ARTS
Quarter II: TECHNOLOGY-BASED ART
INTRODUCTION:
Technology has literally taken over every aspect of life in the 21st century, and the creative and
visual
arts have not been spared. In fact, for the younger generations, art as you know it is defined by
technology—from its creation, to its manipulation, to its reproduction, and even to its
distribution.
Technology-based art
- is essentially computer-generated and/or manipulated. Through the centuries, visual artists used
actual brushes and palettes, and a whole array of paints, inks, and natural pigments applied to
paper,
canvas, fabric, stucco walls and ceilings.
Today’s computer artists employ the ever-expanding powers of image manipulation programs
and
applications to create their works which can appear in an entire range of media—whether as a
physical
output or a virtual experience.
Computer art or digital art (origin and early stages)
- first came on the scene in the early 1960s. Understandably, this was due to the technology that
was
constantly developing and that became available at that time. Thus, the early experimenters were
not
necessarily artists, but engineers and scientist who had access to and experience with the
hardware
needed.
Also understandable was the initial reaction of the public to computer-generated art. There were
questions as to whether it was, in fact, “true art” since it made use of electronic and mechanical
devices,
rather than the artist’s own hand, to produce the images and effects.
Within a few years, however, there was a general acceptance of digital art as an exciting and
thought-
provoking form of modern art. Exhibits of computer art became highly popular and critically
acclaimed,
as digital artists or computer art masters or “superstars” came to the fore in Europe, Russia, and
the
United States.
Technology -Based Arts
TBA includes …
1. Computer/Digital Arts
2. Mobile Phone Art
3. Computer – Generated Images
4. Digital Photography
5. Video Games/Digital Painting/Imaging Videos
TBA
- is essentially computer-generated or manipulated. Today’s computer artists employ the ever-
expanding powers of image manipulation programs and applications to create their works which
can
appear in an entire range of media – whether as a physical output or a virtual experience.
Computer/Digital Arts
- make use of electronic and mechanical devices, rather than the artist’s own hand.
Some digital artists have even used their works to express their views on political, social, and
cultural issues; as well as to advocate causes that are critical to modern life, such as the
environment
and climate change. Others even explore the philosophical relationship between science and
technology
and the arts.
Mobile Phone Art / Computer-generated Images
Mobile phone art
The mobile phone that you constantly hold has evolved from a mere communication tool, into a
creative device that allows you to generate original works of art for an entire range of purposes.
These could be personal photographs and videos that you can manipulate with a myriad special
effects, both visual as well as sound and music. They could also be school projects or reports that
require you to combine images, incorporate text, even include simple animation. You are
probably
already familiar with the image manipulation programs and applications that run on today’s
android devices:
Downloadable applications;
Pixel – a powerful, free online image editor
Pic Collage – allows you to make collages incorporating photos, stickers, text, and frames
Photo Grid – a downloadable application for android phones that allows you to make collages
out of images from your photo gallery
Doodle Booth – an iPod application (with a free downloadable version) that enables you to
‘doodle’ on your images using available stickers
Photo Booth – an application for taking photos and videos using an iPod or iPod mini (a version
for the iPhone, called Simple Booth, is also available)
Magic Mirror Booth – an iPhone application that allows you to take amusing, distorted images,
simulating camera effects
Pic Monkey – a free online photo editing tool that provides filters, frames, text, and effects to
manipulate your images
Snap seed- a photo application that enables you to enhance, transform, and share your photos; a
downloadable version for android phones is available.Flipagram-a downloadable application that
allows you to “bring photos to life” in short videos set to music of your choice.
Pics art- a free photo editor and drawing application as well as a social network for you to share
your art with others.
Instagram – a fast and fun way to share images with others; snap a photo, choose from among
the available filters, and share via Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and more.
OTHER Computer Programs and Applications:
1. Gimp (GNU Image 13. Adobe Photoshop 3. Skew/Warp
Manipulation Program)
14. Corel Paintshop Pro X5 4. Rotate
2. Paint.net
5. Flip
3. Inkscape
6. Adjust brightness
4. Xara Extreme
7. Adjust sharpness
5. Artweaver
8. Change colors9. Gray
6. Draw Plus scale
7. Pencil 10. Sepia
8. Picasa 11. Apply a texture
9. Paint Star 12. Superimpose text
Things We Can Do:
10. Smooth Draw 13. Apply frames
1. Re – size
11. Spray 14. Crop
2. Crop
12. Karbon
Lesson # 2
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Digital photography
Another means of generating an original image is to capture it first as a digital file. In the case of
today’s electronic technology, that would mean recording the image using a digital camera or a
device with a built-in camera, like your mobile phone, android device, or tablet. The
photographer (or a commercial developing service) would then have to process the exposed film
in a special enclosed space known as a “dark room”—and only then would the recorded images
be seen.
Point-and-shoot vs. DSLR
The multi-step process described above has since been overtaken by the magic of digital
photography. Today’s users have the option of a “point-and-shoot” type of digital camera which
automatically makes all the adjustments in lighting, focus, zoom-in and zoom-out, even removal
of “red eye” with the user being given some leeway for slight adjustments.
Point-and-shoot
It offers image enhancement features like adjusting color and brightness imbalances, as well as
sharpening or blurring the image. It may even offer unique effects like “fish eye” or filters that
allow pre- setting of the photo to be taken with a colored tint or a special texture. Plus, it allows
the user to immediately review the photos taken without waiting for a complex developing
process—and to delete any unsatisfactory images while storing the good ones for future needs.
DSLR
A second option is the digital single lens refle (DSLR) camera. This also provides film- less and
review features of a “point-and –shoot” type digital camera, but gives the photographer more
artistic freedom and control to select the camera settings to create the desired final image with
preferred visual effects.
Basic Tips for Taking Good Photographs
Whether you are using a point-and-shoot camera or a DSLR, there are basic guidelines for
capturing a good quality photographic image:
1. Choose a good location. An interesting location can sometimes make the difference between a
good and a great photo.
2. Check that the available background is relatively simple and not too cluttered, so that the focus
will be on your chosen subject.
3. Natural light in the outdoors or near a window is usually the most flattering or effective for
any kind of subject. Ideally, the best light for photos is within the first hour after sunrise and the
last hour before sunset.
4. Avoid taking shots facing the light, as this would make your subject back-lit and most of the
details would be lost in shadow.
5. If you intend to take a posed shot, position your subject where you want in relation to the
location, background, and source of light.
6. If you intend to take a candid shot, position yourself where you can capture the most
interesting, amusing, touching, or engaging moment or expression.
7. Take a variety of shots—ranging from far shots showing the surroundings, to medium-
distance shots concentrating on the main subject, to tight or close-up shots that focus on details
of the subject. You can then choose from among all these for the best photo or photos.
VIDEO GAMES
According to study, not all video games are bad for teens; some games encourage positive
behavior. Programs we can use in video games include:
- Twine
http://twinery.org/
- Stencyl
http://www.udemy.com/create-your-first-computer-game-with-stencyl/
- Game Maker
http://www.yoyogames.com/learn
