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Still life with Roland TB-303 Bass Line
Dane Lovett's paintings take the old still life form and update it by way of their subjects: modern gadgets. We spy not only the Roland TB-303 Bass Line analog bass synthesizer (circa 1982), but also a cornucopia of VHS tapes and compact discs. The results are beautiful, and every bit as calming and "natural" as if we were gazing upon a bowl of harvest fruit. Hit the source links for several more beauties.
Found footage: Creating photorealistic portraits with a finger and an iPad
Artists are taking to the iPad like ducks to water. The device seems to be a natural tool for many artists to use, and the public is now starting to see the fruits of the relationship in the form of some startling and beautiful digital art. Kyle Lambert is a perfect example of an artist who has quickly adapted to the iPad as an art creation tool. The Cheshire, England based portrait artist recently spent six hours painting an astoundingly good portrait of performer Beyonce using an iPad, his finger, and the Brushes iPad app (US$7.99). Lambert makes time-lapse movies of his creation process, and it's fascinating to see the details of Beyonce's face emerge from the digital canvas in the movie above. We'd also like to see what other professional artists are accomplishing with the iPad, so if you have a work that was created on the iPad or iPhone, let us know by clicking or tapping that Send a Tip link at the top of the page. Thanks to Paul Kent for the tip!
Layers released for iPad
When I was at the Apple Store on Tuesday test driving an iPad, the girl next to me with her parents was asking about drawing programs she could use. I immediately suggested Layers to them, which we initially reviewed last summer. There are several excellent drawing programs for the iPhone, but Layers was always my favorite and I'm glad to see that it's now on the iPad. Layers for iPad was released on April 5, and is currently on sale for $2.99USD. The normal price will be $6.99USD. Even if you don't have an iPad, this is a fantastic deal and if you plan on getting one, I'd snag the program now and keep it updated for when you do take the plunge. For an initial look at the app, check out the review over at MacStories.
GDC: Gaming gets framed for Into The Pixel exhibit
Click to Super Mario-size We like a pretty picture just as much as the next Tom, Dick or Monet, but the art featured in the Into The Pixel exhibit – which opened to the public last night at GDC – is some of our favorite. You can experience the aesthetic splendor second-hand by checking out the gallery posted below. See if you can identify the games each painting is based on! (Spoiler alert: You'll never, ever guess some of them. Not in a billion, trillion years.) %Gallery-88075%
First Look: Layers for iPhone, natural media painting app
The very talented Ben Gotow has just released a brand new iPhone app called Layers, his third now after Mathomatic and NetSketch (iTunes links). Layers, not to be confused with the innovative screen capture application on the Mac desktop, is a natural media painting app for the iPhone. Stating the obvious, it incorporates Photoshop-like layers, as well as a variety of brush and color selection options, panning, zooming and the ability to export your masterpieces as JPG or Photoshop PSD files (layers included). I gave it a run-through and am extremely impressed with the implementation. I am no painter, a fact hinted at by my not posting any screenshots of my own work. However, I'm adept enough with digital art to recognize that this is a very intuitive interface. Manipulating layers is done in a side view with layer previews, allowing a tap-and-drag re-ordering and one-tap addition and subtraction of layers. I especially appreciate the 30 levels of undo history, making it simple to backtrack errant swipes. The application allows for sophisticated artistic expression beyond mere "finger painting," and, with a little practice, you can create some complex imagery. The layering functionality even allows for photo compositing, using multiple layers with photos and the eraser tool to remove portions of the top layers. This is more in line with my personal skill set, so I had some fun with this. Tight erasing can be a little tricky when you have big fingers which are hard to see around, but the undo functionality and some dedication make it perfectly feasible.
Can you believe it? New Yorker cover done on iPhone app.
Looking at the cover of the June 1 New Yorker Magazine it is pretty hard to believe that it was created with a US$4.99 app on an iPhone. The app is Brushes [App Store] and it allows painting on the iPhone /iPod touch screen using your fingers and a variety of brush styles. If you have a Mac, you can export your work at resolutions up to 1920x2880. The app also saves a record of your brushstrokes and other actions and can replay them on your Mac. The artist who did the New Yorker cover, Jorge Colombo, obviously has impressive talent. You can see some of his other iPhone work here. Colombo told the New York Times he loves the app because it "made it easy for me to sketch without having to carry all my pens and brushes and notepads with me, and I like the fact that I am drawing with a set of tools that anybody can have easily in their pocket." This video will show you a stroke by stroke look at how the cover was created. If you're looking for more info on this app try the developer site here. Another similar app at the same price is Colors, [App Store] which has also been responsible for some impressive artwork. Wow. Just wow.
iPhone-generated artwork featured on cover of The New Yorker
Well, what do you know? It looks like our favorite fingerpainter is really making a name for himself with his handset artwork. Like his other New York City-scapes, Jorge Colombo's cover for the June 1, 2009 issue of The New Yorker was composed entirely in the Brushes iPhone app. And it looks like the artist's switch to a digital format is no gimmick -- he tells The New York Times that the device allows him to work "without having to carry all my pens and brushes and notepads with me." And he can work in anonymity -- to complete the cover he spent about an hour on 42nd Street, with no interruptions (try doing that with a canvas, an easel, and a full compliment of art supplies). Mr. Colombo, if you're out there: we'd like to add you to our Mafia Wars family. Drop us an email.
Get wowed by gorgeous video game inspired paintings
DeviantART power user, Orioto, has been creating beautiful video game pieces for quite some time (you may have even seen some of his work on Joystiq) and his latest is no exception. Posted a few days ago, Orioto showcases Nintendo's famed heroine, Samus Aran, against a collection of deadly Metroids. The piece, much like his previous work, is stunning. For gamers with blank walls and deep pockets, Orioto also accepts commissions. Now excuse us while we get our art on ... this paint-by-numbers isn't going to finish itself![Thanks, RobT]
Nanocrystal breakthrough promises more versatile lasers, world peace
For the longest while, scientists have been flummoxed by the incessant coruscating emitted by individual molecules; no matter their methods, they could never quite seem to overcome a troubling optical quirk known sensibly as "blinking." Thanks to a brilliant crew at the University of Rochester, however, we now understand the basic physics behind the phenomenon, and together with a team from Eastman Kodak, a nanocrystal has been created that can constantly emit light. In theory, the discovery could lead to "dramatically less expensive and more versatile lasers, brighter LED lighting, and biological markers that track how a drug interacts with a cell at a level never before possible." Indeed, one could envision that future displays could be crafted by painting a grid of differently sized nanocrystals onto a flat surface, making even OLED TVs look chubby in comparison. Now, if only we had a good feeling that such a device was destined for a CES in our lifetime...
Apple art redux: David Hockney paints on an iPhone
This seems to be the week for that magical intersection of Apple and art. On Wednesday TUAW highlighted a Warhol serigraph that's up for auction at a gallery in Portland, Oregon; now TUAW reader Tristan tipped us off to a post on the Daily Mail website about renowned British artist David Hockney using an iPhone to create mini paintings.The 71-year-old Hockney has had his iPhone for 4 months and is cranking out small paintings which he sends to friends. Among his favorite subjects for "finger painting" on his iPhone are landscapes and flowers. The flower paintings are sent to friends as "fresh flowers" that last a long time. Hockney likes to use his iPhone in bed to send out illustrated art lectures, and has a tiny easel on which the iPhone sits when he's working on his little masterpieces. There's no word on whether or not Apple will begin selling the easels as an iPhone accessory in their retail stores.
Artist "fingerpaints" art on his iPhone
Portuguese artist Jorge Colombo's been working on a series of "finger-paintings" of cityscapes done entirely on his iPhone. Using only his finger and an application called "Brushes," he's done some fairly impressive scenes of New York City. Hit the read link for a full set of iSketches this fanboy's whipped up.[Via Make]
Show and Tell: Mario as inspiration
This lovely Mario-inspired painting has been floating around the Internet for a couple of days, and thanks to Orioto of deviantART, who is responsible for the piece, we decided to delve into decidedly-different looks at Nintendo's flagship plumber. This week's community spotlight shines on all the other Marios who exist outside of the realm of Nintendo's Mushroom Kingdom. Take the guided tour right here, or jump into the gallery below if you are so inclined.%Gallery-39424% Show and Tell is all about fan stuff, so long as it's Nintendo-related. We love to see your collections, your crafts, your frosted creations, your t-shirts and swag of all sorts.Just snap a few pictures, tell us what's up, and send it all to showmeit [at] dsfanboy [dot] com. We'll take care of the rest. Not a handy type, but found something neat? Send us a link instead.
Scooter adorned with WoW art
This is awesome -- Jimzter of Carnage Kings on EU Darkspear decked out his Lambretta scooter with some great looking WoW art, and I mean decked: top to bottom, the whole thing is a celebration of the World of Warcraft. He's got character art all over the place, maps of the two major continents in the floor panels, and even the license plate font is WoW-ized. Apparently Jimzter designed all the custom artwork, and a friend painted it to his specs. As you can see, the guild's logo also got a promient place in the design. Looks amazing.Jim is, we're told, also a member of the Beverly Scooter Club, and if you happen to be in the area of Bridlington (near Yorkshire, England), you can even come see the bike, as he'll be showing it off at the Bridlington National Scooter Rally on October 24 through 26th. With their kind permission, we've put pictures of the scooter in the gallery below. Very nice work. %Gallery-35304%
Horde scarf and a Carrot-on-a-Stick keychain
It's just starting to get a little chilly here in Chicago, so the timing on this Horde Scarf is just perfect for me -- it looks really comfy, and wrapped around your neck, it's just Warcraft enough to get noticed by people in the know, but is still classy enough that it looks like a cool design if you don't happen to recognize the Horde symbol. I like the look of black and red (would go great with my black overcoat), but amlowi, the seller over on Etsy, will do it up in any colors you like.And speaking of doing things by request, this Carrot-on-a-Stick keychain is awesome, and the artist who makes it (she paints in acrylic and then coats it in enamel) will make it out of any icon you like. Carrot-on-a-Stick seems perfect for a set of car keys, but it's not going to be in the game forever, so if you want to put a class or faction logo on there, she says she can do any icon in the game.Always astounding to see what these industrious WoW crafters are up to. If you've seen a cool DIY WoW-related item, let us know.
Shaw Cable launches The Frame HD channel: high-def art, all the time
Apparently this whole "showing off HD art on the HDTV" fad is quite popular. Not only are certain HDTV manufacturers partnering with content providers, Canada's Shaw Cable is actually launching a 24/7 channel that broadcasts high-def art around the clock to entertain guests and show off just how pixelated pay-TV can be. The commercial free station, dubbed The Frame, essentially converts your set into an HD canvas that shows off art from Canada Collects, Animal Kingdom, Water World, Birds of a Feather, The Seven Seas, Canadian Horizons, City Lights, Sands of Time, Gardens of Delight, and many others. The galleries rotate every half hour and the images change every 30 seconds. As of now, the station is on slot 225 in Calgary, while the carrier intends to roll it out in more markets by September.
Become immortalized in the background scenery of Fable 2
Don your Victorian regalia, our fanciful readers, and you may earn your place in the annals of gaming history by appearing in Lionhead's much anticipated RPG, Fable 2. Just throw on that ratty old frock coat and strike your most Quixotic pose in front of a camera being operated by a tight-lipped, non-judgmental friend. Save the resulting blackmail image as a Ye Olde JPEG, send it in to Lionhead's art department, and you could serve as a model for one of the many paintings strewn across the interiors of Albion's exotic homes.It's a neat way to get your mug in what will no doubt be one of this year's blockbuster titles -- though you've only got until next Wednesday to submit your best Pimpernel-esque portrait. We trust you can carve out some time between the big quail hunt and the late night ether frolic to read the rules and regulations before you commit your extravagant visage to film.Still need insipiration? Look no further than the above image of Joystiq's own Justin McElroy. If there's a man who better embodies the unflappable spirit of a colonial gentleman, we have yet to meet him.
Mondolithic proves the art of portraiture isn't dead
How long have you spent working on your character? Months? Years? Wouldn't you like a commemoration of all that time and effort? Mondolithic Studios has just the thing: oil-on-canvas portraits of your favorite avatar. For an undisclosed fee, the artists of Mondolithic will create a unique painting based on a screenshot you send them, or they will drop into your world and work with you to get the best shot possible.While they seem to have a World of Warcraft focus, they will gladly accept commissions for a variety of virtual worlds, including Second Life. For fees and sizes, go check out the website. The perfect gift for someone who has everything![Thanks, Kenn!]
Friday Video: Just go along with it
Okay, so this isn't a video so much as it is a series of still pictures. But we like to showcase visually interesting work in our Friday Video feature, and Jason Dunn's Rembrandt studies, "painted" in Colors! certainly qualify. We think that posting them in our normal video feature emphasizes how amazing they are to look at. It turns out that the DS screen is, apparently, quite well-suited to Impressionist-style brush work. So, uh, if you're into painting in that style, and you don't mind doing so on a 3.5-inch surface, the DS might be a good investment! It also plays games and stuff. Check out another brilliant work after the break, and if you're really upset about it not being in motion, just move your head around as you look at it.
For awesome NES mods, just add legends
Thanks to its largely flat surface, the NES doubles up as an ideal canvas for those wishing to spruce up their consoles with a custom paint job. Of course, you also need artistic ability, which is where we fail hideously, and eBay user hellokitty11111111111 (yes) excels.Well, "excels" most of the time, anyway. The quality of these mods does vary a little -- we're not big fans of the Kid Icarus design -- but we do absolutely love the Earthbound, Super Mario Bros. 3, and (highly topical) River City Ransom examples. Are they worth (up to) $149.99, though? At a stretch, we'd be tempted. There's more past the break, complete with auction links.
TV2ART's Kabe artfully hides your wall-mounted HDTV
Make no mistake, there are quite a few firms out there with solutions for concealing that wall-hung flat-panel, but we see no harm in one more alternative joining the mix. The Zen-inspired Kabe from TV2ART aims to blend one's HDTV into its surroundings by floating just a few inches away from the wall and possessing a slidable painting that can cover up the set when needed or slide out of the way when gameday comes. As expected, the unit is offered in a myriad styles, and interested consumers can even have one crafted from wood, aluminum, copper or just about any other material known to man. As for pricing, the 42- / 50- / 60-inch models will run you at least $2,200 / $2,600 / $3,000, respectively, but each one accommodates displays slightly smaller or larger than the model size itself. %Gallery-18757%
