Celebrating the old, the new, and the wonderfully blended in-between.

This enlightening sequel to our previous exploration into the question; “Is the joy of creation, no matter what the medium, important?” Read it here we delve deeper into the intricate weave of art’s evolution, this time through the eyes of the artist. “Canvas and Pixels: Unraveling the Tapestry of Modern Artistry – Part 2” shifts the focus from the collector’s perspective to the heartbeat of creation – the artist.

Imagine a painter in a sunlit studio, brushes in hand, dabbling in the vibrant hues of watercolours and oils. Each stroke is a dance of light and shadow, canvases waiting to dry and the smells of turpentine hanging in the air. Now image an artist sat by the fire with dog by her feet,  Apple Pencil in hand she brings to life digital masterpieces on a glowing screen. In this realm, the undo button is a magic wand, and the palette is boundless.

Exploring not just the mediums but the shared soul of artistry. From the earthy scent of oil paints to the sleek hum of a tablet, I will embark on a quest to dispel myths and uncover the universal language of creativity. Whether it’s a canvas smeared with cobalt blue or a screen aglow with pixels, the heart of art remains unchanged.

Join me as we delve into the pros and cons, the misconceptions, and yes, even the snobbery that often clouds our appreciation of these diverse forms. For at the end of the day, be it a brush or a stylus in hand, the true artist’s canvas is the imagination, and every creation is a window to their soul.

The Timeless Charm of Traditional Art

The artist’s studio is a sanctuary of creativity where the air is tinged with the scent of oil paints and the sound of brushes on canvas. Here, in the world of traditional art, we find the classic mediums of watercolours and oils, each with its own distinct character and allure.

Pros:

• Tactile Experience: There’s something undeniably romantic about the feel of a brush against canvas, the blend of pigments on a palette. This hands-on approach connects the artist intimately with their work.
• Unique Creations: Every traditional artwork is one-of-a-kind. The textures, the slight imperfections, they all tell a story – a story that can’t be replicated pixel by pixel.

Cons:

• Material Costs and Maintenance: Brushes, paints, canvases – they all add up. And let’s not forget the need for proper storage and care and my personal issue – drying space.

The Digital Canvas – A New Frontier in Art

Fast forward to the 21st century, where art meets technology. The digital canvas brings a new dimension to creativity, where software like Adobe and Procreate transform iPads into studios that fit in our backpacks.

Pros:

• Portability and Convenience: Your studio is wherever you are. With a tablet and stylus, the world is your canvas, ready at a moment’s notice.
• Undo Features and Versatility: Made a mistake? Just undo it.  Digital art offers a flexibility that is revolutionary, and you can experiment with different styles, and not bare the costs.

Cons:

• Initial Cost of Technology: Quality tablets and software can be an investment, and keeping up with technology upgrades is a consideration.
• Learning Curve for Software: Mastering digital tools requires time and patience. It’s not just about artistic skills, but also about tech-savviness.

As artists, collectors, or simply admirers of art, our focus should be on the beauty and message conveyed, not on the medium used. For in the end, the true essence of art lies in its ability to evoke emotion, provoke thought, and bring joy – both to the creator and the audience.

A Brush with Technology: My Digital Art Adventure

My iPad is my magic carpet, my portal to a world where art knew no bounds. You see, I had been painting digitally for years, my journey began with pixels and clip art at school, and one of these creations even became my pièce de résistance for A-Level Art back in 1989. Talk about a digital Cinderella story!

Then came the game-changer: the Apple Pencil. Oh, how my heart sang! This sleek, unassuming gadget was like Excalibur to my Arthur. I could now paint on the go, from the rolling hills of the English countryside to the sun-drenched beach of Bondi.

“Last call for boarding!” echoes through the terminal and in the past, this would’ve been a mad scramble to gather pens and sketchbook, and an end to my creations. But now? A simple click of the iPad, and voilà – I’m ready to jet set, my art safely tucked away in pixels, the best part of this story, was I could continue on the plane, and not worry about the turbulence, thanks to the undo button.

This nifty tool didn’t just revolutionise my art; it became the sidekick to my business.  Yet, for all its digital wizardry, there’s still something magical about the old-school charm of paper and paint. The texture of the canvas, the dance of the brush, the scent of the paint – it’s a romance that just doesn’t get old.

I love the fact that I can turn my hand to watercolour, acrylic, spray paint, oils or digital mediums – I guess a mixed media artist extraordinaire. Check out this differences between my Digital Art & My watercolour and oils here; My art shop