The development of methods for the reproduction of texture in digitally printed artworks

Mccallion, Peter

Abstract

In a digital age where artists and printers are required to learn a wide range of skills, from graphic design to colour science, is it possible to return to a more artistic application of colour, tone and texture with a mechanically printed image using CAD software?
The reproduction of digitally generated works is divided between the on screen (RGB) representation of colour and a colorimetric translation through an imaging pipeline to a printing device (CMYK). The developers’ goal of inkjet hardware and software is to match printed colour and texture as close as possible to its on screen representation. The texture in this case is a simulation though contrast, tone and through the illusional properties of halftoning. So far inkjet has not fully addressed the three dimensional rendering of texture.
As touch-screen devices develop and evolve to replicate the creative methods of the artist, can an on screen difference in appearance between a thickly applied paint or watercolour, be replicated in the same way through the printing hardware? Drawing tablets have made digital input devices closer to how an artist would intuitively generate the image, so now is it the turn of the digital printer to bring the prints closer to how artists would apply the colour?
My research and practice explores tonal image creation through texture via a variety of digital output devices that are not solely restricted to digital print machines. By looking at 19th century photomechanical methods of low relief continuous tone images, primarily focusing on the Woodburytype. The Woodburytype process translates a two-dimensional tonal gradation present in the image to a three dimensional model in gelatine. The Woodburytype photomechanical print is the only continuous tone print process ever invented. The research moves into the 21st century investigating alternative methods that incorporates vector based software and 3D printing.
The surface relief contained within the image is created through the varying density of pigmented gelatin which is used as a vehicle to transfer the image on to paper. However the Woodburytype and variations of the process have been achieved so far as single colour prints. Limitations with their technical process and materials available in the 19th Century meant that the processes were never finalised. Within the context of 21st Century technologies this research proposes to digitally explore the generation of print matrices through CNC and additive layer manufacturing (3D printing) and the exploration of alternative materials that emulate 19th Century pigmented gelatins but will assist in the introduction of two or more colours to create a more robust surface relief whilst retaining the photographic image qualities.
By exploring, adapting and modifying current technology and methodologies the research and practice will provide the opportunity for developing closer links and crossovers between the industrial printer and the artistic printmaker. It intends to explore and create controlled mechanical output of images through an investigation of the practitioner application of colour.

Citation

Mccallion, P. (2013, April). The development of methods for the reproduction of texture in digitally printed artworks. Paper presented at Computers in Art and Design Education (CADE) Conference, Watershed, Bristol

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: Computers in Art and Design Education (CADE) Conference
• Conference Location: Watershed, Bristol
• Start Date: Apr 8, 2013
• End Date: Apr 9, 2013
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: mechanically printed image, CAD, digital print, RGB, CMYK, inkjet, colorimetric translation, rendering of texture
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/939501
• Publisher URL: http://www.bbk.ac.uk/art-history/our-research/vasari/cas-cade-conference-2013-codes-of-engagement
• Additional Information: Title of Conference or Conference Proceedings : CADE Conference 2013: Codes of Engagement