Today, with imagination, and digital technology like computer-generated imagery (CGI) software, practically anyone can learn to express themselves with art. You'll find lots of free and low-cost programs out there to have fun with, and to help you uncover your inner artist.
This movie was made by librarians using Windows Movie Maker, with images created online using Pixler, Fotoflexer, and Sumopaint.
Manipulate digital images, from basic photo-editing tasks like retouching, and adjusting color and contrast, to compositing (combining multiple photographs into a single image).
Draw, paint, cartoon, or create fantasy art by loading scans of your originals and using image manipulation software to work with them, drawing them directly into the computer or by using a digital graphics tablet.
Create three-dimensional models of real world objects, including people, by using a collection of points in 3D space.
Make animations in 2D or 3D with any number of readily available programs.
With so much software out there for beginning digital artists, you're sure to find something that will match your interests. Here are just a few examples:
Free Stuff (Online, Open Source, and Freeware)
See this image being drawn by Queekator at Queeky.com, a free, worldwide online drawing community.
Commercial Stuff
There are lots of great places on the web where beginning digital artists can learn more, network with other artists, and share their creations.
Digital Art E-zines
Online Communities, Galleries, Tutorials, and Discussion Forums
The importance of networking opportunities like these for people getting involved in digital art would be hard to overstate.
The Pratt Library's Fine Arts Department has up-to-date materials like these on the subject of creating art using technology:
We hope you're excited to learn more about digital art. Be sure to let us know if you'd like some help. Just call, e-mail us through our Ask-a-Librarian service, or write to us:
Fine Arts & Music Department
© Enoch Pratt Free Library, Baltimore, Maryland.
