Digital Arts

Digital art is like any other art. It just is created using different tools than the more
traditional arts. Art is not about the tools used to create it. It is about the vision, message, or emotion
of the artist. Photography is a medium through which artist’s may create art. Likewise, a computer
is just a medium or tool through which an artist can express his/her vision of line, form, color,
composition and rhythm.
An artist chooses the medium (oils, watercolors, or pixels) she wants to use. When the
digital artist, has mastery over the tools and technologies [software, equipment, etc.], she can go
beyond “taking a digital picture” or “applying an effect” and create art – an individual expression
of her vision.

Mediums of Digital Art

 Camera
 Cellular phones
 Computer-based softwares (such as Photoshop, Lightroom, etc.)

History of Digital Arts

 1940 – Invention of computers.
 1950 - Artists first began experimenting with computers.
 1970 - The next development came in the 1970s with the introduction of the light pen or
stylus.
 1990-present - the term began to encompass interactive environments that placed both
viewer and artist at the interface between the real and virtual worlds. Artists concentrated
on manipulating imagery with the help of computer software tools. Thus new companies
like Adobe (launched in 1982) created easy to use artist software, like their vector
drawing program Adobe Illustrator.

Forms of Digital Arts

1. Digital Photography

The artist uses a digital or conventional camera. The photographs are digitized and
translated to the computer environment where the artist uses image editing and special effects
software to perform darkroom type manipulations.
Example: Hunger by Jed Regala
Due to lack of proper nutrition and his body’s inability to absorb essential nutrients, the
child can only watch from his window as his peers play and run around without a worry in the
world. Without any permanent and sustainable employment, his family could not provide even
their daily basic needs.
 2. Photopainting

This combines the disciplines of photography and painting. The artist uses image editing and
paint software to go beyond dark room techniques to add further expression to the image.
3. Digital Collage

This is a technique of combining many images from varying sources into one image. This
is most commonly achieved by the use of layering techniques in image editing and paint
software. The artist may also use images from x-rays or radar to produce images that the eye
does not normally see, which expands the realm of human perception.
4. Digital Painting

2D: The artist creates 2D images totally in the computer virtual environment with the use
of painting tools that emulate natural media styles. Sometimes referred to as “Natural Media”.
3D: The artist uses 3D modeling and rendering software to essentially sculpt in virtual
space. This method also makes use of all of the other methods.
5. Vector Drawing

The artist uses vector drawing software and creates the image totally in the virtual
environment. This makes use of shapes which are outlined and can be filled with various colors
and patterns. This tends to produce a harder edged or graphic look.
6. Algorithmic/Fractals

This is art produced exclusively by mathematical manipulations. This is the so-called

“computer generated” art. The art here lies in the invention of the mathematical formulas
themselves and the way the programs are written to take advantage of the display capabilities of
the hardware. The art also lies in the creative intentions and subsequent selections of the
artist/mathematician.

Notable Foreign Artist

1. Alberton Seveso
Alberton Seveso is awe-inspiring. With multiple pages of stunning digital images, there
really is something here for everyone. A master of Photoshop, Seveso has created artwork for
brands including Sony, Bacardi and Nikon to name a few.
2. Evgeny Parfenov
If you’re looking for inspiration, especially in the art of character illustration, then you
should definitely check out the work of digital artist Evgeny Parfenov.He is best know for his
very creative and unique style of portrait illustration. This talented creative has created work for
clients including Rolling Stone magazine, Newsweek, Wired, GQ and Playboy, many of which
feature in his amazing portfolio.
3. Natalie Shau
Natalie Shau is a mixed media artist specialising in digital illustration. The Lithuanian
illustrator has worked with many leading clients, including Sony BMG and Cadbury.In her work,
Natalie frequently combines modern and historical elements to create what can be described as
gothic art portraiture dripping in surrealism – sometimes she even models for her own artworks.
Natalie's creations have been featured in many art publications, including “Hi Fructose”,
“New York Arts”, "Juxtapoz" and “Computer Arts” magazines, and have been viewed by
thousands of people in exhibitions in the USA, France, Italy, Germany and Japan.
4. Bram Vanhaeren
Digital illustrator Bram Vanhaeren is currently working as art director and design lead for KBC
Bank and Insurance. This talented artist's portfolio is overflowing with gorgeous black and white
and colour digital illustrations to inspire you.