Above is a series of images, each depicting a stage in the process of creating a digital art piece. They are presented with the finished product first, as that is generally the sort of thing that most people see; and ended with the beginning sketch. Each image represents one added, separate layer to the piece.
Visual art itself is a wonder, with the ability to portray the world around us in a way that adheres to the laws of nature and reality or abstracting in such a way the meaning, while present, is sometimes unidentifiable. Digital art, though often misused and abused (and written off because of it) is one such medium for presenting the world. Digital art has many unique attributes, but the singular one I’ve decided to present is that of layers.
When I paint in the physical plane in which I exist, thing are permanent—sure, I can do back and cover up my mistakes as much as I please but they're still there. “Painting” digitally offers the opportunity to add layer upon layer of work onto one piece, allowing for the artist to mess up and experiment without the fear of messing up. I can add a layer, decide later that it’s garbage and click a button that excludes it entirely from the final product. I can color correct, by layer, if I decide that I chose the wrong hue with which to shadow. Perhaps use of the “undo” button is cheating. Perhaps digital paintings will never belong in an art museum. Perhaps they shouldn’t, even in my own opinion. But it makes experimentation and expression accessible. Painting is scary and expensive and stressful. “Painting” on a tablet of some sort seems much more forgiving, doesn’t it?
Our visiting speaker, Ms. Frahm, spoke a lot about process and finding meaning in what you do as you do it. The process of creating a digital art piece such as I have here is something more architectural, perhaps, than processes possible with some other forms of media. I find beauty in this sort of step-by-step, line-upon-line way of doing things. The meaning, for me, differs from piece to piece, but within the concept of layering I find benefit in productivity and accessibility.
I use digital art for art that I plan on sharing in various virtual forms. I can make things fast and exactly how I want them and there is always merit in traditional artwork, of course, but is it realistic in reading out to people, and starting conversations? I can produce easily one digital piece a day, if I so choose. Can I realistically do that with paint or any comparable medium, my budget and schedule?
As for the cherries: I was drinking cherry coke, and it was tasty. Some things just are.
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