Stories with Tag Painting

• Jacksonpollock.org (2003)

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  Posted: 2025-02-08 21:22:49

  Verbose tl;dr

  Jacksonpollock.org is a website that simulates the drip painting technique of Jackson Pollock. Users can virtually "splatter" paint onto a canvas by moving their mouse or finger, creating unique abstract compositions. The website also allows adjustments to paint color, splatter size, and background color. It offers a simple, interactive way to explore and experience the creative process reminiscent of Pollock's action painting style.

  The website, jacksonpollock.org, archived from 2003, presents an interactive digital emulation of the artistic style of Jackson Pollock, the renowned Abstract Expressionist painter. It provides a virtual canvas upon which users can dynamically generate compositions reminiscent of Pollock's drip and splash technique. The user interface is minimalist, offering a limited set of controls that influence the aesthetic outcome. These controls appear to govern parameters such as the color palette employed, the viscosity or flow rate of the simulated paint, and the overall intensity or density of the applied "drips."

  The website operates by algorithmically generating patterns that mimic the seemingly chaotic yet balanced nature of Pollock's work. While the exact algorithm remains unseen, the resulting visuals exhibit the characteristic interwoven strands and splatters of paint that define Pollock's signature style. The dynamic nature of the website allows for real-time manipulation of the artwork's generation, allowing the user to effectively "paint" by adjusting the aforementioned parameters and observing the immediate impact on the evolving composition. This interactive element differentiates the website from a static display of Pollock-inspired images, instead providing a generative experience that allows for a degree of user agency in shaping the final output.

  The visual aesthetic of the website itself mirrors the minimalist and somewhat raw aesthetic of the artwork it emulates. The controls are basic and functional, lacking embellishments, which keeps the focus squarely on the generated artwork. The overall impression is one of a digital sandbox designed for experimentation and exploration of the principles behind Pollock's distinctive artistic approach. While not purporting to replicate the nuances of the physical process of painting, the website offers a compelling digital interpretation of Pollock's visual language, allowing users to engage with the essence of his style in an interactive and dynamic manner. The website ultimately serves as a digital homage to Jackson Pollock, providing a platform for exploring the visual logic and aesthetic impact of his revolutionary contributions to 20th-century art.

  • Jackson Pollock
  • Abstract Expressionism
  • American Art
  • Painting
  • Action Painting
  • Drip Painting
  • 20th Century Art
  • Art History
  • Artist Website
  • Online Archive
  • digital art
  • Art Resources

  Summary of Comments ( 102 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42986320

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN users were largely unimpressed with jacksonpollock.org, finding it a shallow imitation of Pollock's work. Several pointed out the simplistic, repetitive nature of the algorithm, noting that it lacked the nuance and complexity of the real paintings. The predictability of the generated patterns was criticized, with one commenter describing it as "just a bunch of squiggles." Others dismissed it as a basic screensaver, and some questioned its artistic merit altogether. While acknowledging the site's age (2003), most commenters felt it hadn't aged well and didn't offer a compelling artistic or technical experience. A few commenters, however, appreciated it as a simple, if dated, example of generative art.

  The Hacker News post titled "Jacksonpollock.org (2003)" with the ID 42986320 has generated several comments discussing the website, its technical aspects, and its artistic merit. Several users express nostalgia for simpler times on the internet, appreciating the site's lack of modern web conventions like trackers and excessive JavaScript. The minimalist design and straightforward execution are praised, with users highlighting its effectiveness in showcasing Pollock's work and artistic process.

  One compelling comment delves into the technicalities of the site, mentioning its use of Java applets, a technology now largely obsolete due to security concerns. This sparks a discussion about the challenges and benefits of using older technologies, with some users expressing concern about potential vulnerabilities while others admire the simplicity and efficiency of the applet in this specific context. The conversation also touches upon the ephemeral nature of web technologies and the importance of preserving digital artifacts.

  Another interesting comment thread focuses on the artistic merits of the site itself. Some users argue that the interactive, generative nature of the site allows for a deeper understanding of Pollock's drip painting technique, while others find the digital representation to be a poor substitute for experiencing the physical artwork in person. This leads to a broader discussion about the role of technology in art appreciation and whether digital platforms can truly capture the essence of traditional art forms.

  Furthermore, several users share their personal experiences with the website, recounting their first encounters with it years ago and expressing their continued appreciation for its unique approach. The comments section also includes links to related resources, such as articles about Pollock and other online art projects. Overall, the comments paint a picture of a community intrigued by the website's longevity, its technical implementation, and its artistic implications, reflecting a broader conversation about the evolution of the internet and the intersection of art and technology.

• Show HN: Krita RGBA Tech – Exploring Filter Engines in Open-Source Art

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  Posted: 2025-01-25 13:52:39

  Verbose tl;dr

  This GitHub repository showcases Krita RGBA Tech, a collection of custom Krita brush engines and resources developed by Draneria. It explores different approaches to image processing within Krita's filter framework, offering a variety of artistic effects, from stylized painting and texturing to advanced color manipulation and procedural generation. The project provides open-source tools and demonstrations of how to leverage Krita's capabilities for creating unique digital art tools.

  This GitHub repository, titled "Toolkit by Draneria_Krita Brushes," showcases the development and exploration of advanced filter engines within the open-source digital painting software Krita, specifically focusing on leveraging the full potential of RGBA (Red, Green, Blue, Alpha) channels for artistic manipulation. The project, spearheaded by a developer known as Draneria, delves into the creation of novel artistic tools and effects by directly interacting with pixel data within Krita's framework.

  The repository primarily hosts a collection of custom-designed Krita brushes and associated resources that demonstrate these experimental filtering techniques. These brushes are not simply pre-configured settings, but rather represent complex manipulations of color and transparency information at the pixel level, enabling artists to achieve unique visual outcomes. The underlying principle involves manipulating the RGBA values of each pixel influenced by the brush stroke, potentially taking into account surrounding pixel data to create contextually aware effects.

  The "RGBA Tech" alluded to in the hypothetical Hacker News post title likely refers to the core innovation of these brushes: leveraging the alpha channel, which controls transparency, in conjunction with the red, green, and blue color channels to produce complex blended effects, textures, and painting behaviors. This approach goes beyond standard blending modes and allows for granular control over how colors interact and overlap, potentially mimicking traditional media or creating entirely new digital aesthetics.

  The project's open-source nature encourages community involvement and allows other developers to examine, modify, and build upon Draneria's work. This fosters collaborative exploration of Krita's filtering capabilities and contributes to the broader development of the software's artistic toolset. The repository serves as both a practical resource for artists seeking innovative digital brushes and a technical showcase for developers interested in the inner workings of Krita's filtering engine and how it can be harnessed for creative expression. It essentially provides a platform for exploring the potential of pixel manipulation within a popular open-source art application.

  • Krita
  • digital art
  • Open Source
  • RGBA
  • Filter Engine
  • Art Software
  • Painting
  • drawing
  • graphics
  • Image Editing
  • Brush Engine
  • Plugin
  • Python
  • Tech Demo

  Summary of Comments ( 4 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42821643

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users generally praised the brush pack and the technical exploration behind it, calling it "impressive" and "inspiring." Several commenters expressed interest in learning more about the underlying techniques and how they could be applied in other contexts, especially game development. Some pointed out the potential for performance improvements and questioned the choice of Krita's filter architecture for this specific task. One user suggested incorporating these brushes directly into Krita, while another wished for similar tools in other software like Photoshop. The overall sentiment was positive, with users appreciating the author's contribution to open-source digital art tools.

  The Hacker News post "Show HN: Krita RGBA Tech – Exploring Filter Engines in Open-Source Art" linking to a Krita brush pack on GitHub generated a modest discussion with several insightful comments.

  One user expressed excitement about the potential of using Krita's filter system within the brush engine, seeing it as a powerful way to create unique and complex brush effects. They hoped that this approach would eventually be incorporated into Krita's core functionality.

  Another commenter questioned the practicality of using filters within the brush engine, speculating that the performance overhead might be too significant. They suggested that pre-generating textures or using different algorithmic approaches might be more efficient. The original poster (OP), Draneria, responded to this concern, acknowledging the performance implications but emphasizing the flexibility and creative possibilities this technique unlocks. They explained that real-time feedback and iterative design are important for artists, and this method, despite its performance cost, allows for a more dynamic and exploratory workflow. They also mentioned that the performance impact can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the filter used.

  Further discussion revolved around the intricacies of Krita's architecture and the challenges of integrating such functionality into the core software. One user, familiar with Krita's development, explained that the current filter architecture isn't designed for real-time performance within the brush engine and that significant changes would be required. They also highlighted the community-driven nature of Krita's development and encouraged the OP to engage with the Krita developers to explore potential integration.

  A few other commenters shared their appreciation for the OP's work and their excitement about the potential of this technique. They also discussed the broader implications for open-source digital art software and the importance of community-driven innovation.

  Finally, a comment focused on the accessibility of this brush pack for artists unfamiliar with technical details. The commenter suggested providing more user-friendly instructions and documentation to make it easier for a wider range of artists to experiment with these brushes. The OP acknowledged this feedback and expressed their intention to improve the documentation and create tutorials.

• The forgotten brilliance of Hélène de Beauvoir, sister of Simone

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  Posted: 2025-01-20 19:28:39

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hélène de Beauvoir, younger sister of Simone, was a talented painter whose career was often overshadowed by her famous sibling. Though she moved in the same intellectual circles as Jean-Paul Sartre and Picasso, who even painted her portrait, Hélène forged her own artistic path. This article highlights her skill as a portraitist, capturing the nuances of her subjects' personalities, and celebrates her independent spirit, which led her to choose a different, less conventional life than her sister's. Despite facing sexism within the art world and familial complexities, Hélène's dedication to painting and her unique artistic vision deserve recognition and rediscovery.

  This Guardian article elucidates the remarkable, yet oft-overlooked, life and artistic contributions of Hélène de Beauvoir, younger sister of the celebrated feminist philosopher and writer, Simone de Beauvoir. While Simone de Beauvoir's intellectual prowess and literary achievements have secured her a prominent position in the annals of history, Hélène, a gifted painter, has remained largely in the shadows, her artistic merits obscured by the incandescent brilliance of her older sibling. The article endeavors to rectify this historical oversight, meticulously detailing Hélène's artistic journey and shedding light on her unique perspective as a woman navigating the complex artistic and social landscapes of 20th-century France. It meticulously examines the symbiotic, yet often fraught, relationship between the two sisters, highlighting their shared intellectual curiosity and divergent paths.

  Hélène's artistic explorations, predominantly focusing on portraiture, are explored in detail, emphasizing her intimate portrayals of individuals within their personal environments. The piece underscores the influence of prominent artists such as Picasso on her work, while simultaneously emphasizing the distinctively personal and emotive quality that characterized her artistic expression. Furthermore, the article delves into the intricacies of Hélène's romantic relationships and her integration within the intellectual circles frequented by Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre, illuminating the extent to which her life was interwoven with the existentialist movement that dominated French intellectual thought during that period.

  The article posits that Hélène's relative anonymity, despite her considerable talent, can be attributed, at least in part, to the overwhelming prominence of her sister, whose intellectual and literary stature cast a long shadow over Hélène's artistic pursuits. It argues that Hélène’s decision to prioritize her personal life and emotional fulfillment over the relentless pursuit of fame and recognition may have also contributed to her diminished public profile. Ultimately, the piece serves as a compelling reassessment of Hélène de Beauvoir's place within the artistic and intellectual landscape of her time, championing her as a significant figure whose contributions deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated independently of her more famous sister's legacy. It invites a reconsideration of the historical narrative that has, until recently, relegated her to a secondary role, urging a renewed appreciation for her unique artistic vision and the complexities of her life.

  • Hélène de Beauvoir
  • Simone de Beauvoir
  • French Literature
  • 20th Century Literature
  • Women Writers
  • Existentialism
  • art
  • Painting
  • Picasso
  • Jean-Paul Sartre
  • Biography
  • Sisterhood
  • Family Relationships
  • Forgotten Figures
  • Women Artists

  Summary of Comments ( 2 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42772144

  Verbose tl;dr

  Several Hacker News commenters express surprise at not knowing about Hélène de Beauvoir, with some noting that Simone de Beauvoir's fame overshadowed her sister. A few discuss the common phenomenon of siblings of famous individuals being overlooked. One commenter questions the framing of Hélène as "forgotten," pointing out her successful art career and suggesting the article aims to capitalize on Simone's name. Others find the dynamic between the sisters fascinating, particularly Hélène's seemingly more traditional life choices compared to Simone's. There's also some discussion of the article's mention of a supposed romantic relationship between Hélène and Picasso.

  The Hacker News post "The forgotten brilliance of Hélène de Beauvoir, sister of Simone" sparked a modest discussion with a few interesting threads. Several commenters express surprise at not having known about Hélène before, highlighting how overshadowed she was by her famous sister. One commenter points out the commonality of siblings of famous people living full, interesting lives outside the spotlight, and suggests it's a testament to the de Beauvoir parents that both daughters led such accomplished, albeit different, lives. This commenter also finds Hélène's choice to pursue painting, a less intellectually demanding field than philosophy, intriguing in light of her apparent brilliance.

  Another thread discusses the different paths the sisters took, with one suggesting Simone pursued the "male" path of intellectualism while Hélène followed a more traditionally "female" artistic route, reflecting the societal pressures of their time. This prompted a counter-argument that painting is no less intellectually rigorous than philosophy, and another suggesting that Simone's public image was carefully crafted and perhaps not entirely representative of her true self.

  The influence of Jean-Paul Sartre on both sisters is touched upon, with one commenter sarcastically noting the apparent pervasiveness of his influence on French intellectual life at the time. Another commenter provides some biographical detail about Hélène's partner, emphasizing his connection to Picasso. However, there isn't extensive discussion about the specifics of their relationships with Sartre or others.

  Overall, the comments express a mix of curiosity about Hélène de Beauvoir, reflections on the dynamics between the sisters, and some brief contextualization within the intellectual and artistic landscape of their time. While the discussion isn't extensive, it provides some food for thought about the complexities of family dynamics, societal expectations, and the ways in which history remembers (or forgets) individuals.