Alto by Dick Shoup thus
ushering in the paint system Alvy Ray Smith noted in his article Digital Paint Systems An
Anecdotal and Historical Overview that
A digital paint program and a digital paint system are distinguished by their functions A digital paint program essentially does no more than simulate painting of a brush on a canvas A digital paint system does much more using the simulation of painting as a familiar metaphor to seduce artists into the new perhaps forbidding digital domain Of course they are both programs but the term system will imply many more features it will be more complete In fact a system might even use several well-integrated programs 4
Alvy Ray Smith Digital Paint System An Anecdotal and Historical Overview January 8th 1997 5th March 2009 httpwwwalvyraycom
4
As technology became more advanced there was a sudden increase in the demand for digital
paint system Thus the digital paint systems of the 1980s such as the Quantal Paint Boxreg and
Artronics reg became very popular A few years later other advanced paint programs followed
All digital paint programs incorporate pixels Pixels derived from Picture Elements (See
Figl) Authors Isaac Victor Kerlow and Judson Rosebush stated in their book Computer
Graphic for Designers and Artist that Pixel is the basic quantum unit of an image Pixels are
discrete modular units often organized in a rectangular matrix Each pixel corresponds to one
square on the graph 5
Fig1 Pixels (magnified xl2)
wwwscantipscom
Bitmapped images are graphic images that are comprised of pixels on a grid Each one contains
information about the color in a given image Bitmapped images have a permanent resolution
that cannot be resized without losing image quality
IV ANALYSIS OF DIGITAL ARTWORKS
The artwork of Joan Truckenbrod Cynthia Beth Rubin and James Faure Walker represents
a significant departure from traditional art and prove that the creative processes of using digital
technology are successful Each artist has developed an individual set of digital skills For
5 Isaac Victor Kerlow and Judson Rosebush Computer Graphic for Designers and Artist Hew York John Wileyamp Sons Inc 1997 p 12
5
example there is a clear difference between Joan Truckenbrod and Cynthia Beth Rubins work
even though they both use similar digital technology to create their art
Joan Truckenbrod born in Greensboro North Carolina is currently a Professor of Art at
the School of Art Institute in Chicago Ms Truckenbrod is one of the many digital art pioneers
who have exhibited artwork in New York London and Berlin She has made tremendous
contributions in the education of young artists According to the online source Digital Art
Museum among the pioneers at Digital Art Museum [Truckenbrod] shared an interest in
[the] early video paint system However she started with an algorithmic approach that led to
some of her best known early work 6
Most of Truckenbrods early works of art were drawings recorded onto a 16 BPI tape As a
result her early paintings consisted of monochromatic images that depicted an invisible realm of
her understanding for digital art Truckenbrod believes that [Her] early images evoke the
contrast of the digital life and the analog life7 (See Fig2) Her interest in this area has led her to
Fig2 Joan Truckenbrod
Lyric Catalyst 1975 Inkjet print 9x9
6 DAM] Digital Art Museum Joan Truckenbrod httpdigitalartmuseumorgtruckenbrodindexhtm 7 Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25th Mar 09 E-Mail
6
combine traditional and digital images that embody natural forces with in her paintings By 1984
the images within Truckenbrods work began to depict a sense of tension as a result of the
juxtaposition of images within her work(See Fig3) In an email correspondence Truckenbrod
revealed [that] the stroke of the brush is conducted through ideas [that] flows from the
body into the artwork The hand embodies that idea and transfers [it] to the surface of the
paperscreen and translates the artists vision into imagery8
Fig3 Joan Truckenbrod
MotherDaughter (1984) CIBA chrome print 24x24
When asked how useful digital technology has been in creating her artwork Truckenbrod said
The tablet and pen have provided the freedom and flexibility [she] need[s] to work simultaneously with multiple layers of ideas and imagery The pen allows for a specificity of line shape and color necessary to communicate [her] intention One unique aspect of working with the computer is that ones brush carries shape form object photo etc in addition to color Working this way ones palette is only limited by ones own imagination9
With access to advanced software program Truckenbrod was able to manipulate images within
her artwork which created a new sense of artistic freedom In one of her latter painting series
8 Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25th Mar 09 E-Mail 9 Ibid
7
Truckenbrod used scientific and mathematical symbols together with hand-drawn figures
to create images of women and men (See Fig4-5) The emotion of these images has been
heightened by the use of bright colors and shadowy reflection on distorted figures On closer
inspection viewers are able to see massive light waves reflecting off the images bringing our
Fig 4 Joan Truckenbrod
Womb Clothes 1994 IRIS Print 32x 36
Fig 5 Joan Truckenbrod
Artificial Frame 1994 IRIS Print 32x 36
attention to the focal point at the center Her use of unusual natural objects and computer
programs allowed her to create some breath-taking pieces of digital art Truckenbrods recent
Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25 Mar 09 E-Mail
8
artworks are magnificent computer- based projects that exhibited her interest digital technology
such as the scanners to recreate images of her world
Similarly the artist Cynthia Beth Rubin uses a scanner to input images and a tablet and
stylus to paint or augment those images within her work Rubin started her career as a traditional
painter whose work consisted mostly of abstract painting Rubin began experimenting with
digital media during the 1980s while teaching art at Rhode Island School of Design
Rubins artwork has been featured in international exhibitions and has become
educational for younger artists Most of her earlier digital artwork was painted on the Artronics
system which was designed for artists who wanted to create electronic art It consisted of a tablet
and two monitors (one for the menu and one for the image)This style of tablet was not pressure
sensitive like the Wacom tablets of today
The movement from traditional paint to electronic art provided Rubin with the flexibility
she needed to transfer her new artistic ideas into works of art Currently her paintings consist of
hybrid forms which show the relationship between aesthetics and creativity Rubin believes that
[Her] work is an investigation of the threads of cultural memory which [she] feel both from [her] own visual experiences and through that mysterious transmission of sensibility which comes from some place beyond the individual [Her] images grow from the affinity between [her] life as a contemporary American and what [she] regard[s] as [her] heritage11
As a result most of her paintings are made up of multiple layers that are quite revealing
and symbolic thus echoing the uncertainty of the world in which she lives The elements within
her paintings are also bounded by the interweaving of colors textures and the fragmented images
of her memories For instance the painting in Daffodil Scroll (Fig6) depicts Rubins capability
to juxtapose images within her painting This painting was done on the Artronic system which
was at the time easier for Rubin to create an intricate connection among elements within the
1 Cynthia Beth Rubin httpwwwcbrabinnet
9
painting At first glance the strong use of color and lines in the painting make it look a little
mystical However upon closer inspection of the painting elements of coral reefs that are
intertwining into a structure become noticeable revealing the artists experience of thinking
feeling and reacting
Fig6 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Daffodil Scroll 1985 Inkjet print 16x 24
When asked how effective the tablet has been in creating her artwork Rubin said There are no
disadvantages of using the tablet Without it [her] wrist hurts and [her] gestures are forced to
come from [her] wrist instead of [her] arm muscles And every one knows artists use arm
muscles12 With access to a highly developed software program Rubin sees the computer as a
means to expand her visual expressions Working with the computer and a tablet is a very natural
medium for Rubin because her work is based on imaginative arrangement of elements within her
paintings According to Rubin
Before working on a computer [She] was cutting stencils and blocking part of evolving painting just so that [she] could artificially arrive at the same surprise of juxtaposition of materials that is so natural in the computer [Rubin also pointed out that] in the digital world [she] can explore the range from realism and
Cynthia Beth Rubin PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 27th Mar 09 E-Mail
10
recognizable imagery to highly expressive abstractions and put all of these element together in creating a coherent unified work
In creating her artwork Rubin explored a variety of digital painting techniques This is evident in
most of her later work where Rubin created multiple layers by pulling and pushing objects to
reveal whats underneath On many occasions she uses a pressure sensitive tablet to paint or
draw and a scanner to import photographic images into her painting Rubin believes that The
scanner has had the biggest impact without question Combining canned filters with quick
14
scans has produced an army of digital image marker In this painting patches of pure color are
merged together to produce the image of Another Place Another Time This scene has
outstandingly rich surface colors which partly cover the structure in the background This
particular feature is visible in most of Rubins artwork and may be influenced by her Jewish
Fig7 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Another Place Another Time 1991 IRIS print 17x 24
culture There is a distinct use of digital technology in her artwork It creates a new environment
for Rubins art and in fact changes the method of her artistic approach (See Fig8) The
elements in this painting symbolize Rubins cultural and personal histories Digital technology
13 Cynthia Beth Rubin The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Oct 09 httpeducationsiggraphorg
14 Ibid
11
has not only expanded Rubins visual understanding of imagery but allowed her to reveal her
inner most thoughts and feelings
Fig8 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Orchard Street Synagogue 2000 Archival inkjet print 13x 19
On the other hand the artist James Faure Walker combines the use of digital technology
and other traditional tools to create his artwork Walker began his art career as an artist working
in oil paint but later developed a love for digital art As an artist and critic Walker worked on a
collaborative educational project that helped young artists to enhance their artistic skills One of
Walkers main interests as an artist [is to] raise art awareness [through] the development of
software [and] new fine art courses15 With works such as Happy Circle Pigeons Kyoto Dawn
Tree and For the Bees (Fig 9-11) James Walker combines digital paint and traditional paint to
create breathtaking pieces of art
In creating his digital art Walker uses a tablet and stylus to paint and arrange
images in his work In each case he started by playing around with line drawings of the subject
matter In his book Painting the Digital Rivers he stated that [He first] learned about
15Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting With the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
1
painting and computer graphicas a complete outsider by looking at the tools the way things
when he became first fascinated with digital technology and wanted to find out how each gadget
worked Through the playing and mingling of shapes with the use of the computer and a tablet
Walker created a sense of mystery within the painting The interplay of these randomly placed
shapes represents the early stages in the creative process of a new era in Walkers artistic life
Fig9 James Faure Walker Happy Circle 1988 Inkjet print 6x 8
Fig 10 James Faure Walker
Pigeons Kyoto 2002 Giclee Iris print 29 x 43
However Pigeons Kyoto (Fig 10) represents a more progressive stage for Walker This
bold new style is evident in the complicated shapes he created through the controlled use of a
tablet In this painting the artist played freely with the technology He was able to merge
13
paintings drawing and photographs to create a series of shapes that dance across the painting A
further sense of depth was created by the objects which appear to extend beyond the dangling
shapes in the foreground As a result it contributes to the effective play of light
On the other hand in For the Bees Night (Fig 11) the radiant colors and forms from an
expressionistic quality within the elements of the painting The freely flowing lines within this
painting evoke imagery from a childs drawing These mysterious lines express the artist ideas of
the changing use of technology in drawing and painting When asked how useful the tablet has
been in creating his artwork Walker said [If] I dont have one it is hard to get excited about
drawing [because] I dont really have much of a starting point- ie ideas or subject matter-I just
play around16 The thought of creating artwork with a use of a tablet and a computer created a
new means of merging traditional paint and digital paint For James F Walker the use of digital
technology to create his artwork has now become possible after years of trial and error In fact
Figll James Faure Walker
For the Bees Night 2004 Archival Inkjet print 20 x 27
most of his digital artworks are abstract images that resemble collages watercolors and ink
drawings 17 Walkers technique of applying traditional paint onto paper before printing his
16 James Faure Walker PaintingsDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 23rd Mar09 E-Mail 17Artistscuratorswriters httpwwwcommentartcomartistJames_Faure_Walker
14
digital work gives his work added intensity and depth
Upon completion of his book Painting the Digital River Walker stated that he
remained fascinated too by the shifting attitudes towards the use of technology in his drawing
and painting18 It was his interest in digital technology that allowed him to create some breathshy
taking pieces of digital art As a digital artist James Walker has opened a world of new ideas and
concepts to his fellow counterparts On top of this Walkers background as a painter and digital
artist has allowed future digital artists to embrace his work and learn from his experimentation
with digital technology
V CONCLUSION
The use of digital technologies has not only challenged the traditional notion of painting
but it has created a whole new shift within the arts The most obvious shift is that digital
technology has given artists immense freedom they can easily edit and reconstruct images
within their work in a shorter period of time It has also provided artists with resourceful
opportunities not available to more traditional artists
The use of a computer stylus and tablet makes it easier for digital artists to produce
various kinds of output and to gather huge amounts of images and use them in whatever way
they see fit
It is my belief that the digital tools are similar to having a treasure chest of interactive
programs that are designed to improve our artistic skills or styles Since the introduction of
digital technologies digital artists have utilized these tools to create some outstanding forms of
art In conclusion digital media are valid tools for painting as effective as oil acrylic and silk
screening allowing the artists greater freedom in experimentation and exploration
SCIRA Reading in Painting with the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
15
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Goodman Cynthia Digital Visions Computer and Art New York
Harry N Abrams Inc 1987
Kerlow Isaac Victor and Judson Rosebush Computer Graphics for Designers and
Artists New York John Wiley amp Sons Inc 1997
Malcolm McCullough Abstracting Craft The Practiced Digital Hand Cambridge
MIT Press 1996
Nappi Maureen Language Memory and Volition Toward an Aesthetic of Computer
Arts Diss New York University 2001 Ann Arbor UMF 2002 Print
Raimes Jonathan The Digital Canvas Discovering the Art Studio In Your Computer
New York Harry N Adams Inc 2006
Spalter Anne Morgan The Computer in the Visual Arts Boston Addison Wesley
Longman Inc 1999
Walker James Faure Painting the Digital River New Jersey Pearson Education Inc
2006
Wilkins Glen Painting with Pixels How to Draw With Your Computer New York
Sterling Publishing Co Inc 1999
Electronic Sources
Walker James Faure Artists Curators writers Web
24th April 09lthttpwwwcommentartcomartistJames Faure Walkergt
DAM] Digital Art Museum Joan Truckenbrod Web
09th May 09lthttpdigitalartmuseumorgtruckenbrodindexhtmgt
16
Fulton Wayne A Few Scanning Tips What is a Digital Image Anyway Web2008
10 May 09lthttpwwwscantipscombasicslbhtmlgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth Web 10th October09lthttpwwwcbrubinnetgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Web
10th Oct 09 lthttpeducationsiggraphorggt
Smith Alvy Ray Digital Paint System An Anecdotal and Historical OverviewWeb
30th May 9724th Oct 09lthttpwwwalvyraycomgt
Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting with the ComputerWeb
24th April 09lt httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk gt
INTERVIEWS
Rubin Cynthia Beth PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
27th Mar2009 E-Mail
Truckenbrod Joan Painting Digital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
25th Mar 2009 E-Mail
Walker James Faure PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
23rd Mar2009 E-Mail
WORKS OF ART
Truckenbrod Joan Lyric Catalyst 1975 lthttpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
Truckenbrod Joan MotherDaughter1984 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
17
Truckenbrod Joan Womb Clothes 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Truckenbrod Joan Artificial Frame 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Daffodil Scroll 1985 lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Another Place Another Time 1991lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Orchard Street Synagogue 2000lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Walker James Faure Happy Circle 1988 lt httpdamorgdoxgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure Pigeons Kyoto 2002 lt wwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure For the Bees Night 2004 ltwwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
18
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
LIST OF DIAGRAMS AND PAINTINGS
CHAPTER
I INTRODUCTION 1
NEW MEDIA MEETS OLD MEDIA 1
II WHAT IS DIGITAL ART 3
III THE EVOLUTION OF THE DIGITAL PAINT SYSTEM 4
TV ANALYSIS OF DIGITAL ARTWORK 5
V CONCLUSION 15
BIBLIOGRAPHY 16
LIST OF DIAGRAMS AND PAINTINGS
Figurel Diagram of Pixels 5
Figure 2 Joan Truckenbrod Lyric Catalyst 6
Figure 3 Joan Truckenbrod MotherDaughter 7
Figure 4 Joan Truckenbrod Womb Clothes 8
Figure 5 Joan Truckenbrod Artificial Frame 8
Figure 6 Cynthia Beth Rubin Daffodil Scroll 10
Figure 7 Cynthia Beth Rubin Another Place Another Time 11
Figure 8 Cynthia Beth Rubin Orchard Street Synagogue 12
Figure 9 James Faure Walker Happy Circle 13
Figure 10 James Faure Walker Pigeons Kyoto 13
Figure 11 James Faure Walker For the Bees Night 14
Abstract
PAINTS AND PIXELS USING THE COMPUTER TABLET AND STYLUS AS A
PAINTING MEDIUM
Artistic revolutions come in many varieties and often cause divergent effects
some tear down established notions or norms perhaps destructively while others forge
new paradigms through constructive means In either case both have their places in the
history of art With the advent of the computer the artistic landscape has changed
dramatically such innovations have influenced changes in the creative expressions of
visual art Thus this thesis seeks to analyze how technology has affected the making of
art and will examine the effects of using the computer tablet and stylus in the creative
process of making art In addition I will discuss the work of three digital artists Joan
Truckenbrod Cynthia Beth Rubin and James Faure Walker who have pioneered the use
of the computer tablet and stylus in their artwork The overview of their work will cover
a thirty-year period between 1975 and 2005 while examining their individual methods
and creative processes
I INTRODUCTION
Artistic revolutions come in many varieties and often cause divergent effects some tear
down established notions or norms perhaps destructively while others forge new paradigms
through constructive means In either case both have their place in the history of art With the
advent of the computer the artistic landscape has changed dramatically such innovations have
influenced changes in the creative expressions of visual art
Thus this thesis seeks to analyze how technology has affected the making of art and will
examine the effects of using the computer tablet and stylus in the creative process of making
art In addition I will discuss the work of three digital artists Joan Truckenbrod Cynthia Beth
Rubin and James Faure Walker who have pioneered the use of the computer tablet and stylus in
their artwork This overview will cover a thirty-year period between 1975 and 2005 of each
artists work while examining their individual methods and creative processes As advances in
paint programs and software continued to emerge these developments served to broaden the
artists toolset and knowledge base and gave the artists unconventional techniques to create
artwork These artists view their roles as a vital communicator to convey new ideas concepts
and information through visual imagery by using digital tools
NEW MEDIA MEETS OLD MEDIA
Although the relationship between art and technology preceded the computer the
introduction of the first digital computer certainly intensified this dialogue It opened the doors
for a wider audience to have access to new technology As the author Jonathan Raimes cites in
his book The Digital Canvas
By the mid-1960s the world was waking up to the possibilities of an age in which computers might play a significant role in the way we live [He pointed out that]
1
[While] in residence at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Vanderdeek created early computer art in an effort to get as close as possible to [the] functioning of the human nervous system1
As a result of this innovation a larger number of traditional artists were able to make greater use
of digital tools
While traditional painting requires several brushes tubes of paint palettes and canvases
todays digital artists with a few clicks of the mouse may select brushes and colors from their
hardware and software Most digital artists are aware of the use and benefits of digital
technology because they have spent many hours learning the techniques Similarly traditional
artists have used digital computers as a new creative way of painting and drawing Thus the
introduction of digital technology has enhanced the old ways of doing things by providing artists
with more advanced painting tools
Indeed hundreds of drawings and paintings can now be scanned and saved electronically
on ones computer Digital technology has allowed artists to use techniques that significantly
allow artists to manipulate colors and palettes more effectively than before However the use of
technology still requires the creativity of your most basic tools your hands eyes toes mouth
etc An artist whether using a brush or stylus must coordinate their senses in order to achieve
optimal creativity All tools both digital and traditional require some amount of coordination to
get the job done According to Malcolm McCullough author of Abstracting Craft the Practiced
Digital Hand
Under visual guidance Hands acquire some independence through training but they still turn to the eyes for purposes When in action a skillful touch remains subsidiary to focal vision Because this kind of coordination satisfies we pursue it in play too sports musical performance building projects traditional handicrafts give pleasure
1 Raimes Jonathan The Digital Canvas discovering the art studio in your computer New York Harry N Adams Inc 2006 p i 1-12
2
through coordination Reflection finds harmony in the steady flow of hand eye tool and material2
Digital media certainly has its advantages the choice of colors tools and unlimited canvas size
This allows the artist to go beyond boundary lines that traditional artists may encounter such as
additional time spent to mix paints stretch a canvas and arrange a work area
As a result more artists are engaging in the use of digital techniques and are now using
digital technology as a tool to create images These images include digital paintings digital
photographs and digital animations Artists have since discovered that by using digital media
they have more tools at their disposal
II WHAT IS DIGITAL ART
Digital art is like any other contemporary art form However rather than using traditional
tools artists now use a computer a tablet and a stylus to create art Although it requires some
level of technical training digital art has opened the door for artists to access a wider variety of
painting tools For most digital artists this technology has replaced the brush paint and canvas
their conventional tools for production The author Glen Wilkins defines digital artwork as
any image that has been processed by a computer at some stage in its creation The artwork may have been created digitally or [have] been altered by [a]computer in some way it includes images that have been scanned for print production as posters books or magazines3
Digital art is now a more widely accepted artistic practice because the use of digital
technology has stretched the level of the artists imagination to become more creative Digital
tools are very essential in the creative process of digital artwork a computer a tablet and stylus
2 Malcolm McCullough Abstracting Craft The Practiced Digital Hand Cambridge MIT Press 1996 p 32 3 Glen Wilkins Painting with Pixels How to Draw with your computer New York Sterling Publishing
CoInc 1999 p 10
3
are the basic tools an artist needs to launch their creative process of making art As the artists
skill advances they begin to utilize other forms of digital tools such as digital cameras and
scanners With these tools in place artists can quickly and precisely render images that
previously would have been done on a canvas
Digital technology has brought about many changes amongst the arts artists are no
longer confined to traditional techniques In addition digital computers made the process of
developing a piece of art easier because of the simplicity of the new programs The development
of digital paint method revolutionized the traditional process of making art
III THE EVOLUTION OF THE DIGITAL PAINT SYSTEM
An in depth history of digital paint systems is beyond the scope of this paper however
they evolved to contemporary programs such as Adobe Photoshopreg Corel Painterreg and Photo
Draw2000reg These programs were developed to facilitate digital artists with a wider array of
painting apparatus
The first digital frame buffer was developed at Xerox Palo Alto by Dick Shoup thus
ushering in the paint system Alvy Ray Smith noted in his article Digital Paint Systems An
Anecdotal and Historical Overview that
A digital paint program and a digital paint system are distinguished by their functions A digital paint program essentially does no more than simulate painting of a brush on a canvas A digital paint system does much more using the simulation of painting as a familiar metaphor to seduce artists into the new perhaps forbidding digital domain Of course they are both programs but the term system will imply many more features it will be more complete In fact a system might even use several well-integrated programs 4
Alvy Ray Smith Digital Paint System An Anecdotal and Historical Overview January 8th 1997 5th March 2009 httpwwwalvyraycom
4
As technology became more advanced there was a sudden increase in the demand for digital
paint system Thus the digital paint systems of the 1980s such as the Quantal Paint Boxreg and
Artronics reg became very popular A few years later other advanced paint programs followed
All digital paint programs incorporate pixels Pixels derived from Picture Elements (See
Figl) Authors Isaac Victor Kerlow and Judson Rosebush stated in their book Computer
Graphic for Designers and Artist that Pixel is the basic quantum unit of an image Pixels are
discrete modular units often organized in a rectangular matrix Each pixel corresponds to one
square on the graph 5
Fig1 Pixels (magnified xl2)
wwwscantipscom
Bitmapped images are graphic images that are comprised of pixels on a grid Each one contains
information about the color in a given image Bitmapped images have a permanent resolution
that cannot be resized without losing image quality
IV ANALYSIS OF DIGITAL ARTWORKS
The artwork of Joan Truckenbrod Cynthia Beth Rubin and James Faure Walker represents
a significant departure from traditional art and prove that the creative processes of using digital
technology are successful Each artist has developed an individual set of digital skills For
5 Isaac Victor Kerlow and Judson Rosebush Computer Graphic for Designers and Artist Hew York John Wileyamp Sons Inc 1997 p 12
5
example there is a clear difference between Joan Truckenbrod and Cynthia Beth Rubins work
even though they both use similar digital technology to create their art
Joan Truckenbrod born in Greensboro North Carolina is currently a Professor of Art at
the School of Art Institute in Chicago Ms Truckenbrod is one of the many digital art pioneers
who have exhibited artwork in New York London and Berlin She has made tremendous
contributions in the education of young artists According to the online source Digital Art
Museum among the pioneers at Digital Art Museum [Truckenbrod] shared an interest in
[the] early video paint system However she started with an algorithmic approach that led to
some of her best known early work 6
Most of Truckenbrods early works of art were drawings recorded onto a 16 BPI tape As a
result her early paintings consisted of monochromatic images that depicted an invisible realm of
her understanding for digital art Truckenbrod believes that [Her] early images evoke the
contrast of the digital life and the analog life7 (See Fig2) Her interest in this area has led her to
Fig2 Joan Truckenbrod
Lyric Catalyst 1975 Inkjet print 9x9
6 DAM] Digital Art Museum Joan Truckenbrod httpdigitalartmuseumorgtruckenbrodindexhtm 7 Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25th Mar 09 E-Mail
6
combine traditional and digital images that embody natural forces with in her paintings By 1984
the images within Truckenbrods work began to depict a sense of tension as a result of the
juxtaposition of images within her work(See Fig3) In an email correspondence Truckenbrod
revealed [that] the stroke of the brush is conducted through ideas [that] flows from the
body into the artwork The hand embodies that idea and transfers [it] to the surface of the
paperscreen and translates the artists vision into imagery8
Fig3 Joan Truckenbrod
MotherDaughter (1984) CIBA chrome print 24x24
When asked how useful digital technology has been in creating her artwork Truckenbrod said
The tablet and pen have provided the freedom and flexibility [she] need[s] to work simultaneously with multiple layers of ideas and imagery The pen allows for a specificity of line shape and color necessary to communicate [her] intention One unique aspect of working with the computer is that ones brush carries shape form object photo etc in addition to color Working this way ones palette is only limited by ones own imagination9
With access to advanced software program Truckenbrod was able to manipulate images within
her artwork which created a new sense of artistic freedom In one of her latter painting series
8 Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25th Mar 09 E-Mail 9 Ibid
7
Truckenbrod used scientific and mathematical symbols together with hand-drawn figures
to create images of women and men (See Fig4-5) The emotion of these images has been
heightened by the use of bright colors and shadowy reflection on distorted figures On closer
inspection viewers are able to see massive light waves reflecting off the images bringing our
Fig 4 Joan Truckenbrod
Womb Clothes 1994 IRIS Print 32x 36
Fig 5 Joan Truckenbrod
Artificial Frame 1994 IRIS Print 32x 36
attention to the focal point at the center Her use of unusual natural objects and computer
programs allowed her to create some breath-taking pieces of digital art Truckenbrods recent
Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25 Mar 09 E-Mail
8
artworks are magnificent computer- based projects that exhibited her interest digital technology
such as the scanners to recreate images of her world
Similarly the artist Cynthia Beth Rubin uses a scanner to input images and a tablet and
stylus to paint or augment those images within her work Rubin started her career as a traditional
painter whose work consisted mostly of abstract painting Rubin began experimenting with
digital media during the 1980s while teaching art at Rhode Island School of Design
Rubins artwork has been featured in international exhibitions and has become
educational for younger artists Most of her earlier digital artwork was painted on the Artronics
system which was designed for artists who wanted to create electronic art It consisted of a tablet
and two monitors (one for the menu and one for the image)This style of tablet was not pressure
sensitive like the Wacom tablets of today
The movement from traditional paint to electronic art provided Rubin with the flexibility
she needed to transfer her new artistic ideas into works of art Currently her paintings consist of
hybrid forms which show the relationship between aesthetics and creativity Rubin believes that
[Her] work is an investigation of the threads of cultural memory which [she] feel both from [her] own visual experiences and through that mysterious transmission of sensibility which comes from some place beyond the individual [Her] images grow from the affinity between [her] life as a contemporary American and what [she] regard[s] as [her] heritage11
As a result most of her paintings are made up of multiple layers that are quite revealing
and symbolic thus echoing the uncertainty of the world in which she lives The elements within
her paintings are also bounded by the interweaving of colors textures and the fragmented images
of her memories For instance the painting in Daffodil Scroll (Fig6) depicts Rubins capability
to juxtapose images within her painting This painting was done on the Artronic system which
was at the time easier for Rubin to create an intricate connection among elements within the
1 Cynthia Beth Rubin httpwwwcbrabinnet
9
painting At first glance the strong use of color and lines in the painting make it look a little
mystical However upon closer inspection of the painting elements of coral reefs that are
intertwining into a structure become noticeable revealing the artists experience of thinking
feeling and reacting
Fig6 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Daffodil Scroll 1985 Inkjet print 16x 24
When asked how effective the tablet has been in creating her artwork Rubin said There are no
disadvantages of using the tablet Without it [her] wrist hurts and [her] gestures are forced to
come from [her] wrist instead of [her] arm muscles And every one knows artists use arm
muscles12 With access to a highly developed software program Rubin sees the computer as a
means to expand her visual expressions Working with the computer and a tablet is a very natural
medium for Rubin because her work is based on imaginative arrangement of elements within her
paintings According to Rubin
Before working on a computer [She] was cutting stencils and blocking part of evolving painting just so that [she] could artificially arrive at the same surprise of juxtaposition of materials that is so natural in the computer [Rubin also pointed out that] in the digital world [she] can explore the range from realism and
Cynthia Beth Rubin PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 27th Mar 09 E-Mail
10
recognizable imagery to highly expressive abstractions and put all of these element together in creating a coherent unified work
In creating her artwork Rubin explored a variety of digital painting techniques This is evident in
most of her later work where Rubin created multiple layers by pulling and pushing objects to
reveal whats underneath On many occasions she uses a pressure sensitive tablet to paint or
draw and a scanner to import photographic images into her painting Rubin believes that The
scanner has had the biggest impact without question Combining canned filters with quick
14
scans has produced an army of digital image marker In this painting patches of pure color are
merged together to produce the image of Another Place Another Time This scene has
outstandingly rich surface colors which partly cover the structure in the background This
particular feature is visible in most of Rubins artwork and may be influenced by her Jewish
Fig7 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Another Place Another Time 1991 IRIS print 17x 24
culture There is a distinct use of digital technology in her artwork It creates a new environment
for Rubins art and in fact changes the method of her artistic approach (See Fig8) The
elements in this painting symbolize Rubins cultural and personal histories Digital technology
13 Cynthia Beth Rubin The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Oct 09 httpeducationsiggraphorg
14 Ibid
11
has not only expanded Rubins visual understanding of imagery but allowed her to reveal her
inner most thoughts and feelings
Fig8 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Orchard Street Synagogue 2000 Archival inkjet print 13x 19
On the other hand the artist James Faure Walker combines the use of digital technology
and other traditional tools to create his artwork Walker began his art career as an artist working
in oil paint but later developed a love for digital art As an artist and critic Walker worked on a
collaborative educational project that helped young artists to enhance their artistic skills One of
Walkers main interests as an artist [is to] raise art awareness [through] the development of
software [and] new fine art courses15 With works such as Happy Circle Pigeons Kyoto Dawn
Tree and For the Bees (Fig 9-11) James Walker combines digital paint and traditional paint to
create breathtaking pieces of art
In creating his digital art Walker uses a tablet and stylus to paint and arrange
images in his work In each case he started by playing around with line drawings of the subject
matter In his book Painting the Digital Rivers he stated that [He first] learned about
15Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting With the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
1
painting and computer graphicas a complete outsider by looking at the tools the way things
when he became first fascinated with digital technology and wanted to find out how each gadget
worked Through the playing and mingling of shapes with the use of the computer and a tablet
Walker created a sense of mystery within the painting The interplay of these randomly placed
shapes represents the early stages in the creative process of a new era in Walkers artistic life
Fig9 James Faure Walker Happy Circle 1988 Inkjet print 6x 8
Fig 10 James Faure Walker
Pigeons Kyoto 2002 Giclee Iris print 29 x 43
However Pigeons Kyoto (Fig 10) represents a more progressive stage for Walker This
bold new style is evident in the complicated shapes he created through the controlled use of a
tablet In this painting the artist played freely with the technology He was able to merge
13
paintings drawing and photographs to create a series of shapes that dance across the painting A
further sense of depth was created by the objects which appear to extend beyond the dangling
shapes in the foreground As a result it contributes to the effective play of light
On the other hand in For the Bees Night (Fig 11) the radiant colors and forms from an
expressionistic quality within the elements of the painting The freely flowing lines within this
painting evoke imagery from a childs drawing These mysterious lines express the artist ideas of
the changing use of technology in drawing and painting When asked how useful the tablet has
been in creating his artwork Walker said [If] I dont have one it is hard to get excited about
drawing [because] I dont really have much of a starting point- ie ideas or subject matter-I just
play around16 The thought of creating artwork with a use of a tablet and a computer created a
new means of merging traditional paint and digital paint For James F Walker the use of digital
technology to create his artwork has now become possible after years of trial and error In fact
Figll James Faure Walker
For the Bees Night 2004 Archival Inkjet print 20 x 27
most of his digital artworks are abstract images that resemble collages watercolors and ink
drawings 17 Walkers technique of applying traditional paint onto paper before printing his
16 James Faure Walker PaintingsDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 23rd Mar09 E-Mail 17Artistscuratorswriters httpwwwcommentartcomartistJames_Faure_Walker
14
digital work gives his work added intensity and depth
Upon completion of his book Painting the Digital River Walker stated that he
remained fascinated too by the shifting attitudes towards the use of technology in his drawing
and painting18 It was his interest in digital technology that allowed him to create some breathshy
taking pieces of digital art As a digital artist James Walker has opened a world of new ideas and
concepts to his fellow counterparts On top of this Walkers background as a painter and digital
artist has allowed future digital artists to embrace his work and learn from his experimentation
with digital technology
V CONCLUSION
The use of digital technologies has not only challenged the traditional notion of painting
but it has created a whole new shift within the arts The most obvious shift is that digital
technology has given artists immense freedom they can easily edit and reconstruct images
within their work in a shorter period of time It has also provided artists with resourceful
opportunities not available to more traditional artists
The use of a computer stylus and tablet makes it easier for digital artists to produce
various kinds of output and to gather huge amounts of images and use them in whatever way
they see fit
It is my belief that the digital tools are similar to having a treasure chest of interactive
programs that are designed to improve our artistic skills or styles Since the introduction of
digital technologies digital artists have utilized these tools to create some outstanding forms of
art In conclusion digital media are valid tools for painting as effective as oil acrylic and silk
screening allowing the artists greater freedom in experimentation and exploration
SCIRA Reading in Painting with the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
15
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Goodman Cynthia Digital Visions Computer and Art New York
Harry N Abrams Inc 1987
Kerlow Isaac Victor and Judson Rosebush Computer Graphics for Designers and
Artists New York John Wiley amp Sons Inc 1997
Malcolm McCullough Abstracting Craft The Practiced Digital Hand Cambridge
MIT Press 1996
Nappi Maureen Language Memory and Volition Toward an Aesthetic of Computer
Arts Diss New York University 2001 Ann Arbor UMF 2002 Print
Raimes Jonathan The Digital Canvas Discovering the Art Studio In Your Computer
New York Harry N Adams Inc 2006
Spalter Anne Morgan The Computer in the Visual Arts Boston Addison Wesley
Longman Inc 1999
Walker James Faure Painting the Digital River New Jersey Pearson Education Inc
2006
Wilkins Glen Painting with Pixels How to Draw With Your Computer New York
Sterling Publishing Co Inc 1999
Electronic Sources
Walker James Faure Artists Curators writers Web
24th April 09lthttpwwwcommentartcomartistJames Faure Walkergt
DAM] Digital Art Museum Joan Truckenbrod Web
09th May 09lthttpdigitalartmuseumorgtruckenbrodindexhtmgt
16
Fulton Wayne A Few Scanning Tips What is a Digital Image Anyway Web2008
10 May 09lthttpwwwscantipscombasicslbhtmlgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth Web 10th October09lthttpwwwcbrubinnetgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Web
10th Oct 09 lthttpeducationsiggraphorggt
Smith Alvy Ray Digital Paint System An Anecdotal and Historical OverviewWeb
30th May 9724th Oct 09lthttpwwwalvyraycomgt
Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting with the ComputerWeb
24th April 09lt httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk gt
INTERVIEWS
Rubin Cynthia Beth PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
27th Mar2009 E-Mail
Truckenbrod Joan Painting Digital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
25th Mar 2009 E-Mail
Walker James Faure PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
23rd Mar2009 E-Mail
WORKS OF ART
Truckenbrod Joan Lyric Catalyst 1975 lthttpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
Truckenbrod Joan MotherDaughter1984 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
17
Truckenbrod Joan Womb Clothes 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Truckenbrod Joan Artificial Frame 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Daffodil Scroll 1985 lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Another Place Another Time 1991lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Orchard Street Synagogue 2000lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Walker James Faure Happy Circle 1988 lt httpdamorgdoxgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure Pigeons Kyoto 2002 lt wwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure For the Bees Night 2004 ltwwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
18
LIST OF DIAGRAMS AND PAINTINGS
Figurel Diagram of Pixels 5
Figure 2 Joan Truckenbrod Lyric Catalyst 6
Figure 3 Joan Truckenbrod MotherDaughter 7
Figure 4 Joan Truckenbrod Womb Clothes 8
Figure 5 Joan Truckenbrod Artificial Frame 8
Figure 6 Cynthia Beth Rubin Daffodil Scroll 10
Figure 7 Cynthia Beth Rubin Another Place Another Time 11
Figure 8 Cynthia Beth Rubin Orchard Street Synagogue 12
Figure 9 James Faure Walker Happy Circle 13
Figure 10 James Faure Walker Pigeons Kyoto 13
Figure 11 James Faure Walker For the Bees Night 14
Abstract
PAINTS AND PIXELS USING THE COMPUTER TABLET AND STYLUS AS A
PAINTING MEDIUM
Artistic revolutions come in many varieties and often cause divergent effects
some tear down established notions or norms perhaps destructively while others forge
new paradigms through constructive means In either case both have their places in the
history of art With the advent of the computer the artistic landscape has changed
dramatically such innovations have influenced changes in the creative expressions of
visual art Thus this thesis seeks to analyze how technology has affected the making of
art and will examine the effects of using the computer tablet and stylus in the creative
process of making art In addition I will discuss the work of three digital artists Joan
Truckenbrod Cynthia Beth Rubin and James Faure Walker who have pioneered the use
of the computer tablet and stylus in their artwork The overview of their work will cover
a thirty-year period between 1975 and 2005 while examining their individual methods
and creative processes
I INTRODUCTION
Artistic revolutions come in many varieties and often cause divergent effects some tear
down established notions or norms perhaps destructively while others forge new paradigms
through constructive means In either case both have their place in the history of art With the
advent of the computer the artistic landscape has changed dramatically such innovations have
influenced changes in the creative expressions of visual art
Thus this thesis seeks to analyze how technology has affected the making of art and will
examine the effects of using the computer tablet and stylus in the creative process of making
art In addition I will discuss the work of three digital artists Joan Truckenbrod Cynthia Beth
Rubin and James Faure Walker who have pioneered the use of the computer tablet and stylus in
their artwork This overview will cover a thirty-year period between 1975 and 2005 of each
artists work while examining their individual methods and creative processes As advances in
paint programs and software continued to emerge these developments served to broaden the
artists toolset and knowledge base and gave the artists unconventional techniques to create
artwork These artists view their roles as a vital communicator to convey new ideas concepts
and information through visual imagery by using digital tools
NEW MEDIA MEETS OLD MEDIA
Although the relationship between art and technology preceded the computer the
introduction of the first digital computer certainly intensified this dialogue It opened the doors
for a wider audience to have access to new technology As the author Jonathan Raimes cites in
his book The Digital Canvas
By the mid-1960s the world was waking up to the possibilities of an age in which computers might play a significant role in the way we live [He pointed out that]
1
[While] in residence at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Vanderdeek created early computer art in an effort to get as close as possible to [the] functioning of the human nervous system1
As a result of this innovation a larger number of traditional artists were able to make greater use
of digital tools
While traditional painting requires several brushes tubes of paint palettes and canvases
todays digital artists with a few clicks of the mouse may select brushes and colors from their
hardware and software Most digital artists are aware of the use and benefits of digital
technology because they have spent many hours learning the techniques Similarly traditional
artists have used digital computers as a new creative way of painting and drawing Thus the
introduction of digital technology has enhanced the old ways of doing things by providing artists
with more advanced painting tools
Indeed hundreds of drawings and paintings can now be scanned and saved electronically
on ones computer Digital technology has allowed artists to use techniques that significantly
allow artists to manipulate colors and palettes more effectively than before However the use of
technology still requires the creativity of your most basic tools your hands eyes toes mouth
etc An artist whether using a brush or stylus must coordinate their senses in order to achieve
optimal creativity All tools both digital and traditional require some amount of coordination to
get the job done According to Malcolm McCullough author of Abstracting Craft the Practiced
Digital Hand
Under visual guidance Hands acquire some independence through training but they still turn to the eyes for purposes When in action a skillful touch remains subsidiary to focal vision Because this kind of coordination satisfies we pursue it in play too sports musical performance building projects traditional handicrafts give pleasure
1 Raimes Jonathan The Digital Canvas discovering the art studio in your computer New York Harry N Adams Inc 2006 p i 1-12
2
through coordination Reflection finds harmony in the steady flow of hand eye tool and material2
Digital media certainly has its advantages the choice of colors tools and unlimited canvas size
This allows the artist to go beyond boundary lines that traditional artists may encounter such as
additional time spent to mix paints stretch a canvas and arrange a work area
As a result more artists are engaging in the use of digital techniques and are now using
digital technology as a tool to create images These images include digital paintings digital
photographs and digital animations Artists have since discovered that by using digital media
they have more tools at their disposal
II WHAT IS DIGITAL ART
Digital art is like any other contemporary art form However rather than using traditional
tools artists now use a computer a tablet and a stylus to create art Although it requires some
level of technical training digital art has opened the door for artists to access a wider variety of
painting tools For most digital artists this technology has replaced the brush paint and canvas
their conventional tools for production The author Glen Wilkins defines digital artwork as
any image that has been processed by a computer at some stage in its creation The artwork may have been created digitally or [have] been altered by [a]computer in some way it includes images that have been scanned for print production as posters books or magazines3
Digital art is now a more widely accepted artistic practice because the use of digital
technology has stretched the level of the artists imagination to become more creative Digital
tools are very essential in the creative process of digital artwork a computer a tablet and stylus
2 Malcolm McCullough Abstracting Craft The Practiced Digital Hand Cambridge MIT Press 1996 p 32 3 Glen Wilkins Painting with Pixels How to Draw with your computer New York Sterling Publishing
CoInc 1999 p 10
3
are the basic tools an artist needs to launch their creative process of making art As the artists
skill advances they begin to utilize other forms of digital tools such as digital cameras and
scanners With these tools in place artists can quickly and precisely render images that
previously would have been done on a canvas
Digital technology has brought about many changes amongst the arts artists are no
longer confined to traditional techniques In addition digital computers made the process of
developing a piece of art easier because of the simplicity of the new programs The development
of digital paint method revolutionized the traditional process of making art
III THE EVOLUTION OF THE DIGITAL PAINT SYSTEM
An in depth history of digital paint systems is beyond the scope of this paper however
they evolved to contemporary programs such as Adobe Photoshopreg Corel Painterreg and Photo
Draw2000reg These programs were developed to facilitate digital artists with a wider array of
painting apparatus
The first digital frame buffer was developed at Xerox Palo Alto by Dick Shoup thus
ushering in the paint system Alvy Ray Smith noted in his article Digital Paint Systems An
Anecdotal and Historical Overview that
A digital paint program and a digital paint system are distinguished by their functions A digital paint program essentially does no more than simulate painting of a brush on a canvas A digital paint system does much more using the simulation of painting as a familiar metaphor to seduce artists into the new perhaps forbidding digital domain Of course they are both programs but the term system will imply many more features it will be more complete In fact a system might even use several well-integrated programs 4
Alvy Ray Smith Digital Paint System An Anecdotal and Historical Overview January 8th 1997 5th March 2009 httpwwwalvyraycom
4
As technology became more advanced there was a sudden increase in the demand for digital
paint system Thus the digital paint systems of the 1980s such as the Quantal Paint Boxreg and
Artronics reg became very popular A few years later other advanced paint programs followed
All digital paint programs incorporate pixels Pixels derived from Picture Elements (See
Figl) Authors Isaac Victor Kerlow and Judson Rosebush stated in their book Computer
Graphic for Designers and Artist that Pixel is the basic quantum unit of an image Pixels are
discrete modular units often organized in a rectangular matrix Each pixel corresponds to one
square on the graph 5
Fig1 Pixels (magnified xl2)
wwwscantipscom
Bitmapped images are graphic images that are comprised of pixels on a grid Each one contains
information about the color in a given image Bitmapped images have a permanent resolution
that cannot be resized without losing image quality
IV ANALYSIS OF DIGITAL ARTWORKS
The artwork of Joan Truckenbrod Cynthia Beth Rubin and James Faure Walker represents
a significant departure from traditional art and prove that the creative processes of using digital
technology are successful Each artist has developed an individual set of digital skills For
5 Isaac Victor Kerlow and Judson Rosebush Computer Graphic for Designers and Artist Hew York John Wileyamp Sons Inc 1997 p 12
5
example there is a clear difference between Joan Truckenbrod and Cynthia Beth Rubins work
even though they both use similar digital technology to create their art
Joan Truckenbrod born in Greensboro North Carolina is currently a Professor of Art at
the School of Art Institute in Chicago Ms Truckenbrod is one of the many digital art pioneers
who have exhibited artwork in New York London and Berlin She has made tremendous
contributions in the education of young artists According to the online source Digital Art
Museum among the pioneers at Digital Art Museum [Truckenbrod] shared an interest in
[the] early video paint system However she started with an algorithmic approach that led to
some of her best known early work 6
Most of Truckenbrods early works of art were drawings recorded onto a 16 BPI tape As a
result her early paintings consisted of monochromatic images that depicted an invisible realm of
her understanding for digital art Truckenbrod believes that [Her] early images evoke the
contrast of the digital life and the analog life7 (See Fig2) Her interest in this area has led her to
Fig2 Joan Truckenbrod
Lyric Catalyst 1975 Inkjet print 9x9
6 DAM] Digital Art Museum Joan Truckenbrod httpdigitalartmuseumorgtruckenbrodindexhtm 7 Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25th Mar 09 E-Mail
6
combine traditional and digital images that embody natural forces with in her paintings By 1984
the images within Truckenbrods work began to depict a sense of tension as a result of the
juxtaposition of images within her work(See Fig3) In an email correspondence Truckenbrod
revealed [that] the stroke of the brush is conducted through ideas [that] flows from the
body into the artwork The hand embodies that idea and transfers [it] to the surface of the
paperscreen and translates the artists vision into imagery8
Fig3 Joan Truckenbrod
MotherDaughter (1984) CIBA chrome print 24x24
When asked how useful digital technology has been in creating her artwork Truckenbrod said
The tablet and pen have provided the freedom and flexibility [she] need[s] to work simultaneously with multiple layers of ideas and imagery The pen allows for a specificity of line shape and color necessary to communicate [her] intention One unique aspect of working with the computer is that ones brush carries shape form object photo etc in addition to color Working this way ones palette is only limited by ones own imagination9
With access to advanced software program Truckenbrod was able to manipulate images within
her artwork which created a new sense of artistic freedom In one of her latter painting series
8 Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25th Mar 09 E-Mail 9 Ibid
7
Truckenbrod used scientific and mathematical symbols together with hand-drawn figures
to create images of women and men (See Fig4-5) The emotion of these images has been
heightened by the use of bright colors and shadowy reflection on distorted figures On closer
inspection viewers are able to see massive light waves reflecting off the images bringing our
Fig 4 Joan Truckenbrod
Womb Clothes 1994 IRIS Print 32x 36
Fig 5 Joan Truckenbrod
Artificial Frame 1994 IRIS Print 32x 36
attention to the focal point at the center Her use of unusual natural objects and computer
programs allowed her to create some breath-taking pieces of digital art Truckenbrods recent
Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25 Mar 09 E-Mail
8
artworks are magnificent computer- based projects that exhibited her interest digital technology
such as the scanners to recreate images of her world
Similarly the artist Cynthia Beth Rubin uses a scanner to input images and a tablet and
stylus to paint or augment those images within her work Rubin started her career as a traditional
painter whose work consisted mostly of abstract painting Rubin began experimenting with
digital media during the 1980s while teaching art at Rhode Island School of Design
Rubins artwork has been featured in international exhibitions and has become
educational for younger artists Most of her earlier digital artwork was painted on the Artronics
system which was designed for artists who wanted to create electronic art It consisted of a tablet
and two monitors (one for the menu and one for the image)This style of tablet was not pressure
sensitive like the Wacom tablets of today
The movement from traditional paint to electronic art provided Rubin with the flexibility
she needed to transfer her new artistic ideas into works of art Currently her paintings consist of
hybrid forms which show the relationship between aesthetics and creativity Rubin believes that
[Her] work is an investigation of the threads of cultural memory which [she] feel both from [her] own visual experiences and through that mysterious transmission of sensibility which comes from some place beyond the individual [Her] images grow from the affinity between [her] life as a contemporary American and what [she] regard[s] as [her] heritage11
As a result most of her paintings are made up of multiple layers that are quite revealing
and symbolic thus echoing the uncertainty of the world in which she lives The elements within
her paintings are also bounded by the interweaving of colors textures and the fragmented images
of her memories For instance the painting in Daffodil Scroll (Fig6) depicts Rubins capability
to juxtapose images within her painting This painting was done on the Artronic system which
was at the time easier for Rubin to create an intricate connection among elements within the
1 Cynthia Beth Rubin httpwwwcbrabinnet
9
painting At first glance the strong use of color and lines in the painting make it look a little
mystical However upon closer inspection of the painting elements of coral reefs that are
intertwining into a structure become noticeable revealing the artists experience of thinking
feeling and reacting
Fig6 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Daffodil Scroll 1985 Inkjet print 16x 24
When asked how effective the tablet has been in creating her artwork Rubin said There are no
disadvantages of using the tablet Without it [her] wrist hurts and [her] gestures are forced to
come from [her] wrist instead of [her] arm muscles And every one knows artists use arm
muscles12 With access to a highly developed software program Rubin sees the computer as a
means to expand her visual expressions Working with the computer and a tablet is a very natural
medium for Rubin because her work is based on imaginative arrangement of elements within her
paintings According to Rubin
Before working on a computer [She] was cutting stencils and blocking part of evolving painting just so that [she] could artificially arrive at the same surprise of juxtaposition of materials that is so natural in the computer [Rubin also pointed out that] in the digital world [she] can explore the range from realism and
Cynthia Beth Rubin PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 27th Mar 09 E-Mail
10
recognizable imagery to highly expressive abstractions and put all of these element together in creating a coherent unified work
In creating her artwork Rubin explored a variety of digital painting techniques This is evident in
most of her later work where Rubin created multiple layers by pulling and pushing objects to
reveal whats underneath On many occasions she uses a pressure sensitive tablet to paint or
draw and a scanner to import photographic images into her painting Rubin believes that The
scanner has had the biggest impact without question Combining canned filters with quick
14
scans has produced an army of digital image marker In this painting patches of pure color are
merged together to produce the image of Another Place Another Time This scene has
outstandingly rich surface colors which partly cover the structure in the background This
particular feature is visible in most of Rubins artwork and may be influenced by her Jewish
Fig7 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Another Place Another Time 1991 IRIS print 17x 24
culture There is a distinct use of digital technology in her artwork It creates a new environment
for Rubins art and in fact changes the method of her artistic approach (See Fig8) The
elements in this painting symbolize Rubins cultural and personal histories Digital technology
13 Cynthia Beth Rubin The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Oct 09 httpeducationsiggraphorg
14 Ibid
11
has not only expanded Rubins visual understanding of imagery but allowed her to reveal her
inner most thoughts and feelings
Fig8 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Orchard Street Synagogue 2000 Archival inkjet print 13x 19
On the other hand the artist James Faure Walker combines the use of digital technology
and other traditional tools to create his artwork Walker began his art career as an artist working
in oil paint but later developed a love for digital art As an artist and critic Walker worked on a
collaborative educational project that helped young artists to enhance their artistic skills One of
Walkers main interests as an artist [is to] raise art awareness [through] the development of
software [and] new fine art courses15 With works such as Happy Circle Pigeons Kyoto Dawn
Tree and For the Bees (Fig 9-11) James Walker combines digital paint and traditional paint to
create breathtaking pieces of art
In creating his digital art Walker uses a tablet and stylus to paint and arrange
images in his work In each case he started by playing around with line drawings of the subject
matter In his book Painting the Digital Rivers he stated that [He first] learned about
15Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting With the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
1
painting and computer graphicas a complete outsider by looking at the tools the way things
when he became first fascinated with digital technology and wanted to find out how each gadget
worked Through the playing and mingling of shapes with the use of the computer and a tablet
Walker created a sense of mystery within the painting The interplay of these randomly placed
shapes represents the early stages in the creative process of a new era in Walkers artistic life
Fig9 James Faure Walker Happy Circle 1988 Inkjet print 6x 8
Fig 10 James Faure Walker
Pigeons Kyoto 2002 Giclee Iris print 29 x 43
However Pigeons Kyoto (Fig 10) represents a more progressive stage for Walker This
bold new style is evident in the complicated shapes he created through the controlled use of a
tablet In this painting the artist played freely with the technology He was able to merge
13
paintings drawing and photographs to create a series of shapes that dance across the painting A
further sense of depth was created by the objects which appear to extend beyond the dangling
shapes in the foreground As a result it contributes to the effective play of light
On the other hand in For the Bees Night (Fig 11) the radiant colors and forms from an
expressionistic quality within the elements of the painting The freely flowing lines within this
painting evoke imagery from a childs drawing These mysterious lines express the artist ideas of
the changing use of technology in drawing and painting When asked how useful the tablet has
been in creating his artwork Walker said [If] I dont have one it is hard to get excited about
drawing [because] I dont really have much of a starting point- ie ideas or subject matter-I just
play around16 The thought of creating artwork with a use of a tablet and a computer created a
new means of merging traditional paint and digital paint For James F Walker the use of digital
technology to create his artwork has now become possible after years of trial and error In fact
Figll James Faure Walker
For the Bees Night 2004 Archival Inkjet print 20 x 27
most of his digital artworks are abstract images that resemble collages watercolors and ink
drawings 17 Walkers technique of applying traditional paint onto paper before printing his
16 James Faure Walker PaintingsDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 23rd Mar09 E-Mail 17Artistscuratorswriters httpwwwcommentartcomartistJames_Faure_Walker
14
digital work gives his work added intensity and depth
Upon completion of his book Painting the Digital River Walker stated that he
remained fascinated too by the shifting attitudes towards the use of technology in his drawing
and painting18 It was his interest in digital technology that allowed him to create some breathshy
taking pieces of digital art As a digital artist James Walker has opened a world of new ideas and
concepts to his fellow counterparts On top of this Walkers background as a painter and digital
artist has allowed future digital artists to embrace his work and learn from his experimentation
with digital technology
V CONCLUSION
The use of digital technologies has not only challenged the traditional notion of painting
but it has created a whole new shift within the arts The most obvious shift is that digital
technology has given artists immense freedom they can easily edit and reconstruct images
within their work in a shorter period of time It has also provided artists with resourceful
opportunities not available to more traditional artists
The use of a computer stylus and tablet makes it easier for digital artists to produce
various kinds of output and to gather huge amounts of images and use them in whatever way
they see fit
It is my belief that the digital tools are similar to having a treasure chest of interactive
programs that are designed to improve our artistic skills or styles Since the introduction of
digital technologies digital artists have utilized these tools to create some outstanding forms of
art In conclusion digital media are valid tools for painting as effective as oil acrylic and silk
screening allowing the artists greater freedom in experimentation and exploration
SCIRA Reading in Painting with the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
15
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Goodman Cynthia Digital Visions Computer and Art New York
Harry N Abrams Inc 1987
Kerlow Isaac Victor and Judson Rosebush Computer Graphics for Designers and
Artists New York John Wiley amp Sons Inc 1997
Malcolm McCullough Abstracting Craft The Practiced Digital Hand Cambridge
MIT Press 1996
Nappi Maureen Language Memory and Volition Toward an Aesthetic of Computer
Arts Diss New York University 2001 Ann Arbor UMF 2002 Print
Raimes Jonathan The Digital Canvas Discovering the Art Studio In Your Computer
New York Harry N Adams Inc 2006
Spalter Anne Morgan The Computer in the Visual Arts Boston Addison Wesley
Longman Inc 1999
Walker James Faure Painting the Digital River New Jersey Pearson Education Inc
2006
Wilkins Glen Painting with Pixels How to Draw With Your Computer New York
Sterling Publishing Co Inc 1999
Electronic Sources
Walker James Faure Artists Curators writers Web
24th April 09lthttpwwwcommentartcomartistJames Faure Walkergt
DAM] Digital Art Museum Joan Truckenbrod Web
09th May 09lthttpdigitalartmuseumorgtruckenbrodindexhtmgt
16
Fulton Wayne A Few Scanning Tips What is a Digital Image Anyway Web2008
10 May 09lthttpwwwscantipscombasicslbhtmlgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth Web 10th October09lthttpwwwcbrubinnetgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Web
10th Oct 09 lthttpeducationsiggraphorggt
Smith Alvy Ray Digital Paint System An Anecdotal and Historical OverviewWeb
30th May 9724th Oct 09lthttpwwwalvyraycomgt
Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting with the ComputerWeb
24th April 09lt httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk gt
INTERVIEWS
Rubin Cynthia Beth PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
27th Mar2009 E-Mail
Truckenbrod Joan Painting Digital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
25th Mar 2009 E-Mail
Walker James Faure PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
23rd Mar2009 E-Mail
WORKS OF ART
Truckenbrod Joan Lyric Catalyst 1975 lthttpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
Truckenbrod Joan MotherDaughter1984 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
17
Truckenbrod Joan Womb Clothes 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Truckenbrod Joan Artificial Frame 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Daffodil Scroll 1985 lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Another Place Another Time 1991lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Orchard Street Synagogue 2000lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Walker James Faure Happy Circle 1988 lt httpdamorgdoxgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure Pigeons Kyoto 2002 lt wwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure For the Bees Night 2004 ltwwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
18
Abstract
PAINTS AND PIXELS USING THE COMPUTER TABLET AND STYLUS AS A
PAINTING MEDIUM
Artistic revolutions come in many varieties and often cause divergent effects
some tear down established notions or norms perhaps destructively while others forge
new paradigms through constructive means In either case both have their places in the
history of art With the advent of the computer the artistic landscape has changed
dramatically such innovations have influenced changes in the creative expressions of
visual art Thus this thesis seeks to analyze how technology has affected the making of
art and will examine the effects of using the computer tablet and stylus in the creative
process of making art In addition I will discuss the work of three digital artists Joan
Truckenbrod Cynthia Beth Rubin and James Faure Walker who have pioneered the use
of the computer tablet and stylus in their artwork The overview of their work will cover
a thirty-year period between 1975 and 2005 while examining their individual methods
and creative processes
I INTRODUCTION
Artistic revolutions come in many varieties and often cause divergent effects some tear
down established notions or norms perhaps destructively while others forge new paradigms
through constructive means In either case both have their place in the history of art With the
advent of the computer the artistic landscape has changed dramatically such innovations have
influenced changes in the creative expressions of visual art
Thus this thesis seeks to analyze how technology has affected the making of art and will
examine the effects of using the computer tablet and stylus in the creative process of making
art In addition I will discuss the work of three digital artists Joan Truckenbrod Cynthia Beth
Rubin and James Faure Walker who have pioneered the use of the computer tablet and stylus in
their artwork This overview will cover a thirty-year period between 1975 and 2005 of each
artists work while examining their individual methods and creative processes As advances in
paint programs and software continued to emerge these developments served to broaden the
artists toolset and knowledge base and gave the artists unconventional techniques to create
artwork These artists view their roles as a vital communicator to convey new ideas concepts
and information through visual imagery by using digital tools
NEW MEDIA MEETS OLD MEDIA
Although the relationship between art and technology preceded the computer the
introduction of the first digital computer certainly intensified this dialogue It opened the doors
for a wider audience to have access to new technology As the author Jonathan Raimes cites in
his book The Digital Canvas
By the mid-1960s the world was waking up to the possibilities of an age in which computers might play a significant role in the way we live [He pointed out that]
1
[While] in residence at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Vanderdeek created early computer art in an effort to get as close as possible to [the] functioning of the human nervous system1
As a result of this innovation a larger number of traditional artists were able to make greater use
of digital tools
While traditional painting requires several brushes tubes of paint palettes and canvases
todays digital artists with a few clicks of the mouse may select brushes and colors from their
hardware and software Most digital artists are aware of the use and benefits of digital
technology because they have spent many hours learning the techniques Similarly traditional
artists have used digital computers as a new creative way of painting and drawing Thus the
introduction of digital technology has enhanced the old ways of doing things by providing artists
with more advanced painting tools
Indeed hundreds of drawings and paintings can now be scanned and saved electronically
on ones computer Digital technology has allowed artists to use techniques that significantly
allow artists to manipulate colors and palettes more effectively than before However the use of
technology still requires the creativity of your most basic tools your hands eyes toes mouth
etc An artist whether using a brush or stylus must coordinate their senses in order to achieve
optimal creativity All tools both digital and traditional require some amount of coordination to
get the job done According to Malcolm McCullough author of Abstracting Craft the Practiced
Digital Hand
Under visual guidance Hands acquire some independence through training but they still turn to the eyes for purposes When in action a skillful touch remains subsidiary to focal vision Because this kind of coordination satisfies we pursue it in play too sports musical performance building projects traditional handicrafts give pleasure
1 Raimes Jonathan The Digital Canvas discovering the art studio in your computer New York Harry N Adams Inc 2006 p i 1-12
2
through coordination Reflection finds harmony in the steady flow of hand eye tool and material2
Digital media certainly has its advantages the choice of colors tools and unlimited canvas size
This allows the artist to go beyond boundary lines that traditional artists may encounter such as
additional time spent to mix paints stretch a canvas and arrange a work area
As a result more artists are engaging in the use of digital techniques and are now using
digital technology as a tool to create images These images include digital paintings digital
photographs and digital animations Artists have since discovered that by using digital media
they have more tools at their disposal
II WHAT IS DIGITAL ART
Digital art is like any other contemporary art form However rather than using traditional
tools artists now use a computer a tablet and a stylus to create art Although it requires some
level of technical training digital art has opened the door for artists to access a wider variety of
painting tools For most digital artists this technology has replaced the brush paint and canvas
their conventional tools for production The author Glen Wilkins defines digital artwork as
any image that has been processed by a computer at some stage in its creation The artwork may have been created digitally or [have] been altered by [a]computer in some way it includes images that have been scanned for print production as posters books or magazines3
Digital art is now a more widely accepted artistic practice because the use of digital
technology has stretched the level of the artists imagination to become more creative Digital
tools are very essential in the creative process of digital artwork a computer a tablet and stylus
2 Malcolm McCullough Abstracting Craft The Practiced Digital Hand Cambridge MIT Press 1996 p 32 3 Glen Wilkins Painting with Pixels How to Draw with your computer New York Sterling Publishing
CoInc 1999 p 10
3
are the basic tools an artist needs to launch their creative process of making art As the artists
skill advances they begin to utilize other forms of digital tools such as digital cameras and
scanners With these tools in place artists can quickly and precisely render images that
previously would have been done on a canvas
Digital technology has brought about many changes amongst the arts artists are no
longer confined to traditional techniques In addition digital computers made the process of
developing a piece of art easier because of the simplicity of the new programs The development
of digital paint method revolutionized the traditional process of making art
III THE EVOLUTION OF THE DIGITAL PAINT SYSTEM
An in depth history of digital paint systems is beyond the scope of this paper however
they evolved to contemporary programs such as Adobe Photoshopreg Corel Painterreg and Photo
Draw2000reg These programs were developed to facilitate digital artists with a wider array of
painting apparatus
The first digital frame buffer was developed at Xerox Palo Alto by Dick Shoup thus
ushering in the paint system Alvy Ray Smith noted in his article Digital Paint Systems An
Anecdotal and Historical Overview that
A digital paint program and a digital paint system are distinguished by their functions A digital paint program essentially does no more than simulate painting of a brush on a canvas A digital paint system does much more using the simulation of painting as a familiar metaphor to seduce artists into the new perhaps forbidding digital domain Of course they are both programs but the term system will imply many more features it will be more complete In fact a system might even use several well-integrated programs 4
Alvy Ray Smith Digital Paint System An Anecdotal and Historical Overview January 8th 1997 5th March 2009 httpwwwalvyraycom
4
As technology became more advanced there was a sudden increase in the demand for digital
paint system Thus the digital paint systems of the 1980s such as the Quantal Paint Boxreg and
Artronics reg became very popular A few years later other advanced paint programs followed
All digital paint programs incorporate pixels Pixels derived from Picture Elements (See
Figl) Authors Isaac Victor Kerlow and Judson Rosebush stated in their book Computer
Graphic for Designers and Artist that Pixel is the basic quantum unit of an image Pixels are
discrete modular units often organized in a rectangular matrix Each pixel corresponds to one
square on the graph 5
Fig1 Pixels (magnified xl2)
wwwscantipscom
Bitmapped images are graphic images that are comprised of pixels on a grid Each one contains
information about the color in a given image Bitmapped images have a permanent resolution
that cannot be resized without losing image quality
IV ANALYSIS OF DIGITAL ARTWORKS
The artwork of Joan Truckenbrod Cynthia Beth Rubin and James Faure Walker represents
a significant departure from traditional art and prove that the creative processes of using digital
technology are successful Each artist has developed an individual set of digital skills For
5 Isaac Victor Kerlow and Judson Rosebush Computer Graphic for Designers and Artist Hew York John Wileyamp Sons Inc 1997 p 12
5
example there is a clear difference between Joan Truckenbrod and Cynthia Beth Rubins work
even though they both use similar digital technology to create their art
Joan Truckenbrod born in Greensboro North Carolina is currently a Professor of Art at
the School of Art Institute in Chicago Ms Truckenbrod is one of the many digital art pioneers
who have exhibited artwork in New York London and Berlin She has made tremendous
contributions in the education of young artists According to the online source Digital Art
Museum among the pioneers at Digital Art Museum [Truckenbrod] shared an interest in
[the] early video paint system However she started with an algorithmic approach that led to
some of her best known early work 6
Most of Truckenbrods early works of art were drawings recorded onto a 16 BPI tape As a
result her early paintings consisted of monochromatic images that depicted an invisible realm of
her understanding for digital art Truckenbrod believes that [Her] early images evoke the
contrast of the digital life and the analog life7 (See Fig2) Her interest in this area has led her to
Fig2 Joan Truckenbrod
Lyric Catalyst 1975 Inkjet print 9x9
6 DAM] Digital Art Museum Joan Truckenbrod httpdigitalartmuseumorgtruckenbrodindexhtm 7 Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25th Mar 09 E-Mail
6
combine traditional and digital images that embody natural forces with in her paintings By 1984
the images within Truckenbrods work began to depict a sense of tension as a result of the
juxtaposition of images within her work(See Fig3) In an email correspondence Truckenbrod
revealed [that] the stroke of the brush is conducted through ideas [that] flows from the
body into the artwork The hand embodies that idea and transfers [it] to the surface of the
paperscreen and translates the artists vision into imagery8
Fig3 Joan Truckenbrod
MotherDaughter (1984) CIBA chrome print 24x24
When asked how useful digital technology has been in creating her artwork Truckenbrod said
The tablet and pen have provided the freedom and flexibility [she] need[s] to work simultaneously with multiple layers of ideas and imagery The pen allows for a specificity of line shape and color necessary to communicate [her] intention One unique aspect of working with the computer is that ones brush carries shape form object photo etc in addition to color Working this way ones palette is only limited by ones own imagination9
With access to advanced software program Truckenbrod was able to manipulate images within
her artwork which created a new sense of artistic freedom In one of her latter painting series
8 Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25th Mar 09 E-Mail 9 Ibid
7
Truckenbrod used scientific and mathematical symbols together with hand-drawn figures
to create images of women and men (See Fig4-5) The emotion of these images has been
heightened by the use of bright colors and shadowy reflection on distorted figures On closer
inspection viewers are able to see massive light waves reflecting off the images bringing our
Fig 4 Joan Truckenbrod
Womb Clothes 1994 IRIS Print 32x 36
Fig 5 Joan Truckenbrod
Artificial Frame 1994 IRIS Print 32x 36
attention to the focal point at the center Her use of unusual natural objects and computer
programs allowed her to create some breath-taking pieces of digital art Truckenbrods recent
Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25 Mar 09 E-Mail
8
artworks are magnificent computer- based projects that exhibited her interest digital technology
such as the scanners to recreate images of her world
Similarly the artist Cynthia Beth Rubin uses a scanner to input images and a tablet and
stylus to paint or augment those images within her work Rubin started her career as a traditional
painter whose work consisted mostly of abstract painting Rubin began experimenting with
digital media during the 1980s while teaching art at Rhode Island School of Design
Rubins artwork has been featured in international exhibitions and has become
educational for younger artists Most of her earlier digital artwork was painted on the Artronics
system which was designed for artists who wanted to create electronic art It consisted of a tablet
and two monitors (one for the menu and one for the image)This style of tablet was not pressure
sensitive like the Wacom tablets of today
The movement from traditional paint to electronic art provided Rubin with the flexibility
she needed to transfer her new artistic ideas into works of art Currently her paintings consist of
hybrid forms which show the relationship between aesthetics and creativity Rubin believes that
[Her] work is an investigation of the threads of cultural memory which [she] feel both from [her] own visual experiences and through that mysterious transmission of sensibility which comes from some place beyond the individual [Her] images grow from the affinity between [her] life as a contemporary American and what [she] regard[s] as [her] heritage11
As a result most of her paintings are made up of multiple layers that are quite revealing
and symbolic thus echoing the uncertainty of the world in which she lives The elements within
her paintings are also bounded by the interweaving of colors textures and the fragmented images
of her memories For instance the painting in Daffodil Scroll (Fig6) depicts Rubins capability
to juxtapose images within her painting This painting was done on the Artronic system which
was at the time easier for Rubin to create an intricate connection among elements within the
1 Cynthia Beth Rubin httpwwwcbrabinnet
9
painting At first glance the strong use of color and lines in the painting make it look a little
mystical However upon closer inspection of the painting elements of coral reefs that are
intertwining into a structure become noticeable revealing the artists experience of thinking
feeling and reacting
Fig6 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Daffodil Scroll 1985 Inkjet print 16x 24
When asked how effective the tablet has been in creating her artwork Rubin said There are no
disadvantages of using the tablet Without it [her] wrist hurts and [her] gestures are forced to
come from [her] wrist instead of [her] arm muscles And every one knows artists use arm
muscles12 With access to a highly developed software program Rubin sees the computer as a
means to expand her visual expressions Working with the computer and a tablet is a very natural
medium for Rubin because her work is based on imaginative arrangement of elements within her
paintings According to Rubin
Before working on a computer [She] was cutting stencils and blocking part of evolving painting just so that [she] could artificially arrive at the same surprise of juxtaposition of materials that is so natural in the computer [Rubin also pointed out that] in the digital world [she] can explore the range from realism and
Cynthia Beth Rubin PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 27th Mar 09 E-Mail
10
recognizable imagery to highly expressive abstractions and put all of these element together in creating a coherent unified work
In creating her artwork Rubin explored a variety of digital painting techniques This is evident in
most of her later work where Rubin created multiple layers by pulling and pushing objects to
reveal whats underneath On many occasions she uses a pressure sensitive tablet to paint or
draw and a scanner to import photographic images into her painting Rubin believes that The
scanner has had the biggest impact without question Combining canned filters with quick
14
scans has produced an army of digital image marker In this painting patches of pure color are
merged together to produce the image of Another Place Another Time This scene has
outstandingly rich surface colors which partly cover the structure in the background This
particular feature is visible in most of Rubins artwork and may be influenced by her Jewish
Fig7 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Another Place Another Time 1991 IRIS print 17x 24
culture There is a distinct use of digital technology in her artwork It creates a new environment
for Rubins art and in fact changes the method of her artistic approach (See Fig8) The
elements in this painting symbolize Rubins cultural and personal histories Digital technology
13 Cynthia Beth Rubin The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Oct 09 httpeducationsiggraphorg
14 Ibid
11
has not only expanded Rubins visual understanding of imagery but allowed her to reveal her
inner most thoughts and feelings
Fig8 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Orchard Street Synagogue 2000 Archival inkjet print 13x 19
On the other hand the artist James Faure Walker combines the use of digital technology
and other traditional tools to create his artwork Walker began his art career as an artist working
in oil paint but later developed a love for digital art As an artist and critic Walker worked on a
collaborative educational project that helped young artists to enhance their artistic skills One of
Walkers main interests as an artist [is to] raise art awareness [through] the development of
software [and] new fine art courses15 With works such as Happy Circle Pigeons Kyoto Dawn
Tree and For the Bees (Fig 9-11) James Walker combines digital paint and traditional paint to
create breathtaking pieces of art
In creating his digital art Walker uses a tablet and stylus to paint and arrange
images in his work In each case he started by playing around with line drawings of the subject
matter In his book Painting the Digital Rivers he stated that [He first] learned about
15Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting With the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
1
painting and computer graphicas a complete outsider by looking at the tools the way things
when he became first fascinated with digital technology and wanted to find out how each gadget
worked Through the playing and mingling of shapes with the use of the computer and a tablet
Walker created a sense of mystery within the painting The interplay of these randomly placed
shapes represents the early stages in the creative process of a new era in Walkers artistic life
Fig9 James Faure Walker Happy Circle 1988 Inkjet print 6x 8
Fig 10 James Faure Walker
Pigeons Kyoto 2002 Giclee Iris print 29 x 43
However Pigeons Kyoto (Fig 10) represents a more progressive stage for Walker This
bold new style is evident in the complicated shapes he created through the controlled use of a
tablet In this painting the artist played freely with the technology He was able to merge
13
paintings drawing and photographs to create a series of shapes that dance across the painting A
further sense of depth was created by the objects which appear to extend beyond the dangling
shapes in the foreground As a result it contributes to the effective play of light
On the other hand in For the Bees Night (Fig 11) the radiant colors and forms from an
expressionistic quality within the elements of the painting The freely flowing lines within this
painting evoke imagery from a childs drawing These mysterious lines express the artist ideas of
the changing use of technology in drawing and painting When asked how useful the tablet has
been in creating his artwork Walker said [If] I dont have one it is hard to get excited about
drawing [because] I dont really have much of a starting point- ie ideas or subject matter-I just
play around16 The thought of creating artwork with a use of a tablet and a computer created a
new means of merging traditional paint and digital paint For James F Walker the use of digital
technology to create his artwork has now become possible after years of trial and error In fact
Figll James Faure Walker
For the Bees Night 2004 Archival Inkjet print 20 x 27
most of his digital artworks are abstract images that resemble collages watercolors and ink
drawings 17 Walkers technique of applying traditional paint onto paper before printing his
16 James Faure Walker PaintingsDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 23rd Mar09 E-Mail 17Artistscuratorswriters httpwwwcommentartcomartistJames_Faure_Walker
14
digital work gives his work added intensity and depth
Upon completion of his book Painting the Digital River Walker stated that he
remained fascinated too by the shifting attitudes towards the use of technology in his drawing
and painting18 It was his interest in digital technology that allowed him to create some breathshy
taking pieces of digital art As a digital artist James Walker has opened a world of new ideas and
concepts to his fellow counterparts On top of this Walkers background as a painter and digital
artist has allowed future digital artists to embrace his work and learn from his experimentation
with digital technology
V CONCLUSION
The use of digital technologies has not only challenged the traditional notion of painting
but it has created a whole new shift within the arts The most obvious shift is that digital
technology has given artists immense freedom they can easily edit and reconstruct images
within their work in a shorter period of time It has also provided artists with resourceful
opportunities not available to more traditional artists
The use of a computer stylus and tablet makes it easier for digital artists to produce
various kinds of output and to gather huge amounts of images and use them in whatever way
they see fit
It is my belief that the digital tools are similar to having a treasure chest of interactive
programs that are designed to improve our artistic skills or styles Since the introduction of
digital technologies digital artists have utilized these tools to create some outstanding forms of
art In conclusion digital media are valid tools for painting as effective as oil acrylic and silk
screening allowing the artists greater freedom in experimentation and exploration
SCIRA Reading in Painting with the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
15
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Goodman Cynthia Digital Visions Computer and Art New York
Harry N Abrams Inc 1987
Kerlow Isaac Victor and Judson Rosebush Computer Graphics for Designers and
Artists New York John Wiley amp Sons Inc 1997
Malcolm McCullough Abstracting Craft The Practiced Digital Hand Cambridge
MIT Press 1996
Nappi Maureen Language Memory and Volition Toward an Aesthetic of Computer
Arts Diss New York University 2001 Ann Arbor UMF 2002 Print
Raimes Jonathan The Digital Canvas Discovering the Art Studio In Your Computer
New York Harry N Adams Inc 2006
Spalter Anne Morgan The Computer in the Visual Arts Boston Addison Wesley
Longman Inc 1999
Walker James Faure Painting the Digital River New Jersey Pearson Education Inc
2006
Wilkins Glen Painting with Pixels How to Draw With Your Computer New York
Sterling Publishing Co Inc 1999
Electronic Sources
Walker James Faure Artists Curators writers Web
24th April 09lthttpwwwcommentartcomartistJames Faure Walkergt
DAM] Digital Art Museum Joan Truckenbrod Web
09th May 09lthttpdigitalartmuseumorgtruckenbrodindexhtmgt
16
Fulton Wayne A Few Scanning Tips What is a Digital Image Anyway Web2008
10 May 09lthttpwwwscantipscombasicslbhtmlgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth Web 10th October09lthttpwwwcbrubinnetgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Web
10th Oct 09 lthttpeducationsiggraphorggt
Smith Alvy Ray Digital Paint System An Anecdotal and Historical OverviewWeb
30th May 9724th Oct 09lthttpwwwalvyraycomgt
Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting with the ComputerWeb
24th April 09lt httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk gt
INTERVIEWS
Rubin Cynthia Beth PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
27th Mar2009 E-Mail
Truckenbrod Joan Painting Digital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
25th Mar 2009 E-Mail
Walker James Faure PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
23rd Mar2009 E-Mail
WORKS OF ART
Truckenbrod Joan Lyric Catalyst 1975 lthttpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
Truckenbrod Joan MotherDaughter1984 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
17
Truckenbrod Joan Womb Clothes 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Truckenbrod Joan Artificial Frame 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Daffodil Scroll 1985 lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Another Place Another Time 1991lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Orchard Street Synagogue 2000lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Walker James Faure Happy Circle 1988 lt httpdamorgdoxgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure Pigeons Kyoto 2002 lt wwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure For the Bees Night 2004 ltwwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
18
I INTRODUCTION
Artistic revolutions come in many varieties and often cause divergent effects some tear
down established notions or norms perhaps destructively while others forge new paradigms
through constructive means In either case both have their place in the history of art With the
advent of the computer the artistic landscape has changed dramatically such innovations have
influenced changes in the creative expressions of visual art
Thus this thesis seeks to analyze how technology has affected the making of art and will
examine the effects of using the computer tablet and stylus in the creative process of making
art In addition I will discuss the work of three digital artists Joan Truckenbrod Cynthia Beth
Rubin and James Faure Walker who have pioneered the use of the computer tablet and stylus in
their artwork This overview will cover a thirty-year period between 1975 and 2005 of each
artists work while examining their individual methods and creative processes As advances in
paint programs and software continued to emerge these developments served to broaden the
artists toolset and knowledge base and gave the artists unconventional techniques to create
artwork These artists view their roles as a vital communicator to convey new ideas concepts
and information through visual imagery by using digital tools
NEW MEDIA MEETS OLD MEDIA
Although the relationship between art and technology preceded the computer the
introduction of the first digital computer certainly intensified this dialogue It opened the doors
for a wider audience to have access to new technology As the author Jonathan Raimes cites in
his book The Digital Canvas
By the mid-1960s the world was waking up to the possibilities of an age in which computers might play a significant role in the way we live [He pointed out that]
1
[While] in residence at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Vanderdeek created early computer art in an effort to get as close as possible to [the] functioning of the human nervous system1
As a result of this innovation a larger number of traditional artists were able to make greater use
of digital tools
While traditional painting requires several brushes tubes of paint palettes and canvases
todays digital artists with a few clicks of the mouse may select brushes and colors from their
hardware and software Most digital artists are aware of the use and benefits of digital
technology because they have spent many hours learning the techniques Similarly traditional
artists have used digital computers as a new creative way of painting and drawing Thus the
introduction of digital technology has enhanced the old ways of doing things by providing artists
with more advanced painting tools
Indeed hundreds of drawings and paintings can now be scanned and saved electronically
on ones computer Digital technology has allowed artists to use techniques that significantly
allow artists to manipulate colors and palettes more effectively than before However the use of
technology still requires the creativity of your most basic tools your hands eyes toes mouth
etc An artist whether using a brush or stylus must coordinate their senses in order to achieve
optimal creativity All tools both digital and traditional require some amount of coordination to
get the job done According to Malcolm McCullough author of Abstracting Craft the Practiced
Digital Hand
Under visual guidance Hands acquire some independence through training but they still turn to the eyes for purposes When in action a skillful touch remains subsidiary to focal vision Because this kind of coordination satisfies we pursue it in play too sports musical performance building projects traditional handicrafts give pleasure
1 Raimes Jonathan The Digital Canvas discovering the art studio in your computer New York Harry N Adams Inc 2006 p i 1-12
2
through coordination Reflection finds harmony in the steady flow of hand eye tool and material2
Digital media certainly has its advantages the choice of colors tools and unlimited canvas size
This allows the artist to go beyond boundary lines that traditional artists may encounter such as
additional time spent to mix paints stretch a canvas and arrange a work area
As a result more artists are engaging in the use of digital techniques and are now using
digital technology as a tool to create images These images include digital paintings digital
photographs and digital animations Artists have since discovered that by using digital media
they have more tools at their disposal
II WHAT IS DIGITAL ART
Digital art is like any other contemporary art form However rather than using traditional
tools artists now use a computer a tablet and a stylus to create art Although it requires some
level of technical training digital art has opened the door for artists to access a wider variety of
painting tools For most digital artists this technology has replaced the brush paint and canvas
their conventional tools for production The author Glen Wilkins defines digital artwork as
any image that has been processed by a computer at some stage in its creation The artwork may have been created digitally or [have] been altered by [a]computer in some way it includes images that have been scanned for print production as posters books or magazines3
Digital art is now a more widely accepted artistic practice because the use of digital
technology has stretched the level of the artists imagination to become more creative Digital
tools are very essential in the creative process of digital artwork a computer a tablet and stylus
2 Malcolm McCullough Abstracting Craft The Practiced Digital Hand Cambridge MIT Press 1996 p 32 3 Glen Wilkins Painting with Pixels How to Draw with your computer New York Sterling Publishing
CoInc 1999 p 10
3
are the basic tools an artist needs to launch their creative process of making art As the artists
skill advances they begin to utilize other forms of digital tools such as digital cameras and
scanners With these tools in place artists can quickly and precisely render images that
previously would have been done on a canvas
Digital technology has brought about many changes amongst the arts artists are no
longer confined to traditional techniques In addition digital computers made the process of
developing a piece of art easier because of the simplicity of the new programs The development
of digital paint method revolutionized the traditional process of making art
III THE EVOLUTION OF THE DIGITAL PAINT SYSTEM
An in depth history of digital paint systems is beyond the scope of this paper however
they evolved to contemporary programs such as Adobe Photoshopreg Corel Painterreg and Photo
Draw2000reg These programs were developed to facilitate digital artists with a wider array of
painting apparatus
The first digital frame buffer was developed at Xerox Palo Alto by Dick Shoup thus
ushering in the paint system Alvy Ray Smith noted in his article Digital Paint Systems An
Anecdotal and Historical Overview that
A digital paint program and a digital paint system are distinguished by their functions A digital paint program essentially does no more than simulate painting of a brush on a canvas A digital paint system does much more using the simulation of painting as a familiar metaphor to seduce artists into the new perhaps forbidding digital domain Of course they are both programs but the term system will imply many more features it will be more complete In fact a system might even use several well-integrated programs 4
Alvy Ray Smith Digital Paint System An Anecdotal and Historical Overview January 8th 1997 5th March 2009 httpwwwalvyraycom
4
As technology became more advanced there was a sudden increase in the demand for digital
paint system Thus the digital paint systems of the 1980s such as the Quantal Paint Boxreg and
Artronics reg became very popular A few years later other advanced paint programs followed
All digital paint programs incorporate pixels Pixels derived from Picture Elements (See
Figl) Authors Isaac Victor Kerlow and Judson Rosebush stated in their book Computer
Graphic for Designers and Artist that Pixel is the basic quantum unit of an image Pixels are
discrete modular units often organized in a rectangular matrix Each pixel corresponds to one
square on the graph 5
Fig1 Pixels (magnified xl2)
wwwscantipscom
Bitmapped images are graphic images that are comprised of pixels on a grid Each one contains
information about the color in a given image Bitmapped images have a permanent resolution
that cannot be resized without losing image quality
IV ANALYSIS OF DIGITAL ARTWORKS
The artwork of Joan Truckenbrod Cynthia Beth Rubin and James Faure Walker represents
a significant departure from traditional art and prove that the creative processes of using digital
technology are successful Each artist has developed an individual set of digital skills For
5 Isaac Victor Kerlow and Judson Rosebush Computer Graphic for Designers and Artist Hew York John Wileyamp Sons Inc 1997 p 12
5
example there is a clear difference between Joan Truckenbrod and Cynthia Beth Rubins work
even though they both use similar digital technology to create their art
Joan Truckenbrod born in Greensboro North Carolina is currently a Professor of Art at
the School of Art Institute in Chicago Ms Truckenbrod is one of the many digital art pioneers
who have exhibited artwork in New York London and Berlin She has made tremendous
contributions in the education of young artists According to the online source Digital Art
Museum among the pioneers at Digital Art Museum [Truckenbrod] shared an interest in
[the] early video paint system However she started with an algorithmic approach that led to
some of her best known early work 6
Most of Truckenbrods early works of art were drawings recorded onto a 16 BPI tape As a
result her early paintings consisted of monochromatic images that depicted an invisible realm of
her understanding for digital art Truckenbrod believes that [Her] early images evoke the
contrast of the digital life and the analog life7 (See Fig2) Her interest in this area has led her to
Fig2 Joan Truckenbrod
Lyric Catalyst 1975 Inkjet print 9x9
6 DAM] Digital Art Museum Joan Truckenbrod httpdigitalartmuseumorgtruckenbrodindexhtm 7 Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25th Mar 09 E-Mail
6
combine traditional and digital images that embody natural forces with in her paintings By 1984
the images within Truckenbrods work began to depict a sense of tension as a result of the
juxtaposition of images within her work(See Fig3) In an email correspondence Truckenbrod
revealed [that] the stroke of the brush is conducted through ideas [that] flows from the
body into the artwork The hand embodies that idea and transfers [it] to the surface of the
paperscreen and translates the artists vision into imagery8
Fig3 Joan Truckenbrod
MotherDaughter (1984) CIBA chrome print 24x24
When asked how useful digital technology has been in creating her artwork Truckenbrod said
The tablet and pen have provided the freedom and flexibility [she] need[s] to work simultaneously with multiple layers of ideas and imagery The pen allows for a specificity of line shape and color necessary to communicate [her] intention One unique aspect of working with the computer is that ones brush carries shape form object photo etc in addition to color Working this way ones palette is only limited by ones own imagination9
With access to advanced software program Truckenbrod was able to manipulate images within
her artwork which created a new sense of artistic freedom In one of her latter painting series
8 Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25th Mar 09 E-Mail 9 Ibid
7
Truckenbrod used scientific and mathematical symbols together with hand-drawn figures
to create images of women and men (See Fig4-5) The emotion of these images has been
heightened by the use of bright colors and shadowy reflection on distorted figures On closer
inspection viewers are able to see massive light waves reflecting off the images bringing our
Fig 4 Joan Truckenbrod
Womb Clothes 1994 IRIS Print 32x 36
Fig 5 Joan Truckenbrod
Artificial Frame 1994 IRIS Print 32x 36
attention to the focal point at the center Her use of unusual natural objects and computer
programs allowed her to create some breath-taking pieces of digital art Truckenbrods recent
Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25 Mar 09 E-Mail
8
artworks are magnificent computer- based projects that exhibited her interest digital technology
such as the scanners to recreate images of her world
Similarly the artist Cynthia Beth Rubin uses a scanner to input images and a tablet and
stylus to paint or augment those images within her work Rubin started her career as a traditional
painter whose work consisted mostly of abstract painting Rubin began experimenting with
digital media during the 1980s while teaching art at Rhode Island School of Design
Rubins artwork has been featured in international exhibitions and has become
educational for younger artists Most of her earlier digital artwork was painted on the Artronics
system which was designed for artists who wanted to create electronic art It consisted of a tablet
and two monitors (one for the menu and one for the image)This style of tablet was not pressure
sensitive like the Wacom tablets of today
The movement from traditional paint to electronic art provided Rubin with the flexibility
she needed to transfer her new artistic ideas into works of art Currently her paintings consist of
hybrid forms which show the relationship between aesthetics and creativity Rubin believes that
[Her] work is an investigation of the threads of cultural memory which [she] feel both from [her] own visual experiences and through that mysterious transmission of sensibility which comes from some place beyond the individual [Her] images grow from the affinity between [her] life as a contemporary American and what [she] regard[s] as [her] heritage11
As a result most of her paintings are made up of multiple layers that are quite revealing
and symbolic thus echoing the uncertainty of the world in which she lives The elements within
her paintings are also bounded by the interweaving of colors textures and the fragmented images
of her memories For instance the painting in Daffodil Scroll (Fig6) depicts Rubins capability
to juxtapose images within her painting This painting was done on the Artronic system which
was at the time easier for Rubin to create an intricate connection among elements within the
1 Cynthia Beth Rubin httpwwwcbrabinnet
9
painting At first glance the strong use of color and lines in the painting make it look a little
mystical However upon closer inspection of the painting elements of coral reefs that are
intertwining into a structure become noticeable revealing the artists experience of thinking
feeling and reacting
Fig6 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Daffodil Scroll 1985 Inkjet print 16x 24
When asked how effective the tablet has been in creating her artwork Rubin said There are no
disadvantages of using the tablet Without it [her] wrist hurts and [her] gestures are forced to
come from [her] wrist instead of [her] arm muscles And every one knows artists use arm
muscles12 With access to a highly developed software program Rubin sees the computer as a
means to expand her visual expressions Working with the computer and a tablet is a very natural
medium for Rubin because her work is based on imaginative arrangement of elements within her
paintings According to Rubin
Before working on a computer [She] was cutting stencils and blocking part of evolving painting just so that [she] could artificially arrive at the same surprise of juxtaposition of materials that is so natural in the computer [Rubin also pointed out that] in the digital world [she] can explore the range from realism and
Cynthia Beth Rubin PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 27th Mar 09 E-Mail
10
recognizable imagery to highly expressive abstractions and put all of these element together in creating a coherent unified work
In creating her artwork Rubin explored a variety of digital painting techniques This is evident in
most of her later work where Rubin created multiple layers by pulling and pushing objects to
reveal whats underneath On many occasions she uses a pressure sensitive tablet to paint or
draw and a scanner to import photographic images into her painting Rubin believes that The
scanner has had the biggest impact without question Combining canned filters with quick
14
scans has produced an army of digital image marker In this painting patches of pure color are
merged together to produce the image of Another Place Another Time This scene has
outstandingly rich surface colors which partly cover the structure in the background This
particular feature is visible in most of Rubins artwork and may be influenced by her Jewish
Fig7 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Another Place Another Time 1991 IRIS print 17x 24
culture There is a distinct use of digital technology in her artwork It creates a new environment
for Rubins art and in fact changes the method of her artistic approach (See Fig8) The
elements in this painting symbolize Rubins cultural and personal histories Digital technology
13 Cynthia Beth Rubin The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Oct 09 httpeducationsiggraphorg
14 Ibid
11
has not only expanded Rubins visual understanding of imagery but allowed her to reveal her
inner most thoughts and feelings
Fig8 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Orchard Street Synagogue 2000 Archival inkjet print 13x 19
On the other hand the artist James Faure Walker combines the use of digital technology
and other traditional tools to create his artwork Walker began his art career as an artist working
in oil paint but later developed a love for digital art As an artist and critic Walker worked on a
collaborative educational project that helped young artists to enhance their artistic skills One of
Walkers main interests as an artist [is to] raise art awareness [through] the development of
software [and] new fine art courses15 With works such as Happy Circle Pigeons Kyoto Dawn
Tree and For the Bees (Fig 9-11) James Walker combines digital paint and traditional paint to
create breathtaking pieces of art
In creating his digital art Walker uses a tablet and stylus to paint and arrange
images in his work In each case he started by playing around with line drawings of the subject
matter In his book Painting the Digital Rivers he stated that [He first] learned about
15Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting With the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
1
painting and computer graphicas a complete outsider by looking at the tools the way things
when he became first fascinated with digital technology and wanted to find out how each gadget
worked Through the playing and mingling of shapes with the use of the computer and a tablet
Walker created a sense of mystery within the painting The interplay of these randomly placed
shapes represents the early stages in the creative process of a new era in Walkers artistic life
Fig9 James Faure Walker Happy Circle 1988 Inkjet print 6x 8
Fig 10 James Faure Walker
Pigeons Kyoto 2002 Giclee Iris print 29 x 43
However Pigeons Kyoto (Fig 10) represents a more progressive stage for Walker This
bold new style is evident in the complicated shapes he created through the controlled use of a
tablet In this painting the artist played freely with the technology He was able to merge
13
paintings drawing and photographs to create a series of shapes that dance across the painting A
further sense of depth was created by the objects which appear to extend beyond the dangling
shapes in the foreground As a result it contributes to the effective play of light
On the other hand in For the Bees Night (Fig 11) the radiant colors and forms from an
expressionistic quality within the elements of the painting The freely flowing lines within this
painting evoke imagery from a childs drawing These mysterious lines express the artist ideas of
the changing use of technology in drawing and painting When asked how useful the tablet has
been in creating his artwork Walker said [If] I dont have one it is hard to get excited about
drawing [because] I dont really have much of a starting point- ie ideas or subject matter-I just
play around16 The thought of creating artwork with a use of a tablet and a computer created a
new means of merging traditional paint and digital paint For James F Walker the use of digital
technology to create his artwork has now become possible after years of trial and error In fact
Figll James Faure Walker
For the Bees Night 2004 Archival Inkjet print 20 x 27
most of his digital artworks are abstract images that resemble collages watercolors and ink
drawings 17 Walkers technique of applying traditional paint onto paper before printing his
16 James Faure Walker PaintingsDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 23rd Mar09 E-Mail 17Artistscuratorswriters httpwwwcommentartcomartistJames_Faure_Walker
14
digital work gives his work added intensity and depth
Upon completion of his book Painting the Digital River Walker stated that he
remained fascinated too by the shifting attitudes towards the use of technology in his drawing
and painting18 It was his interest in digital technology that allowed him to create some breathshy
taking pieces of digital art As a digital artist James Walker has opened a world of new ideas and
concepts to his fellow counterparts On top of this Walkers background as a painter and digital
artist has allowed future digital artists to embrace his work and learn from his experimentation
with digital technology
V CONCLUSION
The use of digital technologies has not only challenged the traditional notion of painting
but it has created a whole new shift within the arts The most obvious shift is that digital
technology has given artists immense freedom they can easily edit and reconstruct images
within their work in a shorter period of time It has also provided artists with resourceful
opportunities not available to more traditional artists
The use of a computer stylus and tablet makes it easier for digital artists to produce
various kinds of output and to gather huge amounts of images and use them in whatever way
they see fit
It is my belief that the digital tools are similar to having a treasure chest of interactive
programs that are designed to improve our artistic skills or styles Since the introduction of
digital technologies digital artists have utilized these tools to create some outstanding forms of
art In conclusion digital media are valid tools for painting as effective as oil acrylic and silk
screening allowing the artists greater freedom in experimentation and exploration
SCIRA Reading in Painting with the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
15
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Goodman Cynthia Digital Visions Computer and Art New York
Harry N Abrams Inc 1987
Kerlow Isaac Victor and Judson Rosebush Computer Graphics for Designers and
Artists New York John Wiley amp Sons Inc 1997
Malcolm McCullough Abstracting Craft The Practiced Digital Hand Cambridge
MIT Press 1996
Nappi Maureen Language Memory and Volition Toward an Aesthetic of Computer
Arts Diss New York University 2001 Ann Arbor UMF 2002 Print
Raimes Jonathan The Digital Canvas Discovering the Art Studio In Your Computer
New York Harry N Adams Inc 2006
Spalter Anne Morgan The Computer in the Visual Arts Boston Addison Wesley
Longman Inc 1999
Walker James Faure Painting the Digital River New Jersey Pearson Education Inc
2006
Wilkins Glen Painting with Pixels How to Draw With Your Computer New York
Sterling Publishing Co Inc 1999
Electronic Sources
Walker James Faure Artists Curators writers Web
24th April 09lthttpwwwcommentartcomartistJames Faure Walkergt
DAM] Digital Art Museum Joan Truckenbrod Web
09th May 09lthttpdigitalartmuseumorgtruckenbrodindexhtmgt
16
Fulton Wayne A Few Scanning Tips What is a Digital Image Anyway Web2008
10 May 09lthttpwwwscantipscombasicslbhtmlgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth Web 10th October09lthttpwwwcbrubinnetgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Web
10th Oct 09 lthttpeducationsiggraphorggt
Smith Alvy Ray Digital Paint System An Anecdotal and Historical OverviewWeb
30th May 9724th Oct 09lthttpwwwalvyraycomgt
Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting with the ComputerWeb
24th April 09lt httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk gt
INTERVIEWS
Rubin Cynthia Beth PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
27th Mar2009 E-Mail
Truckenbrod Joan Painting Digital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
25th Mar 2009 E-Mail
Walker James Faure PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
23rd Mar2009 E-Mail
WORKS OF ART
Truckenbrod Joan Lyric Catalyst 1975 lthttpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
Truckenbrod Joan MotherDaughter1984 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
17
Truckenbrod Joan Womb Clothes 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Truckenbrod Joan Artificial Frame 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Daffodil Scroll 1985 lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Another Place Another Time 1991lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Orchard Street Synagogue 2000lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Walker James Faure Happy Circle 1988 lt httpdamorgdoxgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure Pigeons Kyoto 2002 lt wwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure For the Bees Night 2004 ltwwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
18
[While] in residence at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Vanderdeek created early computer art in an effort to get as close as possible to [the] functioning of the human nervous system1
As a result of this innovation a larger number of traditional artists were able to make greater use
of digital tools
While traditional painting requires several brushes tubes of paint palettes and canvases
todays digital artists with a few clicks of the mouse may select brushes and colors from their
hardware and software Most digital artists are aware of the use and benefits of digital
technology because they have spent many hours learning the techniques Similarly traditional
artists have used digital computers as a new creative way of painting and drawing Thus the
introduction of digital technology has enhanced the old ways of doing things by providing artists
with more advanced painting tools
Indeed hundreds of drawings and paintings can now be scanned and saved electronically
on ones computer Digital technology has allowed artists to use techniques that significantly
allow artists to manipulate colors and palettes more effectively than before However the use of
technology still requires the creativity of your most basic tools your hands eyes toes mouth
etc An artist whether using a brush or stylus must coordinate their senses in order to achieve
optimal creativity All tools both digital and traditional require some amount of coordination to
get the job done According to Malcolm McCullough author of Abstracting Craft the Practiced
Digital Hand
Under visual guidance Hands acquire some independence through training but they still turn to the eyes for purposes When in action a skillful touch remains subsidiary to focal vision Because this kind of coordination satisfies we pursue it in play too sports musical performance building projects traditional handicrafts give pleasure
1 Raimes Jonathan The Digital Canvas discovering the art studio in your computer New York Harry N Adams Inc 2006 p i 1-12
2
through coordination Reflection finds harmony in the steady flow of hand eye tool and material2
Digital media certainly has its advantages the choice of colors tools and unlimited canvas size
This allows the artist to go beyond boundary lines that traditional artists may encounter such as
additional time spent to mix paints stretch a canvas and arrange a work area
As a result more artists are engaging in the use of digital techniques and are now using
digital technology as a tool to create images These images include digital paintings digital
photographs and digital animations Artists have since discovered that by using digital media
they have more tools at their disposal
II WHAT IS DIGITAL ART
Digital art is like any other contemporary art form However rather than using traditional
tools artists now use a computer a tablet and a stylus to create art Although it requires some
level of technical training digital art has opened the door for artists to access a wider variety of
painting tools For most digital artists this technology has replaced the brush paint and canvas
their conventional tools for production The author Glen Wilkins defines digital artwork as
any image that has been processed by a computer at some stage in its creation The artwork may have been created digitally or [have] been altered by [a]computer in some way it includes images that have been scanned for print production as posters books or magazines3
Digital art is now a more widely accepted artistic practice because the use of digital
technology has stretched the level of the artists imagination to become more creative Digital
tools are very essential in the creative process of digital artwork a computer a tablet and stylus
2 Malcolm McCullough Abstracting Craft The Practiced Digital Hand Cambridge MIT Press 1996 p 32 3 Glen Wilkins Painting with Pixels How to Draw with your computer New York Sterling Publishing
CoInc 1999 p 10
3
are the basic tools an artist needs to launch their creative process of making art As the artists
skill advances they begin to utilize other forms of digital tools such as digital cameras and
scanners With these tools in place artists can quickly and precisely render images that
previously would have been done on a canvas
Digital technology has brought about many changes amongst the arts artists are no
longer confined to traditional techniques In addition digital computers made the process of
developing a piece of art easier because of the simplicity of the new programs The development
of digital paint method revolutionized the traditional process of making art
III THE EVOLUTION OF THE DIGITAL PAINT SYSTEM
An in depth history of digital paint systems is beyond the scope of this paper however
they evolved to contemporary programs such as Adobe Photoshopreg Corel Painterreg and Photo
Draw2000reg These programs were developed to facilitate digital artists with a wider array of
painting apparatus
The first digital frame buffer was developed at Xerox Palo Alto by Dick Shoup thus
ushering in the paint system Alvy Ray Smith noted in his article Digital Paint Systems An
Anecdotal and Historical Overview that
A digital paint program and a digital paint system are distinguished by their functions A digital paint program essentially does no more than simulate painting of a brush on a canvas A digital paint system does much more using the simulation of painting as a familiar metaphor to seduce artists into the new perhaps forbidding digital domain Of course they are both programs but the term system will imply many more features it will be more complete In fact a system might even use several well-integrated programs 4
Alvy Ray Smith Digital Paint System An Anecdotal and Historical Overview January 8th 1997 5th March 2009 httpwwwalvyraycom
4
As technology became more advanced there was a sudden increase in the demand for digital
paint system Thus the digital paint systems of the 1980s such as the Quantal Paint Boxreg and
Artronics reg became very popular A few years later other advanced paint programs followed
All digital paint programs incorporate pixels Pixels derived from Picture Elements (See
Figl) Authors Isaac Victor Kerlow and Judson Rosebush stated in their book Computer
Graphic for Designers and Artist that Pixel is the basic quantum unit of an image Pixels are
discrete modular units often organized in a rectangular matrix Each pixel corresponds to one
square on the graph 5
Fig1 Pixels (magnified xl2)
wwwscantipscom
Bitmapped images are graphic images that are comprised of pixels on a grid Each one contains
information about the color in a given image Bitmapped images have a permanent resolution
that cannot be resized without losing image quality
IV ANALYSIS OF DIGITAL ARTWORKS
The artwork of Joan Truckenbrod Cynthia Beth Rubin and James Faure Walker represents
a significant departure from traditional art and prove that the creative processes of using digital
technology are successful Each artist has developed an individual set of digital skills For
5 Isaac Victor Kerlow and Judson Rosebush Computer Graphic for Designers and Artist Hew York John Wileyamp Sons Inc 1997 p 12
5
example there is a clear difference between Joan Truckenbrod and Cynthia Beth Rubins work
even though they both use similar digital technology to create their art
Joan Truckenbrod born in Greensboro North Carolina is currently a Professor of Art at
the School of Art Institute in Chicago Ms Truckenbrod is one of the many digital art pioneers
who have exhibited artwork in New York London and Berlin She has made tremendous
contributions in the education of young artists According to the online source Digital Art
Museum among the pioneers at Digital Art Museum [Truckenbrod] shared an interest in
[the] early video paint system However she started with an algorithmic approach that led to
some of her best known early work 6
Most of Truckenbrods early works of art were drawings recorded onto a 16 BPI tape As a
result her early paintings consisted of monochromatic images that depicted an invisible realm of
her understanding for digital art Truckenbrod believes that [Her] early images evoke the
contrast of the digital life and the analog life7 (See Fig2) Her interest in this area has led her to
Fig2 Joan Truckenbrod
Lyric Catalyst 1975 Inkjet print 9x9
6 DAM] Digital Art Museum Joan Truckenbrod httpdigitalartmuseumorgtruckenbrodindexhtm 7 Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25th Mar 09 E-Mail
6
combine traditional and digital images that embody natural forces with in her paintings By 1984
the images within Truckenbrods work began to depict a sense of tension as a result of the
juxtaposition of images within her work(See Fig3) In an email correspondence Truckenbrod
revealed [that] the stroke of the brush is conducted through ideas [that] flows from the
body into the artwork The hand embodies that idea and transfers [it] to the surface of the
paperscreen and translates the artists vision into imagery8
Fig3 Joan Truckenbrod
MotherDaughter (1984) CIBA chrome print 24x24
When asked how useful digital technology has been in creating her artwork Truckenbrod said
The tablet and pen have provided the freedom and flexibility [she] need[s] to work simultaneously with multiple layers of ideas and imagery The pen allows for a specificity of line shape and color necessary to communicate [her] intention One unique aspect of working with the computer is that ones brush carries shape form object photo etc in addition to color Working this way ones palette is only limited by ones own imagination9
With access to advanced software program Truckenbrod was able to manipulate images within
her artwork which created a new sense of artistic freedom In one of her latter painting series
8 Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25th Mar 09 E-Mail 9 Ibid
7
Truckenbrod used scientific and mathematical symbols together with hand-drawn figures
to create images of women and men (See Fig4-5) The emotion of these images has been
heightened by the use of bright colors and shadowy reflection on distorted figures On closer
inspection viewers are able to see massive light waves reflecting off the images bringing our
Fig 4 Joan Truckenbrod
Womb Clothes 1994 IRIS Print 32x 36
Fig 5 Joan Truckenbrod
Artificial Frame 1994 IRIS Print 32x 36
attention to the focal point at the center Her use of unusual natural objects and computer
programs allowed her to create some breath-taking pieces of digital art Truckenbrods recent
Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25 Mar 09 E-Mail
8
artworks are magnificent computer- based projects that exhibited her interest digital technology
such as the scanners to recreate images of her world
Similarly the artist Cynthia Beth Rubin uses a scanner to input images and a tablet and
stylus to paint or augment those images within her work Rubin started her career as a traditional
painter whose work consisted mostly of abstract painting Rubin began experimenting with
digital media during the 1980s while teaching art at Rhode Island School of Design
Rubins artwork has been featured in international exhibitions and has become
educational for younger artists Most of her earlier digital artwork was painted on the Artronics
system which was designed for artists who wanted to create electronic art It consisted of a tablet
and two monitors (one for the menu and one for the image)This style of tablet was not pressure
sensitive like the Wacom tablets of today
The movement from traditional paint to electronic art provided Rubin with the flexibility
she needed to transfer her new artistic ideas into works of art Currently her paintings consist of
hybrid forms which show the relationship between aesthetics and creativity Rubin believes that
[Her] work is an investigation of the threads of cultural memory which [she] feel both from [her] own visual experiences and through that mysterious transmission of sensibility which comes from some place beyond the individual [Her] images grow from the affinity between [her] life as a contemporary American and what [she] regard[s] as [her] heritage11
As a result most of her paintings are made up of multiple layers that are quite revealing
and symbolic thus echoing the uncertainty of the world in which she lives The elements within
her paintings are also bounded by the interweaving of colors textures and the fragmented images
of her memories For instance the painting in Daffodil Scroll (Fig6) depicts Rubins capability
to juxtapose images within her painting This painting was done on the Artronic system which
was at the time easier for Rubin to create an intricate connection among elements within the
1 Cynthia Beth Rubin httpwwwcbrabinnet
9
painting At first glance the strong use of color and lines in the painting make it look a little
mystical However upon closer inspection of the painting elements of coral reefs that are
intertwining into a structure become noticeable revealing the artists experience of thinking
feeling and reacting
Fig6 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Daffodil Scroll 1985 Inkjet print 16x 24
When asked how effective the tablet has been in creating her artwork Rubin said There are no
disadvantages of using the tablet Without it [her] wrist hurts and [her] gestures are forced to
come from [her] wrist instead of [her] arm muscles And every one knows artists use arm
muscles12 With access to a highly developed software program Rubin sees the computer as a
means to expand her visual expressions Working with the computer and a tablet is a very natural
medium for Rubin because her work is based on imaginative arrangement of elements within her
paintings According to Rubin
Before working on a computer [She] was cutting stencils and blocking part of evolving painting just so that [she] could artificially arrive at the same surprise of juxtaposition of materials that is so natural in the computer [Rubin also pointed out that] in the digital world [she] can explore the range from realism and
Cynthia Beth Rubin PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 27th Mar 09 E-Mail
10
recognizable imagery to highly expressive abstractions and put all of these element together in creating a coherent unified work
In creating her artwork Rubin explored a variety of digital painting techniques This is evident in
most of her later work where Rubin created multiple layers by pulling and pushing objects to
reveal whats underneath On many occasions she uses a pressure sensitive tablet to paint or
draw and a scanner to import photographic images into her painting Rubin believes that The
scanner has had the biggest impact without question Combining canned filters with quick
14
scans has produced an army of digital image marker In this painting patches of pure color are
merged together to produce the image of Another Place Another Time This scene has
outstandingly rich surface colors which partly cover the structure in the background This
particular feature is visible in most of Rubins artwork and may be influenced by her Jewish
Fig7 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Another Place Another Time 1991 IRIS print 17x 24
culture There is a distinct use of digital technology in her artwork It creates a new environment
for Rubins art and in fact changes the method of her artistic approach (See Fig8) The
elements in this painting symbolize Rubins cultural and personal histories Digital technology
13 Cynthia Beth Rubin The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Oct 09 httpeducationsiggraphorg
14 Ibid
11
has not only expanded Rubins visual understanding of imagery but allowed her to reveal her
inner most thoughts and feelings
Fig8 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Orchard Street Synagogue 2000 Archival inkjet print 13x 19
On the other hand the artist James Faure Walker combines the use of digital technology
and other traditional tools to create his artwork Walker began his art career as an artist working
in oil paint but later developed a love for digital art As an artist and critic Walker worked on a
collaborative educational project that helped young artists to enhance their artistic skills One of
Walkers main interests as an artist [is to] raise art awareness [through] the development of
software [and] new fine art courses15 With works such as Happy Circle Pigeons Kyoto Dawn
Tree and For the Bees (Fig 9-11) James Walker combines digital paint and traditional paint to
create breathtaking pieces of art
In creating his digital art Walker uses a tablet and stylus to paint and arrange
images in his work In each case he started by playing around with line drawings of the subject
matter In his book Painting the Digital Rivers he stated that [He first] learned about
15Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting With the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
1
painting and computer graphicas a complete outsider by looking at the tools the way things
when he became first fascinated with digital technology and wanted to find out how each gadget
worked Through the playing and mingling of shapes with the use of the computer and a tablet
Walker created a sense of mystery within the painting The interplay of these randomly placed
shapes represents the early stages in the creative process of a new era in Walkers artistic life
Fig9 James Faure Walker Happy Circle 1988 Inkjet print 6x 8
Fig 10 James Faure Walker
Pigeons Kyoto 2002 Giclee Iris print 29 x 43
However Pigeons Kyoto (Fig 10) represents a more progressive stage for Walker This
bold new style is evident in the complicated shapes he created through the controlled use of a
tablet In this painting the artist played freely with the technology He was able to merge
13
paintings drawing and photographs to create a series of shapes that dance across the painting A
further sense of depth was created by the objects which appear to extend beyond the dangling
shapes in the foreground As a result it contributes to the effective play of light
On the other hand in For the Bees Night (Fig 11) the radiant colors and forms from an
expressionistic quality within the elements of the painting The freely flowing lines within this
painting evoke imagery from a childs drawing These mysterious lines express the artist ideas of
the changing use of technology in drawing and painting When asked how useful the tablet has
been in creating his artwork Walker said [If] I dont have one it is hard to get excited about
drawing [because] I dont really have much of a starting point- ie ideas or subject matter-I just
play around16 The thought of creating artwork with a use of a tablet and a computer created a
new means of merging traditional paint and digital paint For James F Walker the use of digital
technology to create his artwork has now become possible after years of trial and error In fact
Figll James Faure Walker
For the Bees Night 2004 Archival Inkjet print 20 x 27
most of his digital artworks are abstract images that resemble collages watercolors and ink
drawings 17 Walkers technique of applying traditional paint onto paper before printing his
16 James Faure Walker PaintingsDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 23rd Mar09 E-Mail 17Artistscuratorswriters httpwwwcommentartcomartistJames_Faure_Walker
14
digital work gives his work added intensity and depth
Upon completion of his book Painting the Digital River Walker stated that he
remained fascinated too by the shifting attitudes towards the use of technology in his drawing
and painting18 It was his interest in digital technology that allowed him to create some breathshy
taking pieces of digital art As a digital artist James Walker has opened a world of new ideas and
concepts to his fellow counterparts On top of this Walkers background as a painter and digital
artist has allowed future digital artists to embrace his work and learn from his experimentation
with digital technology
V CONCLUSION
The use of digital technologies has not only challenged the traditional notion of painting
but it has created a whole new shift within the arts The most obvious shift is that digital
technology has given artists immense freedom they can easily edit and reconstruct images
within their work in a shorter period of time It has also provided artists with resourceful
opportunities not available to more traditional artists
The use of a computer stylus and tablet makes it easier for digital artists to produce
various kinds of output and to gather huge amounts of images and use them in whatever way
they see fit
It is my belief that the digital tools are similar to having a treasure chest of interactive
programs that are designed to improve our artistic skills or styles Since the introduction of
digital technologies digital artists have utilized these tools to create some outstanding forms of
art In conclusion digital media are valid tools for painting as effective as oil acrylic and silk
screening allowing the artists greater freedom in experimentation and exploration
SCIRA Reading in Painting with the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
15
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Goodman Cynthia Digital Visions Computer and Art New York
Harry N Abrams Inc 1987
Kerlow Isaac Victor and Judson Rosebush Computer Graphics for Designers and
Artists New York John Wiley amp Sons Inc 1997
Malcolm McCullough Abstracting Craft The Practiced Digital Hand Cambridge
MIT Press 1996
Nappi Maureen Language Memory and Volition Toward an Aesthetic of Computer
Arts Diss New York University 2001 Ann Arbor UMF 2002 Print
Raimes Jonathan The Digital Canvas Discovering the Art Studio In Your Computer
New York Harry N Adams Inc 2006
Spalter Anne Morgan The Computer in the Visual Arts Boston Addison Wesley
Longman Inc 1999
Walker James Faure Painting the Digital River New Jersey Pearson Education Inc
2006
Wilkins Glen Painting with Pixels How to Draw With Your Computer New York
Sterling Publishing Co Inc 1999
Electronic Sources
Walker James Faure Artists Curators writers Web
24th April 09lthttpwwwcommentartcomartistJames Faure Walkergt
DAM] Digital Art Museum Joan Truckenbrod Web
09th May 09lthttpdigitalartmuseumorgtruckenbrodindexhtmgt
16
Fulton Wayne A Few Scanning Tips What is a Digital Image Anyway Web2008
10 May 09lthttpwwwscantipscombasicslbhtmlgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth Web 10th October09lthttpwwwcbrubinnetgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Web
10th Oct 09 lthttpeducationsiggraphorggt
Smith Alvy Ray Digital Paint System An Anecdotal and Historical OverviewWeb
30th May 9724th Oct 09lthttpwwwalvyraycomgt
Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting with the ComputerWeb
24th April 09lt httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk gt
INTERVIEWS
Rubin Cynthia Beth PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
27th Mar2009 E-Mail
Truckenbrod Joan Painting Digital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
25th Mar 2009 E-Mail
Walker James Faure PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
23rd Mar2009 E-Mail
WORKS OF ART
Truckenbrod Joan Lyric Catalyst 1975 lthttpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
Truckenbrod Joan MotherDaughter1984 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
17
Truckenbrod Joan Womb Clothes 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Truckenbrod Joan Artificial Frame 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Daffodil Scroll 1985 lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Another Place Another Time 1991lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Orchard Street Synagogue 2000lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Walker James Faure Happy Circle 1988 lt httpdamorgdoxgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure Pigeons Kyoto 2002 lt wwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure For the Bees Night 2004 ltwwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
18
through coordination Reflection finds harmony in the steady flow of hand eye tool and material2
Digital media certainly has its advantages the choice of colors tools and unlimited canvas size
This allows the artist to go beyond boundary lines that traditional artists may encounter such as
additional time spent to mix paints stretch a canvas and arrange a work area
As a result more artists are engaging in the use of digital techniques and are now using
digital technology as a tool to create images These images include digital paintings digital
photographs and digital animations Artists have since discovered that by using digital media
they have more tools at their disposal
II WHAT IS DIGITAL ART
Digital art is like any other contemporary art form However rather than using traditional
tools artists now use a computer a tablet and a stylus to create art Although it requires some
level of technical training digital art has opened the door for artists to access a wider variety of
painting tools For most digital artists this technology has replaced the brush paint and canvas
their conventional tools for production The author Glen Wilkins defines digital artwork as
any image that has been processed by a computer at some stage in its creation The artwork may have been created digitally or [have] been altered by [a]computer in some way it includes images that have been scanned for print production as posters books or magazines3
Digital art is now a more widely accepted artistic practice because the use of digital
technology has stretched the level of the artists imagination to become more creative Digital
tools are very essential in the creative process of digital artwork a computer a tablet and stylus
2 Malcolm McCullough Abstracting Craft The Practiced Digital Hand Cambridge MIT Press 1996 p 32 3 Glen Wilkins Painting with Pixels How to Draw with your computer New York Sterling Publishing
CoInc 1999 p 10
3
are the basic tools an artist needs to launch their creative process of making art As the artists
skill advances they begin to utilize other forms of digital tools such as digital cameras and
scanners With these tools in place artists can quickly and precisely render images that
previously would have been done on a canvas
Digital technology has brought about many changes amongst the arts artists are no
longer confined to traditional techniques In addition digital computers made the process of
developing a piece of art easier because of the simplicity of the new programs The development
of digital paint method revolutionized the traditional process of making art
III THE EVOLUTION OF THE DIGITAL PAINT SYSTEM
An in depth history of digital paint systems is beyond the scope of this paper however
they evolved to contemporary programs such as Adobe Photoshopreg Corel Painterreg and Photo
Draw2000reg These programs were developed to facilitate digital artists with a wider array of
painting apparatus
The first digital frame buffer was developed at Xerox Palo Alto by Dick Shoup thus
ushering in the paint system Alvy Ray Smith noted in his article Digital Paint Systems An
Anecdotal and Historical Overview that
A digital paint program and a digital paint system are distinguished by their functions A digital paint program essentially does no more than simulate painting of a brush on a canvas A digital paint system does much more using the simulation of painting as a familiar metaphor to seduce artists into the new perhaps forbidding digital domain Of course they are both programs but the term system will imply many more features it will be more complete In fact a system might even use several well-integrated programs 4
Alvy Ray Smith Digital Paint System An Anecdotal and Historical Overview January 8th 1997 5th March 2009 httpwwwalvyraycom
4
As technology became more advanced there was a sudden increase in the demand for digital
paint system Thus the digital paint systems of the 1980s such as the Quantal Paint Boxreg and
Artronics reg became very popular A few years later other advanced paint programs followed
All digital paint programs incorporate pixels Pixels derived from Picture Elements (See
Figl) Authors Isaac Victor Kerlow and Judson Rosebush stated in their book Computer
Graphic for Designers and Artist that Pixel is the basic quantum unit of an image Pixels are
discrete modular units often organized in a rectangular matrix Each pixel corresponds to one
square on the graph 5
Fig1 Pixels (magnified xl2)
wwwscantipscom
Bitmapped images are graphic images that are comprised of pixels on a grid Each one contains
information about the color in a given image Bitmapped images have a permanent resolution
that cannot be resized without losing image quality
IV ANALYSIS OF DIGITAL ARTWORKS
The artwork of Joan Truckenbrod Cynthia Beth Rubin and James Faure Walker represents
a significant departure from traditional art and prove that the creative processes of using digital
technology are successful Each artist has developed an individual set of digital skills For
5 Isaac Victor Kerlow and Judson Rosebush Computer Graphic for Designers and Artist Hew York John Wileyamp Sons Inc 1997 p 12
5
example there is a clear difference between Joan Truckenbrod and Cynthia Beth Rubins work
even though they both use similar digital technology to create their art
Joan Truckenbrod born in Greensboro North Carolina is currently a Professor of Art at
the School of Art Institute in Chicago Ms Truckenbrod is one of the many digital art pioneers
who have exhibited artwork in New York London and Berlin She has made tremendous
contributions in the education of young artists According to the online source Digital Art
Museum among the pioneers at Digital Art Museum [Truckenbrod] shared an interest in
[the] early video paint system However she started with an algorithmic approach that led to
some of her best known early work 6
Most of Truckenbrods early works of art were drawings recorded onto a 16 BPI tape As a
result her early paintings consisted of monochromatic images that depicted an invisible realm of
her understanding for digital art Truckenbrod believes that [Her] early images evoke the
contrast of the digital life and the analog life7 (See Fig2) Her interest in this area has led her to
Fig2 Joan Truckenbrod
Lyric Catalyst 1975 Inkjet print 9x9
6 DAM] Digital Art Museum Joan Truckenbrod httpdigitalartmuseumorgtruckenbrodindexhtm 7 Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25th Mar 09 E-Mail
6
combine traditional and digital images that embody natural forces with in her paintings By 1984
the images within Truckenbrods work began to depict a sense of tension as a result of the
juxtaposition of images within her work(See Fig3) In an email correspondence Truckenbrod
revealed [that] the stroke of the brush is conducted through ideas [that] flows from the
body into the artwork The hand embodies that idea and transfers [it] to the surface of the
paperscreen and translates the artists vision into imagery8
Fig3 Joan Truckenbrod
MotherDaughter (1984) CIBA chrome print 24x24
When asked how useful digital technology has been in creating her artwork Truckenbrod said
The tablet and pen have provided the freedom and flexibility [she] need[s] to work simultaneously with multiple layers of ideas and imagery The pen allows for a specificity of line shape and color necessary to communicate [her] intention One unique aspect of working with the computer is that ones brush carries shape form object photo etc in addition to color Working this way ones palette is only limited by ones own imagination9
With access to advanced software program Truckenbrod was able to manipulate images within
her artwork which created a new sense of artistic freedom In one of her latter painting series
8 Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25th Mar 09 E-Mail 9 Ibid
7
Truckenbrod used scientific and mathematical symbols together with hand-drawn figures
to create images of women and men (See Fig4-5) The emotion of these images has been
heightened by the use of bright colors and shadowy reflection on distorted figures On closer
inspection viewers are able to see massive light waves reflecting off the images bringing our
Fig 4 Joan Truckenbrod
Womb Clothes 1994 IRIS Print 32x 36
Fig 5 Joan Truckenbrod
Artificial Frame 1994 IRIS Print 32x 36
attention to the focal point at the center Her use of unusual natural objects and computer
programs allowed her to create some breath-taking pieces of digital art Truckenbrods recent
Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25 Mar 09 E-Mail
8
artworks are magnificent computer- based projects that exhibited her interest digital technology
such as the scanners to recreate images of her world
Similarly the artist Cynthia Beth Rubin uses a scanner to input images and a tablet and
stylus to paint or augment those images within her work Rubin started her career as a traditional
painter whose work consisted mostly of abstract painting Rubin began experimenting with
digital media during the 1980s while teaching art at Rhode Island School of Design
Rubins artwork has been featured in international exhibitions and has become
educational for younger artists Most of her earlier digital artwork was painted on the Artronics
system which was designed for artists who wanted to create electronic art It consisted of a tablet
and two monitors (one for the menu and one for the image)This style of tablet was not pressure
sensitive like the Wacom tablets of today
The movement from traditional paint to electronic art provided Rubin with the flexibility
she needed to transfer her new artistic ideas into works of art Currently her paintings consist of
hybrid forms which show the relationship between aesthetics and creativity Rubin believes that
[Her] work is an investigation of the threads of cultural memory which [she] feel both from [her] own visual experiences and through that mysterious transmission of sensibility which comes from some place beyond the individual [Her] images grow from the affinity between [her] life as a contemporary American and what [she] regard[s] as [her] heritage11
As a result most of her paintings are made up of multiple layers that are quite revealing
and symbolic thus echoing the uncertainty of the world in which she lives The elements within
her paintings are also bounded by the interweaving of colors textures and the fragmented images
of her memories For instance the painting in Daffodil Scroll (Fig6) depicts Rubins capability
to juxtapose images within her painting This painting was done on the Artronic system which
was at the time easier for Rubin to create an intricate connection among elements within the
1 Cynthia Beth Rubin httpwwwcbrabinnet
9
painting At first glance the strong use of color and lines in the painting make it look a little
mystical However upon closer inspection of the painting elements of coral reefs that are
intertwining into a structure become noticeable revealing the artists experience of thinking
feeling and reacting
Fig6 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Daffodil Scroll 1985 Inkjet print 16x 24
When asked how effective the tablet has been in creating her artwork Rubin said There are no
disadvantages of using the tablet Without it [her] wrist hurts and [her] gestures are forced to
come from [her] wrist instead of [her] arm muscles And every one knows artists use arm
muscles12 With access to a highly developed software program Rubin sees the computer as a
means to expand her visual expressions Working with the computer and a tablet is a very natural
medium for Rubin because her work is based on imaginative arrangement of elements within her
paintings According to Rubin
Before working on a computer [She] was cutting stencils and blocking part of evolving painting just so that [she] could artificially arrive at the same surprise of juxtaposition of materials that is so natural in the computer [Rubin also pointed out that] in the digital world [she] can explore the range from realism and
Cynthia Beth Rubin PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 27th Mar 09 E-Mail
10
recognizable imagery to highly expressive abstractions and put all of these element together in creating a coherent unified work
In creating her artwork Rubin explored a variety of digital painting techniques This is evident in
most of her later work where Rubin created multiple layers by pulling and pushing objects to
reveal whats underneath On many occasions she uses a pressure sensitive tablet to paint or
draw and a scanner to import photographic images into her painting Rubin believes that The
scanner has had the biggest impact without question Combining canned filters with quick
14
scans has produced an army of digital image marker In this painting patches of pure color are
merged together to produce the image of Another Place Another Time This scene has
outstandingly rich surface colors which partly cover the structure in the background This
particular feature is visible in most of Rubins artwork and may be influenced by her Jewish
Fig7 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Another Place Another Time 1991 IRIS print 17x 24
culture There is a distinct use of digital technology in her artwork It creates a new environment
for Rubins art and in fact changes the method of her artistic approach (See Fig8) The
elements in this painting symbolize Rubins cultural and personal histories Digital technology
13 Cynthia Beth Rubin The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Oct 09 httpeducationsiggraphorg
14 Ibid
11
has not only expanded Rubins visual understanding of imagery but allowed her to reveal her
inner most thoughts and feelings
Fig8 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Orchard Street Synagogue 2000 Archival inkjet print 13x 19
On the other hand the artist James Faure Walker combines the use of digital technology
and other traditional tools to create his artwork Walker began his art career as an artist working
in oil paint but later developed a love for digital art As an artist and critic Walker worked on a
collaborative educational project that helped young artists to enhance their artistic skills One of
Walkers main interests as an artist [is to] raise art awareness [through] the development of
software [and] new fine art courses15 With works such as Happy Circle Pigeons Kyoto Dawn
Tree and For the Bees (Fig 9-11) James Walker combines digital paint and traditional paint to
create breathtaking pieces of art
In creating his digital art Walker uses a tablet and stylus to paint and arrange
images in his work In each case he started by playing around with line drawings of the subject
matter In his book Painting the Digital Rivers he stated that [He first] learned about
15Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting With the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
1
painting and computer graphicas a complete outsider by looking at the tools the way things
when he became first fascinated with digital technology and wanted to find out how each gadget
worked Through the playing and mingling of shapes with the use of the computer and a tablet
Walker created a sense of mystery within the painting The interplay of these randomly placed
shapes represents the early stages in the creative process of a new era in Walkers artistic life
Fig9 James Faure Walker Happy Circle 1988 Inkjet print 6x 8
Fig 10 James Faure Walker
Pigeons Kyoto 2002 Giclee Iris print 29 x 43
However Pigeons Kyoto (Fig 10) represents a more progressive stage for Walker This
bold new style is evident in the complicated shapes he created through the controlled use of a
tablet In this painting the artist played freely with the technology He was able to merge
13
paintings drawing and photographs to create a series of shapes that dance across the painting A
further sense of depth was created by the objects which appear to extend beyond the dangling
shapes in the foreground As a result it contributes to the effective play of light
On the other hand in For the Bees Night (Fig 11) the radiant colors and forms from an
expressionistic quality within the elements of the painting The freely flowing lines within this
painting evoke imagery from a childs drawing These mysterious lines express the artist ideas of
the changing use of technology in drawing and painting When asked how useful the tablet has
been in creating his artwork Walker said [If] I dont have one it is hard to get excited about
drawing [because] I dont really have much of a starting point- ie ideas or subject matter-I just
play around16 The thought of creating artwork with a use of a tablet and a computer created a
new means of merging traditional paint and digital paint For James F Walker the use of digital
technology to create his artwork has now become possible after years of trial and error In fact
Figll James Faure Walker
For the Bees Night 2004 Archival Inkjet print 20 x 27
most of his digital artworks are abstract images that resemble collages watercolors and ink
drawings 17 Walkers technique of applying traditional paint onto paper before printing his
16 James Faure Walker PaintingsDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 23rd Mar09 E-Mail 17Artistscuratorswriters httpwwwcommentartcomartistJames_Faure_Walker
14
digital work gives his work added intensity and depth
Upon completion of his book Painting the Digital River Walker stated that he
remained fascinated too by the shifting attitudes towards the use of technology in his drawing
and painting18 It was his interest in digital technology that allowed him to create some breathshy
taking pieces of digital art As a digital artist James Walker has opened a world of new ideas and
concepts to his fellow counterparts On top of this Walkers background as a painter and digital
artist has allowed future digital artists to embrace his work and learn from his experimentation
with digital technology
V CONCLUSION
The use of digital technologies has not only challenged the traditional notion of painting
but it has created a whole new shift within the arts The most obvious shift is that digital
technology has given artists immense freedom they can easily edit and reconstruct images
within their work in a shorter period of time It has also provided artists with resourceful
opportunities not available to more traditional artists
The use of a computer stylus and tablet makes it easier for digital artists to produce
various kinds of output and to gather huge amounts of images and use them in whatever way
they see fit
It is my belief that the digital tools are similar to having a treasure chest of interactive
programs that are designed to improve our artistic skills or styles Since the introduction of
digital technologies digital artists have utilized these tools to create some outstanding forms of
art In conclusion digital media are valid tools for painting as effective as oil acrylic and silk
screening allowing the artists greater freedom in experimentation and exploration
SCIRA Reading in Painting with the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
15
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Goodman Cynthia Digital Visions Computer and Art New York
Harry N Abrams Inc 1987
Kerlow Isaac Victor and Judson Rosebush Computer Graphics for Designers and
Artists New York John Wiley amp Sons Inc 1997
Malcolm McCullough Abstracting Craft The Practiced Digital Hand Cambridge
MIT Press 1996
Nappi Maureen Language Memory and Volition Toward an Aesthetic of Computer
Arts Diss New York University 2001 Ann Arbor UMF 2002 Print
Raimes Jonathan The Digital Canvas Discovering the Art Studio In Your Computer
New York Harry N Adams Inc 2006
Spalter Anne Morgan The Computer in the Visual Arts Boston Addison Wesley
Longman Inc 1999
Walker James Faure Painting the Digital River New Jersey Pearson Education Inc
2006
Wilkins Glen Painting with Pixels How to Draw With Your Computer New York
Sterling Publishing Co Inc 1999
Electronic Sources
Walker James Faure Artists Curators writers Web
24th April 09lthttpwwwcommentartcomartistJames Faure Walkergt
DAM] Digital Art Museum Joan Truckenbrod Web
09th May 09lthttpdigitalartmuseumorgtruckenbrodindexhtmgt
16
Fulton Wayne A Few Scanning Tips What is a Digital Image Anyway Web2008
10 May 09lthttpwwwscantipscombasicslbhtmlgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth Web 10th October09lthttpwwwcbrubinnetgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Web
10th Oct 09 lthttpeducationsiggraphorggt
Smith Alvy Ray Digital Paint System An Anecdotal and Historical OverviewWeb
30th May 9724th Oct 09lthttpwwwalvyraycomgt
Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting with the ComputerWeb
24th April 09lt httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk gt
INTERVIEWS
Rubin Cynthia Beth PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
27th Mar2009 E-Mail
Truckenbrod Joan Painting Digital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
25th Mar 2009 E-Mail
Walker James Faure PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
23rd Mar2009 E-Mail
WORKS OF ART
Truckenbrod Joan Lyric Catalyst 1975 lthttpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
Truckenbrod Joan MotherDaughter1984 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
17
Truckenbrod Joan Womb Clothes 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Truckenbrod Joan Artificial Frame 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Daffodil Scroll 1985 lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Another Place Another Time 1991lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Orchard Street Synagogue 2000lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Walker James Faure Happy Circle 1988 lt httpdamorgdoxgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure Pigeons Kyoto 2002 lt wwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure For the Bees Night 2004 ltwwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
18
are the basic tools an artist needs to launch their creative process of making art As the artists
skill advances they begin to utilize other forms of digital tools such as digital cameras and
scanners With these tools in place artists can quickly and precisely render images that
previously would have been done on a canvas
Digital technology has brought about many changes amongst the arts artists are no
longer confined to traditional techniques In addition digital computers made the process of
developing a piece of art easier because of the simplicity of the new programs The development
of digital paint method revolutionized the traditional process of making art
III THE EVOLUTION OF THE DIGITAL PAINT SYSTEM
An in depth history of digital paint systems is beyond the scope of this paper however
they evolved to contemporary programs such as Adobe Photoshopreg Corel Painterreg and Photo
Draw2000reg These programs were developed to facilitate digital artists with a wider array of
painting apparatus
The first digital frame buffer was developed at Xerox Palo Alto by Dick Shoup thus
ushering in the paint system Alvy Ray Smith noted in his article Digital Paint Systems An
Anecdotal and Historical Overview that
A digital paint program and a digital paint system are distinguished by their functions A digital paint program essentially does no more than simulate painting of a brush on a canvas A digital paint system does much more using the simulation of painting as a familiar metaphor to seduce artists into the new perhaps forbidding digital domain Of course they are both programs but the term system will imply many more features it will be more complete In fact a system might even use several well-integrated programs 4
Alvy Ray Smith Digital Paint System An Anecdotal and Historical Overview January 8th 1997 5th March 2009 httpwwwalvyraycom
4
As technology became more advanced there was a sudden increase in the demand for digital
paint system Thus the digital paint systems of the 1980s such as the Quantal Paint Boxreg and
Artronics reg became very popular A few years later other advanced paint programs followed
All digital paint programs incorporate pixels Pixels derived from Picture Elements (See
Figl) Authors Isaac Victor Kerlow and Judson Rosebush stated in their book Computer
Graphic for Designers and Artist that Pixel is the basic quantum unit of an image Pixels are
discrete modular units often organized in a rectangular matrix Each pixel corresponds to one
square on the graph 5
Fig1 Pixels (magnified xl2)
wwwscantipscom
Bitmapped images are graphic images that are comprised of pixels on a grid Each one contains
information about the color in a given image Bitmapped images have a permanent resolution
that cannot be resized without losing image quality
IV ANALYSIS OF DIGITAL ARTWORKS
The artwork of Joan Truckenbrod Cynthia Beth Rubin and James Faure Walker represents
a significant departure from traditional art and prove that the creative processes of using digital
technology are successful Each artist has developed an individual set of digital skills For
5 Isaac Victor Kerlow and Judson Rosebush Computer Graphic for Designers and Artist Hew York John Wileyamp Sons Inc 1997 p 12
5
example there is a clear difference between Joan Truckenbrod and Cynthia Beth Rubins work
even though they both use similar digital technology to create their art
Joan Truckenbrod born in Greensboro North Carolina is currently a Professor of Art at
the School of Art Institute in Chicago Ms Truckenbrod is one of the many digital art pioneers
who have exhibited artwork in New York London and Berlin She has made tremendous
contributions in the education of young artists According to the online source Digital Art
Museum among the pioneers at Digital Art Museum [Truckenbrod] shared an interest in
[the] early video paint system However she started with an algorithmic approach that led to
some of her best known early work 6
Most of Truckenbrods early works of art were drawings recorded onto a 16 BPI tape As a
result her early paintings consisted of monochromatic images that depicted an invisible realm of
her understanding for digital art Truckenbrod believes that [Her] early images evoke the
contrast of the digital life and the analog life7 (See Fig2) Her interest in this area has led her to
Fig2 Joan Truckenbrod
Lyric Catalyst 1975 Inkjet print 9x9
6 DAM] Digital Art Museum Joan Truckenbrod httpdigitalartmuseumorgtruckenbrodindexhtm 7 Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25th Mar 09 E-Mail
6
combine traditional and digital images that embody natural forces with in her paintings By 1984
the images within Truckenbrods work began to depict a sense of tension as a result of the
juxtaposition of images within her work(See Fig3) In an email correspondence Truckenbrod
revealed [that] the stroke of the brush is conducted through ideas [that] flows from the
body into the artwork The hand embodies that idea and transfers [it] to the surface of the
paperscreen and translates the artists vision into imagery8
Fig3 Joan Truckenbrod
MotherDaughter (1984) CIBA chrome print 24x24
When asked how useful digital technology has been in creating her artwork Truckenbrod said
The tablet and pen have provided the freedom and flexibility [she] need[s] to work simultaneously with multiple layers of ideas and imagery The pen allows for a specificity of line shape and color necessary to communicate [her] intention One unique aspect of working with the computer is that ones brush carries shape form object photo etc in addition to color Working this way ones palette is only limited by ones own imagination9
With access to advanced software program Truckenbrod was able to manipulate images within
her artwork which created a new sense of artistic freedom In one of her latter painting series
8 Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25th Mar 09 E-Mail 9 Ibid
7
Truckenbrod used scientific and mathematical symbols together with hand-drawn figures
to create images of women and men (See Fig4-5) The emotion of these images has been
heightened by the use of bright colors and shadowy reflection on distorted figures On closer
inspection viewers are able to see massive light waves reflecting off the images bringing our
Fig 4 Joan Truckenbrod
Womb Clothes 1994 IRIS Print 32x 36
Fig 5 Joan Truckenbrod
Artificial Frame 1994 IRIS Print 32x 36
attention to the focal point at the center Her use of unusual natural objects and computer
programs allowed her to create some breath-taking pieces of digital art Truckenbrods recent
Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25 Mar 09 E-Mail
8
artworks are magnificent computer- based projects that exhibited her interest digital technology
such as the scanners to recreate images of her world
Similarly the artist Cynthia Beth Rubin uses a scanner to input images and a tablet and
stylus to paint or augment those images within her work Rubin started her career as a traditional
painter whose work consisted mostly of abstract painting Rubin began experimenting with
digital media during the 1980s while teaching art at Rhode Island School of Design
Rubins artwork has been featured in international exhibitions and has become
educational for younger artists Most of her earlier digital artwork was painted on the Artronics
system which was designed for artists who wanted to create electronic art It consisted of a tablet
and two monitors (one for the menu and one for the image)This style of tablet was not pressure
sensitive like the Wacom tablets of today
The movement from traditional paint to electronic art provided Rubin with the flexibility
she needed to transfer her new artistic ideas into works of art Currently her paintings consist of
hybrid forms which show the relationship between aesthetics and creativity Rubin believes that
[Her] work is an investigation of the threads of cultural memory which [she] feel both from [her] own visual experiences and through that mysterious transmission of sensibility which comes from some place beyond the individual [Her] images grow from the affinity between [her] life as a contemporary American and what [she] regard[s] as [her] heritage11
As a result most of her paintings are made up of multiple layers that are quite revealing
and symbolic thus echoing the uncertainty of the world in which she lives The elements within
her paintings are also bounded by the interweaving of colors textures and the fragmented images
of her memories For instance the painting in Daffodil Scroll (Fig6) depicts Rubins capability
to juxtapose images within her painting This painting was done on the Artronic system which
was at the time easier for Rubin to create an intricate connection among elements within the
1 Cynthia Beth Rubin httpwwwcbrabinnet
9
painting At first glance the strong use of color and lines in the painting make it look a little
mystical However upon closer inspection of the painting elements of coral reefs that are
intertwining into a structure become noticeable revealing the artists experience of thinking
feeling and reacting
Fig6 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Daffodil Scroll 1985 Inkjet print 16x 24
When asked how effective the tablet has been in creating her artwork Rubin said There are no
disadvantages of using the tablet Without it [her] wrist hurts and [her] gestures are forced to
come from [her] wrist instead of [her] arm muscles And every one knows artists use arm
muscles12 With access to a highly developed software program Rubin sees the computer as a
means to expand her visual expressions Working with the computer and a tablet is a very natural
medium for Rubin because her work is based on imaginative arrangement of elements within her
paintings According to Rubin
Before working on a computer [She] was cutting stencils and blocking part of evolving painting just so that [she] could artificially arrive at the same surprise of juxtaposition of materials that is so natural in the computer [Rubin also pointed out that] in the digital world [she] can explore the range from realism and
Cynthia Beth Rubin PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 27th Mar 09 E-Mail
10
recognizable imagery to highly expressive abstractions and put all of these element together in creating a coherent unified work
In creating her artwork Rubin explored a variety of digital painting techniques This is evident in
most of her later work where Rubin created multiple layers by pulling and pushing objects to
reveal whats underneath On many occasions she uses a pressure sensitive tablet to paint or
draw and a scanner to import photographic images into her painting Rubin believes that The
scanner has had the biggest impact without question Combining canned filters with quick
14
scans has produced an army of digital image marker In this painting patches of pure color are
merged together to produce the image of Another Place Another Time This scene has
outstandingly rich surface colors which partly cover the structure in the background This
particular feature is visible in most of Rubins artwork and may be influenced by her Jewish
Fig7 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Another Place Another Time 1991 IRIS print 17x 24
culture There is a distinct use of digital technology in her artwork It creates a new environment
for Rubins art and in fact changes the method of her artistic approach (See Fig8) The
elements in this painting symbolize Rubins cultural and personal histories Digital technology
13 Cynthia Beth Rubin The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Oct 09 httpeducationsiggraphorg
14 Ibid
11
has not only expanded Rubins visual understanding of imagery but allowed her to reveal her
inner most thoughts and feelings
Fig8 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Orchard Street Synagogue 2000 Archival inkjet print 13x 19
On the other hand the artist James Faure Walker combines the use of digital technology
and other traditional tools to create his artwork Walker began his art career as an artist working
in oil paint but later developed a love for digital art As an artist and critic Walker worked on a
collaborative educational project that helped young artists to enhance their artistic skills One of
Walkers main interests as an artist [is to] raise art awareness [through] the development of
software [and] new fine art courses15 With works such as Happy Circle Pigeons Kyoto Dawn
Tree and For the Bees (Fig 9-11) James Walker combines digital paint and traditional paint to
create breathtaking pieces of art
In creating his digital art Walker uses a tablet and stylus to paint and arrange
images in his work In each case he started by playing around with line drawings of the subject
matter In his book Painting the Digital Rivers he stated that [He first] learned about
15Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting With the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
1
painting and computer graphicas a complete outsider by looking at the tools the way things
when he became first fascinated with digital technology and wanted to find out how each gadget
worked Through the playing and mingling of shapes with the use of the computer and a tablet
Walker created a sense of mystery within the painting The interplay of these randomly placed
shapes represents the early stages in the creative process of a new era in Walkers artistic life
Fig9 James Faure Walker Happy Circle 1988 Inkjet print 6x 8
Fig 10 James Faure Walker
Pigeons Kyoto 2002 Giclee Iris print 29 x 43
However Pigeons Kyoto (Fig 10) represents a more progressive stage for Walker This
bold new style is evident in the complicated shapes he created through the controlled use of a
tablet In this painting the artist played freely with the technology He was able to merge
13
paintings drawing and photographs to create a series of shapes that dance across the painting A
further sense of depth was created by the objects which appear to extend beyond the dangling
shapes in the foreground As a result it contributes to the effective play of light
On the other hand in For the Bees Night (Fig 11) the radiant colors and forms from an
expressionistic quality within the elements of the painting The freely flowing lines within this
painting evoke imagery from a childs drawing These mysterious lines express the artist ideas of
the changing use of technology in drawing and painting When asked how useful the tablet has
been in creating his artwork Walker said [If] I dont have one it is hard to get excited about
drawing [because] I dont really have much of a starting point- ie ideas or subject matter-I just
play around16 The thought of creating artwork with a use of a tablet and a computer created a
new means of merging traditional paint and digital paint For James F Walker the use of digital
technology to create his artwork has now become possible after years of trial and error In fact
Figll James Faure Walker
For the Bees Night 2004 Archival Inkjet print 20 x 27
most of his digital artworks are abstract images that resemble collages watercolors and ink
drawings 17 Walkers technique of applying traditional paint onto paper before printing his
16 James Faure Walker PaintingsDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 23rd Mar09 E-Mail 17Artistscuratorswriters httpwwwcommentartcomartistJames_Faure_Walker
14
digital work gives his work added intensity and depth
Upon completion of his book Painting the Digital River Walker stated that he
remained fascinated too by the shifting attitudes towards the use of technology in his drawing
and painting18 It was his interest in digital technology that allowed him to create some breathshy
taking pieces of digital art As a digital artist James Walker has opened a world of new ideas and
concepts to his fellow counterparts On top of this Walkers background as a painter and digital
artist has allowed future digital artists to embrace his work and learn from his experimentation
with digital technology
V CONCLUSION
The use of digital technologies has not only challenged the traditional notion of painting
but it has created a whole new shift within the arts The most obvious shift is that digital
technology has given artists immense freedom they can easily edit and reconstruct images
within their work in a shorter period of time It has also provided artists with resourceful
opportunities not available to more traditional artists
The use of a computer stylus and tablet makes it easier for digital artists to produce
various kinds of output and to gather huge amounts of images and use them in whatever way
they see fit
It is my belief that the digital tools are similar to having a treasure chest of interactive
programs that are designed to improve our artistic skills or styles Since the introduction of
digital technologies digital artists have utilized these tools to create some outstanding forms of
art In conclusion digital media are valid tools for painting as effective as oil acrylic and silk
screening allowing the artists greater freedom in experimentation and exploration
SCIRA Reading in Painting with the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
15
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Goodman Cynthia Digital Visions Computer and Art New York
Harry N Abrams Inc 1987
Kerlow Isaac Victor and Judson Rosebush Computer Graphics for Designers and
Artists New York John Wiley amp Sons Inc 1997
Malcolm McCullough Abstracting Craft The Practiced Digital Hand Cambridge
MIT Press 1996
Nappi Maureen Language Memory and Volition Toward an Aesthetic of Computer
Arts Diss New York University 2001 Ann Arbor UMF 2002 Print
Raimes Jonathan The Digital Canvas Discovering the Art Studio In Your Computer
New York Harry N Adams Inc 2006
Spalter Anne Morgan The Computer in the Visual Arts Boston Addison Wesley
Longman Inc 1999
Walker James Faure Painting the Digital River New Jersey Pearson Education Inc
2006
Wilkins Glen Painting with Pixels How to Draw With Your Computer New York
Sterling Publishing Co Inc 1999
Electronic Sources
Walker James Faure Artists Curators writers Web
24th April 09lthttpwwwcommentartcomartistJames Faure Walkergt
DAM] Digital Art Museum Joan Truckenbrod Web
09th May 09lthttpdigitalartmuseumorgtruckenbrodindexhtmgt
16
Fulton Wayne A Few Scanning Tips What is a Digital Image Anyway Web2008
10 May 09lthttpwwwscantipscombasicslbhtmlgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth Web 10th October09lthttpwwwcbrubinnetgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Web
10th Oct 09 lthttpeducationsiggraphorggt
Smith Alvy Ray Digital Paint System An Anecdotal and Historical OverviewWeb
30th May 9724th Oct 09lthttpwwwalvyraycomgt
Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting with the ComputerWeb
24th April 09lt httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk gt
INTERVIEWS
Rubin Cynthia Beth PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
27th Mar2009 E-Mail
Truckenbrod Joan Painting Digital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
25th Mar 2009 E-Mail
Walker James Faure PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
23rd Mar2009 E-Mail
WORKS OF ART
Truckenbrod Joan Lyric Catalyst 1975 lthttpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
Truckenbrod Joan MotherDaughter1984 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
17
Truckenbrod Joan Womb Clothes 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Truckenbrod Joan Artificial Frame 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Daffodil Scroll 1985 lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Another Place Another Time 1991lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Orchard Street Synagogue 2000lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Walker James Faure Happy Circle 1988 lt httpdamorgdoxgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure Pigeons Kyoto 2002 lt wwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure For the Bees Night 2004 ltwwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
18
As technology became more advanced there was a sudden increase in the demand for digital
paint system Thus the digital paint systems of the 1980s such as the Quantal Paint Boxreg and
Artronics reg became very popular A few years later other advanced paint programs followed
All digital paint programs incorporate pixels Pixels derived from Picture Elements (See
Figl) Authors Isaac Victor Kerlow and Judson Rosebush stated in their book Computer
Graphic for Designers and Artist that Pixel is the basic quantum unit of an image Pixels are
discrete modular units often organized in a rectangular matrix Each pixel corresponds to one
square on the graph 5
Fig1 Pixels (magnified xl2)
wwwscantipscom
Bitmapped images are graphic images that are comprised of pixels on a grid Each one contains
information about the color in a given image Bitmapped images have a permanent resolution
that cannot be resized without losing image quality
IV ANALYSIS OF DIGITAL ARTWORKS
The artwork of Joan Truckenbrod Cynthia Beth Rubin and James Faure Walker represents
a significant departure from traditional art and prove that the creative processes of using digital
technology are successful Each artist has developed an individual set of digital skills For
5 Isaac Victor Kerlow and Judson Rosebush Computer Graphic for Designers and Artist Hew York John Wileyamp Sons Inc 1997 p 12
5
example there is a clear difference between Joan Truckenbrod and Cynthia Beth Rubins work
even though they both use similar digital technology to create their art
Joan Truckenbrod born in Greensboro North Carolina is currently a Professor of Art at
the School of Art Institute in Chicago Ms Truckenbrod is one of the many digital art pioneers
who have exhibited artwork in New York London and Berlin She has made tremendous
contributions in the education of young artists According to the online source Digital Art
Museum among the pioneers at Digital Art Museum [Truckenbrod] shared an interest in
[the] early video paint system However she started with an algorithmic approach that led to
some of her best known early work 6
Most of Truckenbrods early works of art were drawings recorded onto a 16 BPI tape As a
result her early paintings consisted of monochromatic images that depicted an invisible realm of
her understanding for digital art Truckenbrod believes that [Her] early images evoke the
contrast of the digital life and the analog life7 (See Fig2) Her interest in this area has led her to
Fig2 Joan Truckenbrod
Lyric Catalyst 1975 Inkjet print 9x9
6 DAM] Digital Art Museum Joan Truckenbrod httpdigitalartmuseumorgtruckenbrodindexhtm 7 Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25th Mar 09 E-Mail
6
combine traditional and digital images that embody natural forces with in her paintings By 1984
the images within Truckenbrods work began to depict a sense of tension as a result of the
juxtaposition of images within her work(See Fig3) In an email correspondence Truckenbrod
revealed [that] the stroke of the brush is conducted through ideas [that] flows from the
body into the artwork The hand embodies that idea and transfers [it] to the surface of the
paperscreen and translates the artists vision into imagery8
Fig3 Joan Truckenbrod
MotherDaughter (1984) CIBA chrome print 24x24
When asked how useful digital technology has been in creating her artwork Truckenbrod said
The tablet and pen have provided the freedom and flexibility [she] need[s] to work simultaneously with multiple layers of ideas and imagery The pen allows for a specificity of line shape and color necessary to communicate [her] intention One unique aspect of working with the computer is that ones brush carries shape form object photo etc in addition to color Working this way ones palette is only limited by ones own imagination9
With access to advanced software program Truckenbrod was able to manipulate images within
her artwork which created a new sense of artistic freedom In one of her latter painting series
8 Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25th Mar 09 E-Mail 9 Ibid
7
Truckenbrod used scientific and mathematical symbols together with hand-drawn figures
to create images of women and men (See Fig4-5) The emotion of these images has been
heightened by the use of bright colors and shadowy reflection on distorted figures On closer
inspection viewers are able to see massive light waves reflecting off the images bringing our
Fig 4 Joan Truckenbrod
Womb Clothes 1994 IRIS Print 32x 36
Fig 5 Joan Truckenbrod
Artificial Frame 1994 IRIS Print 32x 36
attention to the focal point at the center Her use of unusual natural objects and computer
programs allowed her to create some breath-taking pieces of digital art Truckenbrods recent
Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25 Mar 09 E-Mail
8
artworks are magnificent computer- based projects that exhibited her interest digital technology
such as the scanners to recreate images of her world
Similarly the artist Cynthia Beth Rubin uses a scanner to input images and a tablet and
stylus to paint or augment those images within her work Rubin started her career as a traditional
painter whose work consisted mostly of abstract painting Rubin began experimenting with
digital media during the 1980s while teaching art at Rhode Island School of Design
Rubins artwork has been featured in international exhibitions and has become
educational for younger artists Most of her earlier digital artwork was painted on the Artronics
system which was designed for artists who wanted to create electronic art It consisted of a tablet
and two monitors (one for the menu and one for the image)This style of tablet was not pressure
sensitive like the Wacom tablets of today
The movement from traditional paint to electronic art provided Rubin with the flexibility
she needed to transfer her new artistic ideas into works of art Currently her paintings consist of
hybrid forms which show the relationship between aesthetics and creativity Rubin believes that
[Her] work is an investigation of the threads of cultural memory which [she] feel both from [her] own visual experiences and through that mysterious transmission of sensibility which comes from some place beyond the individual [Her] images grow from the affinity between [her] life as a contemporary American and what [she] regard[s] as [her] heritage11
As a result most of her paintings are made up of multiple layers that are quite revealing
and symbolic thus echoing the uncertainty of the world in which she lives The elements within
her paintings are also bounded by the interweaving of colors textures and the fragmented images
of her memories For instance the painting in Daffodil Scroll (Fig6) depicts Rubins capability
to juxtapose images within her painting This painting was done on the Artronic system which
was at the time easier for Rubin to create an intricate connection among elements within the
1 Cynthia Beth Rubin httpwwwcbrabinnet
9
painting At first glance the strong use of color and lines in the painting make it look a little
mystical However upon closer inspection of the painting elements of coral reefs that are
intertwining into a structure become noticeable revealing the artists experience of thinking
feeling and reacting
Fig6 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Daffodil Scroll 1985 Inkjet print 16x 24
When asked how effective the tablet has been in creating her artwork Rubin said There are no
disadvantages of using the tablet Without it [her] wrist hurts and [her] gestures are forced to
come from [her] wrist instead of [her] arm muscles And every one knows artists use arm
muscles12 With access to a highly developed software program Rubin sees the computer as a
means to expand her visual expressions Working with the computer and a tablet is a very natural
medium for Rubin because her work is based on imaginative arrangement of elements within her
paintings According to Rubin
Before working on a computer [She] was cutting stencils and blocking part of evolving painting just so that [she] could artificially arrive at the same surprise of juxtaposition of materials that is so natural in the computer [Rubin also pointed out that] in the digital world [she] can explore the range from realism and
Cynthia Beth Rubin PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 27th Mar 09 E-Mail
10
recognizable imagery to highly expressive abstractions and put all of these element together in creating a coherent unified work
In creating her artwork Rubin explored a variety of digital painting techniques This is evident in
most of her later work where Rubin created multiple layers by pulling and pushing objects to
reveal whats underneath On many occasions she uses a pressure sensitive tablet to paint or
draw and a scanner to import photographic images into her painting Rubin believes that The
scanner has had the biggest impact without question Combining canned filters with quick
14
scans has produced an army of digital image marker In this painting patches of pure color are
merged together to produce the image of Another Place Another Time This scene has
outstandingly rich surface colors which partly cover the structure in the background This
particular feature is visible in most of Rubins artwork and may be influenced by her Jewish
Fig7 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Another Place Another Time 1991 IRIS print 17x 24
culture There is a distinct use of digital technology in her artwork It creates a new environment
for Rubins art and in fact changes the method of her artistic approach (See Fig8) The
elements in this painting symbolize Rubins cultural and personal histories Digital technology
13 Cynthia Beth Rubin The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Oct 09 httpeducationsiggraphorg
14 Ibid
11
has not only expanded Rubins visual understanding of imagery but allowed her to reveal her
inner most thoughts and feelings
Fig8 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Orchard Street Synagogue 2000 Archival inkjet print 13x 19
On the other hand the artist James Faure Walker combines the use of digital technology
and other traditional tools to create his artwork Walker began his art career as an artist working
in oil paint but later developed a love for digital art As an artist and critic Walker worked on a
collaborative educational project that helped young artists to enhance their artistic skills One of
Walkers main interests as an artist [is to] raise art awareness [through] the development of
software [and] new fine art courses15 With works such as Happy Circle Pigeons Kyoto Dawn
Tree and For the Bees (Fig 9-11) James Walker combines digital paint and traditional paint to
create breathtaking pieces of art
In creating his digital art Walker uses a tablet and stylus to paint and arrange
images in his work In each case he started by playing around with line drawings of the subject
matter In his book Painting the Digital Rivers he stated that [He first] learned about
15Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting With the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
1
painting and computer graphicas a complete outsider by looking at the tools the way things
when he became first fascinated with digital technology and wanted to find out how each gadget
worked Through the playing and mingling of shapes with the use of the computer and a tablet
Walker created a sense of mystery within the painting The interplay of these randomly placed
shapes represents the early stages in the creative process of a new era in Walkers artistic life
Fig9 James Faure Walker Happy Circle 1988 Inkjet print 6x 8
Fig 10 James Faure Walker
Pigeons Kyoto 2002 Giclee Iris print 29 x 43
However Pigeons Kyoto (Fig 10) represents a more progressive stage for Walker This
bold new style is evident in the complicated shapes he created through the controlled use of a
tablet In this painting the artist played freely with the technology He was able to merge
13
paintings drawing and photographs to create a series of shapes that dance across the painting A
further sense of depth was created by the objects which appear to extend beyond the dangling
shapes in the foreground As a result it contributes to the effective play of light
On the other hand in For the Bees Night (Fig 11) the radiant colors and forms from an
expressionistic quality within the elements of the painting The freely flowing lines within this
painting evoke imagery from a childs drawing These mysterious lines express the artist ideas of
the changing use of technology in drawing and painting When asked how useful the tablet has
been in creating his artwork Walker said [If] I dont have one it is hard to get excited about
drawing [because] I dont really have much of a starting point- ie ideas or subject matter-I just
play around16 The thought of creating artwork with a use of a tablet and a computer created a
new means of merging traditional paint and digital paint For James F Walker the use of digital
technology to create his artwork has now become possible after years of trial and error In fact
Figll James Faure Walker
For the Bees Night 2004 Archival Inkjet print 20 x 27
most of his digital artworks are abstract images that resemble collages watercolors and ink
drawings 17 Walkers technique of applying traditional paint onto paper before printing his
16 James Faure Walker PaintingsDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 23rd Mar09 E-Mail 17Artistscuratorswriters httpwwwcommentartcomartistJames_Faure_Walker
14
digital work gives his work added intensity and depth
Upon completion of his book Painting the Digital River Walker stated that he
remained fascinated too by the shifting attitudes towards the use of technology in his drawing
and painting18 It was his interest in digital technology that allowed him to create some breathshy
taking pieces of digital art As a digital artist James Walker has opened a world of new ideas and
concepts to his fellow counterparts On top of this Walkers background as a painter and digital
artist has allowed future digital artists to embrace his work and learn from his experimentation
with digital technology
V CONCLUSION
The use of digital technologies has not only challenged the traditional notion of painting
but it has created a whole new shift within the arts The most obvious shift is that digital
technology has given artists immense freedom they can easily edit and reconstruct images
within their work in a shorter period of time It has also provided artists with resourceful
opportunities not available to more traditional artists
The use of a computer stylus and tablet makes it easier for digital artists to produce
various kinds of output and to gather huge amounts of images and use them in whatever way
they see fit
It is my belief that the digital tools are similar to having a treasure chest of interactive
programs that are designed to improve our artistic skills or styles Since the introduction of
digital technologies digital artists have utilized these tools to create some outstanding forms of
art In conclusion digital media are valid tools for painting as effective as oil acrylic and silk
screening allowing the artists greater freedom in experimentation and exploration
SCIRA Reading in Painting with the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
15
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Goodman Cynthia Digital Visions Computer and Art New York
Harry N Abrams Inc 1987
Kerlow Isaac Victor and Judson Rosebush Computer Graphics for Designers and
Artists New York John Wiley amp Sons Inc 1997
Malcolm McCullough Abstracting Craft The Practiced Digital Hand Cambridge
MIT Press 1996
Nappi Maureen Language Memory and Volition Toward an Aesthetic of Computer
Arts Diss New York University 2001 Ann Arbor UMF 2002 Print
Raimes Jonathan The Digital Canvas Discovering the Art Studio In Your Computer
New York Harry N Adams Inc 2006
Spalter Anne Morgan The Computer in the Visual Arts Boston Addison Wesley
Longman Inc 1999
Walker James Faure Painting the Digital River New Jersey Pearson Education Inc
2006
Wilkins Glen Painting with Pixels How to Draw With Your Computer New York
Sterling Publishing Co Inc 1999
Electronic Sources
Walker James Faure Artists Curators writers Web
24th April 09lthttpwwwcommentartcomartistJames Faure Walkergt
DAM] Digital Art Museum Joan Truckenbrod Web
09th May 09lthttpdigitalartmuseumorgtruckenbrodindexhtmgt
16
Fulton Wayne A Few Scanning Tips What is a Digital Image Anyway Web2008
10 May 09lthttpwwwscantipscombasicslbhtmlgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth Web 10th October09lthttpwwwcbrubinnetgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Web
10th Oct 09 lthttpeducationsiggraphorggt
Smith Alvy Ray Digital Paint System An Anecdotal and Historical OverviewWeb
30th May 9724th Oct 09lthttpwwwalvyraycomgt
Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting with the ComputerWeb
24th April 09lt httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk gt
INTERVIEWS
Rubin Cynthia Beth PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
27th Mar2009 E-Mail
Truckenbrod Joan Painting Digital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
25th Mar 2009 E-Mail
Walker James Faure PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
23rd Mar2009 E-Mail
WORKS OF ART
Truckenbrod Joan Lyric Catalyst 1975 lthttpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
Truckenbrod Joan MotherDaughter1984 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
17
Truckenbrod Joan Womb Clothes 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Truckenbrod Joan Artificial Frame 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Daffodil Scroll 1985 lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Another Place Another Time 1991lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Orchard Street Synagogue 2000lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Walker James Faure Happy Circle 1988 lt httpdamorgdoxgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure Pigeons Kyoto 2002 lt wwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure For the Bees Night 2004 ltwwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
18
example there is a clear difference between Joan Truckenbrod and Cynthia Beth Rubins work
even though they both use similar digital technology to create their art
Joan Truckenbrod born in Greensboro North Carolina is currently a Professor of Art at
the School of Art Institute in Chicago Ms Truckenbrod is one of the many digital art pioneers
who have exhibited artwork in New York London and Berlin She has made tremendous
contributions in the education of young artists According to the online source Digital Art
Museum among the pioneers at Digital Art Museum [Truckenbrod] shared an interest in
[the] early video paint system However she started with an algorithmic approach that led to
some of her best known early work 6
Most of Truckenbrods early works of art were drawings recorded onto a 16 BPI tape As a
result her early paintings consisted of monochromatic images that depicted an invisible realm of
her understanding for digital art Truckenbrod believes that [Her] early images evoke the
contrast of the digital life and the analog life7 (See Fig2) Her interest in this area has led her to
Fig2 Joan Truckenbrod
Lyric Catalyst 1975 Inkjet print 9x9
6 DAM] Digital Art Museum Joan Truckenbrod httpdigitalartmuseumorgtruckenbrodindexhtm 7 Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25th Mar 09 E-Mail
6
combine traditional and digital images that embody natural forces with in her paintings By 1984
the images within Truckenbrods work began to depict a sense of tension as a result of the
juxtaposition of images within her work(See Fig3) In an email correspondence Truckenbrod
revealed [that] the stroke of the brush is conducted through ideas [that] flows from the
body into the artwork The hand embodies that idea and transfers [it] to the surface of the
paperscreen and translates the artists vision into imagery8
Fig3 Joan Truckenbrod
MotherDaughter (1984) CIBA chrome print 24x24
When asked how useful digital technology has been in creating her artwork Truckenbrod said
The tablet and pen have provided the freedom and flexibility [she] need[s] to work simultaneously with multiple layers of ideas and imagery The pen allows for a specificity of line shape and color necessary to communicate [her] intention One unique aspect of working with the computer is that ones brush carries shape form object photo etc in addition to color Working this way ones palette is only limited by ones own imagination9
With access to advanced software program Truckenbrod was able to manipulate images within
her artwork which created a new sense of artistic freedom In one of her latter painting series
8 Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25th Mar 09 E-Mail 9 Ibid
7
Truckenbrod used scientific and mathematical symbols together with hand-drawn figures
to create images of women and men (See Fig4-5) The emotion of these images has been
heightened by the use of bright colors and shadowy reflection on distorted figures On closer
inspection viewers are able to see massive light waves reflecting off the images bringing our
Fig 4 Joan Truckenbrod
Womb Clothes 1994 IRIS Print 32x 36
Fig 5 Joan Truckenbrod
Artificial Frame 1994 IRIS Print 32x 36
attention to the focal point at the center Her use of unusual natural objects and computer
programs allowed her to create some breath-taking pieces of digital art Truckenbrods recent
Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25 Mar 09 E-Mail
8
artworks are magnificent computer- based projects that exhibited her interest digital technology
such as the scanners to recreate images of her world
Similarly the artist Cynthia Beth Rubin uses a scanner to input images and a tablet and
stylus to paint or augment those images within her work Rubin started her career as a traditional
painter whose work consisted mostly of abstract painting Rubin began experimenting with
digital media during the 1980s while teaching art at Rhode Island School of Design
Rubins artwork has been featured in international exhibitions and has become
educational for younger artists Most of her earlier digital artwork was painted on the Artronics
system which was designed for artists who wanted to create electronic art It consisted of a tablet
and two monitors (one for the menu and one for the image)This style of tablet was not pressure
sensitive like the Wacom tablets of today
The movement from traditional paint to electronic art provided Rubin with the flexibility
she needed to transfer her new artistic ideas into works of art Currently her paintings consist of
hybrid forms which show the relationship between aesthetics and creativity Rubin believes that
[Her] work is an investigation of the threads of cultural memory which [she] feel both from [her] own visual experiences and through that mysterious transmission of sensibility which comes from some place beyond the individual [Her] images grow from the affinity between [her] life as a contemporary American and what [she] regard[s] as [her] heritage11
As a result most of her paintings are made up of multiple layers that are quite revealing
and symbolic thus echoing the uncertainty of the world in which she lives The elements within
her paintings are also bounded by the interweaving of colors textures and the fragmented images
of her memories For instance the painting in Daffodil Scroll (Fig6) depicts Rubins capability
to juxtapose images within her painting This painting was done on the Artronic system which
was at the time easier for Rubin to create an intricate connection among elements within the
1 Cynthia Beth Rubin httpwwwcbrabinnet
9
painting At first glance the strong use of color and lines in the painting make it look a little
mystical However upon closer inspection of the painting elements of coral reefs that are
intertwining into a structure become noticeable revealing the artists experience of thinking
feeling and reacting
Fig6 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Daffodil Scroll 1985 Inkjet print 16x 24
When asked how effective the tablet has been in creating her artwork Rubin said There are no
disadvantages of using the tablet Without it [her] wrist hurts and [her] gestures are forced to
come from [her] wrist instead of [her] arm muscles And every one knows artists use arm
muscles12 With access to a highly developed software program Rubin sees the computer as a
means to expand her visual expressions Working with the computer and a tablet is a very natural
medium for Rubin because her work is based on imaginative arrangement of elements within her
paintings According to Rubin
Before working on a computer [She] was cutting stencils and blocking part of evolving painting just so that [she] could artificially arrive at the same surprise of juxtaposition of materials that is so natural in the computer [Rubin also pointed out that] in the digital world [she] can explore the range from realism and
Cynthia Beth Rubin PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 27th Mar 09 E-Mail
10
recognizable imagery to highly expressive abstractions and put all of these element together in creating a coherent unified work
In creating her artwork Rubin explored a variety of digital painting techniques This is evident in
most of her later work where Rubin created multiple layers by pulling and pushing objects to
reveal whats underneath On many occasions she uses a pressure sensitive tablet to paint or
draw and a scanner to import photographic images into her painting Rubin believes that The
scanner has had the biggest impact without question Combining canned filters with quick
14
scans has produced an army of digital image marker In this painting patches of pure color are
merged together to produce the image of Another Place Another Time This scene has
outstandingly rich surface colors which partly cover the structure in the background This
particular feature is visible in most of Rubins artwork and may be influenced by her Jewish
Fig7 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Another Place Another Time 1991 IRIS print 17x 24
culture There is a distinct use of digital technology in her artwork It creates a new environment
for Rubins art and in fact changes the method of her artistic approach (See Fig8) The
elements in this painting symbolize Rubins cultural and personal histories Digital technology
13 Cynthia Beth Rubin The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Oct 09 httpeducationsiggraphorg
14 Ibid
11
has not only expanded Rubins visual understanding of imagery but allowed her to reveal her
inner most thoughts and feelings
Fig8 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Orchard Street Synagogue 2000 Archival inkjet print 13x 19
On the other hand the artist James Faure Walker combines the use of digital technology
and other traditional tools to create his artwork Walker began his art career as an artist working
in oil paint but later developed a love for digital art As an artist and critic Walker worked on a
collaborative educational project that helped young artists to enhance their artistic skills One of
Walkers main interests as an artist [is to] raise art awareness [through] the development of
software [and] new fine art courses15 With works such as Happy Circle Pigeons Kyoto Dawn
Tree and For the Bees (Fig 9-11) James Walker combines digital paint and traditional paint to
create breathtaking pieces of art
In creating his digital art Walker uses a tablet and stylus to paint and arrange
images in his work In each case he started by playing around with line drawings of the subject
matter In his book Painting the Digital Rivers he stated that [He first] learned about
15Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting With the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
1
painting and computer graphicas a complete outsider by looking at the tools the way things
when he became first fascinated with digital technology and wanted to find out how each gadget
worked Through the playing and mingling of shapes with the use of the computer and a tablet
Walker created a sense of mystery within the painting The interplay of these randomly placed
shapes represents the early stages in the creative process of a new era in Walkers artistic life
Fig9 James Faure Walker Happy Circle 1988 Inkjet print 6x 8
Fig 10 James Faure Walker
Pigeons Kyoto 2002 Giclee Iris print 29 x 43
However Pigeons Kyoto (Fig 10) represents a more progressive stage for Walker This
bold new style is evident in the complicated shapes he created through the controlled use of a
tablet In this painting the artist played freely with the technology He was able to merge
13
paintings drawing and photographs to create a series of shapes that dance across the painting A
further sense of depth was created by the objects which appear to extend beyond the dangling
shapes in the foreground As a result it contributes to the effective play of light
On the other hand in For the Bees Night (Fig 11) the radiant colors and forms from an
expressionistic quality within the elements of the painting The freely flowing lines within this
painting evoke imagery from a childs drawing These mysterious lines express the artist ideas of
the changing use of technology in drawing and painting When asked how useful the tablet has
been in creating his artwork Walker said [If] I dont have one it is hard to get excited about
drawing [because] I dont really have much of a starting point- ie ideas or subject matter-I just
play around16 The thought of creating artwork with a use of a tablet and a computer created a
new means of merging traditional paint and digital paint For James F Walker the use of digital
technology to create his artwork has now become possible after years of trial and error In fact
Figll James Faure Walker
For the Bees Night 2004 Archival Inkjet print 20 x 27
most of his digital artworks are abstract images that resemble collages watercolors and ink
drawings 17 Walkers technique of applying traditional paint onto paper before printing his
16 James Faure Walker PaintingsDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 23rd Mar09 E-Mail 17Artistscuratorswriters httpwwwcommentartcomartistJames_Faure_Walker
14
digital work gives his work added intensity and depth
Upon completion of his book Painting the Digital River Walker stated that he
remained fascinated too by the shifting attitudes towards the use of technology in his drawing
and painting18 It was his interest in digital technology that allowed him to create some breathshy
taking pieces of digital art As a digital artist James Walker has opened a world of new ideas and
concepts to his fellow counterparts On top of this Walkers background as a painter and digital
artist has allowed future digital artists to embrace his work and learn from his experimentation
with digital technology
V CONCLUSION
The use of digital technologies has not only challenged the traditional notion of painting
but it has created a whole new shift within the arts The most obvious shift is that digital
technology has given artists immense freedom they can easily edit and reconstruct images
within their work in a shorter period of time It has also provided artists with resourceful
opportunities not available to more traditional artists
The use of a computer stylus and tablet makes it easier for digital artists to produce
various kinds of output and to gather huge amounts of images and use them in whatever way
they see fit
It is my belief that the digital tools are similar to having a treasure chest of interactive
programs that are designed to improve our artistic skills or styles Since the introduction of
digital technologies digital artists have utilized these tools to create some outstanding forms of
art In conclusion digital media are valid tools for painting as effective as oil acrylic and silk
screening allowing the artists greater freedom in experimentation and exploration
SCIRA Reading in Painting with the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
15
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Goodman Cynthia Digital Visions Computer and Art New York
Harry N Abrams Inc 1987
Kerlow Isaac Victor and Judson Rosebush Computer Graphics for Designers and
Artists New York John Wiley amp Sons Inc 1997
Malcolm McCullough Abstracting Craft The Practiced Digital Hand Cambridge
MIT Press 1996
Nappi Maureen Language Memory and Volition Toward an Aesthetic of Computer
Arts Diss New York University 2001 Ann Arbor UMF 2002 Print
Raimes Jonathan The Digital Canvas Discovering the Art Studio In Your Computer
New York Harry N Adams Inc 2006
Spalter Anne Morgan The Computer in the Visual Arts Boston Addison Wesley
Longman Inc 1999
Walker James Faure Painting the Digital River New Jersey Pearson Education Inc
2006
Wilkins Glen Painting with Pixels How to Draw With Your Computer New York
Sterling Publishing Co Inc 1999
Electronic Sources
Walker James Faure Artists Curators writers Web
24th April 09lthttpwwwcommentartcomartistJames Faure Walkergt
DAM] Digital Art Museum Joan Truckenbrod Web
09th May 09lthttpdigitalartmuseumorgtruckenbrodindexhtmgt
16
Fulton Wayne A Few Scanning Tips What is a Digital Image Anyway Web2008
10 May 09lthttpwwwscantipscombasicslbhtmlgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth Web 10th October09lthttpwwwcbrubinnetgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Web
10th Oct 09 lthttpeducationsiggraphorggt
Smith Alvy Ray Digital Paint System An Anecdotal and Historical OverviewWeb
30th May 9724th Oct 09lthttpwwwalvyraycomgt
Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting with the ComputerWeb
24th April 09lt httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk gt
INTERVIEWS
Rubin Cynthia Beth PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
27th Mar2009 E-Mail
Truckenbrod Joan Painting Digital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
25th Mar 2009 E-Mail
Walker James Faure PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
23rd Mar2009 E-Mail
WORKS OF ART
Truckenbrod Joan Lyric Catalyst 1975 lthttpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
Truckenbrod Joan MotherDaughter1984 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
17
Truckenbrod Joan Womb Clothes 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Truckenbrod Joan Artificial Frame 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Daffodil Scroll 1985 lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Another Place Another Time 1991lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Orchard Street Synagogue 2000lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Walker James Faure Happy Circle 1988 lt httpdamorgdoxgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure Pigeons Kyoto 2002 lt wwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure For the Bees Night 2004 ltwwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
18
combine traditional and digital images that embody natural forces with in her paintings By 1984
the images within Truckenbrods work began to depict a sense of tension as a result of the
juxtaposition of images within her work(See Fig3) In an email correspondence Truckenbrod
revealed [that] the stroke of the brush is conducted through ideas [that] flows from the
body into the artwork The hand embodies that idea and transfers [it] to the surface of the
paperscreen and translates the artists vision into imagery8
Fig3 Joan Truckenbrod
MotherDaughter (1984) CIBA chrome print 24x24
When asked how useful digital technology has been in creating her artwork Truckenbrod said
The tablet and pen have provided the freedom and flexibility [she] need[s] to work simultaneously with multiple layers of ideas and imagery The pen allows for a specificity of line shape and color necessary to communicate [her] intention One unique aspect of working with the computer is that ones brush carries shape form object photo etc in addition to color Working this way ones palette is only limited by ones own imagination9
With access to advanced software program Truckenbrod was able to manipulate images within
her artwork which created a new sense of artistic freedom In one of her latter painting series
8 Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25th Mar 09 E-Mail 9 Ibid
7
Truckenbrod used scientific and mathematical symbols together with hand-drawn figures
to create images of women and men (See Fig4-5) The emotion of these images has been
heightened by the use of bright colors and shadowy reflection on distorted figures On closer
inspection viewers are able to see massive light waves reflecting off the images bringing our
Fig 4 Joan Truckenbrod
Womb Clothes 1994 IRIS Print 32x 36
Fig 5 Joan Truckenbrod
Artificial Frame 1994 IRIS Print 32x 36
attention to the focal point at the center Her use of unusual natural objects and computer
programs allowed her to create some breath-taking pieces of digital art Truckenbrods recent
Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25 Mar 09 E-Mail
8
artworks are magnificent computer- based projects that exhibited her interest digital technology
such as the scanners to recreate images of her world
Similarly the artist Cynthia Beth Rubin uses a scanner to input images and a tablet and
stylus to paint or augment those images within her work Rubin started her career as a traditional
painter whose work consisted mostly of abstract painting Rubin began experimenting with
digital media during the 1980s while teaching art at Rhode Island School of Design
Rubins artwork has been featured in international exhibitions and has become
educational for younger artists Most of her earlier digital artwork was painted on the Artronics
system which was designed for artists who wanted to create electronic art It consisted of a tablet
and two monitors (one for the menu and one for the image)This style of tablet was not pressure
sensitive like the Wacom tablets of today
The movement from traditional paint to electronic art provided Rubin with the flexibility
she needed to transfer her new artistic ideas into works of art Currently her paintings consist of
hybrid forms which show the relationship between aesthetics and creativity Rubin believes that
[Her] work is an investigation of the threads of cultural memory which [she] feel both from [her] own visual experiences and through that mysterious transmission of sensibility which comes from some place beyond the individual [Her] images grow from the affinity between [her] life as a contemporary American and what [she] regard[s] as [her] heritage11
As a result most of her paintings are made up of multiple layers that are quite revealing
and symbolic thus echoing the uncertainty of the world in which she lives The elements within
her paintings are also bounded by the interweaving of colors textures and the fragmented images
of her memories For instance the painting in Daffodil Scroll (Fig6) depicts Rubins capability
to juxtapose images within her painting This painting was done on the Artronic system which
was at the time easier for Rubin to create an intricate connection among elements within the
1 Cynthia Beth Rubin httpwwwcbrabinnet
9
painting At first glance the strong use of color and lines in the painting make it look a little
mystical However upon closer inspection of the painting elements of coral reefs that are
intertwining into a structure become noticeable revealing the artists experience of thinking
feeling and reacting
Fig6 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Daffodil Scroll 1985 Inkjet print 16x 24
When asked how effective the tablet has been in creating her artwork Rubin said There are no
disadvantages of using the tablet Without it [her] wrist hurts and [her] gestures are forced to
come from [her] wrist instead of [her] arm muscles And every one knows artists use arm
muscles12 With access to a highly developed software program Rubin sees the computer as a
means to expand her visual expressions Working with the computer and a tablet is a very natural
medium for Rubin because her work is based on imaginative arrangement of elements within her
paintings According to Rubin
Before working on a computer [She] was cutting stencils and blocking part of evolving painting just so that [she] could artificially arrive at the same surprise of juxtaposition of materials that is so natural in the computer [Rubin also pointed out that] in the digital world [she] can explore the range from realism and
Cynthia Beth Rubin PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 27th Mar 09 E-Mail
10
recognizable imagery to highly expressive abstractions and put all of these element together in creating a coherent unified work
In creating her artwork Rubin explored a variety of digital painting techniques This is evident in
most of her later work where Rubin created multiple layers by pulling and pushing objects to
reveal whats underneath On many occasions she uses a pressure sensitive tablet to paint or
draw and a scanner to import photographic images into her painting Rubin believes that The
scanner has had the biggest impact without question Combining canned filters with quick
14
scans has produced an army of digital image marker In this painting patches of pure color are
merged together to produce the image of Another Place Another Time This scene has
outstandingly rich surface colors which partly cover the structure in the background This
particular feature is visible in most of Rubins artwork and may be influenced by her Jewish
Fig7 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Another Place Another Time 1991 IRIS print 17x 24
culture There is a distinct use of digital technology in her artwork It creates a new environment
for Rubins art and in fact changes the method of her artistic approach (See Fig8) The
elements in this painting symbolize Rubins cultural and personal histories Digital technology
13 Cynthia Beth Rubin The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Oct 09 httpeducationsiggraphorg
14 Ibid
11
has not only expanded Rubins visual understanding of imagery but allowed her to reveal her
inner most thoughts and feelings
Fig8 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Orchard Street Synagogue 2000 Archival inkjet print 13x 19
On the other hand the artist James Faure Walker combines the use of digital technology
and other traditional tools to create his artwork Walker began his art career as an artist working
in oil paint but later developed a love for digital art As an artist and critic Walker worked on a
collaborative educational project that helped young artists to enhance their artistic skills One of
Walkers main interests as an artist [is to] raise art awareness [through] the development of
software [and] new fine art courses15 With works such as Happy Circle Pigeons Kyoto Dawn
Tree and For the Bees (Fig 9-11) James Walker combines digital paint and traditional paint to
create breathtaking pieces of art
In creating his digital art Walker uses a tablet and stylus to paint and arrange
images in his work In each case he started by playing around with line drawings of the subject
matter In his book Painting the Digital Rivers he stated that [He first] learned about
15Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting With the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
1
painting and computer graphicas a complete outsider by looking at the tools the way things
when he became first fascinated with digital technology and wanted to find out how each gadget
worked Through the playing and mingling of shapes with the use of the computer and a tablet
Walker created a sense of mystery within the painting The interplay of these randomly placed
shapes represents the early stages in the creative process of a new era in Walkers artistic life
Fig9 James Faure Walker Happy Circle 1988 Inkjet print 6x 8
Fig 10 James Faure Walker
Pigeons Kyoto 2002 Giclee Iris print 29 x 43
However Pigeons Kyoto (Fig 10) represents a more progressive stage for Walker This
bold new style is evident in the complicated shapes he created through the controlled use of a
tablet In this painting the artist played freely with the technology He was able to merge
13
paintings drawing and photographs to create a series of shapes that dance across the painting A
further sense of depth was created by the objects which appear to extend beyond the dangling
shapes in the foreground As a result it contributes to the effective play of light
On the other hand in For the Bees Night (Fig 11) the radiant colors and forms from an
expressionistic quality within the elements of the painting The freely flowing lines within this
painting evoke imagery from a childs drawing These mysterious lines express the artist ideas of
the changing use of technology in drawing and painting When asked how useful the tablet has
been in creating his artwork Walker said [If] I dont have one it is hard to get excited about
drawing [because] I dont really have much of a starting point- ie ideas or subject matter-I just
play around16 The thought of creating artwork with a use of a tablet and a computer created a
new means of merging traditional paint and digital paint For James F Walker the use of digital
technology to create his artwork has now become possible after years of trial and error In fact
Figll James Faure Walker
For the Bees Night 2004 Archival Inkjet print 20 x 27
most of his digital artworks are abstract images that resemble collages watercolors and ink
drawings 17 Walkers technique of applying traditional paint onto paper before printing his
16 James Faure Walker PaintingsDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 23rd Mar09 E-Mail 17Artistscuratorswriters httpwwwcommentartcomartistJames_Faure_Walker
14
digital work gives his work added intensity and depth
Upon completion of his book Painting the Digital River Walker stated that he
remained fascinated too by the shifting attitudes towards the use of technology in his drawing
and painting18 It was his interest in digital technology that allowed him to create some breathshy
taking pieces of digital art As a digital artist James Walker has opened a world of new ideas and
concepts to his fellow counterparts On top of this Walkers background as a painter and digital
artist has allowed future digital artists to embrace his work and learn from his experimentation
with digital technology
V CONCLUSION
The use of digital technologies has not only challenged the traditional notion of painting
but it has created a whole new shift within the arts The most obvious shift is that digital
technology has given artists immense freedom they can easily edit and reconstruct images
within their work in a shorter period of time It has also provided artists with resourceful
opportunities not available to more traditional artists
The use of a computer stylus and tablet makes it easier for digital artists to produce
various kinds of output and to gather huge amounts of images and use them in whatever way
they see fit
It is my belief that the digital tools are similar to having a treasure chest of interactive
programs that are designed to improve our artistic skills or styles Since the introduction of
digital technologies digital artists have utilized these tools to create some outstanding forms of
art In conclusion digital media are valid tools for painting as effective as oil acrylic and silk
screening allowing the artists greater freedom in experimentation and exploration
SCIRA Reading in Painting with the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
15
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Goodman Cynthia Digital Visions Computer and Art New York
Harry N Abrams Inc 1987
Kerlow Isaac Victor and Judson Rosebush Computer Graphics for Designers and
Artists New York John Wiley amp Sons Inc 1997
Malcolm McCullough Abstracting Craft The Practiced Digital Hand Cambridge
MIT Press 1996
Nappi Maureen Language Memory and Volition Toward an Aesthetic of Computer
Arts Diss New York University 2001 Ann Arbor UMF 2002 Print
Raimes Jonathan The Digital Canvas Discovering the Art Studio In Your Computer
New York Harry N Adams Inc 2006
Spalter Anne Morgan The Computer in the Visual Arts Boston Addison Wesley
Longman Inc 1999
Walker James Faure Painting the Digital River New Jersey Pearson Education Inc
2006
Wilkins Glen Painting with Pixels How to Draw With Your Computer New York
Sterling Publishing Co Inc 1999
Electronic Sources
Walker James Faure Artists Curators writers Web
24th April 09lthttpwwwcommentartcomartistJames Faure Walkergt
DAM] Digital Art Museum Joan Truckenbrod Web
09th May 09lthttpdigitalartmuseumorgtruckenbrodindexhtmgt
16
Fulton Wayne A Few Scanning Tips What is a Digital Image Anyway Web2008
10 May 09lthttpwwwscantipscombasicslbhtmlgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth Web 10th October09lthttpwwwcbrubinnetgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Web
10th Oct 09 lthttpeducationsiggraphorggt
Smith Alvy Ray Digital Paint System An Anecdotal and Historical OverviewWeb
30th May 9724th Oct 09lthttpwwwalvyraycomgt
Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting with the ComputerWeb
24th April 09lt httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk gt
INTERVIEWS
Rubin Cynthia Beth PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
27th Mar2009 E-Mail
Truckenbrod Joan Painting Digital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
25th Mar 2009 E-Mail
Walker James Faure PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
23rd Mar2009 E-Mail
WORKS OF ART
Truckenbrod Joan Lyric Catalyst 1975 lthttpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
Truckenbrod Joan MotherDaughter1984 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
17
Truckenbrod Joan Womb Clothes 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Truckenbrod Joan Artificial Frame 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Daffodil Scroll 1985 lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Another Place Another Time 1991lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Orchard Street Synagogue 2000lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Walker James Faure Happy Circle 1988 lt httpdamorgdoxgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure Pigeons Kyoto 2002 lt wwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure For the Bees Night 2004 ltwwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
18
Truckenbrod used scientific and mathematical symbols together with hand-drawn figures
to create images of women and men (See Fig4-5) The emotion of these images has been
heightened by the use of bright colors and shadowy reflection on distorted figures On closer
inspection viewers are able to see massive light waves reflecting off the images bringing our
Fig 4 Joan Truckenbrod
Womb Clothes 1994 IRIS Print 32x 36
Fig 5 Joan Truckenbrod
Artificial Frame 1994 IRIS Print 32x 36
attention to the focal point at the center Her use of unusual natural objects and computer
programs allowed her to create some breath-taking pieces of digital art Truckenbrods recent
Joan Truckenbrod PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 25 Mar 09 E-Mail
8
artworks are magnificent computer- based projects that exhibited her interest digital technology
such as the scanners to recreate images of her world
Similarly the artist Cynthia Beth Rubin uses a scanner to input images and a tablet and
stylus to paint or augment those images within her work Rubin started her career as a traditional
painter whose work consisted mostly of abstract painting Rubin began experimenting with
digital media during the 1980s while teaching art at Rhode Island School of Design
Rubins artwork has been featured in international exhibitions and has become
educational for younger artists Most of her earlier digital artwork was painted on the Artronics
system which was designed for artists who wanted to create electronic art It consisted of a tablet
and two monitors (one for the menu and one for the image)This style of tablet was not pressure
sensitive like the Wacom tablets of today
The movement from traditional paint to electronic art provided Rubin with the flexibility
she needed to transfer her new artistic ideas into works of art Currently her paintings consist of
hybrid forms which show the relationship between aesthetics and creativity Rubin believes that
[Her] work is an investigation of the threads of cultural memory which [she] feel both from [her] own visual experiences and through that mysterious transmission of sensibility which comes from some place beyond the individual [Her] images grow from the affinity between [her] life as a contemporary American and what [she] regard[s] as [her] heritage11
As a result most of her paintings are made up of multiple layers that are quite revealing
and symbolic thus echoing the uncertainty of the world in which she lives The elements within
her paintings are also bounded by the interweaving of colors textures and the fragmented images
of her memories For instance the painting in Daffodil Scroll (Fig6) depicts Rubins capability
to juxtapose images within her painting This painting was done on the Artronic system which
was at the time easier for Rubin to create an intricate connection among elements within the
1 Cynthia Beth Rubin httpwwwcbrabinnet
9
painting At first glance the strong use of color and lines in the painting make it look a little
mystical However upon closer inspection of the painting elements of coral reefs that are
intertwining into a structure become noticeable revealing the artists experience of thinking
feeling and reacting
Fig6 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Daffodil Scroll 1985 Inkjet print 16x 24
When asked how effective the tablet has been in creating her artwork Rubin said There are no
disadvantages of using the tablet Without it [her] wrist hurts and [her] gestures are forced to
come from [her] wrist instead of [her] arm muscles And every one knows artists use arm
muscles12 With access to a highly developed software program Rubin sees the computer as a
means to expand her visual expressions Working with the computer and a tablet is a very natural
medium for Rubin because her work is based on imaginative arrangement of elements within her
paintings According to Rubin
Before working on a computer [She] was cutting stencils and blocking part of evolving painting just so that [she] could artificially arrive at the same surprise of juxtaposition of materials that is so natural in the computer [Rubin also pointed out that] in the digital world [she] can explore the range from realism and
Cynthia Beth Rubin PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 27th Mar 09 E-Mail
10
recognizable imagery to highly expressive abstractions and put all of these element together in creating a coherent unified work
In creating her artwork Rubin explored a variety of digital painting techniques This is evident in
most of her later work where Rubin created multiple layers by pulling and pushing objects to
reveal whats underneath On many occasions she uses a pressure sensitive tablet to paint or
draw and a scanner to import photographic images into her painting Rubin believes that The
scanner has had the biggest impact without question Combining canned filters with quick
14
scans has produced an army of digital image marker In this painting patches of pure color are
merged together to produce the image of Another Place Another Time This scene has
outstandingly rich surface colors which partly cover the structure in the background This
particular feature is visible in most of Rubins artwork and may be influenced by her Jewish
Fig7 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Another Place Another Time 1991 IRIS print 17x 24
culture There is a distinct use of digital technology in her artwork It creates a new environment
for Rubins art and in fact changes the method of her artistic approach (See Fig8) The
elements in this painting symbolize Rubins cultural and personal histories Digital technology
13 Cynthia Beth Rubin The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Oct 09 httpeducationsiggraphorg
14 Ibid
11
has not only expanded Rubins visual understanding of imagery but allowed her to reveal her
inner most thoughts and feelings
Fig8 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Orchard Street Synagogue 2000 Archival inkjet print 13x 19
On the other hand the artist James Faure Walker combines the use of digital technology
and other traditional tools to create his artwork Walker began his art career as an artist working
in oil paint but later developed a love for digital art As an artist and critic Walker worked on a
collaborative educational project that helped young artists to enhance their artistic skills One of
Walkers main interests as an artist [is to] raise art awareness [through] the development of
software [and] new fine art courses15 With works such as Happy Circle Pigeons Kyoto Dawn
Tree and For the Bees (Fig 9-11) James Walker combines digital paint and traditional paint to
create breathtaking pieces of art
In creating his digital art Walker uses a tablet and stylus to paint and arrange
images in his work In each case he started by playing around with line drawings of the subject
matter In his book Painting the Digital Rivers he stated that [He first] learned about
15Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting With the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
1
painting and computer graphicas a complete outsider by looking at the tools the way things
when he became first fascinated with digital technology and wanted to find out how each gadget
worked Through the playing and mingling of shapes with the use of the computer and a tablet
Walker created a sense of mystery within the painting The interplay of these randomly placed
shapes represents the early stages in the creative process of a new era in Walkers artistic life
Fig9 James Faure Walker Happy Circle 1988 Inkjet print 6x 8
Fig 10 James Faure Walker
Pigeons Kyoto 2002 Giclee Iris print 29 x 43
However Pigeons Kyoto (Fig 10) represents a more progressive stage for Walker This
bold new style is evident in the complicated shapes he created through the controlled use of a
tablet In this painting the artist played freely with the technology He was able to merge
13
paintings drawing and photographs to create a series of shapes that dance across the painting A
further sense of depth was created by the objects which appear to extend beyond the dangling
shapes in the foreground As a result it contributes to the effective play of light
On the other hand in For the Bees Night (Fig 11) the radiant colors and forms from an
expressionistic quality within the elements of the painting The freely flowing lines within this
painting evoke imagery from a childs drawing These mysterious lines express the artist ideas of
the changing use of technology in drawing and painting When asked how useful the tablet has
been in creating his artwork Walker said [If] I dont have one it is hard to get excited about
drawing [because] I dont really have much of a starting point- ie ideas or subject matter-I just
play around16 The thought of creating artwork with a use of a tablet and a computer created a
new means of merging traditional paint and digital paint For James F Walker the use of digital
technology to create his artwork has now become possible after years of trial and error In fact
Figll James Faure Walker
For the Bees Night 2004 Archival Inkjet print 20 x 27
most of his digital artworks are abstract images that resemble collages watercolors and ink
drawings 17 Walkers technique of applying traditional paint onto paper before printing his
16 James Faure Walker PaintingsDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 23rd Mar09 E-Mail 17Artistscuratorswriters httpwwwcommentartcomartistJames_Faure_Walker
14
digital work gives his work added intensity and depth
Upon completion of his book Painting the Digital River Walker stated that he
remained fascinated too by the shifting attitudes towards the use of technology in his drawing
and painting18 It was his interest in digital technology that allowed him to create some breathshy
taking pieces of digital art As a digital artist James Walker has opened a world of new ideas and
concepts to his fellow counterparts On top of this Walkers background as a painter and digital
artist has allowed future digital artists to embrace his work and learn from his experimentation
with digital technology
V CONCLUSION
The use of digital technologies has not only challenged the traditional notion of painting
but it has created a whole new shift within the arts The most obvious shift is that digital
technology has given artists immense freedom they can easily edit and reconstruct images
within their work in a shorter period of time It has also provided artists with resourceful
opportunities not available to more traditional artists
The use of a computer stylus and tablet makes it easier for digital artists to produce
various kinds of output and to gather huge amounts of images and use them in whatever way
they see fit
It is my belief that the digital tools are similar to having a treasure chest of interactive
programs that are designed to improve our artistic skills or styles Since the introduction of
digital technologies digital artists have utilized these tools to create some outstanding forms of
art In conclusion digital media are valid tools for painting as effective as oil acrylic and silk
screening allowing the artists greater freedom in experimentation and exploration
SCIRA Reading in Painting with the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
15
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Goodman Cynthia Digital Visions Computer and Art New York
Harry N Abrams Inc 1987
Kerlow Isaac Victor and Judson Rosebush Computer Graphics for Designers and
Artists New York John Wiley amp Sons Inc 1997
Malcolm McCullough Abstracting Craft The Practiced Digital Hand Cambridge
MIT Press 1996
Nappi Maureen Language Memory and Volition Toward an Aesthetic of Computer
Arts Diss New York University 2001 Ann Arbor UMF 2002 Print
Raimes Jonathan The Digital Canvas Discovering the Art Studio In Your Computer
New York Harry N Adams Inc 2006
Spalter Anne Morgan The Computer in the Visual Arts Boston Addison Wesley
Longman Inc 1999
Walker James Faure Painting the Digital River New Jersey Pearson Education Inc
2006
Wilkins Glen Painting with Pixels How to Draw With Your Computer New York
Sterling Publishing Co Inc 1999
Electronic Sources
Walker James Faure Artists Curators writers Web
24th April 09lthttpwwwcommentartcomartistJames Faure Walkergt
DAM] Digital Art Museum Joan Truckenbrod Web
09th May 09lthttpdigitalartmuseumorgtruckenbrodindexhtmgt
16
Fulton Wayne A Few Scanning Tips What is a Digital Image Anyway Web2008
10 May 09lthttpwwwscantipscombasicslbhtmlgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth Web 10th October09lthttpwwwcbrubinnetgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Web
10th Oct 09 lthttpeducationsiggraphorggt
Smith Alvy Ray Digital Paint System An Anecdotal and Historical OverviewWeb
30th May 9724th Oct 09lthttpwwwalvyraycomgt
Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting with the ComputerWeb
24th April 09lt httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk gt
INTERVIEWS
Rubin Cynthia Beth PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
27th Mar2009 E-Mail
Truckenbrod Joan Painting Digital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
25th Mar 2009 E-Mail
Walker James Faure PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
23rd Mar2009 E-Mail
WORKS OF ART
Truckenbrod Joan Lyric Catalyst 1975 lthttpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
Truckenbrod Joan MotherDaughter1984 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
17
Truckenbrod Joan Womb Clothes 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Truckenbrod Joan Artificial Frame 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Daffodil Scroll 1985 lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Another Place Another Time 1991lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Orchard Street Synagogue 2000lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Walker James Faure Happy Circle 1988 lt httpdamorgdoxgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure Pigeons Kyoto 2002 lt wwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure For the Bees Night 2004 ltwwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
18
artworks are magnificent computer- based projects that exhibited her interest digital technology
such as the scanners to recreate images of her world
Similarly the artist Cynthia Beth Rubin uses a scanner to input images and a tablet and
stylus to paint or augment those images within her work Rubin started her career as a traditional
painter whose work consisted mostly of abstract painting Rubin began experimenting with
digital media during the 1980s while teaching art at Rhode Island School of Design
Rubins artwork has been featured in international exhibitions and has become
educational for younger artists Most of her earlier digital artwork was painted on the Artronics
system which was designed for artists who wanted to create electronic art It consisted of a tablet
and two monitors (one for the menu and one for the image)This style of tablet was not pressure
sensitive like the Wacom tablets of today
The movement from traditional paint to electronic art provided Rubin with the flexibility
she needed to transfer her new artistic ideas into works of art Currently her paintings consist of
hybrid forms which show the relationship between aesthetics and creativity Rubin believes that
[Her] work is an investigation of the threads of cultural memory which [she] feel both from [her] own visual experiences and through that mysterious transmission of sensibility which comes from some place beyond the individual [Her] images grow from the affinity between [her] life as a contemporary American and what [she] regard[s] as [her] heritage11
As a result most of her paintings are made up of multiple layers that are quite revealing
and symbolic thus echoing the uncertainty of the world in which she lives The elements within
her paintings are also bounded by the interweaving of colors textures and the fragmented images
of her memories For instance the painting in Daffodil Scroll (Fig6) depicts Rubins capability
to juxtapose images within her painting This painting was done on the Artronic system which
was at the time easier for Rubin to create an intricate connection among elements within the
1 Cynthia Beth Rubin httpwwwcbrabinnet
9
painting At first glance the strong use of color and lines in the painting make it look a little
mystical However upon closer inspection of the painting elements of coral reefs that are
intertwining into a structure become noticeable revealing the artists experience of thinking
feeling and reacting
Fig6 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Daffodil Scroll 1985 Inkjet print 16x 24
When asked how effective the tablet has been in creating her artwork Rubin said There are no
disadvantages of using the tablet Without it [her] wrist hurts and [her] gestures are forced to
come from [her] wrist instead of [her] arm muscles And every one knows artists use arm
muscles12 With access to a highly developed software program Rubin sees the computer as a
means to expand her visual expressions Working with the computer and a tablet is a very natural
medium for Rubin because her work is based on imaginative arrangement of elements within her
paintings According to Rubin
Before working on a computer [She] was cutting stencils and blocking part of evolving painting just so that [she] could artificially arrive at the same surprise of juxtaposition of materials that is so natural in the computer [Rubin also pointed out that] in the digital world [she] can explore the range from realism and
Cynthia Beth Rubin PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 27th Mar 09 E-Mail
10
recognizable imagery to highly expressive abstractions and put all of these element together in creating a coherent unified work
In creating her artwork Rubin explored a variety of digital painting techniques This is evident in
most of her later work where Rubin created multiple layers by pulling and pushing objects to
reveal whats underneath On many occasions she uses a pressure sensitive tablet to paint or
draw and a scanner to import photographic images into her painting Rubin believes that The
scanner has had the biggest impact without question Combining canned filters with quick
14
scans has produced an army of digital image marker In this painting patches of pure color are
merged together to produce the image of Another Place Another Time This scene has
outstandingly rich surface colors which partly cover the structure in the background This
particular feature is visible in most of Rubins artwork and may be influenced by her Jewish
Fig7 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Another Place Another Time 1991 IRIS print 17x 24
culture There is a distinct use of digital technology in her artwork It creates a new environment
for Rubins art and in fact changes the method of her artistic approach (See Fig8) The
elements in this painting symbolize Rubins cultural and personal histories Digital technology
13 Cynthia Beth Rubin The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Oct 09 httpeducationsiggraphorg
14 Ibid
11
has not only expanded Rubins visual understanding of imagery but allowed her to reveal her
inner most thoughts and feelings
Fig8 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Orchard Street Synagogue 2000 Archival inkjet print 13x 19
On the other hand the artist James Faure Walker combines the use of digital technology
and other traditional tools to create his artwork Walker began his art career as an artist working
in oil paint but later developed a love for digital art As an artist and critic Walker worked on a
collaborative educational project that helped young artists to enhance their artistic skills One of
Walkers main interests as an artist [is to] raise art awareness [through] the development of
software [and] new fine art courses15 With works such as Happy Circle Pigeons Kyoto Dawn
Tree and For the Bees (Fig 9-11) James Walker combines digital paint and traditional paint to
create breathtaking pieces of art
In creating his digital art Walker uses a tablet and stylus to paint and arrange
images in his work In each case he started by playing around with line drawings of the subject
matter In his book Painting the Digital Rivers he stated that [He first] learned about
15Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting With the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
1
painting and computer graphicas a complete outsider by looking at the tools the way things
when he became first fascinated with digital technology and wanted to find out how each gadget
worked Through the playing and mingling of shapes with the use of the computer and a tablet
Walker created a sense of mystery within the painting The interplay of these randomly placed
shapes represents the early stages in the creative process of a new era in Walkers artistic life
Fig9 James Faure Walker Happy Circle 1988 Inkjet print 6x 8
Fig 10 James Faure Walker
Pigeons Kyoto 2002 Giclee Iris print 29 x 43
However Pigeons Kyoto (Fig 10) represents a more progressive stage for Walker This
bold new style is evident in the complicated shapes he created through the controlled use of a
tablet In this painting the artist played freely with the technology He was able to merge
13
paintings drawing and photographs to create a series of shapes that dance across the painting A
further sense of depth was created by the objects which appear to extend beyond the dangling
shapes in the foreground As a result it contributes to the effective play of light
On the other hand in For the Bees Night (Fig 11) the radiant colors and forms from an
expressionistic quality within the elements of the painting The freely flowing lines within this
painting evoke imagery from a childs drawing These mysterious lines express the artist ideas of
the changing use of technology in drawing and painting When asked how useful the tablet has
been in creating his artwork Walker said [If] I dont have one it is hard to get excited about
drawing [because] I dont really have much of a starting point- ie ideas or subject matter-I just
play around16 The thought of creating artwork with a use of a tablet and a computer created a
new means of merging traditional paint and digital paint For James F Walker the use of digital
technology to create his artwork has now become possible after years of trial and error In fact
Figll James Faure Walker
For the Bees Night 2004 Archival Inkjet print 20 x 27
most of his digital artworks are abstract images that resemble collages watercolors and ink
drawings 17 Walkers technique of applying traditional paint onto paper before printing his
16 James Faure Walker PaintingsDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 23rd Mar09 E-Mail 17Artistscuratorswriters httpwwwcommentartcomartistJames_Faure_Walker
14
digital work gives his work added intensity and depth
Upon completion of his book Painting the Digital River Walker stated that he
remained fascinated too by the shifting attitudes towards the use of technology in his drawing
and painting18 It was his interest in digital technology that allowed him to create some breathshy
taking pieces of digital art As a digital artist James Walker has opened a world of new ideas and
concepts to his fellow counterparts On top of this Walkers background as a painter and digital
artist has allowed future digital artists to embrace his work and learn from his experimentation
with digital technology
V CONCLUSION
The use of digital technologies has not only challenged the traditional notion of painting
but it has created a whole new shift within the arts The most obvious shift is that digital
technology has given artists immense freedom they can easily edit and reconstruct images
within their work in a shorter period of time It has also provided artists with resourceful
opportunities not available to more traditional artists
The use of a computer stylus and tablet makes it easier for digital artists to produce
various kinds of output and to gather huge amounts of images and use them in whatever way
they see fit
It is my belief that the digital tools are similar to having a treasure chest of interactive
programs that are designed to improve our artistic skills or styles Since the introduction of
digital technologies digital artists have utilized these tools to create some outstanding forms of
art In conclusion digital media are valid tools for painting as effective as oil acrylic and silk
screening allowing the artists greater freedom in experimentation and exploration
SCIRA Reading in Painting with the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
15
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Goodman Cynthia Digital Visions Computer and Art New York
Harry N Abrams Inc 1987
Kerlow Isaac Victor and Judson Rosebush Computer Graphics for Designers and
Artists New York John Wiley amp Sons Inc 1997
Malcolm McCullough Abstracting Craft The Practiced Digital Hand Cambridge
MIT Press 1996
Nappi Maureen Language Memory and Volition Toward an Aesthetic of Computer
Arts Diss New York University 2001 Ann Arbor UMF 2002 Print
Raimes Jonathan The Digital Canvas Discovering the Art Studio In Your Computer
New York Harry N Adams Inc 2006
Spalter Anne Morgan The Computer in the Visual Arts Boston Addison Wesley
Longman Inc 1999
Walker James Faure Painting the Digital River New Jersey Pearson Education Inc
2006
Wilkins Glen Painting with Pixels How to Draw With Your Computer New York
Sterling Publishing Co Inc 1999
Electronic Sources
Walker James Faure Artists Curators writers Web
24th April 09lthttpwwwcommentartcomartistJames Faure Walkergt
DAM] Digital Art Museum Joan Truckenbrod Web
09th May 09lthttpdigitalartmuseumorgtruckenbrodindexhtmgt
16
Fulton Wayne A Few Scanning Tips What is a Digital Image Anyway Web2008
10 May 09lthttpwwwscantipscombasicslbhtmlgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth Web 10th October09lthttpwwwcbrubinnetgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Web
10th Oct 09 lthttpeducationsiggraphorggt
Smith Alvy Ray Digital Paint System An Anecdotal and Historical OverviewWeb
30th May 9724th Oct 09lthttpwwwalvyraycomgt
Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting with the ComputerWeb
24th April 09lt httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk gt
INTERVIEWS
Rubin Cynthia Beth PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
27th Mar2009 E-Mail
Truckenbrod Joan Painting Digital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
25th Mar 2009 E-Mail
Walker James Faure PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
23rd Mar2009 E-Mail
WORKS OF ART
Truckenbrod Joan Lyric Catalyst 1975 lthttpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
Truckenbrod Joan MotherDaughter1984 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
17
Truckenbrod Joan Womb Clothes 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Truckenbrod Joan Artificial Frame 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Daffodil Scroll 1985 lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Another Place Another Time 1991lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Orchard Street Synagogue 2000lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Walker James Faure Happy Circle 1988 lt httpdamorgdoxgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure Pigeons Kyoto 2002 lt wwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure For the Bees Night 2004 ltwwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
18
painting At first glance the strong use of color and lines in the painting make it look a little
mystical However upon closer inspection of the painting elements of coral reefs that are
intertwining into a structure become noticeable revealing the artists experience of thinking
feeling and reacting
Fig6 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Daffodil Scroll 1985 Inkjet print 16x 24
When asked how effective the tablet has been in creating her artwork Rubin said There are no
disadvantages of using the tablet Without it [her] wrist hurts and [her] gestures are forced to
come from [her] wrist instead of [her] arm muscles And every one knows artists use arm
muscles12 With access to a highly developed software program Rubin sees the computer as a
means to expand her visual expressions Working with the computer and a tablet is a very natural
medium for Rubin because her work is based on imaginative arrangement of elements within her
paintings According to Rubin
Before working on a computer [She] was cutting stencils and blocking part of evolving painting just so that [she] could artificially arrive at the same surprise of juxtaposition of materials that is so natural in the computer [Rubin also pointed out that] in the digital world [she] can explore the range from realism and
Cynthia Beth Rubin PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 27th Mar 09 E-Mail
10
recognizable imagery to highly expressive abstractions and put all of these element together in creating a coherent unified work
In creating her artwork Rubin explored a variety of digital painting techniques This is evident in
most of her later work where Rubin created multiple layers by pulling and pushing objects to
reveal whats underneath On many occasions she uses a pressure sensitive tablet to paint or
draw and a scanner to import photographic images into her painting Rubin believes that The
scanner has had the biggest impact without question Combining canned filters with quick
14
scans has produced an army of digital image marker In this painting patches of pure color are
merged together to produce the image of Another Place Another Time This scene has
outstandingly rich surface colors which partly cover the structure in the background This
particular feature is visible in most of Rubins artwork and may be influenced by her Jewish
Fig7 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Another Place Another Time 1991 IRIS print 17x 24
culture There is a distinct use of digital technology in her artwork It creates a new environment
for Rubins art and in fact changes the method of her artistic approach (See Fig8) The
elements in this painting symbolize Rubins cultural and personal histories Digital technology
13 Cynthia Beth Rubin The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Oct 09 httpeducationsiggraphorg
14 Ibid
11
has not only expanded Rubins visual understanding of imagery but allowed her to reveal her
inner most thoughts and feelings
Fig8 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Orchard Street Synagogue 2000 Archival inkjet print 13x 19
On the other hand the artist James Faure Walker combines the use of digital technology
and other traditional tools to create his artwork Walker began his art career as an artist working
in oil paint but later developed a love for digital art As an artist and critic Walker worked on a
collaborative educational project that helped young artists to enhance their artistic skills One of
Walkers main interests as an artist [is to] raise art awareness [through] the development of
software [and] new fine art courses15 With works such as Happy Circle Pigeons Kyoto Dawn
Tree and For the Bees (Fig 9-11) James Walker combines digital paint and traditional paint to
create breathtaking pieces of art
In creating his digital art Walker uses a tablet and stylus to paint and arrange
images in his work In each case he started by playing around with line drawings of the subject
matter In his book Painting the Digital Rivers he stated that [He first] learned about
15Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting With the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
1
painting and computer graphicas a complete outsider by looking at the tools the way things
when he became first fascinated with digital technology and wanted to find out how each gadget
worked Through the playing and mingling of shapes with the use of the computer and a tablet
Walker created a sense of mystery within the painting The interplay of these randomly placed
shapes represents the early stages in the creative process of a new era in Walkers artistic life
Fig9 James Faure Walker Happy Circle 1988 Inkjet print 6x 8
Fig 10 James Faure Walker
Pigeons Kyoto 2002 Giclee Iris print 29 x 43
However Pigeons Kyoto (Fig 10) represents a more progressive stage for Walker This
bold new style is evident in the complicated shapes he created through the controlled use of a
tablet In this painting the artist played freely with the technology He was able to merge
13
paintings drawing and photographs to create a series of shapes that dance across the painting A
further sense of depth was created by the objects which appear to extend beyond the dangling
shapes in the foreground As a result it contributes to the effective play of light
On the other hand in For the Bees Night (Fig 11) the radiant colors and forms from an
expressionistic quality within the elements of the painting The freely flowing lines within this
painting evoke imagery from a childs drawing These mysterious lines express the artist ideas of
the changing use of technology in drawing and painting When asked how useful the tablet has
been in creating his artwork Walker said [If] I dont have one it is hard to get excited about
drawing [because] I dont really have much of a starting point- ie ideas or subject matter-I just
play around16 The thought of creating artwork with a use of a tablet and a computer created a
new means of merging traditional paint and digital paint For James F Walker the use of digital
technology to create his artwork has now become possible after years of trial and error In fact
Figll James Faure Walker
For the Bees Night 2004 Archival Inkjet print 20 x 27
most of his digital artworks are abstract images that resemble collages watercolors and ink
drawings 17 Walkers technique of applying traditional paint onto paper before printing his
16 James Faure Walker PaintingsDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 23rd Mar09 E-Mail 17Artistscuratorswriters httpwwwcommentartcomartistJames_Faure_Walker
14
digital work gives his work added intensity and depth
Upon completion of his book Painting the Digital River Walker stated that he
remained fascinated too by the shifting attitudes towards the use of technology in his drawing
and painting18 It was his interest in digital technology that allowed him to create some breathshy
taking pieces of digital art As a digital artist James Walker has opened a world of new ideas and
concepts to his fellow counterparts On top of this Walkers background as a painter and digital
artist has allowed future digital artists to embrace his work and learn from his experimentation
with digital technology
V CONCLUSION
The use of digital technologies has not only challenged the traditional notion of painting
but it has created a whole new shift within the arts The most obvious shift is that digital
technology has given artists immense freedom they can easily edit and reconstruct images
within their work in a shorter period of time It has also provided artists with resourceful
opportunities not available to more traditional artists
The use of a computer stylus and tablet makes it easier for digital artists to produce
various kinds of output and to gather huge amounts of images and use them in whatever way
they see fit
It is my belief that the digital tools are similar to having a treasure chest of interactive
programs that are designed to improve our artistic skills or styles Since the introduction of
digital technologies digital artists have utilized these tools to create some outstanding forms of
art In conclusion digital media are valid tools for painting as effective as oil acrylic and silk
screening allowing the artists greater freedom in experimentation and exploration
SCIRA Reading in Painting with the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
15
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Goodman Cynthia Digital Visions Computer and Art New York
Harry N Abrams Inc 1987
Kerlow Isaac Victor and Judson Rosebush Computer Graphics for Designers and
Artists New York John Wiley amp Sons Inc 1997
Malcolm McCullough Abstracting Craft The Practiced Digital Hand Cambridge
MIT Press 1996
Nappi Maureen Language Memory and Volition Toward an Aesthetic of Computer
Arts Diss New York University 2001 Ann Arbor UMF 2002 Print
Raimes Jonathan The Digital Canvas Discovering the Art Studio In Your Computer
New York Harry N Adams Inc 2006
Spalter Anne Morgan The Computer in the Visual Arts Boston Addison Wesley
Longman Inc 1999
Walker James Faure Painting the Digital River New Jersey Pearson Education Inc
2006
Wilkins Glen Painting with Pixels How to Draw With Your Computer New York
Sterling Publishing Co Inc 1999
Electronic Sources
Walker James Faure Artists Curators writers Web
24th April 09lthttpwwwcommentartcomartistJames Faure Walkergt
DAM] Digital Art Museum Joan Truckenbrod Web
09th May 09lthttpdigitalartmuseumorgtruckenbrodindexhtmgt
16
Fulton Wayne A Few Scanning Tips What is a Digital Image Anyway Web2008
10 May 09lthttpwwwscantipscombasicslbhtmlgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth Web 10th October09lthttpwwwcbrubinnetgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Web
10th Oct 09 lthttpeducationsiggraphorggt
Smith Alvy Ray Digital Paint System An Anecdotal and Historical OverviewWeb
30th May 9724th Oct 09lthttpwwwalvyraycomgt
Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting with the ComputerWeb
24th April 09lt httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk gt
INTERVIEWS
Rubin Cynthia Beth PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
27th Mar2009 E-Mail
Truckenbrod Joan Painting Digital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
25th Mar 2009 E-Mail
Walker James Faure PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
23rd Mar2009 E-Mail
WORKS OF ART
Truckenbrod Joan Lyric Catalyst 1975 lthttpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
Truckenbrod Joan MotherDaughter1984 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
17
Truckenbrod Joan Womb Clothes 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Truckenbrod Joan Artificial Frame 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Daffodil Scroll 1985 lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Another Place Another Time 1991lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Orchard Street Synagogue 2000lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Walker James Faure Happy Circle 1988 lt httpdamorgdoxgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure Pigeons Kyoto 2002 lt wwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure For the Bees Night 2004 ltwwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
18
recognizable imagery to highly expressive abstractions and put all of these element together in creating a coherent unified work
In creating her artwork Rubin explored a variety of digital painting techniques This is evident in
most of her later work where Rubin created multiple layers by pulling and pushing objects to
reveal whats underneath On many occasions she uses a pressure sensitive tablet to paint or
draw and a scanner to import photographic images into her painting Rubin believes that The
scanner has had the biggest impact without question Combining canned filters with quick
14
scans has produced an army of digital image marker In this painting patches of pure color are
merged together to produce the image of Another Place Another Time This scene has
outstandingly rich surface colors which partly cover the structure in the background This
particular feature is visible in most of Rubins artwork and may be influenced by her Jewish
Fig7 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Another Place Another Time 1991 IRIS print 17x 24
culture There is a distinct use of digital technology in her artwork It creates a new environment
for Rubins art and in fact changes the method of her artistic approach (See Fig8) The
elements in this painting symbolize Rubins cultural and personal histories Digital technology
13 Cynthia Beth Rubin The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Oct 09 httpeducationsiggraphorg
14 Ibid
11
has not only expanded Rubins visual understanding of imagery but allowed her to reveal her
inner most thoughts and feelings
Fig8 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Orchard Street Synagogue 2000 Archival inkjet print 13x 19
On the other hand the artist James Faure Walker combines the use of digital technology
and other traditional tools to create his artwork Walker began his art career as an artist working
in oil paint but later developed a love for digital art As an artist and critic Walker worked on a
collaborative educational project that helped young artists to enhance their artistic skills One of
Walkers main interests as an artist [is to] raise art awareness [through] the development of
software [and] new fine art courses15 With works such as Happy Circle Pigeons Kyoto Dawn
Tree and For the Bees (Fig 9-11) James Walker combines digital paint and traditional paint to
create breathtaking pieces of art
In creating his digital art Walker uses a tablet and stylus to paint and arrange
images in his work In each case he started by playing around with line drawings of the subject
matter In his book Painting the Digital Rivers he stated that [He first] learned about
15Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting With the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
1
painting and computer graphicas a complete outsider by looking at the tools the way things
when he became first fascinated with digital technology and wanted to find out how each gadget
worked Through the playing and mingling of shapes with the use of the computer and a tablet
Walker created a sense of mystery within the painting The interplay of these randomly placed
shapes represents the early stages in the creative process of a new era in Walkers artistic life
Fig9 James Faure Walker Happy Circle 1988 Inkjet print 6x 8
Fig 10 James Faure Walker
Pigeons Kyoto 2002 Giclee Iris print 29 x 43
However Pigeons Kyoto (Fig 10) represents a more progressive stage for Walker This
bold new style is evident in the complicated shapes he created through the controlled use of a
tablet In this painting the artist played freely with the technology He was able to merge
13
paintings drawing and photographs to create a series of shapes that dance across the painting A
further sense of depth was created by the objects which appear to extend beyond the dangling
shapes in the foreground As a result it contributes to the effective play of light
On the other hand in For the Bees Night (Fig 11) the radiant colors and forms from an
expressionistic quality within the elements of the painting The freely flowing lines within this
painting evoke imagery from a childs drawing These mysterious lines express the artist ideas of
the changing use of technology in drawing and painting When asked how useful the tablet has
been in creating his artwork Walker said [If] I dont have one it is hard to get excited about
drawing [because] I dont really have much of a starting point- ie ideas or subject matter-I just
play around16 The thought of creating artwork with a use of a tablet and a computer created a
new means of merging traditional paint and digital paint For James F Walker the use of digital
technology to create his artwork has now become possible after years of trial and error In fact
Figll James Faure Walker
For the Bees Night 2004 Archival Inkjet print 20 x 27
most of his digital artworks are abstract images that resemble collages watercolors and ink
drawings 17 Walkers technique of applying traditional paint onto paper before printing his
16 James Faure Walker PaintingsDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 23rd Mar09 E-Mail 17Artistscuratorswriters httpwwwcommentartcomartistJames_Faure_Walker
14
digital work gives his work added intensity and depth
Upon completion of his book Painting the Digital River Walker stated that he
remained fascinated too by the shifting attitudes towards the use of technology in his drawing
and painting18 It was his interest in digital technology that allowed him to create some breathshy
taking pieces of digital art As a digital artist James Walker has opened a world of new ideas and
concepts to his fellow counterparts On top of this Walkers background as a painter and digital
artist has allowed future digital artists to embrace his work and learn from his experimentation
with digital technology
V CONCLUSION
The use of digital technologies has not only challenged the traditional notion of painting
but it has created a whole new shift within the arts The most obvious shift is that digital
technology has given artists immense freedom they can easily edit and reconstruct images
within their work in a shorter period of time It has also provided artists with resourceful
opportunities not available to more traditional artists
The use of a computer stylus and tablet makes it easier for digital artists to produce
various kinds of output and to gather huge amounts of images and use them in whatever way
they see fit
It is my belief that the digital tools are similar to having a treasure chest of interactive
programs that are designed to improve our artistic skills or styles Since the introduction of
digital technologies digital artists have utilized these tools to create some outstanding forms of
art In conclusion digital media are valid tools for painting as effective as oil acrylic and silk
screening allowing the artists greater freedom in experimentation and exploration
SCIRA Reading in Painting with the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
15
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Goodman Cynthia Digital Visions Computer and Art New York
Harry N Abrams Inc 1987
Kerlow Isaac Victor and Judson Rosebush Computer Graphics for Designers and
Artists New York John Wiley amp Sons Inc 1997
Malcolm McCullough Abstracting Craft The Practiced Digital Hand Cambridge
MIT Press 1996
Nappi Maureen Language Memory and Volition Toward an Aesthetic of Computer
Arts Diss New York University 2001 Ann Arbor UMF 2002 Print
Raimes Jonathan The Digital Canvas Discovering the Art Studio In Your Computer
New York Harry N Adams Inc 2006
Spalter Anne Morgan The Computer in the Visual Arts Boston Addison Wesley
Longman Inc 1999
Walker James Faure Painting the Digital River New Jersey Pearson Education Inc
2006
Wilkins Glen Painting with Pixels How to Draw With Your Computer New York
Sterling Publishing Co Inc 1999
Electronic Sources
Walker James Faure Artists Curators writers Web
24th April 09lthttpwwwcommentartcomartistJames Faure Walkergt
DAM] Digital Art Museum Joan Truckenbrod Web
09th May 09lthttpdigitalartmuseumorgtruckenbrodindexhtmgt
16
Fulton Wayne A Few Scanning Tips What is a Digital Image Anyway Web2008
10 May 09lthttpwwwscantipscombasicslbhtmlgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth Web 10th October09lthttpwwwcbrubinnetgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Web
10th Oct 09 lthttpeducationsiggraphorggt
Smith Alvy Ray Digital Paint System An Anecdotal and Historical OverviewWeb
30th May 9724th Oct 09lthttpwwwalvyraycomgt
Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting with the ComputerWeb
24th April 09lt httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk gt
INTERVIEWS
Rubin Cynthia Beth PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
27th Mar2009 E-Mail
Truckenbrod Joan Painting Digital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
25th Mar 2009 E-Mail
Walker James Faure PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
23rd Mar2009 E-Mail
WORKS OF ART
Truckenbrod Joan Lyric Catalyst 1975 lthttpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
Truckenbrod Joan MotherDaughter1984 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
17
Truckenbrod Joan Womb Clothes 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Truckenbrod Joan Artificial Frame 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Daffodil Scroll 1985 lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Another Place Another Time 1991lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Orchard Street Synagogue 2000lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Walker James Faure Happy Circle 1988 lt httpdamorgdoxgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure Pigeons Kyoto 2002 lt wwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure For the Bees Night 2004 ltwwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
18
has not only expanded Rubins visual understanding of imagery but allowed her to reveal her
inner most thoughts and feelings
Fig8 Cynthia Beth Rubin
Orchard Street Synagogue 2000 Archival inkjet print 13x 19
On the other hand the artist James Faure Walker combines the use of digital technology
and other traditional tools to create his artwork Walker began his art career as an artist working
in oil paint but later developed a love for digital art As an artist and critic Walker worked on a
collaborative educational project that helped young artists to enhance their artistic skills One of
Walkers main interests as an artist [is to] raise art awareness [through] the development of
software [and] new fine art courses15 With works such as Happy Circle Pigeons Kyoto Dawn
Tree and For the Bees (Fig 9-11) James Walker combines digital paint and traditional paint to
create breathtaking pieces of art
In creating his digital art Walker uses a tablet and stylus to paint and arrange
images in his work In each case he started by playing around with line drawings of the subject
matter In his book Painting the Digital Rivers he stated that [He first] learned about
15Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting With the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
1
painting and computer graphicas a complete outsider by looking at the tools the way things
when he became first fascinated with digital technology and wanted to find out how each gadget
worked Through the playing and mingling of shapes with the use of the computer and a tablet
Walker created a sense of mystery within the painting The interplay of these randomly placed
shapes represents the early stages in the creative process of a new era in Walkers artistic life
Fig9 James Faure Walker Happy Circle 1988 Inkjet print 6x 8
Fig 10 James Faure Walker
Pigeons Kyoto 2002 Giclee Iris print 29 x 43
However Pigeons Kyoto (Fig 10) represents a more progressive stage for Walker This
bold new style is evident in the complicated shapes he created through the controlled use of a
tablet In this painting the artist played freely with the technology He was able to merge
13
paintings drawing and photographs to create a series of shapes that dance across the painting A
further sense of depth was created by the objects which appear to extend beyond the dangling
shapes in the foreground As a result it contributes to the effective play of light
On the other hand in For the Bees Night (Fig 11) the radiant colors and forms from an
expressionistic quality within the elements of the painting The freely flowing lines within this
painting evoke imagery from a childs drawing These mysterious lines express the artist ideas of
the changing use of technology in drawing and painting When asked how useful the tablet has
been in creating his artwork Walker said [If] I dont have one it is hard to get excited about
drawing [because] I dont really have much of a starting point- ie ideas or subject matter-I just
play around16 The thought of creating artwork with a use of a tablet and a computer created a
new means of merging traditional paint and digital paint For James F Walker the use of digital
technology to create his artwork has now become possible after years of trial and error In fact
Figll James Faure Walker
For the Bees Night 2004 Archival Inkjet print 20 x 27
most of his digital artworks are abstract images that resemble collages watercolors and ink
drawings 17 Walkers technique of applying traditional paint onto paper before printing his
16 James Faure Walker PaintingsDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 23rd Mar09 E-Mail 17Artistscuratorswriters httpwwwcommentartcomartistJames_Faure_Walker
14
digital work gives his work added intensity and depth
Upon completion of his book Painting the Digital River Walker stated that he
remained fascinated too by the shifting attitudes towards the use of technology in his drawing
and painting18 It was his interest in digital technology that allowed him to create some breathshy
taking pieces of digital art As a digital artist James Walker has opened a world of new ideas and
concepts to his fellow counterparts On top of this Walkers background as a painter and digital
artist has allowed future digital artists to embrace his work and learn from his experimentation
with digital technology
V CONCLUSION
The use of digital technologies has not only challenged the traditional notion of painting
but it has created a whole new shift within the arts The most obvious shift is that digital
technology has given artists immense freedom they can easily edit and reconstruct images
within their work in a shorter period of time It has also provided artists with resourceful
opportunities not available to more traditional artists
The use of a computer stylus and tablet makes it easier for digital artists to produce
various kinds of output and to gather huge amounts of images and use them in whatever way
they see fit
It is my belief that the digital tools are similar to having a treasure chest of interactive
programs that are designed to improve our artistic skills or styles Since the introduction of
digital technologies digital artists have utilized these tools to create some outstanding forms of
art In conclusion digital media are valid tools for painting as effective as oil acrylic and silk
screening allowing the artists greater freedom in experimentation and exploration
SCIRA Reading in Painting with the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
15
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Goodman Cynthia Digital Visions Computer and Art New York
Harry N Abrams Inc 1987
Kerlow Isaac Victor and Judson Rosebush Computer Graphics for Designers and
Artists New York John Wiley amp Sons Inc 1997
Malcolm McCullough Abstracting Craft The Practiced Digital Hand Cambridge
MIT Press 1996
Nappi Maureen Language Memory and Volition Toward an Aesthetic of Computer
Arts Diss New York University 2001 Ann Arbor UMF 2002 Print
Raimes Jonathan The Digital Canvas Discovering the Art Studio In Your Computer
New York Harry N Adams Inc 2006
Spalter Anne Morgan The Computer in the Visual Arts Boston Addison Wesley
Longman Inc 1999
Walker James Faure Painting the Digital River New Jersey Pearson Education Inc
2006
Wilkins Glen Painting with Pixels How to Draw With Your Computer New York
Sterling Publishing Co Inc 1999
Electronic Sources
Walker James Faure Artists Curators writers Web
24th April 09lthttpwwwcommentartcomartistJames Faure Walkergt
DAM] Digital Art Museum Joan Truckenbrod Web
09th May 09lthttpdigitalartmuseumorgtruckenbrodindexhtmgt
16
Fulton Wayne A Few Scanning Tips What is a Digital Image Anyway Web2008
10 May 09lthttpwwwscantipscombasicslbhtmlgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth Web 10th October09lthttpwwwcbrubinnetgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Web
10th Oct 09 lthttpeducationsiggraphorggt
Smith Alvy Ray Digital Paint System An Anecdotal and Historical OverviewWeb
30th May 9724th Oct 09lthttpwwwalvyraycomgt
Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting with the ComputerWeb
24th April 09lt httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk gt
INTERVIEWS
Rubin Cynthia Beth PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
27th Mar2009 E-Mail
Truckenbrod Joan Painting Digital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
25th Mar 2009 E-Mail
Walker James Faure PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
23rd Mar2009 E-Mail
WORKS OF ART
Truckenbrod Joan Lyric Catalyst 1975 lthttpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
Truckenbrod Joan MotherDaughter1984 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
17
Truckenbrod Joan Womb Clothes 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Truckenbrod Joan Artificial Frame 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Daffodil Scroll 1985 lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Another Place Another Time 1991lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Orchard Street Synagogue 2000lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Walker James Faure Happy Circle 1988 lt httpdamorgdoxgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure Pigeons Kyoto 2002 lt wwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure For the Bees Night 2004 ltwwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
18
painting and computer graphicas a complete outsider by looking at the tools the way things
when he became first fascinated with digital technology and wanted to find out how each gadget
worked Through the playing and mingling of shapes with the use of the computer and a tablet
Walker created a sense of mystery within the painting The interplay of these randomly placed
shapes represents the early stages in the creative process of a new era in Walkers artistic life
Fig9 James Faure Walker Happy Circle 1988 Inkjet print 6x 8
Fig 10 James Faure Walker
Pigeons Kyoto 2002 Giclee Iris print 29 x 43
However Pigeons Kyoto (Fig 10) represents a more progressive stage for Walker This
bold new style is evident in the complicated shapes he created through the controlled use of a
tablet In this painting the artist played freely with the technology He was able to merge
13
paintings drawing and photographs to create a series of shapes that dance across the painting A
further sense of depth was created by the objects which appear to extend beyond the dangling
shapes in the foreground As a result it contributes to the effective play of light
On the other hand in For the Bees Night (Fig 11) the radiant colors and forms from an
expressionistic quality within the elements of the painting The freely flowing lines within this
painting evoke imagery from a childs drawing These mysterious lines express the artist ideas of
the changing use of technology in drawing and painting When asked how useful the tablet has
been in creating his artwork Walker said [If] I dont have one it is hard to get excited about
drawing [because] I dont really have much of a starting point- ie ideas or subject matter-I just
play around16 The thought of creating artwork with a use of a tablet and a computer created a
new means of merging traditional paint and digital paint For James F Walker the use of digital
technology to create his artwork has now become possible after years of trial and error In fact
Figll James Faure Walker
For the Bees Night 2004 Archival Inkjet print 20 x 27
most of his digital artworks are abstract images that resemble collages watercolors and ink
drawings 17 Walkers technique of applying traditional paint onto paper before printing his
16 James Faure Walker PaintingsDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 23rd Mar09 E-Mail 17Artistscuratorswriters httpwwwcommentartcomartistJames_Faure_Walker
14
digital work gives his work added intensity and depth
Upon completion of his book Painting the Digital River Walker stated that he
remained fascinated too by the shifting attitudes towards the use of technology in his drawing
and painting18 It was his interest in digital technology that allowed him to create some breathshy
taking pieces of digital art As a digital artist James Walker has opened a world of new ideas and
concepts to his fellow counterparts On top of this Walkers background as a painter and digital
artist has allowed future digital artists to embrace his work and learn from his experimentation
with digital technology
V CONCLUSION
The use of digital technologies has not only challenged the traditional notion of painting
but it has created a whole new shift within the arts The most obvious shift is that digital
technology has given artists immense freedom they can easily edit and reconstruct images
within their work in a shorter period of time It has also provided artists with resourceful
opportunities not available to more traditional artists
The use of a computer stylus and tablet makes it easier for digital artists to produce
various kinds of output and to gather huge amounts of images and use them in whatever way
they see fit
It is my belief that the digital tools are similar to having a treasure chest of interactive
programs that are designed to improve our artistic skills or styles Since the introduction of
digital technologies digital artists have utilized these tools to create some outstanding forms of
art In conclusion digital media are valid tools for painting as effective as oil acrylic and silk
screening allowing the artists greater freedom in experimentation and exploration
SCIRA Reading in Painting with the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
15
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Goodman Cynthia Digital Visions Computer and Art New York
Harry N Abrams Inc 1987
Kerlow Isaac Victor and Judson Rosebush Computer Graphics for Designers and
Artists New York John Wiley amp Sons Inc 1997
Malcolm McCullough Abstracting Craft The Practiced Digital Hand Cambridge
MIT Press 1996
Nappi Maureen Language Memory and Volition Toward an Aesthetic of Computer
Arts Diss New York University 2001 Ann Arbor UMF 2002 Print
Raimes Jonathan The Digital Canvas Discovering the Art Studio In Your Computer
New York Harry N Adams Inc 2006
Spalter Anne Morgan The Computer in the Visual Arts Boston Addison Wesley
Longman Inc 1999
Walker James Faure Painting the Digital River New Jersey Pearson Education Inc
2006
Wilkins Glen Painting with Pixels How to Draw With Your Computer New York
Sterling Publishing Co Inc 1999
Electronic Sources
Walker James Faure Artists Curators writers Web
24th April 09lthttpwwwcommentartcomartistJames Faure Walkergt
DAM] Digital Art Museum Joan Truckenbrod Web
09th May 09lthttpdigitalartmuseumorgtruckenbrodindexhtmgt
16
Fulton Wayne A Few Scanning Tips What is a Digital Image Anyway Web2008
10 May 09lthttpwwwscantipscombasicslbhtmlgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth Web 10th October09lthttpwwwcbrubinnetgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Web
10th Oct 09 lthttpeducationsiggraphorggt
Smith Alvy Ray Digital Paint System An Anecdotal and Historical OverviewWeb
30th May 9724th Oct 09lthttpwwwalvyraycomgt
Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting with the ComputerWeb
24th April 09lt httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk gt
INTERVIEWS
Rubin Cynthia Beth PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
27th Mar2009 E-Mail
Truckenbrod Joan Painting Digital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
25th Mar 2009 E-Mail
Walker James Faure PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
23rd Mar2009 E-Mail
WORKS OF ART
Truckenbrod Joan Lyric Catalyst 1975 lthttpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
Truckenbrod Joan MotherDaughter1984 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
17
Truckenbrod Joan Womb Clothes 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Truckenbrod Joan Artificial Frame 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Daffodil Scroll 1985 lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Another Place Another Time 1991lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Orchard Street Synagogue 2000lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Walker James Faure Happy Circle 1988 lt httpdamorgdoxgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure Pigeons Kyoto 2002 lt wwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure For the Bees Night 2004 ltwwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
18
paintings drawing and photographs to create a series of shapes that dance across the painting A
further sense of depth was created by the objects which appear to extend beyond the dangling
shapes in the foreground As a result it contributes to the effective play of light
On the other hand in For the Bees Night (Fig 11) the radiant colors and forms from an
expressionistic quality within the elements of the painting The freely flowing lines within this
painting evoke imagery from a childs drawing These mysterious lines express the artist ideas of
the changing use of technology in drawing and painting When asked how useful the tablet has
been in creating his artwork Walker said [If] I dont have one it is hard to get excited about
drawing [because] I dont really have much of a starting point- ie ideas or subject matter-I just
play around16 The thought of creating artwork with a use of a tablet and a computer created a
new means of merging traditional paint and digital paint For James F Walker the use of digital
technology to create his artwork has now become possible after years of trial and error In fact
Figll James Faure Walker
For the Bees Night 2004 Archival Inkjet print 20 x 27
most of his digital artworks are abstract images that resemble collages watercolors and ink
drawings 17 Walkers technique of applying traditional paint onto paper before printing his
16 James Faure Walker PaintingsDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford 23rd Mar09 E-Mail 17Artistscuratorswriters httpwwwcommentartcomartistJames_Faure_Walker
14
digital work gives his work added intensity and depth
Upon completion of his book Painting the Digital River Walker stated that he
remained fascinated too by the shifting attitudes towards the use of technology in his drawing
and painting18 It was his interest in digital technology that allowed him to create some breathshy
taking pieces of digital art As a digital artist James Walker has opened a world of new ideas and
concepts to his fellow counterparts On top of this Walkers background as a painter and digital
artist has allowed future digital artists to embrace his work and learn from his experimentation
with digital technology
V CONCLUSION
The use of digital technologies has not only challenged the traditional notion of painting
but it has created a whole new shift within the arts The most obvious shift is that digital
technology has given artists immense freedom they can easily edit and reconstruct images
within their work in a shorter period of time It has also provided artists with resourceful
opportunities not available to more traditional artists
The use of a computer stylus and tablet makes it easier for digital artists to produce
various kinds of output and to gather huge amounts of images and use them in whatever way
they see fit
It is my belief that the digital tools are similar to having a treasure chest of interactive
programs that are designed to improve our artistic skills or styles Since the introduction of
digital technologies digital artists have utilized these tools to create some outstanding forms of
art In conclusion digital media are valid tools for painting as effective as oil acrylic and silk
screening allowing the artists greater freedom in experimentation and exploration
SCIRA Reading in Painting with the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
15
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Goodman Cynthia Digital Visions Computer and Art New York
Harry N Abrams Inc 1987
Kerlow Isaac Victor and Judson Rosebush Computer Graphics for Designers and
Artists New York John Wiley amp Sons Inc 1997
Malcolm McCullough Abstracting Craft The Practiced Digital Hand Cambridge
MIT Press 1996
Nappi Maureen Language Memory and Volition Toward an Aesthetic of Computer
Arts Diss New York University 2001 Ann Arbor UMF 2002 Print
Raimes Jonathan The Digital Canvas Discovering the Art Studio In Your Computer
New York Harry N Adams Inc 2006
Spalter Anne Morgan The Computer in the Visual Arts Boston Addison Wesley
Longman Inc 1999
Walker James Faure Painting the Digital River New Jersey Pearson Education Inc
2006
Wilkins Glen Painting with Pixels How to Draw With Your Computer New York
Sterling Publishing Co Inc 1999
Electronic Sources
Walker James Faure Artists Curators writers Web
24th April 09lthttpwwwcommentartcomartistJames Faure Walkergt
DAM] Digital Art Museum Joan Truckenbrod Web
09th May 09lthttpdigitalartmuseumorgtruckenbrodindexhtmgt
16
Fulton Wayne A Few Scanning Tips What is a Digital Image Anyway Web2008
10 May 09lthttpwwwscantipscombasicslbhtmlgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth Web 10th October09lthttpwwwcbrubinnetgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Web
10th Oct 09 lthttpeducationsiggraphorggt
Smith Alvy Ray Digital Paint System An Anecdotal and Historical OverviewWeb
30th May 9724th Oct 09lthttpwwwalvyraycomgt
Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting with the ComputerWeb
24th April 09lt httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk gt
INTERVIEWS
Rubin Cynthia Beth PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
27th Mar2009 E-Mail
Truckenbrod Joan Painting Digital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
25th Mar 2009 E-Mail
Walker James Faure PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
23rd Mar2009 E-Mail
WORKS OF ART
Truckenbrod Joan Lyric Catalyst 1975 lthttpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
Truckenbrod Joan MotherDaughter1984 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
17
Truckenbrod Joan Womb Clothes 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Truckenbrod Joan Artificial Frame 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Daffodil Scroll 1985 lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Another Place Another Time 1991lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Orchard Street Synagogue 2000lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Walker James Faure Happy Circle 1988 lt httpdamorgdoxgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure Pigeons Kyoto 2002 lt wwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure For the Bees Night 2004 ltwwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
18
digital work gives his work added intensity and depth
Upon completion of his book Painting the Digital River Walker stated that he
remained fascinated too by the shifting attitudes towards the use of technology in his drawing
and painting18 It was his interest in digital technology that allowed him to create some breathshy
taking pieces of digital art As a digital artist James Walker has opened a world of new ideas and
concepts to his fellow counterparts On top of this Walkers background as a painter and digital
artist has allowed future digital artists to embrace his work and learn from his experimentation
with digital technology
V CONCLUSION
The use of digital technologies has not only challenged the traditional notion of painting
but it has created a whole new shift within the arts The most obvious shift is that digital
technology has given artists immense freedom they can easily edit and reconstruct images
within their work in a shorter period of time It has also provided artists with resourceful
opportunities not available to more traditional artists
The use of a computer stylus and tablet makes it easier for digital artists to produce
various kinds of output and to gather huge amounts of images and use them in whatever way
they see fit
It is my belief that the digital tools are similar to having a treasure chest of interactive
programs that are designed to improve our artistic skills or styles Since the introduction of
digital technologies digital artists have utilized these tools to create some outstanding forms of
art In conclusion digital media are valid tools for painting as effective as oil acrylic and silk
screening allowing the artists greater freedom in experimentation and exploration
SCIRA Reading in Painting with the Computer httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk
15
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Goodman Cynthia Digital Visions Computer and Art New York
Harry N Abrams Inc 1987
Kerlow Isaac Victor and Judson Rosebush Computer Graphics for Designers and
Artists New York John Wiley amp Sons Inc 1997
Malcolm McCullough Abstracting Craft The Practiced Digital Hand Cambridge
MIT Press 1996
Nappi Maureen Language Memory and Volition Toward an Aesthetic of Computer
Arts Diss New York University 2001 Ann Arbor UMF 2002 Print
Raimes Jonathan The Digital Canvas Discovering the Art Studio In Your Computer
New York Harry N Adams Inc 2006
Spalter Anne Morgan The Computer in the Visual Arts Boston Addison Wesley
Longman Inc 1999
Walker James Faure Painting the Digital River New Jersey Pearson Education Inc
2006
Wilkins Glen Painting with Pixels How to Draw With Your Computer New York
Sterling Publishing Co Inc 1999
Electronic Sources
Walker James Faure Artists Curators writers Web
24th April 09lthttpwwwcommentartcomartistJames Faure Walkergt
DAM] Digital Art Museum Joan Truckenbrod Web
09th May 09lthttpdigitalartmuseumorgtruckenbrodindexhtmgt
16
Fulton Wayne A Few Scanning Tips What is a Digital Image Anyway Web2008
10 May 09lthttpwwwscantipscombasicslbhtmlgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth Web 10th October09lthttpwwwcbrubinnetgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Web
10th Oct 09 lthttpeducationsiggraphorggt
Smith Alvy Ray Digital Paint System An Anecdotal and Historical OverviewWeb
30th May 9724th Oct 09lthttpwwwalvyraycomgt
Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting with the ComputerWeb
24th April 09lt httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk gt
INTERVIEWS
Rubin Cynthia Beth PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
27th Mar2009 E-Mail
Truckenbrod Joan Painting Digital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
25th Mar 2009 E-Mail
Walker James Faure PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
23rd Mar2009 E-Mail
WORKS OF ART
Truckenbrod Joan Lyric Catalyst 1975 lthttpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
Truckenbrod Joan MotherDaughter1984 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
17
Truckenbrod Joan Womb Clothes 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Truckenbrod Joan Artificial Frame 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Daffodil Scroll 1985 lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Another Place Another Time 1991lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Orchard Street Synagogue 2000lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Walker James Faure Happy Circle 1988 lt httpdamorgdoxgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure Pigeons Kyoto 2002 lt wwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure For the Bees Night 2004 ltwwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
18
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Goodman Cynthia Digital Visions Computer and Art New York
Harry N Abrams Inc 1987
Kerlow Isaac Victor and Judson Rosebush Computer Graphics for Designers and
Artists New York John Wiley amp Sons Inc 1997
Malcolm McCullough Abstracting Craft The Practiced Digital Hand Cambridge
MIT Press 1996
Nappi Maureen Language Memory and Volition Toward an Aesthetic of Computer
Arts Diss New York University 2001 Ann Arbor UMF 2002 Print
Raimes Jonathan The Digital Canvas Discovering the Art Studio In Your Computer
New York Harry N Adams Inc 2006
Spalter Anne Morgan The Computer in the Visual Arts Boston Addison Wesley
Longman Inc 1999
Walker James Faure Painting the Digital River New Jersey Pearson Education Inc
2006
Wilkins Glen Painting with Pixels How to Draw With Your Computer New York
Sterling Publishing Co Inc 1999
Electronic Sources
Walker James Faure Artists Curators writers Web
24th April 09lthttpwwwcommentartcomartistJames Faure Walkergt
DAM] Digital Art Museum Joan Truckenbrod Web
09th May 09lthttpdigitalartmuseumorgtruckenbrodindexhtmgt
16
Fulton Wayne A Few Scanning Tips What is a Digital Image Anyway Web2008
10 May 09lthttpwwwscantipscombasicslbhtmlgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth Web 10th October09lthttpwwwcbrubinnetgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Web
10th Oct 09 lthttpeducationsiggraphorggt
Smith Alvy Ray Digital Paint System An Anecdotal and Historical OverviewWeb
30th May 9724th Oct 09lthttpwwwalvyraycomgt
Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting with the ComputerWeb
24th April 09lt httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk gt
INTERVIEWS
Rubin Cynthia Beth PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
27th Mar2009 E-Mail
Truckenbrod Joan Painting Digital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
25th Mar 2009 E-Mail
Walker James Faure PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
23rd Mar2009 E-Mail
WORKS OF ART
Truckenbrod Joan Lyric Catalyst 1975 lthttpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
Truckenbrod Joan MotherDaughter1984 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
17
Truckenbrod Joan Womb Clothes 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Truckenbrod Joan Artificial Frame 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Daffodil Scroll 1985 lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Another Place Another Time 1991lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Orchard Street Synagogue 2000lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Walker James Faure Happy Circle 1988 lt httpdamorgdoxgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure Pigeons Kyoto 2002 lt wwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure For the Bees Night 2004 ltwwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
18
Fulton Wayne A Few Scanning Tips What is a Digital Image Anyway Web2008
10 May 09lthttpwwwscantipscombasicslbhtmlgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth Web 10th October09lthttpwwwcbrubinnetgt
Rubin Cynthia Beth The History of Computer Graphic and Digital Art Projects Web
10th Oct 09 lthttpeducationsiggraphorggt
Smith Alvy Ray Digital Paint System An Anecdotal and Historical OverviewWeb
30th May 9724th Oct 09lthttpwwwalvyraycomgt
Walker James Faure SCIRIA in Painting with the ComputerWeb
24th April 09lt httpwwwcamberwellartsacuk gt
INTERVIEWS
Rubin Cynthia Beth PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
27th Mar2009 E-Mail
Truckenbrod Joan Painting Digital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
25th Mar 2009 E-Mail
Walker James Faure PaintingDigital Tools Message to Doris Rutherford
23rd Mar2009 E-Mail
WORKS OF ART
Truckenbrod Joan Lyric Catalyst 1975 lthttpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
Truckenbrod Joan MotherDaughter1984 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gtWeb
Jan 2009
17
Truckenbrod Joan Womb Clothes 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Truckenbrod Joan Artificial Frame 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Daffodil Scroll 1985 lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Another Place Another Time 1991lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Orchard Street Synagogue 2000lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Walker James Faure Happy Circle 1988 lt httpdamorgdoxgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure Pigeons Kyoto 2002 lt wwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure For the Bees Night 2004 ltwwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
18
Truckenbrod Joan Womb Clothes 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Truckenbrod Joan Artificial Frame 1994 lt httpwwwsiggraphorgartdesign gt Web
Feb 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Daffodil Scroll 1985 lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Another Place Another Time 1991lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Rubin Cynthia Beth Orchard Street Synagogue 2000lt httpwwwcbrubinnetgtWeb
Jan 2009
Walker James Faure Happy Circle 1988 lt httpdamorgdoxgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure Pigeons Kyoto 2002 lt wwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
Walker James Faure For the Bees Night 2004 ltwwwcamberwellartsacukgtWeb
Feb 2009
18
