Computer in the Visual Arts, The

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 artists, designers, illustrators, and photographers simply must understand to take full advantage of this dynamic, visual medium. Each program type 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.