digitalart definitions

Vector Drawing and Geometric Art
Vector drawing software used to create an image totally in the virtual/blank canvas environment; making use of geometric shapes which are outlined and can be filled with a variety of colours and patterns. This tends to produce a harder edged or graphic looking composition. The composition is entirely original in design and implementation. This art might also make use of painting and textural effects and a limited use of plug-ins or other specialized filters. However, the integrity of the art remains a drawing or geometrically
derived art. Stock images or photos are not used.

Algorithmic/Fractals
This art is produced exclusively by mathematical manipulations or what is called, Fractals. The art is generated solely by the computer. The art lies in the invention of the mathematical formulas themselves and the way the software 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.

Painting
A 2D image is created on the computer in an electronic blank canvas environment with the use of painting tools and special effects that emulate natural media styles. This is sometimes referred to as “Natural Media”. This type of art makes limited use of plug-ins, filters and effects and the final result is closer to the look of a traditional painting on canvas. Stock images or photos are not used.

3D Digital Creations
A computer generated image or compositions derived from the use of 3D modeling and 3D software and plug-ins and rendering software to essentially sculpt in virtual space. This digital artwork makes use of stock images and photography. A stock photo is a photo that is available for free or for purchase to the general public.

Digital Collage
Combining many images from varying sources into one image; most commonly achieved by the use of layering techniques in image editing and painting software. This art may make moderate to heavy use of plug-ins, special effects and filters to create designs, motifs, texture or other elements essential to the overall compositional work. Stock images or photography is typically used.

Integrated Digital Art or Digital Mixed Media Painting
This is art that is a blending of one or more of the above techniques/styles and yet is created completely by the artist’s hand and imagination within a blank electronic canvas. Stock images or photos are not used. The composition remains purely original in both concept and implementation. This art might include the heavy use of plug-ins, effects and filters and may make use of geometric shapes and forms to enhance the composition.

Mixed Media Photography
This is a form of art that uses software to create art from photographs. Digital photography technology may have been used or a traditional film based image is scanned at an extremely high resolution to create a digital file. The file is enhanced in photo retouching software and then printed on a large format digital printer using archival inks and special art paper.