#long live pen pressure options in some art programs and tablet settings

[wishingstarinajar]

Over the two decades I've drawn digitally, I've hardly ever experienced wrist or hand pain from drawing, even after long sessions. People have either been jealous or called me lucky but after giving it some thought, I realized my drawing methods are what's most likely behind it.

I use very little pressure when I draw. I hardly press down on my tablet. My swipes and taps are like little faerie tiptoes.

There is an oval spot in the middle of my small tablet, light damage from the many pen nibs I've gone through over the years. It's barely 9 centimeters across (3.5 inches). It's almost as large as a Post-it note.

I don't use my whole arm and shoulder to draw circles or lines. It's all small and light motions that aren't taxing on my wrist or shoulder.

I know small strokes are a little more difficult to do on a screen tablet because it mimics drawing in a sketchbook, but at least try and draw with less pressure on your pen. Be kind to your wrist and shoulder. You need them later in life.

[cse481isaaclove-blog]

Post2: Project Idea

The Art Robot Project Idea.

Art is an important form of expression.  For many, it can be a spiritual experience and provide purpose to their lives.  Some believe that artistic expression can have healing effects.  People with disabilities can experience difficulty creating art in traditional ways or using traditional tools.  Some artists use nontraditional methods, such as the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (2019).  While there are many approaches for creating artwork using specially made tools (e.g. VSA Vermont, 2014, and Caters News Agency, 2019), some artists require the aid of another to complete their works (Baranauckas, 2001) and others are unable to participate in art at all if their mobility is severely impaired or if it is too painful to manipulate an implement.  To offer these artists more independence in their work and to provide others the ability to participate, I propose creating an Art Robot using the Fetch mobile manipulator platform.  This robot is intended to be used by those with physical disabilities which inhibit the ability to manipulate a paint brush or other art implement in the desired fashion. Having this Art Robot available would provide a powerful option for those unable to use existing tools, allowing them to actively participate in artwork and society in ways that they might otherwise be unable to do.  This is particularly true for those without the ability to grasp an art implement.

The Art Robot should have the ability to manipulate drawing or painting implements to mark on a drawing medium such as a canvas, paper, or board. Ideally, the robot would receive input in a manner which is easiest for a given user, such as by finger/toe input on a touch screen or tracking eye movements (as in the case of Mr. Engel (Baranauckas, 2001)).  The initial Art Robot which would be created in class would need to be programmed to use a simple implement such as a pencil or marker.  Ideally, the fully finished Art Robot (beyond the scope of class) would use its arm to create markings that vary in stroke width, breadth, pressure, and technique.  The finished Art Robot could be taught or programmed to mimic the techniques of the great Renaissance painters, such as Michelangelo and Rembrandt, the Impressionists like Monet, modernists like Picasso, and even cubists such as Rothko. It should also be taught to do mathematical art such as the mosaics of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, and be able to produce fractals, something human artists do not really create.  The mathematical art system could be created within the timeframe of the class, as it would amount to creating a sequence of strokes for the robot to follow, much like having a user dictate each stroke sequentially.  Computers can easily produce all of these art styles in something color-printed, but to do them with a brush or charcoal would produce a very different effect and raise the Art Robot into the realm of a unique artistic tool especially useful for those artists who are unable to wield the art tools themselves. It is anticipated that artists who use the Art Robot would achieve great emotional satisfaction from creating art in this way.  

The Art Robot would need to be developed in stages, with the relatively short time frame available in class indicating that an initial simple control scheme would need to be a touch-based application using a tablet or phone.  If time and access permits, perhaps a previously developed vision tracking control could be adapted (as would be need for someone like Mr. Engel (Baranauckas, 2001)).  Using this interface, a user should be able to dictate strokes or behaviors to the robot.  The initial robot would need to be limited to one form of painting or drawing implement using a special mount to allow the robot to easily grasp it.  Suggested implements are pencils, pens, or markers. Finding the canvas, and maintaining its place in the artwork that it applies to the canvas, could be done using a distance/spatial sensor mounted on the arm, as well as the camera. Orienting the robot to a canvas or board could be done using a specially created canvas or board.  One idea is to mark the edge of the canvas or board using ir-reflective tape.  The artist, through the controls, would indicate what and where the painting/marking would occur.  Initially (in the class project), the art would need to be limited to that which could be produced with a single implement, such as a charcoal or pencil drawing.  Long term (beyond the class project), the arm could be adapted to have many art implements built in that could be selected from.  The Art Robot would need to be initially programmed with the ability to produce a small set of artistic strokes or markings that the controlling artist would combine to produce a unique art work.  The very simplest of these strokes would be straight lines with the implement held at some constant angle and pressure.  From there, strokes could progress to simple curves, such as parabolas.  Lastly, an arbitrary stroke could be created in which an arbitrary stroke movement could be created.  Another simple functionality which could be added is the ability to save the series of strokes or markings so that the process, or parts of it, could be repeated. For example, one common modern art type is the same drawing produced in different colors on the same size canvas, which pieces are then all hung in a row.  An advanced version of the Art Robot would incorporate the ability to learn new strokes through machine learning techniques.  One might even develop an autonomous mode in which the Art Robot is able to apply a randomly selected set of strokes to a canvas to create truly unique art.

As far as technical difficulty goes, I believe that so long as a clever way is used to orientate the robot to the board and maintain the spatial positioning of the robot (ir-reflective tape for example), and that the inverse kinematics of the robot arm are accurate enough, then the creation of a prototype Art Robot is doable within the timeframe of the class.  As stated above, the version created in class would use one art implement such as a pencil or marker, one type of canvas or board, and a small set of input types.

The Art Robot would enable a group of artists who cannot now create art to do so and enable others to produce more complex pieces.  The robotics and control mechanisms needed to fully bring the Art Robot to working capacity could provide a basis for related robot applications as well. The nuances of a control system aimed at allowing the Art Robot to replicate a painting with all its subtleties and textures based on touch-based or vision-movement monitoring will provide exciting challenges for roboticists and should provide advances in the platform for future robotic interface and design.

  Sources:

Baranauckas, Carla. 2001.  Art Overcomes a Disability; Speaking With Eyes an Painting With a Wheelchair: https://www.nytimes.com/2001/08/23/nyregion/art-overcomes-a-disability-speaking-with-eyes-and-painting-with-a-wheelchair.html

Caters News Agency. 2019.  Meet the Incredible Disabled Artist Who Creates Amazing Paintings With Her Mouth: https://www.catersnews.com/stories/real-people/meet-the-incredible-disabled-artist-who-creates-amazing-paintings-with-her-mouth/

Mouth and Foot Painting Artists.  2019.  https://mfpausa.com/  

VSA Vermont, Adapting Art Materials for People With Disabilities: http://www.vsavt.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Adaptations-of-art-materials-LP.pdf

[ghostfantasyart]

30 Reasons Why Drawing Tablets Are Totally Worth It

Drawing tablets are a great way for you to enhance your skills as an artist and practice your technique in a totally new and innovative way.

They help you to control your pace and precision with the many different features they have to offer. The main group that drawing tablets are targeted towards are digital artists, but the fact remains that anyone may use these tablets in order to practice their technique.

If you’ve been considering purchasing a drawing tablet, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we will give you some important information you should know while shopping for a drawing tablet on this list of 30 different reasons why we think drawing tablets are totally worth buying.

For Beginners

1. Both beginners and professionals can use them.

You don’t have to be an artist with an exceptional track record and many awards in order to use a drawing tablet. Even if you’re just starting out, you will be able to find a lot of use for drawing tablets. They can help you to enhance your skills and move further into the world of art.

Whether you’re someone who is just starting out or you’re a well-known professional, drawing tablets are one of the best tools to have at your disposal.

They will help you to draw high-quality pieces using modern software. You will be surprised by how much your art will improve with a drawing tablet.

2. They are easy to use.

Another great feature of drawing tablets is that they are incredibly easy to use. There are some drawing tablets on the market that were specifically designed for beginners, but in general, these tablets are easy to use and to customize.

Most of them have several buttons on the side that have different features you can customize, which may include scrolling up and down, zooming in and out, and more.

If you choose to get a drawing tablet with a screen, you will also be able to control your work with your hands as you would with any other smart device or with the stylus the device comes with.

3. You will be able to explore a new world of possibilities as an artist!

This might as well be the best reason why you should purchase a drawing tablet. These small devices will allow you to explore an entire world of possibilities that a simple pencil and paper wouldn’t have provided you.

For example, you can learn all about graphic design, working with Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, and the sensitivity and pressure you need to use in order to get the design you want.

While many people do prefer the traditional route of pencil and paper, the fact remains that we live in a technological world and it’s important to have this knowledge at our disposal, too.

4. You can explore how much pressure you need to use in general.

All drawing tablets have varying levels of sensitivity, so you will be able to see for yourself how much pressure you need to use in order to get the strokes you need.

This will also help you throughout your career as an artist because you will need to practice drawing light strokes and heavier strokes.

With the use of a drawing tablet, you can learn how heavily you need to apply the stylus to the device in order to get the result you want.

Technological Advantages

5. You can connect it to your computer.

There are some drawing tablets that you will be able to use with your computer. While many of them now can be used portably, keep in mind that this still is an option, especially if you opted for a tablet that does not have a screen.

They should come with a USB cord that is compatible with your computer.

6. You will be able to customize the settings.

There are lots of preferences that you will be able to set with the drawing tablet in order to maximize your experience.

When you get started, you will be able to choose how you want the pen buttons to function, adjust the pen tip, whether you want there to be an audible clicking when the tablet is in use, right or left-handed use, and many more important features that will customize your experience with the tablet.

7. Most drawing tablets include multi-touch features.

Many drawing pads also come with multi-touch features, which will also help you to have an easier experience with the tablet. These features essentially allow you to use the tablet in the same way you would use a smart device- by touching the screen.

Some of these features might include using two fingers to scroll, zoom, and more. The specifics will depend on the individual tablet.

8. They are great for designers who need to use Photoshop or Illustrator.

If your job requires you to be knowledgable in Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, getting a drawing tablet can greatly help you out here.

These drawing tablets are compatible with those software programs to provide you with a better experience as you work. So, you will become better at operating those systems, which will help you to perform better both in your art and in other work.

9. Drawing tablets can be used by those who aren’t technologically savvy.

Even if you do not consider yourself to be particularly knowledgable when it comes to technology, you still will be able to get a lot of use out of the drawing tablet.

As we said earlier, drawing tablets are easy to use, especially considering the button shortcuts and the basic programs they have. You don’t need to be a programmer to use one.

10. It is much easier to use for graphic drawing than a computer with a mouse.

This is a simple fact. Many people prefer the use of these innovative drawing tablets over the use of a computer.

While many people have indeed used computers for graphic art, the mouse simply does not offer the same precision that a stylus does and it can be much more difficult to navigate and draw properly. But drawing tablets will not give you any of these issues.

11. These tablets will most likely be compatible with any software you use.

When you go to buy a drawing tablet, it is important to read all the information about the tablet you want first before you purchase it to make sure that it suits all of your needs, which will include whether or not it is compatible with the software you intend on using and, if it’s a tablet that needs to be used in conjunction with a computer, whether or not it is compatible with the computer you own.

In most cases, tablets are compatible with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, CorelDraw, and other important software services.

Personal Benefits

12. Drawing tablets can help to stave off carpal tunnel syndrome.

This might come to a surprise for some, but many people have found that their drawing tablets help to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive stress injuries.

This is especially true if your tablet has a touch screen; you will be able to use your hand instead of a mouse to control the device, which is ultimately better for your wrist health.

The use of the stylus will put significantly less stress on your hands and wrists than if you were to attempt to draw using a mouse, so drawing tablets could be seen as a great way for you to avoid getting these syndromes or to relieve some of the symptoms if you already have them.

13. They are better for the environment.

In our quest to save the environment from climate change, many of us have become more aware of the products we are using and the ways in which we can help decrease our negative impact on the Earth and its atmosphere.

Indeed, using all kinds of paper and other materials causes a lot of waste and is not that great for our environment unless we recycle, but even then, some people have debated whether or not it’s a good idea to produce all that paper in the first place.

Drawing tablets completely eliminate the need for paper, so you won’t have to worry about having a negative environmental impact.

Practicality and Convenience

14. You can find drawing tablets in a wide range of prices.

One of the biggest downsides to drawing tablets is how expensive they are. Many people feel intimidated and scared when they see the cost of some of the best drawing tablets on the market.

It is indeed true that you may have to pay more than you’d expect in order to have a good drawing tablet, but that doesn’t mean that you should stay away from them. In fact, this also does not mean that every drawing tablet on the market is going to be that expensive.

There are many factors that go into the cost of these devices, including the size, the resolution, the different features it has to offer, whether it has a screen or not, and more.

Depending on the kind of drawing tablet you purchase, you can easily find versions that are less expensive. For example, you may see that the best drawing tablets cost around $400, but there are other highly-rated ones for less than $100, some even being as inexpensive as $26.

It all depends on the features you choose and what functions you need the device to have. But know that not all drawing tablets are expensive and you can easily find one that’s within your budget range.

15. They come in multiple sizes.

You don’t just have to settle for one size in a drawing tablet if you don’t want to. There are several different sizes that you can choose from, which will depend on the brand.

But most brands will offer a range in sizes from small to large, so you can choose the tablet you want according to what you need it for.

Larger tablets will naturally be more expensive, but some people find that they are much easier to work with due to the larger amount of screen space.

Smaller tablets can also be useful because you not only will not have to spend as much money, but you also get enough room to draw anything you’d like. The choice entirely depends on you.

16. They last for a long time.

Many people were pleased and surprised by how long their drawing tablets lasted. Indeed, these products are made to withstand a lot and they are made out of durable materials.

You will most likely have a warranty on your drawing tablet, too, if anything happens to it near the time of purchase.

But some people might not have expected for these devices to sometimes even last longer than their much more expensive smartphones and computers, so this is a pleasant surprise.

If you look after your drawing tablet well and are careful not to drop it or toss it around, you easily could be keeping yours for around 10 years or so.

These devices are built to last, just like many other modern pieces of technology. Don’t be afraid to use a little bit of pressure when you draw. The important part is on you, and that’s to make sure that you maintain your device as well as possible.

17. Drawing tablets will offer you more control over your work.

While you might not think that you will have as much control over what you’re drawing on a tablet, the reality is that the opposite is true.

First, many tablets have buttons on them that provide shortcuts for you to choose what to do with your drawing, such as zoom in and out or moving to a different page.

Another thing, which we will get into later, is that you won’t feel as though you’re drawing on a tablet or piece of technology whatsoever; it will seem similar to drawing on a piece of paper or a canvas, but you will be able to get a lot closer on the tablet.

This gives you better control and thus, a better result. The added bonus of a stylus will help you to control your work even further without any difficulties.

18. These tablets are desk space efficient.

If you have a smaller desk space, you no longer need to worry about that causing issues for you.

If you were to be using paint, canvases, papers, and more, a small desktop might not allow you to have enough room to store everything, and you might not have the necessary funds to purchase a bigger desk or a new space in order to store all your art supplies.

Thanks to the small size of your drawing tablet, you will easily be able to put it on your small desk and not worry about it taking up too much room.

19. The stylus does not run out of batteries.

Here’s another key feature that will also help to ensure that you won’t need to spend more money than necessary.

The styluses of most drawing tablets do not operate using batteries, so you don’t have to worry about what happens when the battery dies and you have to find the appropriate battery.

This might leave you wondering, then, how the pen works. The Wacom brand stylus pen, for example, has a digital chip inside that controls the tablet.

The drawing tablet has a sensor board which also has a magnetic field, and the stylus ends up producing its own magnetic field when it touches the screen. This is why you don’t need to use any batteries when operating the stylus. How innovative!

20. You won’t have to worry about spending so much money on ink and other supplies.

Part of being an artist- or having any career, for that matter- includes the need to purchase a lot of materials for you to become better at your skill. So, it’s inevitable that you will need to spend some money in order to enhance your artistic abilities.

But the amount of money that you will need to spend will be drastically cut in half if you begin to rely on your drawing tablet for most of your work.

You won’t have to constantly buy pencils, paper, canvases, markers, paints, and any of the other necessary materials that you will have to work with.

When you’re using the tablet, you can automatically start a new drawing even if you were working on another one without having to worry about buying new supplies. This also further enhances our other argument about how drawing tablets are good for the environment.

21. You can easily take your drawing tablet with you wherever you go.

Drawing tablets tend to be rather small and will easily fit in your purse or bag. This means that you don’t always have to leave it at home- you can take it with you if you’re going on a long trip or if you’re taking the subway and have some time to kill.

In addition, due to the small size of these tablets, you’re not going to have a heavy weight on your shoulders from carrying it with you. You can efficiently take your drawing tablet with you wherever you want to go.

Artistic Benefits

22. The quality and design of your art will be stunning.

Just like many other people who have used drawing tablets, you will be surprised by the quality of your drawings when you start to use the drawing tablet.

This will especially be true if you get one that has a higher resolution, but even if you didn’t, most drawing tablets will provide you with a unique and interesting way to view your drawings.

23. You don’t have to put in a lot of effort for precision.

Since most drawing tablets are sensitive and have a good pressure response, it will be possible for you to draw precisely without having to put in too much effort.

This is due to the fact that you can touch the screen lightly and draw precise lines; the technology in the stylus will allow you to do this effortlessly.

This might be one of the best features of drawing tablets, since they let you draw beautiful pieces without having to put in more effort than necessary. A light touch is all you will need to draw precise lines and other features that you might have difficulty with on paper.

24. They allow you to increase your efficiency and productivity.

If you’re a graphic artist, you will be surprised by how much drawing tablets will increase your productivity as you draw. This is because you will build muscle memory in terms of how hard you need to press on the screen in order to draw your desired strokes.

So, it will help you to draw a lot easier and faster. As you use the tablet more and more, you will learn how it works a lot better, which will allow you to become better in your work moving forward. This means that you can produce a lot more drawings in less time.

25. They provide a lot of accuracy due to the sensitivity features.

As we said before, drawing tablets have varying levels of sensitivity. This means that, depending on how much pressure you apply to the device, you will be able to have varying sizes in your strokes.

This furthers the point we made earlier about having precise strokes with little effort. This means that you will be able to draw a wide variety of different things, including anything that will require a lot of fine detail, and you won’t have any issues while doing so.

This is especially true if you choose a device that has a higher level of sensitivity.

26. Many drawing tablets have high resolutions.

One of the many features that you will need to consider when you purchase a drawing tablet is its resolution. Drawing tablets tend to vary in their levels of resolution, but it’s a given that ones with higher resolutions will produce better-quality art.

This will allow you to see your work a lot more clearly and give you an image that you couldn’t have imagined being produced elsewhere. If you choose a tablet with a high resolution, you will be surprised by how good the quality of your work will turn out.

27. Despite what some may think, it feels completely natural to use.

Regardless of what technology is available on the market, there are still many people who prefer the traditional route of pencil and paper or paintbrush and canvas. And that’s perfectly fine. But you also will have that natural feel when you use a drawing tablet and a stylus.

This is due to the fact that the stylus is shaped very much like a regular pen, which means that the way you draw won’t be much different than the way you will draw on paper.

You will be using the same hand motions, you will be holding the stylus in the same way you hold the pen, and it will seem just the same. This will make using a drawing tablet feel a lot more natural.

28. Your work will look a lot more natural.

If you are a digital artist, you may have noticed that drawing with a regular mouse might not give your art the most natural appearance. This is due to the harsher and less rounded strokes that are produced by the mouse.

But if you use a drawing tablet, this problem is eliminated due to the natural look that is provided by the stylus or your finger.

You have the opportunity to create smaller shapes and much smoother curves this way, which furthers our point earlier about how you will have more control when drawing with a drawing tablet.

29. Some can be used for many different purposes.

Drawing tablets can be used for many different purposes, some of which include graphic design, Photoshop, CorelDraw, and more. You don’t have to limit yourself to just one activity with your drawing tablet, which always gives you a lot more room to grow and expand in your abilities.

In addition to that, one of the most interesting things that you will be able to do with your drawing tablet is editing your photos if you’re a photographer.

30. You can add a lot more detail to your drawings.

Thanks to the aforementioned precision and sensitivity that drawing tablets provide artists, you will have no trouble adding as much color, fine detail, lines, and more to your art on the tablet.

Generally, the point on the stylus is so thin that you will have the ability to draw as finely as necessary. So, no matter how detailed your drawing needs to be, you will be able to add that detail using the drawing tablet.

It seems to be a misconception with drawing tablets that you won’t be able to do this, but especially thanks to the zoom-in feature as well, this will not be an issue for you.

Conclusion

It is up to you to decide whether or not you want a drawing tablet, but we believe that they’re totally worth it. You could easily use a drawing tablet to help you enhance your skills.

Don’t let some of the common arguments against drawing tablets, such as the expensive price of some of them, set you back.