Traditional Approaches: What Digital Art Cannot Surpass

Nowadays, it seems that most people express their artistic capabilities through computer graphic software. There is no doubt that computer art, such as entire paintings made through mainstream image editors, can emulate the quality and appearance of conventional art in certain ways. Image manipulation software may also be used to enhance particular forms of traditional art; for example, modern-day artists often enhance line art through software-based means. However, even with the latest advances in such programs, it is obvious that the greatest conventional forms of art still cannot be outclassed in a number of vital aspects.

The best evidence of conventional art's superiority over its digital counterpart may all be understood through a quick evaluation of the merits of oil paintings. For one, such paintings have a distinct texture that cannot be replicated through digital media. Specifically, as oil paint is rather viscous and thick, artists can take advantage of such a unique property. Instead of merely diluting paint in order to produce flat and even strokes, artists may use the intrinsic viscosity to add a unique look to paintings. Actually, this particular technique is commonly referred to as impasto. With thick strokes an exceptional texture is achieved, adding to the life to a work of art.

As digital paintings are perceived through monitor screens and flat prints alone, achieving true texture-derived details in such forms of art is impossible. In addition, oil paintings, or conventional art in general, have a degree of uniqueness that would never be achieved through digital approaches. To explain, each masterful stroke and superb use of color cannot be simply emulated by others; in fact, perfectly copying a painting seems to be a sizeable task regardless of one's skill. On the other hand, digital art can be easily stored and copied; distribution may also be done effortlessly through printing.

Effort is indeed an important keyword in distinguishing traditional forms of art from current digital works. While some may argue that significant effort is necessary in creating breathtaking digital art, it is clear that gaining mastery over conventional approaches is much more difficult than becoming knowledgeable in digital editing programs. In order to become an expert in creating oil paintings for example, it is essential for one to attain complete familiarity with various types and brands of paint; differences among the canvas material to be used for painting also require extensive adaptation.

Programs for creating digital art on the other hand, provide artists with an option to shift tools and options just by clicking the mouse. In general, for one to create digital art, a mouse, a tablet, and a sufficiently sized display mainly comprise the necessary tools for the task. Hence, it is clear that oil paintings, as well as other conventional forms of art, still surpass digital art in a number of aspects. Without texture, digital art remains flat and cannot achieve a visual appeal akin to impasto. Likewise, factors such as complexity and reproducibility further distinguish conventional from digital approaches. After all, one cannot deny the fact that the most iconic masterpieces in the world consist of traditional art.

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