From Floppy Disk to Digital Art
My first encounter with a PC was while I was in college. The monitor was black and white, and floppy disks were used to store information. I recall that a whole MS Word program could be stored in one or two floppy disks. There was a software called “Lotus” which I assume some seniors can recall that was at one time more popular than Excel. We also had to learn commands to get the computer to operate. From there I survived the digital era, learning various software and going from a single monitor to a three-monitor work environment. It wasn’t too difficult. Now in my 60’s, I have discovered digital art and have found the digital art software to be the most complicated and difficult program (for me that is). I am still clueless as to how a lot of its features work, but I am enjoying the challenge. Most of the digital art software are extremely expensive (from my standpoint), however, there is an open-source software that is anything but amazing. I am not just talking about the software properties and features. It is amazing that many talented digital artists and computer engineers devote their time (pro bono) so selflessly to develop and support this software. The software is called Krita. It is incredible.
I will always treasure the feeling of a real paint brush as it spreads paint on a piece of paper. The unexpected effect achieved with a brush and paint is something that cannot be replaced. But for the generations to come, I am sure digital art will continue to bring amazing features that is beyond what this old brain can imagine.