We’ve come a long way from the days of making art with Microsoft Paint. Back then, just being able to draw something on Microsoft Paint was impressive. It was really tough to create even simple drawings with the technology we had, and we didn’t even realize that we were laying the groundwork for digital art.
Then Adobe Photoshop came along. This new graphics program became part of the curriculum for students in middle school, high school, and college. It turned into a basic skill that many students tried to pick up, even if there weren’t enough computers for everyone to practice at the same time. As a result, quite a few adults today have tried their hand at digital illustrations at some point in their lives.
Now that we are in 2024, things have changed a lot. We never imagined that Microsoft Paint or those fun ASCII art drawings would evolve into the kind of digital art we see today. But, where did it begin and how did it evolve? Read on and find the answers below:
Digital Art Defined
Digital art is any type of composition created using digital technology, like computers. It can include things like digital photos, music, and films. These artworks are made and sometimes even shown with the help of digital tools and devices, like software and gadgets. For example, you might edit an photo on a computer, or compose music using special software. Virtual art can vary from pieces made digitally but displayed in traditional ways to works that exist only electronically, like a movie created and shown entirely with digital tech.
History of Digital Art: A Timeline
1970s:
- Artists like Harold Cohen and Vera Molnar start using early computer programs to create digital art.
- They explore making art with math and code, setting the stage for computer-generated art.
1980s:
- Digital photography takes off, letting artists create images that look like regular photos.
- Artists start using the new Macintosh computer to make electronic art and animations.
1990s:
- Computers become more powerful, and new media art becomes more popular.
- The first big events for digital art, like the SIGGRAPH conference, happen.
- Artists start using computer-based tools to create art that looks like traditional paintings and sculptures.
2000s:
- Websites like deviantART and Behance pop up, helping artists share and get feedback on their work.
- Social media helps artists promote their art to more people.
- Video art and interactive art, where the audience can interact with the artwork, become more popular.
21st Century:
- Digital art goes global, with artists using new tools to make many kinds of art.
- The internet and social media make it easier for artists to reach a worldwide audience.
- NFTs change the game by letting artists sell their digital collectible art as unique pieces and keep track of ownership using blockchain technology.
Which Art Form is Better?
Since this new computer-generated art has become popular, people around the world started sharing their views on whether digital art deserves to be seen as on the same level as traditional art. Some critics argue that digitally created art does not provide the same hands-on experience as creating something with physical materials. On the other hand, some believe that learning how to make art on a computer gives students valuable skills for the modern world. They think it’s important to blend these digital techniques with traditional methods to give students a more complete education.
There’s still some debate about whether digital art pieces are as valuable as traditional art. However, most researchers agree that each has its unique strengths, and neither one is better than the other. Instead, they work well together, giving art students in higher education a wide range of creative possibilities. By combining traditional and digital art techniques, students can enjoy a more complete and balanced art education.
