Beginning Generative Art: Programming Art with Processing and Open Source Tools

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Beginning Generative Art is an art book for programmers and a programming book for artists. Are you a programmer and an artist? Do you want to create incredible mathematical beauty through the power of your code? This book explores the use of the Processing programming language as a tool for visual artists. In this book, you'll discover how your coding can create art. With generative art, you can create ground rules and formulas, include random/semirandom elements, and kick off autonomous processes to create your artwork. Programming for generative art is an approach that's very different from the strict structure and practice of more traditional programming. It is about embracing chaos; harnessing it and exploiting it. Using generative art, a finished piece may be as surprising to the artist as to her audience. What you'll learn How to create your own generative artwork using only free resources, even if you have only minimal programming skills A fresh approach to programming; one that is both novel to seasoned programmers and accessible to the mindsets of artists The inspiration to create your own works, in Processing or any other medium you would like to apply it to Ways of finding your own inspiration outside the scope of the book, and suggestions of other technologies to explore. Approachable forms of complex mathematics Who is this book for? Programmers in search of fresh inspiration. Programmers who are adept within their comfort zones, and so need fresh, new approaches to reinvigorate their creativity. Designers who want to experiment with a programming language, but until now have been scared off by logic and steep learning curves. Art students encouraged to explore new media. A more general audience who may be attracted to the art itself, and want to read about its creation. This would include creative directors looking for inspirational images.