Computers and Classical Art
Classical / Academic art has gone out of fashion while the abstract expressionism is gaining popularity. I do love classical art and appreciate the efforts by groups like ArtRenewal who are trying to revive it.
I was wondering how modern technology could help the classical art. What tools would Leonardo use if he would be brought in modern age through some time-machine.
Well here are my thoughts :
1. 3D modeling programs (eg Blender, Wings3D) could be used to learn form/light/colors better.
2. Complex 3D surfaces (Bezier surfaces, NURBS) used to create an ideal human form. Try finding the new magic numbers in NURBS for the perfect human form, just like the greek did use simple analytical geometry.
3. Better Sculpting through 3D programs. Use the sculpting modes of the programs to sculpt geometry just like in real life. However, the programs give more flexibility in terms of working only with surfaces (as opposed to volumes). No dependency on constant-volume of material, size etc.
While I think about this, I am sure that 3d programs and computers, would never match the possibilities, workability and complexity of real mediums. Painting in real watercolors gives a richer experience than painting on a PC using a tablet and Corel-Paint.
However, I feel computers could be used as teaching tools, initial study tools, and learning tools for the final art-work that will be done using physical mediums. They will just help us go one step ahead* of the great masters in understanding human form and finally painting / sculpting it better. If one can think of a human arm in terms of a mathematical complex surface, rather than a cylinder, it will give much richer experience.
Also, it might not be a bad idea to add 3d modelling programs as just another medium sitting beside pencils & pastels. Just like drawing is used as a study medium, as well as a final medium, 3d modellers could as well be used in similar fashion.
* Note : While I do see efforts by people to revive classical art, I don't see any mention anywhere about doing better than old masters. By 'better' I mean in the same classical sense, and I do not mean moving into abstract/modern art. I do see that some living classical artists have painted better than the old masters, but they are never appreciated in the same way as old-masters and recognized as being 'better'. This could be one of the reasons, why artists try to 'escape' into abstract medium.
I was wondering how modern technology could help the classical art. What tools would Leonardo use if he would be brought in modern age through some time-machine.
Well here are my thoughts :
1. 3D modeling programs (eg Blender, Wings3D) could be used to learn form/light/colors better.
2. Complex 3D surfaces (Bezier surfaces, NURBS) used to create an ideal human form. Try finding the new magic numbers in NURBS for the perfect human form, just like the greek did use simple analytical geometry.
3. Better Sculpting through 3D programs. Use the sculpting modes of the programs to sculpt geometry just like in real life. However, the programs give more flexibility in terms of working only with surfaces (as opposed to volumes). No dependency on constant-volume of material, size etc.
While I think about this, I am sure that 3d programs and computers, would never match the possibilities, workability and complexity of real mediums. Painting in real watercolors gives a richer experience than painting on a PC using a tablet and Corel-Paint.
However, I feel computers could be used as teaching tools, initial study tools, and learning tools for the final art-work that will be done using physical mediums. They will just help us go one step ahead* of the great masters in understanding human form and finally painting / sculpting it better. If one can think of a human arm in terms of a mathematical complex surface, rather than a cylinder, it will give much richer experience.
Also, it might not be a bad idea to add 3d modelling programs as just another medium sitting beside pencils & pastels. Just like drawing is used as a study medium, as well as a final medium, 3d modellers could as well be used in similar fashion.
* Note : While I do see efforts by people to revive classical art, I don't see any mention anywhere about doing better than old masters. By 'better' I mean in the same classical sense, and I do not mean moving into abstract/modern art. I do see that some living classical artists have painted better than the old masters, but they are never appreciated in the same way as old-masters and recognized as being 'better'. This could be one of the reasons, why artists try to 'escape' into abstract medium.
posted by trayser at 9:23 PM
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