Ten years have passed since the first edition of this book, a time sary to stress that the availability of colors further assists artistic span during which all activities connected with computers have ambitions. experienced an enormous upswing, due in particular to the ad The dynamics of display which can be achieved on the screen is vances in the field of semiconductor electronics which facilitated also of significance for the visual arts. It is a necessary condition microminiaturization. With the circuit elements becoming small for some technical applications, for example when simulating er and smaller, i. e. the transition to integrated circuits, the price dynamic processes. Although the graphics systems operating in real time were not designed for artistic purposes, they nonethe of hardware was reduced to an amazingly low level: this has de less open the most exciting aspects to the visual arts. While the finitely been an impulse of great importance to the expansion of computer technology, as well as to areas far removed from tech static computer picture was still a realization in line with the nology.

Creative Computer Graphics presents the dynamic visual power of images created with computer technology. From the pioneering efforts in the 1950s to the current achievements of modern exponents in the US, UK, France and Japan, the book explores computer graphic images through the techniques and technology used to create them. Scientific research laboratories, video games, NASA space simulations, feature films, television advertising and industrial design are some of the areas where computer graphics has made an impact. The book traces the history, assesses the current state of the art and looks ahead to the future where computer graphic images and techniques are to become progressively more important as a means of expression and communication.

Packed with exercises, this book is an application-independent and reader-friendly primer for anyone with a serious desire to understand 3D Computer Graphics. Opening with the first and most basic elements of computer graphics, the book rapidly advances into progressively more complex concepts. Each of the elements, however simple, are important to understand because each is an essential link in a chain that allows an artist to master any computer graphics application. With this accomplished, the artist can use technology to satisfy his/her goals, instead of the technology being master of the artist.

For anyone interested in how computers are used in art and design, this introduction to computer graphics is uniquely focused on the computer as a medium for artistic expression and graphic communication.

Computer Graphics from Scratch demystifies the algorithms used in modern graphics software and guides beginners through building photorealistic 3D renders. Computer graphics programming books are often math-heavy and intimidating for newcomers. Not this one. Computer Graphics from Scratch takes a simpler approach by keeping the math to a minimum and focusing on only one aspect of computer graphics, 3D rendering. You’ll build two complete, fully functional renderers: a raytracer, which simulates rays of light as they bounce off objects, and a rasterizer, which converts 3D models into 2D pixels. As you progress you’ll learn how to create realistic reflections and shadows, and how to render a scene from any point of view. Pseudocode examples throughout make it easy to write your renderers in any language, and links to live JavaScript demos of each algorithm invite you to explore further on your own. Learn how to: Use perspective projection to draw 3D objects on a 2D plane Simulate the way rays of light interact with surfaces Add mirror-like reflections and cast shadows to objects Render a scene from any camera position using clipping planes Use flat, Gouraud, and Phong shading to mimic real surface lighting Paint texture details onto basic shapes to create realistic-looking objects Whether you’re an aspiring graphics engineer or a novice programmer curious about how graphics algorithms work, Gabriel Gambetta’s simple, clear explanations will quickly put computer graphics concepts and rendering techniques within your reach. All you need is basic coding knowledge and high school math. Computer Graphics from Scratch will cover the rest.

The development of the use of computers and software in art from the Fifties to the present is explained. As general aspects of the history of computer art an interface model and three dominant modes to use computational processes (generative, modular, hypertextual) are presented. The "History of Computer Art" features examples of early developments in media like cybernetic sculptures, computer graphics and animation (including music videos and demos), video and computer games, reactive installations, virtual reality, evolutionary art and net art. The functions of relevant art works are explained more detailed than usual in such histories.