WHAT THE HECK IS DIGITAL ART?

Digital art involves a computer, it may or may not involve a camera, and it is a relative newcomer to the art scene. There are three main methods of creating digital art.
First, there is digital art that begins with photography. In this application, a photograph would be loaded from camera to computer, then using computer software, pixels would be manipulated through various editing programs and filters to alter the original photo and render it to look more like a painting than like a photo. While most photographers now use editing software even if they are doing pure photography, the difference is in the degree of manipulation. Photographers are not changing the image they capture, they are editing what they see. Digital artists, on the other hand, are altering their images using color as well as textures and abstraction to dramatically change the original photo.
Second, there is digital collage where pieces or smaller images are taken from online photographs and then digitally cut out and inserted onto a larger photo so that it changes the original photo in a distinctive way. Surreal or fantasy scenes are frequently created using this technique.
Third, new computer technology has introduced digital painting programs where artwork and images can be created directly on the screen using a digital paint brush – with no photo involved. This is called digital painting and the computer screen becomes the canvas. In this method, the artist’s creations can be from an idea which they paint freehand, much as if they were using a canvas, or they can scan a sketch or image onto the screen, then digitally paint that image.
With any of these techniques, printing is the final step and that can be on canvas, paper, or a variety of metal or acrylic surfaces. Once printed, the surface can also be embellished by the addition of varnishes that add texture, by adding paint strokes, or even by gluing on objects.
Our Parklane artists offer all these techniques with their digital artwork, and we invite you to take a look.

JEAN BURNETT
Jean’s digital art incorporates her love of travel, nature, and animals with her vivid and eclectic spin on life. She creates beautiful, stimulating images that visually pull you in and capture your interest. Though her work begins with her photography, the artistry lies in how she transforms images within the computer. Her photography becomes her canvas and the computer becomes her brush. Jean primarily uses Photoshop in addition to 4 other editing programs along with over 1000 after-market plug-ins for different effects.
She starts by choosing a single image that has strong composition and color, then begins exploring a wide range of manipulations until she has achieved the look that is envisioned in her imagination. Sometimes the completed piece resembles the original image, but often it does not. But almost always, the viewer never guesses that in the beginning it was a photographic image. The technology of this artform is continually changing so that the digital artist is challenged to constantly keep aware of new software, of editing programs, and how to use them. This continual learning is what keeps Jean’s work growing and changing.

JEANETTE STOFLETH
Jeanette creates intriguingly designed multimedia digital collages using computer software to intricately cut out specific images from online photography and then arrange them on her artwork so they form surrealist dreamscapes. Each piece is intuitively chosen to become part of a completed impressionistic artwork directed at her desire to spread love, peace, and happiness in the world.
Once assembled, each unique image is printed onto canvas, embellished with a heavy layer of acrylic gel to add detail, depth and texture, then professionally framed. Her process is connected to deep meditation, conscious breath, and the belief that we can experience spiritual transcendence in unity with all things.

ADRIENNE ANDERSON-SMITH
Adrienne’s academic training in digital graphic design has enhanced and expanded her skills as an artist giving her even more appreciation of depth, color and character. As a digital artist, one of her tools is Adobe Illustrator software. When she begins work on a photograph, she starts at the back and works forward as she adds layers to her image. Each line, accent, gleam, or gloss is a different and separate layer in the program. Completion of the artwork relies upon shadow, emphasis, and ‘perking’ points.
Another tool in her creative belt is her iPad where she uses Procreate and finds that this is a wonderful tool and toy. Procreate offers a wide variety of digital brushes and colors that can create wild effects and textures. As layers are complete and merged, each piece gains personality. The final shading adds a layer of depth and completes the character of her artwork. When she is finally pleased with the result, her work is then presented as photographs printed on canvas and on paper.