The Computer in the Visual Arts

Although the author uses plenty of technical detail, historical facts, and art theory, the book also includes a good deal of practical information. For example, The Computer in the Visual Arts covers popular software programs; explains different types of printers, including their benefits and drawbacks; and defines terms (helpfully, in boldface) succinctly, so you can learn the basics. The chapters on 3D graphics are a perfect example, explaining simple terms such as primitives and lofting; defining more technical terms such as fractals and other algorithmic processes; and offering hands-on insight into how artists use 3D software, special effects, and rendering processes creatively.

Chapters end with suggestions for further reading and exercises you can work through on your own. The book provides loads of information on composition--that is, arranging the form and color of artwork and deciding on the use of space and scale. There are many images from contributing artists with explanations of their approach to digital art, and more of these images are included in a four-color section. The appendices to the book discuss contemporary art periods such as modernism and postmodernism, elements of computer theory such as symbolic logic, and lists of URLs and books you can turn to for more information. --Kathleen Caster

Product Description
Introducing a dynamic medium for artistic expression and graphic communication

"This is a seminal contribution-a must-read for anyone interested in how computers are used in art and design. Spalter masterfully presents the principles and practices of this vital and rapidly growing field. She blends just the right amount of technology with applications and implications to the visual arts, in an easy-to-read, informative style.." -- Andries van Dam, T. J. Watson, Jr. University Professor of Technology and Education and Professor of Computer Science, Brown University, and coauthor of the authoritative book, Computer Graphics: Principles and Practice.

"At last!" Those are the words that most often greet Anne Morgan Spalter's new book--an introduction to computer graphics uniquely focused on the computer as a medium for artistic expression and graphic communication--the first comprehensive work to combine technical and theoretical aspects of the emerging field of computer art and design.
Integrating theory, examples, and the concepts underlying all the major types of graphics software, Spalter explains the principles and practices that artist, designers, illustrators, and photographers simply must understand to take full advantage of this dynamic, visual medium.
Each program is presented as part of a larger picture, profusely illustrated with diagrams and art works, including many in color.

Coverage includes:
Digital painting and photoediting Digital design and layout The building and rendering of 3D worlds Animation Multimedia The World Wide Web
Chapters on input and output address the wide range of tools and techniques for working with art and design software, and for creating both screen-based and printed works. Excerpts from interviews with artists and computer scientists add perspective to both the origins and the future directions of the field. Although some of the book's exercises require common application software, the main body of this text is platform- and application-independent.

"For years I've been searching the shelves for a book like this, a book that gathers together the loose strands of the 'computer art' movement.... She gives the whole picture- pioneer artists, technical principles, artistic choices, creative uses and misuses, all with the freshness of the hands-on practitioner." -- James Faure Walker has spent the past 10 years integrating computer graphics into his painting, and is currently a lecturer in painting/computer graphics at UCE, Birmingham, England.

The concepts are illustrated and written in a way that artists can understand and enjoy (how refreshing!). Subjects that I had difficulty in comprehending such as the difference between screen pixels and image pixels are now clear to me. While some may consider a minor point, it is amazing to me how much more I am able to enjoy creating images with this new found knowledge.

I was also delighted to see so many outstanding examples of art work. The color plates were particularly gratifying. If this book has a second printing I would urge the publisher to have more color images. The range and diversity of the chapters was a real plus for me and gave me a "big picture" that I have never grasped before.


Wow!   December 22, 2001
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Undoubtedly the most comprehensive, thought-provoking treatise on this important subject.

The accompanying web page is terrific!


***A LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENT IN ART BOOKS!***   February 3, 1999
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

This review is my first in hundreds of AMAZON purchases. Anne Morgan Spalter's The Computer in the Visual Arts is not only a tremendous achievement for the academic environment but also a brilliant introduction for the general population. This book is lavishly produced with both insightful writing and beautiful illustrations. I wish all of my textbooks were as rewarding and as fun to read. Kudos. Five-stars and two thumbs up. What is your nex topic?


Great coverage of both the art AND the concepts!!   March 2, 1999
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

This is a wonderful book and long overdue in the computer art community. The author deftly weaves together both descriptions of historic as well as contemporary art done with computer technology along with the concepts that underlie that technology in a complete yet very understandable way. In addition there are lots of suggestions of where to go to find more detailed information on all the topics covered. For the aspiring student the author has included valuable exercises to reinforce the material covered in each chapter. This book is definitely the "Foley and van Dam" (long the computer graphics 'bible' of the technical set) for the artistic aficionados of computer graphics! And, by the way, even the technical folks should enjoy this work!


This book is filled with gems re techniqesand theory.   January 22, 1999
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

>Even though I have been using Computers as my medium for thirty odd years >I find >Anne Spalter's "The Computer in the Visual Arts" filled with gems >concerning technique >and theory. Lillian Schwartz, co-author with Laurens R. Schwartz The Computer >Artist's Handbook, W.W. Norton, Inc. 199