Digital Dreaming

All sorts of things are evolving around here. I've shared a little bit about the evolution of a particular sketch over on the Sketchbook Challenge today. Just a nonsense sketchbook page--created the same way I create everything: one step at a time. I have never been a highly intentional artist. Sitting down and sketching out a whole concept seems exhausting to me. By the time I'd get around to the finished piece, I'd be bored silly. Who can't *appreciate* those brave souls who actually know what they're doing before they start? I'm just not among them.

Recently I was fortunate enough to acquire a Wacom Cintiq digital tablet. I've enjoyed my Wacom Intuous tablet tremendously and this seemed like the next step. I can now draw directly onto the screen with a digital pen/paintbrush! With Corel Painter 12, it feels as real as painting on paper. I continue to be amazed at how the physical world principles of art supplies translate into this brave new world. The paint stays "wet" until I dry it and different media will smear or interact, based on the previous media used. A pen drawing remains intact when painted over with watercolors; but switching to acrylics will cover that layer. This real world reaction makes it much easier to paint and draw intuitively. Less software, more art.



So that brings me to my current work space--the digital studio. It looks much like the old studio. A cup of coffee at the ready, and even a paper sketchbook. My canvas is a tablet, my pen has no ink, and my trusty pc serves as the palette; offering up limitless colors and textures. Just think! No running to the craft store for a color I don't have. I can change paper surfaces with the flick of my mouse. Lest you think its toooooo easy now, the ideas still have to be dragged, kicking and screaming, from my restless mind. Ouch.

 For now, as I ponder the meaning of a virtual sketchbook, I will bring these pixels into the physical realm by printing them and incorporating them into a hands-on book. Perhaps I can combine the best of both worlds...painting with a digital pen, then stitching with a sewing machine. That is, until I hear of a digital sewing machine (you're my eyes and ears on this one). But this year is about understanding the meaning of art when it touches technology. I want to explore the universal truths about creating. I suspect that the medium is irrelevant and that we will still have much to share together. At least I hope so. The work of our hands is the work of our hands. It's all good.

I am not alone. Bill is transforming his music studio into a kicked up high-tech mobile space. Instead of a music stand with sheet music, he's scrolling his notes on a pc. Ain't it cool?

Oh, and some things will always remain constant. Fish break!